Page 156 - Barrel Stallion Register 2017

DEVON EAKIN
A 7-year-old second-grader at
Austin Elementary School in Pecos, Texas by Tracy Gantz
It will be some time before Devon Eakin can make complete use of all the prizes he has won at rodeos and shows. Only 7 years of age,
Devon is several years from being able to drive the three-horse trailer he received from the West Texas Rodeo Association as the 6 & under WTRA 2015 Finals All Around Champion.
Of course, at any one time he can hardly use all of his buckles and saddles either. Primarily from barrel racing, Devon has won 30 buckles and 15 saddles.
“I ride in about four of the saddles,” said Devon. “Some are at my grandma’s house, and there’s seven at our house.”
Devon comes from a prolific equine family. His parents, Monty and Brandi Eakin, grew up riding in rodeo events, both competing in col- lege. Monty also competes in pro rodeo in steer wrestling and calf roping.
Devon at the American Junior Rodeo Association Finals in July. © Jennings Photography
Monty’s mother, Wanda, is a barrel racer, and his father, Jim, was a horseshoer and also competed. Devon receives additional help and support from grandparents Roger and Angela Harrison, grandparents Jim and Wanda Eakin, as well as great-grandparents Bud and Frances Bush – they all have helped Devon practice and have cheered him on without fail.
“I started riding when I was 2,” said Devon. “My first horse’s name was Dynamite, a tiny black pony.”
Devon and Dynamite were a powerful com- bination in barrel racing, straightaway barrels, pole bending, and flag racing. While Devon still rides Dynamite at smaller rodeos, for bigger events he has graduated to 83 Pepper, a Quarter Horse mare the Eakins call Stevie. Devon has added goat tying, roping, and calf riding.
“I like goat tying the best,” Devon said. “I like to get off flying.”
During the school year, Devon can’t devote as much time to rodeos. But he and the family spend the summers at various regional events, along with those sanctioned by the American Junior Rodeo Association. Devon competed in 30 rodeos in 2015 and has already been to 20 this year. He even has a sponsor in Dutton Bits.
The Eakin family has instilled a strong work ethic in Devon, who has to help care for the horses. Devon rides nearly every day, and he practices his rodeo events fervently.
“It can be 103 degrees out there during the summer, and I’ve never seen him complain,” said Monty. “He always wants to get better.”
Monty and Brandi make sure Devon has the foundation to do each discipline well and safely. Devon is eager to try riding steers, and he is currently working on breakaway roping.
“The biggest thing for us is to teach him the right way first,” said Monty. “Brandi spent days and hours and hours when he started getting off the horse in goat tying, going slowly and teaching him the right way.”
Animals of all kinds play an important role in Devon’s life. He enthusiastically speaks about his chickens, goats, sheep, ducks, fish, turtles, dogs, and “thousands of cats.” The family also has an ornery donkey named Jeffrey.
“He honks at us whenever we open up the door,” said Devon. “He’ll buck you off. He does not want you on him.”
Devon’s interests are expanding beyond the equine world. The athletic youth will soon start football. In school he enjoys science because “you get to do experiments,” and he absolutely loves pepperoni pizza.
At age 7, Devon, like most youngsters, will likely change his mind several times about what he wants to do for a career. Right now, he likes the idea of becoming a firefighter and a bull rider.
In the shorter term, Devon looks forward to when he’s old enough to get his driver’s license so that he can drive a truck. After all, he does own a trailer.
One of Devon’s favorite events is goat tying, and he “likes to get off flying.” © Jennings Photography
Devon has won 30 buckles and 15 saddles primarily from barrel racing, including four 2016 World Champion title saddles and with five buckles from the American Junior Rodeo Association. © Jennings Photography
154 SPEEDHORSE
YOUTH INDUSTRY PROFILE