My names Jonte Handebo, aka ‘ The Korean Cowboy ‘ I was born in Korea and at 10 months old i was adopted to an Australian couple Mathew and Cherrie Handebo, i grew up on the family farm with all my cousins, uncles and aunties also living on property. Being able to go fishing, ride motorbikes together or just go riding whenever we felt, was unreal.
I think sometimes there can be a stigma around being adopted, but personally i think its one of the coolest things, being adopted into a family. Because at least if they embarrass you in public, I can just pretend i don't know them and get away with it. But I am very fortunate to have been adopted into this amazing family.
I only got into Bull Riding about a year and a half ago, and honestly i have never looked back. The people I have met over this time, and the mates i have made along the way will be people I have in my life forever. The guys at Lucknow skin shop being one of those, they have always supported me and the boys with our Bull Riding, and made sure we are always looked after at the rodeos. We have built such a great relationship with the shop and have nothing but a warm welcome and always feel like part of the family. I'm really excited to be sponsored by such an awesome family store. My hopes for my career are to keep riding and working hard so i can hopefully one day end up riding in the PBR.