7 News Features: Whiz Kids: Rodeo

WSVN -- The cowboy prepares for battle. Boots, belt, it's the age-old contest between man and beast. Well, boy versus beast.

Jose Zaceta: "No, he is not a regular kid, he is not a regular kid."

Jose Zaceta knew his son was different by the age of one. His favorite toy was a lasso and he couldn't take his eyes off the horses.

Jose Zaceta: "He started laughing, you know, laughing so hard, so happy. He saw something different."

Little Alejandro learned how to ride a horse before he was able to walk. By age 3, he was already throwing a lasso, and today at the ripe old age of 5, he is competing in rodeos like a pro, in big arenas, going head-to-head with the big cowboys.

Jose Zaceta: "It's hard because I know maybe about 20 people that are 40 years, and they don't know how to swing the rope, and they don't know how to throw the rope, and he dose it perfect."

While Alejandro is confident on horseback, he was too shy to talk on camera. For his parents, they help him train but admit it's hard to watch because this sport can be very dangerous.

After all, Alejandro is only 50 pounds, and this guy right here weighs more than 500 pounds. Yet, Jose trusts his son's ability.

Jose Zaceta: "I tell him, 'You are a man, like me, so, little by little, you can do what you want.'"

Mom, on the other hand, is a bit more cautious. Every time Alejandro rides a horse, her heart stops.

Kendy Zaceta: "I prayed to the Lord, I said, 'Please, God, take care of my baby.'"

She wishes her son had chosen a safer hobby but gives her support knowing that taking horses away from him now would be devastating.

Kendy Zaceta: "When people see him they take pictures of him. They want to be seen with him."

Alejandro is truly unique. A little man with big courage, big skills and an old fashion love for the art of being a real cowboy.

Alejandro has performed in arenas all over the state, and has a special exhibition show in Davie arena every Wednesday night.