Posted on 02/06/2006 7:10:33 PM PST by Racehorse
As the rodeo crowd cheers in anticipation of the next six-second ride, Joey Nowacek makes sure his grip is secure. He taps his helmet and signals he is ready to go as he squeezes his cowboy boots against the side of the anxious animal.
Then the chute bursts open and the beast darts out, bouncing the cowboy on its back.
The event . . . isn't bull riding — it's mutton bustin' . . . and the cowboy is only 5 years old.
Some people call this popular rodeo event "baby bull riding" because of its similarities to the sport for grown-up cowboys. However, there are no bulls involved in mutton bustin'. The animals the children ride are sheep weighing 175 to 200 pounds
"The kids have to hold on to the wool and tighten their knees around the sheep and ride it as long as they can," said Tracy Adams . . . "They are only judged on six seconds of riding, but they can go to the end of the arena if they want."
[. . .]
The pint-sized cowboys and cowgirls who partake in this rodeo event are 4 to 7 years old and must weigh less than 55 pounds. After the youngsters are weighed in and have safety vests strapped around them, rodeo officials instruct them and their parents about the rules.
[. . .]
"I rode a sheep before, and I fell off, but I'm not gonna fall off today. I'm gonna hold on real tight to the fur," Tristan said as he adjusted his belt buckle.
[. . .]
"These kids get so excited about this. Some practice all the time, and this is the first time for others. Some of them even tell us they want to ride the bulls,"
(Excerpt) Read more at mysanantonio.com ...
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo - can't wait to go back next weekend.
My little brother clued me into a funny SuperBowl ad that I missed when I was dozing.
Budweiser "Super Fan" Clydesdale Ad (caution 600K speed).
Baaa!
There's just something about riding a sheep that brings back memories of Billy Connoly, and a cliffs edge.
We'll leave it at that.................FRegards
That, too. :-)
R.
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