Are you familiar with the adrenaline-fueled world of mutton busting?
It’s a rodeo event where young children ride sheep, holding on for dear life as the animal sprints off into the arena.
It’s a crowd-pleasing spectacle that’s both adorable and impressive.
But what happens after these young cowboys and cowgirls outgrow mutton busting?
What’s the next step in their rodeo journey?
In this article, we’ll explore the different events that young riders can participate in as they progress through the ranks of rodeo competitions.
From calf riding to bull riding, we’ll take a closer look at the challenges and thrills that await these young riders.
So saddle up and let’s dive into the exciting world of youth rodeo!
What Comes After Mutton Busting?
After a child has outgrown mutton busting, the next step in their rodeo journey is typically calf riding. In this event, young riders mount a calf and attempt to stay on for as long as possible.
As they progress, they may move on to steer riding, where they ride a larger animal with horns. This event requires more skill and strength than calf riding.
The next level up is junior bull riding, where young riders face off against a bucking bull. This event is similar to senior bull riding, but with smaller and less aggressive bulls.
Finally, the ultimate challenge for young riders is senior bull riding. This event involves an eight-second ride on the back of a 2,000-pound mass of muscle, horn, and hoof. It’s a test of strength, skill, and courage.
Calf Riding: The Next Step Up
Calf riding is the next step up for young riders after they have mastered mutton busting. In this event, the rider mounts a calf and tries to stay on for as long as possible while the calf bucks, kicks, and runs. The goal is to ride for six seconds and receive a score.
Participants must ride with one hand and a wrap, and wear a protective helmet and vest. Calf riding requires more skill and strength than mutton busting, as the calves are larger and more powerful.
As young riders progress in their rodeo journey, they may move on to steer riding, where they ride a larger animal with horns. This event requires even more skill and strength than calf riding.
Junior bull riding is the next level up, where young riders face off against a bucking bull. This event is similar to senior bull riding, but with smaller and less aggressive bulls.
Finally, senior bull riding is the ultimate challenge for young riders. This event involves an eight-second ride on the back of a 2,000-pound mass of muscle, horn, and hoof. It’s a test of strength, skill, and courage that only the bravest young riders attempt.
Steer Riding: A Challenge For Young Riders
Steer riding is a popular rodeo event for young riders between the ages of seven and fourteen. It serves as an introductory form of bull riding, allowing children to ride steers that buck instead of the more volatile and aggressive bulls. Steers are known to have a less volatile temperament than bulls, making them a perfect stepping stone to junior bulls.
The steers used in this event usually weigh between 500 to 1,000 pounds and are equipped with a flank strap and a “steer rope” for the rider to hang onto with a bell underneath. The riders wear protective gear, including batwing chaps, spurs, protective vests, helmets with a face mask, and parental permission is required for their children to compete.
Events are usually broken down by age brackets, and riders must stay on for eight seconds for a qualified ride. Half of the score is awarded for the cowboy’s ability to ride, and the other half for the steer’s ability to buck. One difference from bull riding is that in some steer riding competitions, riders are allowed to hang on with both hands.
Riding steers allows young riders to develop the necessary skills before taking on bulls. As bulls are being bred to be more athletic and dangerous, it is more important than ever for young riders to get all of the experience they need before taking on bulls.
Steer riding is not without risk, as competitors can be seriously injured in the event. However, it provides an excellent opportunity for young riders to showcase their skills and develop their rodeo careers. Many young and aspiring bull riders who train in steer riding compete in the National Junior Bullriders Association, which holds annual contests that use equipment and riding techniques similar to adult bull riding.
Junior Barrel Racing: Speed And Precision
For young cowgirls looking for a different type of challenge, junior barrel racing may be the perfect fit. This event requires speed and precision as riders navigate their horses around three barrels placed in the arena in a cloverleaf pattern.
To compete at the professional level, barrel racers must pay attention to detail while maneuvering at high speeds. Running past a barrel or knocking one over results in disqualification or time penalties. However, with practice and dedication, young riders can develop the skill and control needed to become successful barrel racers.
Junior barrel racing is offered in both contact and non-contact divisions for children of different ages and skill levels. In the contact division, children who have access to horses can compete in various events, including pole bending, goat tail untying, and flag pattern divisions. For those without access to horses, non-contact events are available with all equipment provided.
In both divisions, children learn and develop skills that they can apply to higher levels of competition as they get older. Ribbons are awarded through sixth place, and participant prizes are given to those who place seventh or lower. Each division also has an All Around Cowboy and All Around Cowgirl award, as well as Reserve Champion awards.
Junior barrel racing is just one of many exciting events available for young rodeo enthusiasts looking to continue their journey after mutton busting. With dedication and hard work, young riders can develop the skills and courage needed to compete at higher levels of competition and follow in the footsteps of their rodeo heroes.
Breakaway Roping: A Test Of Timing And Technique
Breakaway roping is a timed event that requires precision and technique. In this event, cowgirls chase after a calf with a flag tied to the end of their rope and a nylon string tied from the rope to the saddle horn. Once the calf leaves the roping chute, the cowgirl throws her loop around its neck. When the rope becomes tight after the calf is roped, the string breaks away from the saddle horn and the flag goes flying, signaling the timer to stop the clock.
The goal is to have the fastest time, but it’s not just about speed. Breakaway roping requires a great deal of skill and technique. The cowgirl must be able to throw her loop accurately and quickly, while also maintaining control of her horse. The horse must be trained to stop on a dime and hold steady while the cowgirl dismounts and runs towards the calf.
Timing is also crucial in breakaway roping. If the cowgirl breaks the barrier too soon, she will receive a 10-second penalty. This means that she must time her release perfectly to give herself the best chance at a fast time.
Breakaway roping is a thrilling event to watch, as cowgirls race against the clock to catch their calf. It’s a true test of timing and technique, and requires years of practice to master.
Bull Riding: The Ultimate Test Of Courage And Skill
Bull riding is one of the most exciting and dangerous events in rodeo. It’s a true test of courage and skill, as riders face off against some of the strongest and most unpredictable animals in the world.
The rider’s goal is to stay on the bull for a full eight seconds, while the bull tries to buck them off. This may sound easy, but it’s anything but. Bulls are bred and trained to buck, and they can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. They can also twist, turn, and spin in mid-air, making it difficult for the rider to maintain their balance.
To succeed in bull riding, riders must have a combination of strength, agility, and mental toughness. They must be able to react quickly to the bull’s movements, while also staying relaxed and focused. They also need to have a deep understanding of the animal’s behavior and instincts.
Bull riders wear protective gear, including a helmet, vest, and chaps. However, even with this gear, injuries are common in bull riding. Riders can suffer broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries if they are thrown from the bull or trampled by its hooves.
Despite the risks, bull riding remains one of the most popular events in rodeo. It’s a thrilling spectacle that showcases the bravery and skill of both rider and animal. For young riders looking to take their rodeo career to the next level, bull riding is the ultimate challenge.
Finding The Right Fit: Choosing The Right Event For Your Child
When it comes to choosing the right event for your child, it’s important to consider their age, skill level, and comfort level with the animals. Calf riding is a good starting point for younger children who are just starting out in rodeo. It allows them to develop the skills they need to progress to larger animals.
Steer riding is a good next step for children who have mastered calf riding and are looking for a new challenge. It requires more strength and skill than calf riding, but is still a manageable size for younger riders.
Junior bull riding is a good option for older children who have developed their skills and are ready for a more intense challenge. It’s important to note that this event can be dangerous, so it’s crucial that riders have the necessary experience and safety equipment.
Finally, senior bull riding is the ultimate challenge for young riders. It requires strength, skill, and courage, and should only be attempted by experienced riders who have been properly trained.
Ultimately, the right event for your child will depend on their individual abilities and interests. It’s important to work closely with your child’s trainer or coach to determine which event is the best fit for them. With practice and dedication, young riders can continue to progress and achieve their goals in the exciting world of rodeo.