The cowkids:
Mutton bustin’ has kids trying their hand at riding sheep. Most barely hold on as surprisingly rambunctious sheep try to toss them.
Many of the kids are decked out in cowpoke duds and not bothering to contain their excitement. One by one, they fly off just a few seconds after the chute opens. Some fall even faster, their heads protected by helmets.
Then there was Hailey Henrikson, a 6-year-old first-grader at Open Doors Community School. Last year, she was one of those who slipped off a second into the run. Not about to let that happen again, she clings to a sheep, bouncing up and down. “I just held on tight,” she says, after earning the winning score of 95.
Wyatt Parker, 12, is a more serious competitor. He has been riding steers for three years. He came from Camp Verde to compete in the Junior Rodeo. As his turn approaches, he stands by the chute eying the small steer he’ll be riding. His chaps have turquoise blue fringe and his Western shirt is neatly tucked into his pressed and starched jeans.
He climbs on, steadies himself, and gives the nod for the chute to open. The steer bucks. Wyatt holds on for several seconds before the steer wins. He picks himself up, dusts off his chaps, throws his helmet in the air and raises his arms to encourage cheering. Then he strolls off the field like a cowboy champ.
