It ranks in the headlines right alongside bull riding and barrel racing when it comes to fan favorites at the Folsom Pro Rodeo. It’s known at mutton busting, and sign ups have opened for those wishing to participate in the upcoming event and are expected to fill up fast.
What is Mutton Busting you may ask? Early each evening, a group of young brave cowboys and cowgirls test their skills by riding sheep. While it sounds easy enough, the fact is, it’s not the easiest task to tame. However, it’s a crowd favorite with a full roster each and every night of the Folsom Pro Rodeo year after year, as spectators cheer on the little stars.
Mutton Busting at the Folsom Pro Rodeo is open to five and six-year-old children that are 55-pounds or less that pre-register for the event. Each night, more than a dozen brave youngsters come into the arena to take their try at becoming a real rodeo star. Regardless of how long they stay on the striding sheep, it’s a crowd favorite and every contestant is cheered on regardless of how they finish.
Entry fees are $50 per child, which includes their general admission ticket for the same night. All entries will be awarded an official T-shirt and a belt buckle. Also, prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place each night. All of the needed information for entries can be found on the official sign up page at www.folsomprorodeo.com or go directly to the sign up page just by CLICKING HERE.
There is a good chance, that many of today’s bull riders, barrel racers and even professional rodeo clowns likely got their start in the rodeo as a mutton busting contestant. There is another chance, that they were following in the footsteps of the generations ahead of them as this is an activity that is full of family tradition year after year.
The Folsom Pro Rodeo rides into town July 1, 2, 3 this year and tickets are already being sold online at www.folsomprorodeo.com. Presented by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, organizers suggest purchasing tickets directly from the rodeo site to avoid third party price increases and fees.
