4-H’ers of all ages took the opportunity to test their mettle in Thursday evening’s 4-H Rodeo at the Lyon County Fair.
From steer riding to barrel racing, almost 60 youngsters took part in the rodeo, the final 4-H event at the 2009 fair. Dressed in their long-sleeved shirts, long pants, boots and western hats, the 4-H’ers looked like perfect replicas of their older, more experienced adult counterparts.
Some were new to the rodeo, but many had more experience than their ages would indicate.
“I used to ride the sheep,” said 12-year-old Kyle Justus, describing his early years in the Mutton Bustin’ competition. “Now I’m going to be in intermediate steer riding.”
Kyle, a three-year member of 4-H who also celebrated his birthday on Thursday, said he has been interested in rodeo for a long time.
“My favorite part is getting up on the bull and getting your prize,” he said.
His most memorable moment?
“One year I got my leg stepped on by a steer,” he said. “That hurt.”
Kyle’s cousin, Cody Justus, 17, also participated in the rodeo. Cody said he’s been in 4-H since second grade, and his favorite part of the fair is being able to enjoy all the activities with his other friends in 4-H.
Chelsea Youngblood, 10, said she was looking forward to the rodeo. She was getting ready to take part in four events — steer riding, barrel racing, goat tying and pole bending.
“I like all the events, but I like running the barrels the most,” she said.
Seana Herron, 12, also has quite a bit of experience in the rodeo. She has been in 4-H for four years, and it’s her second year in the rodeo at the fair. She was preparing for the steer riding and barrel racing.
Seana also participates in other rodeos, including the spring rodeo at the fairgrounds. She said that was a memorable experience.
“I took second place and got my face kicked. So it was good and bad,” she said.
Seven-year-old Tee Preisner was getting ready to take part in his first rodeo. He was participating in four events — steer riding, barrel racing, goat tail tying and pole bending.
“I’m getting excited about it,” he said as the rodeo was getting ready to begin.
canchaser_412 (anonymous) says...
So glad to see so many kids still enjoy Fair and the 4-H rodeo! I miss those days dearly.
August 7, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )