Young Riders Take Center Stage at 45th Annual Ramona Rodeo
Tiny cowboys, determined cowgirls and a whole lot of sheep-steady nerves will steal the spotlight at the Ramona Rodeo, as eight young riders take on the crowd-pleasing challenge of mutton busting.
The 45th annual Ramona Rodeo is bringing plenty of traditional rodeo action to town August 27-29, but some of the youngest participants will have a chance to take center stage in the mutton busting event.
Eight young contestants will participate each night in a special event designed to introduce the next generation to the excitement and fun of the rodeo. Mutton busting is basically the little kid version of bull riding, but instead of a bull, the kids ride a sheep.
According to Markie Battaglia-Sproul, marketing chair for the Ramona Rodeo, contestants are between 4 and 7 years old and must weigh 50 pounds or less. The young participants signed up to compete and were then selected through a random draw.
The contestant climbs on the sheep, and the goal is to stay on as long as possible while the sheep tries to shake the rider off. Rather than competing for large cash prizes, the young riders will receive trophies and goody bags filled with items from rodeo sponsors.
For Battaglia-Sproul, the event is special because it gives younger children an opportunity to become part of the rodeo experience.
“It’s fun for the younger generation to participate in the rodeo,” Battaglia-Sproul said.
The rodeo also has strong support from local sponsors. Mountain Valley Ranch is sponsoring this year’s event while celebrating 30 years of its popular pumpkin patch, adding another longtime community tradition to the festivities.
With 45 years of history behind it, the Ramona Rodeo continues to bring generations together. This year, the youngest participants will have their own opportunity to make memories, experience the excitement of the arena and perhaps take their first steps toward a lifelong love of the Western tradition.
