My First Rodeo

Rodeo Austin ... Daniel, Rick and Jeshua joined me for the evening of entertainment, the kind that reminds me that I grew up in the suburbs of a major city, no where near sheep shearing, bull riding and fried everything.

Of course, we all had to get our pictures taken in the tractor...but Rick grew up on a farm, so it wasn't so entertaining for him (note: lack of picture).

Once inside the arena, we saw the extreme bull riding, as promised, as well as mutton bustin, which was probably my favorite event of the evening. 6-8-year-olds ride sheep. Yes, sheep. They hold on for their lives, wearing helmets, of course, and sort of lay down on top of the thing as it runs wild. I imagine this is how bull riders get started. The sheep are not calm and quiet. They are pretty crazy, being held in a cage even as the child is put on their back. It's hilarious! A few rode for several seconds by hanging on to the side or bottom of the sheep. No one got hurt, even though reading this might think one to assume it would be considered child abuse in any other state.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy!