FRANKIE Roberts couldn’t stop smiling when he met Professional Bull Rider David Mason last week.

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“I was so excited, I felt like a champion,” nine-year-old Frankie said.

“He heard I was interested in bull riding, so he made a special trip to my house just to see me.”

David, who grew up in Bulahdelah, is now based in Texas and sits at an impressive number 37 in the world professional bull riding rankings.

David said he began competing in bull rides at the age of 15, inspired by his two uncles, Maurice and Matthew Bogie.

“I originally got into the sport because it was a thing that we used to do with the family, especially my uncles,” he said.

“I really enjoyed it then and I still do.”

The 29-year-old, who has won numerous championships during his professional career, said he was delighted to have inspired Frankie.

“It is great to see someone who wants to give the sport a go and enjoys it as much as I do,” David said.

Frankie now has his sights set on following in David’s footsteps and also hopes to become a qualified rodeo clown.

“David gave me his glove and bandanas, I am going to use these in my first bull ride,” Frankie said.

Although climbing onto a 700-kilogram bull does not appeal to everyone, Frankie told News Of The Area he “won’t be scared”.

“I think it will be exciting and lots of fun,” he said.

“Bull riders are very talented, they need good balance and it takes lots of practice to stay on.”

David is currently home visiting family and will be returning to America in December.

By Daniel SAHYOUN