Kids Activities at a Rodeo

Rodeo is a colorful part of the history of the American West that's endured for generations. Once a working ranch competition, rodeo is a popular national sport for adult contenders and a large number of younger competitors. Little Britches National Rodeo Association, organized in Colorado in 1952, is the standard-bearer for youth rodeo. There are several junior rodeo associations, some organized in conjunction with local rodeos. Events are contests of horsemanship skills or timed races against the clock. Thousands of kids compete in junior rodeo events annually.

  1. Mutton Bustin'

    • Mutton Bustin' is a fun event for everyone.

      This spirited contest gets enthusiastic support from parents, encouraging their youngster to "Hang On." The contender sits or lays on top of a sheep and holds on tight as the animal dashes out of a chute. The contest goes to the young rider who manages to stay on the longest. Eight seconds is considered great time by the helmet-wearing contenders and the cheering crowd. The age of participants varies but some tiny contenders are as young as 3 years old while Little Britches rules allow Little Wranglers, who can join on their fifth birthday.

    Pole Bending and Barrel Racing

    • Barrel racing and pole bending are tests of horsemanship skills.

      Pole bending, a competition for boys and girls, is a test of horsemanship that's similar to slalom skiing. The rider quickly guides the horse through a series of six poles and then dashes to the finish line. A 20 second time is considered very good on the National High School Rodeo level.

      Barrel Racing is primarily a girls' event and is a timed test of horsemanship, plus the horse's speed and agility. Horse and rider are to round or "hug" the barrels closely without bumping -- all at top speed -- as they execute a cloverleaf pattern around the barrels.

    Tie-Down Roping and Goat Tying

    • Goat tying contests are popular with young competitors.

      This is also known as calf roping and the contest is timed. The rider ropes a running calf from horseback, dismounts, runs to the calf, throws it to the ground and then ties three legs together securely. The contestant who ropes and ties a calf in the least time wins. This contest is part of ranch work today as cowboys still rope and tie calves for branding.

      Goat Tying is a popular event among horseback high school competitors who race to rope and tie up a goat in the fastest time. Three legs of the goat must remain securely tied for 6 seconds.

    Breakaway Roping

    • Breakaway roping measures the speed in which a lariat is thrown to rope a calf.

      This is a contest of skill and speed in which a calf is quickly roped and freed and isn't tied. Unlike calf-roping or steer wrestling, the calf is released once the rope around its neck becomes taut. This event is open to boys and girls and youthful winners have set record times of 1 or 2 seconds.

    Bareback and Saddle Bronc Riding

    • The horse is judged on the toughness of his bucking.

      In addition to bull riding, youthful competitors vie to ride a bucking horse for 8 seconds. The rider is judged on his ability to stay on the horse with one arm extended over his head while spurring the horse's shoulders. Bareback riders hold onto a specialized rigging strap that goes around the horse's withers. The saddle bronc rider uses a specialized saddle without a horn.