Idaho - The Rodeo

Yee-Haw

On our first day in Idaho, we went to a small-town rodeo.

It was hot, dusty and smelled of manure just like you'd expect.

But it was unique in the fact that it was designed so that the kids could participate.

The Events:

Mutton Busting

Chase the Greased Pig

Stick Horse Races

Catch a Chicken and Take it Home

Egg Toss

Calf Dressing

3-Legged Race

Barrel Racing (for the more authentic rodeo-ers)

Singing the National Anthem

It was a bit obvious we weren't country folk.

I pulled my "cowboy" hat out of our costume box before we left.

Mariah and Lexi preparing for the Egg Toss

The Greased Pig Chase

I was really surprised that Jack held his own in this crowd of kids.

Let's talk about Mutton Busting.

When my sister-in-law called to get our kids signed up for the events, I guess I didn't ask many questions about the nature of the events. I knew the kids rode sheep for Mutton Busting, but not in my wildest dreams did I think the sheep could maneuver so quickly. So we signed Lucy and Jack up.

Turns out those fluffy animals are quite fast and agile!

When I saw the other kids ride (then get tossed off like wet noodles), I knew Lucy was going to be blindsided by what was to come.

Here she is in the starting gate.

Here she is 1.8 seconds later.

Let's just say us city folk can't take the heat. Those other country kids were tough as nails!

Depending on size, the older kids either rode a small cow or a large steer.

Here is Chloe trying her hand at Mutton Busting.

I was most impressed by Spencer's dismount. He went from this into a forward roll.

Very smooth, Spence!

Three Legged Race

Mariah & Yasmin

Calf Dressing

Where you literally chase a calf and then dress it in human clothes. Spencer sacrificed his own tee shirt for the event.

All in all, it was a great way to kick off the Family Reunion!