Mutton Busting

This weekend is the 57th Annual Water Valley Stampede.  Many events are held from Barrel Racing to Wild Horse Racing, from Junior Steer Riding to Mutton Busting.  The kids have talked about nothing else for the past week.  For those of you who don't know what Mutton Busting is here is the Wikipedia definition ......

"Mutton busting is an event held at rodeos similar to bull riding or bronc riding. In the event, a sheep is held still, either in a small chute or by an adult handler while a child is placed on top in a riding position. Once the child is seated atop the sheep, the sheep is released and usually starts to run in an attempt to get the child off. Often small prizes or ribbons are given out to the children who can stay on the longest. There are no set rules for mutton busting, no national organization, and most events are organized at the local level.
The vast majority of children participating in the event fall off in less than 8 seconds. Age, height and weight restrictions on participants generally prevent injuries to the sheep,[1] and implements such as spurs are banned from use. In most cases, children are required to wear helmets and parents are often asked to sign waivers to protect the rodeo from legal action in that event."

My kids were born and raised in the city.  We love the outdoors and the kids adore animals as much as I do.  So we decided that this was worth a shot.  We have our hockey helmet, our nerves, the video camera (Thanks Mom!!) and off we go to the Rodeo.  MB was to be held during intermission, the kids were anxious and a little wild waiting.  Finally it was our time.  Grandpa came up from Calgary and waited in the stands with Trynity and Lochlan to cheer their siblings on.

Keara was up first.  She was awesome!!  A little afraid at first but after the first few steps was giggling her way to the finish!

Devlin came next but first we had to herd some sheep back into the chutes.  While this was done the announcer interviewed Devlin.  For those of you who have never met my oldest son, he is shy.  Often at times painfully so.  But talking with the announcer you would have never guessed!! 

"You told me back there you are ready to ride and your ....."
"I'm not gonna be scared"
"That's right!  And what happens .... you told me what your going to do if you get bucked off.  What are you going to do?"
"Hop back on the sheep."
"He's going to hop right back on that sheep and ride em again.  Alright Devlin, how old are you?"
"Six"
"Alright, give me a high five and go ride a sheep. Get on over there and get your game face on."

Devlin did awesome!!  He rode that sheep and did all those city boys proud!

The kids recieved a trophy for their efforts and we can't wait to go back tomorrow to ride again!!