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Since he was nine-years-old, Rider Kiesner (pronounced Kizz-ner) knew he wanted to be a trick roper, thanks to the Will Rogers trick roping kit he received for Christmas that year. He started performing in at age eleven and is currently the three-time WWPAS (Wild West Performing Arts Society) World Champion trick roper. Kiesner, a true one-man Wild West showman, has taken his trick roping abilities, along with some other Wild West specialties across the country and around the world and this Fall, he brings them to the 6th Annual Old West Festival.

Kiesner, born in 1981 in California to a cowboy family, is passionate about keeping the Wild West Arts alive and does so by demonstrating proficiency in American-style trick roping and Charro Style – a Mexican style - roping as well. Kiesner is currently the three-time WWPAS (Wild West Performing Arts Society) World Champion trick roper.

Along with his proficiency in trick roping, Kiesner is also a skilled gun spinner. So good in fact, he’s the reigning WWPAS World Champion gun spinner. He also displays an amazing talent for whip cracking and knife throwing as well.

Kiesner’s high energy demonstration of these Wild West arts is not to be missed at this year’s Old West Festival. Kiesner is scheduled to perform four times daily in the Long Branch Saloon.

The Old West Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays, September 8 to October 7 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Festival is located at 1449 Greenbush Cobb Rd between Mt. Orab and Williamsburg, Ohio just off St. Rt. 32. Cost is $12 general admission; $6 for children ages 6 to 12; and children under 5 are free. Parking is FREE. Please visit www.oldwestfestival.com or call 1-866-WEST-FES (1-866-937-8337). Also, visit us on Twitter and Facebook.