Is Dalton Kasel Adopted? Dalton Kasel is a prominent American professional bull rider who is currently ranked as the world’s No. 1 bull rider and a key member of the Austin Gamblers PBR Teams franchise. Known as “Mr. 90 Points” for his consistently high-scoring rides, he was the 2019 PBR Rookie of the Year.
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In the high-stakes world of professional bull riding, where athletes regularly face 1,500-pound opponents, Dalton Kasel has emerged as one of the sport’s most compelling figures. In addition to his professional achievements with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) organization, Kasel’s personal story of family, adoption, and resilience has inspired fans around the world. His journey from a Texas boyhood to the top of professional bull riding shows how unconventional beginnings can shape exceptional athletes and devoted family men.
Who Is Dalton Kasel? Personal Background and Adoption Story
Early Life and Adoption
Dalton Kasel was born on December 28, 1998, and was adopted by Tim and Kristen Kasel when he was just two days old.
While information about his biological family remains private, sources say his biological uncle was Harvey Stewart, a six-time PBR World Finals qualifier, suggesting that bull riding talent runs in his blood. Raised in Texas, Kasel was raised in a supportive environment where his adoptive parents were initially hesitant about his interest in bull riding due to safety concerns but eventually became staunch supporters of his risky career choice.
Family Life and Personal Relationships
Today, Kasel is a devoted family man himself. He is married to Paden Hooper, and they have two daughters.
Their family recently expanded with the birth of their second daughter, Goldie, along with older sister Willow. This focus on family reflects Kasel’s own values, having been raised in an adoptive family that prioritized support and encouragement. The bull rider often shares family moments on social media, showing how his role as a husband and father complements his professional career despite its inherent risks.
Dalton Kasel Personal Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | December 28, 1998 |
| Birth Place | Texas, USA |
| Adoptive Parents | Tim Kasel (father) and Kristen Kasel (mother) |
| Marital Status | Married to Paydon Hooper |
| Children | Two daughters: Willow and Goldie |
| Professional Affiliation | Austin Gamblers team member |
| Hometown | Muleshoe, Texas (currently resides in Dublin, Texas) |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Team | Rides for the Austin Gamblers in the PBR Teams league, helping them win the 2024 Teams Championship |
| Achievements | 2019 PBR Rookie of the Year. Secured numerous event wins and 90-point rides throughout his career. Currently the world No. 1 rider in the 2025 season rankings. Became one of only four cowboys ever to achieve a “three-peat” event win out west on the Unleash the Beast tour in early 2025. |
Understanding Professional Bull Riding: A Comprehensive Overview
History and Evolution of PBR
The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) organization was founded on April 12, 1992, by 20 professional bull riders who sought to break away from the traditional constraints of rodeo. Each founder contributed $1,000 to establish an organization dedicated exclusively to bull riding. What began as a small series of events has grown into the largest bull riding organization in the world, sanctioning hundreds of events annually in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia.
Key milestones in PBR history include:
- 1994: First championship season with the Bud Light Cup Series
- 2003: $1 million World Champion Bonus introduced
- 2015: Acquisition by WME-IMG (now Endeavor) for approximately $100 million
- 2018: Monster Energy becomes title sponsor of the Premier Series
Fundamental Techniques and Skills
Bull riding requires a unique combination of physical ability, mental strength, and technical skill. Riders must maintain balance and position while holding onto a flat, braided rope wrapped around the bull’s torso.
Basic techniques include:
- Proper Positioning: Riders position themselves with their legs forward, pivoting on the bull’s shoulders
- Balance: Maintain a slight forward lean while keeping their weight centered on the bull
- Free Arm Movement: The rider’s free arm should not touch the bull, equipment, or themselves while riding.
- Spring Action: Optional spring motion can increase style points but is not required for rideability.
Bull Riding Rules, Scoring & Safety Aspects
Official Rules and Scoring System
Professional bull riding operates according to rules designed to standardize the competition and ensure fair judging. The basic objective is simple: stay on the bull for eight seconds without touching the animal, equipment, or yourself with your free hand. Riders use a flat braided rope with a bell attached to the bottom of the bull to ensure that the rope falls off after the ride and to avoid potential entanglements.
The scoring system has a two-judge format with each judge awarding up to 25 points for the rider’s performance and 25 points for the bull’s effort, for a maximum possible score of 100 points.
Key scoring considerations include:
- Rider Performance: Control, body position, and spurring action
- Bull Performance: Power, speed, direction changes, and back-end kicks
- Score Breakdowns:
- 90+ points: Exceptional ride (elite level)
- 85-89 points: Very good ride
- 80-84 points: Average professional ride
- Below 75 points: Below average performance
Safety Protocols and Equipment
Despite its inherent risks, professional bull riding has implemented a number of safety measures to protect athletes:
- Protective Vests: Made of high-impact foam, these became mandatory in PBR events in 1996
- Bull Riding Helmets: Required for all riders born after October 15, 1994; optional for others
- On-Site Medical Staff: Paramedics and sports medicine professionals at all events
- Safety Awareness: Increased focus on concussion protocols in recent years
Original Insights, Case Studies & Expert Opinions
Dalton Kasel’s Career Trajectory and Riding Style
Dalton Kasel has earned a reputation as a strong competitor with a distinctive riding style. His career highlights include remarkable performances despite significant injuries that would have ended many riders’ seasons. Notable moments from his professional journey include:
- Early success: As a rookie, he became the fourth rider in ten years to win a Premier Series event as a first-year competitor
- Injury resilience: Overcame a ruptured kidney in 2018 and a back injury in 2019 while continuing to compete at the elite level
- Current ranking: Maintained a position among the world’s top bull riders while balancing family responsibilities
Major PBR Events and Structure
The PBR holds multiple events throughout the year, culminating in the World Finals each fall. The Premier Series – now known as the Unleash the Beast Tour – features top bull riders competing in cities across the United States. Key event features include:
- Regular Season Events: Single-day or multi-day competitions with cumulative scoring
- World Finals: Season-ending championship featuring the top 35 riders.
- Team Series: Recent additions featuring teams like Kasel’s Austin Gamblers.
- International Events: Competitions in Brazil, Australia, and Canada
Common Rules and Penalties
Understanding professional bull riding requires familiarity with its common penalties and rule violations:
- Slapping: Using the free hand to touch the bull or oneself results in disqualification.
- Equipment Violations: Improper gear or rope placement results in disqualification.
- Early Dismount: Failure to complete the eight-second ride results in no score
- Illegal Equipment: Use of unauthorized spurs or other equipment results in disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions for Is Dalton Kasel Adopted?
Is Dalton Kasel adopted?
Yes, Dalton Kasel was adopted at two days old by Tim and Kristen Kasel and was raised in Texas
How are bull riding scores calculated?
Two judges each award up to 25 points for the rider’s performance and 25 points for the bull’s effort, creating a maximum possible score of 100 points.
What safety equipment do bull riders use?
How did Dalton Kasel get into bull riding?
Dalton Kasel developed an interest in bull riding at the age of 11 and began his career despite his parents’ initial concerns about safety. His biological uncle, Harvey Stewart, was a professional bull rider, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the sport.
What is Dalton Kasel’s family situation?
Kasel is married to Paydon Hooper, and they have two daughters named Willow and Goldie.
Legacy in the Making
The story of Dalton Kasel embodies the intricate tapestry of modern professional bull riding – a sport that honors its Western heritage while embracing contemporary athletic training and safety protocols. His journey from adopted child to professional athlete and dedicated family man resonates especially with American audiences who value both individual achievement and family values. As Kasel continues his career and balances family responsibilities with the Austin Gamblers, he represents a new generation of bull riders who recognize the importance of their roles both on and off the field. For this remarkable athlete, the story continues to unfold with every eight-second ride, every family milestone, and every show of resilience that defines not only his career but his life.
