My family and I practically attended every pro rodeo in our area each year. For me, this was definitely one of the highlights of the year. This single event encouraged my love for horses and increased my longing to have my own faithful four-legged companion. After acquiring a furry friend of the Quarter Horse type, the pro rodeo event encouraged me to become involved competitively in the horse arena.

While sitting on the edge of my seat, turning blue in the face, holding my breath as I watched the cowgirls race around three barrels, I became overwhelmingly attracted to this event. The excitement grew as they bordered on knocking over a barrel, a cloud of dust and speed. Who wouldn’t be attracted to this event?

I had the fever. How did I start? After walking around the coliseum arena and seeing the zillion advertisements posted for the Little Boots Rodeo for kids aged 14 and under, my curiosity was spiked. Initially, we went as spectators to the Little Boots Rodeo. Little did I know, a few years later, I would be back as a competitor trying to get my feet wet.

Perhaps you reacted as I did, nearly falling out of your stadium seat with interest and excitement, drooling as you watched the barrel racing event. Are you ready to take the rodeo plunge? Soon another little girl may be observing you from her stadium seat.

Here are some suggestions to get started down your own rodeo road: Contact your state cattlemen’s association to find out if any of the county chapters help sponsor an annual Youth rodeo. There are several cattlemen-sponsored Youth rodeos in my area. These Youth rodeos are family-friendly and are great starting points for the competitive world of barrel racing.

Get involved in the National High School Rodeo Association, American Junior Rodeo Association, National Little Britches Rodeo Association or just Google your state along with “Youth rodeo” in your search engine to see what pops up.

May your quest for rodeo excitement and involvement be fruitful! Let’s rodeo!

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