One of the Folsom Pro Rodeo’s most beloved traditions gives young riders their first taste of arena excitement
Before the professional cowboys climb aboard 2,000-pound bulls and before barrel racers thunder around Dan Russell Arena at full speed, some of the biggest cheers of the night belong to competitors who often haven’t even started middle school.
Wearing oversized cowboy hats, tiny boots and enough determination to rival any professional rodeo athlete, the youngsters of mutton bustin’ become some of the biggest stars of the Folsom Pro Rodeo each evening, hanging on for dear life as sheep race across the arena with their pint-sized riders clinging to every strand of wool they can find.
For many families, it’s one of the most anticipated traditions of the rodeo. The concept is wonderfully simple but anything but easy. Young cowboys and cowgirls climb aboard the backs of sheep, grip tightly with both hands and hold on as long as they possibly can while their woolly partners sprint across the arena. The rides often last only a few seconds, but those few seconds are filled with laughter, cheers, determination and memories that many families treasure for years.
Some youngsters manage to stay aboard nearly the entire run, while others find themselves gently tumbling into the soft arena dirt almost as quickly as the gate swings open. Either way, every rider leaves the arena to the applause of thousands of spectators who know they’re watching the next generation of rodeo enthusiasts discover the sport for the very first time.
Parents lean over the railings with cameras in hand, grandparents cheer louder than anyone else in the grandstands and fellow competitors celebrate every ride, regardless of how long it lasts. That’s part of what has made mutton bustin’ one of the Folsom Pro Rodeo’s most beloved and enduring traditions.
Mutton bustin’ has become a staple at rodeos across the country, offering children a fun and memorable introduction to the sport while giving proud families a chance to watch their youngsters experience the thrill of the arena. At the Folsom Pro Rodeo, the event has grown into one of the evening’s signature attractions, taking place early in each night’s program and immediately setting a fun, family-friendly tone before the professional competition gets underway. It serves as a reminder that while rodeo celebrates elite athletic competition, it has always been equally rooted in family traditions, community participation and passing western heritage from one generation to the next.
For many of the young riders, mutton bustin’ marks their very first appearance inside a rodeo arena. Dressed head-to-toe in cowboy and cowgirl attire, they proudly make their way into Dan Russell Arena with excitement written across their faces. Some confidently wave to the crowd before climbing aboard, while others cling tightly to mom or dad until it’s finally their turn. Then, with one quick swing into the saddle and the gate flying open, every child suddenly becomes the center of attention.
The grandstands respond exactly the way you would expect. Thousands of fans erupt with laughter and applause as little boots bounce through the air, cowboy hats occasionally go flying and determined youngsters squeeze every ounce of determination into staying aboard for just a few seconds longer. Arena announcers cheer them on, families hold their breath and smiles spread across the grandstands as each rider receives a hero’s welcome, whether they ride the entire length of the arena or tumble safely into the dirt moments after the run begins.
Long after the sheep have returned to their pens, those first rides often become lifelong memories. For some children, mutton bustin’ is simply a fun family experience they’ll never forget. For others, it becomes the first chapter in what may someday grow into a lifelong passion for rodeo. Many professional cowboys and cowgirls trace their love for western sports back to childhood experiences remarkably similar to those taking place every summer in arenas across the country.
Whether they eventually become barrel racers, bull riders, team ropers or simply lifelong rodeo fans, every participant shares something in common: for one unforgettable moment, they were the stars of the show.
That family atmosphere has always been one of the defining characteristics of the Folsom Pro Rodeo. While fans come to watch some of the nation’s top Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association athletes compete, they also come to celebrate the traditions that make rodeo unlike any other sporting event. From the patriotic opening ceremonies and the precision riding of the Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers to comedy barrelman Kyle Lamon’s crowd interaction, the Flying Cowboyz freestyle motocross finale and the nightly fireworks spectacular, the event blends world-class competition with entertainment designed to create memories for every generation.
Mutton bustin’ perfectly captures that spirit. It reminds spectators that rodeo isn’t just about championship buckles and prize money—it’s about family, community and giving the next generation its first opportunity to experience the excitement, traditions and values that have defined the western lifestyle for generations.
The popularity of mutton bustin’ continues to grow each year, and the 2026 Folsom Pro Rodeo is no exception. Organizers report that all available mutton bustin’ spots for each of this year’s three performances have already been filled, meaning the roster of young cowboys and cowgirls is officially set. Families hoping to see their children take part in next year’s rodeo are encouraged to watch FolsomProRodeo.com and FolsomTimes.com during the winter months, when registration details and sign-up information for the 2027 Folsom Pro Rodeo will be announced. With spots filling quickly year after year, organizers encourage interested families to register as soon as entries open.
This year’s Folsom Pro Rodeo carries even greater significance as the event celebrates its 65th anniversary alongside the City of Folsom’s 80th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday.
The 2026 Folsom Pro Rodeo returns to Dan Russell Arena July 2, 3 and 4. Gates open nightly at 5 p.m., preshow activities begin at 6 p.m., and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association action starts at 7:30 p.m.
Fans can expect three nights of world-class rodeo competition featuring bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping and other PRCA favorites. Returning entertainment includes the Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers, Flying Cowboyz freestyle motocross team, Bull Jumping, comedy barrelman Kyle Lamon, mutton bustin’ and the popular Saloon Under the Stars.
Demand for this year’s milestone celebration has been exceptionally strong, with the July 3 performance already sold out. Tickets remain available for the July 2 and July 4 performances while supplies last.
Current ticket options include $30 general admission seating, $45 reserved seating, $65 premier reserved seating and the premium Corral Club experience for $85. Family Packs featuring four general admission tickets are available for $110, while children ages 2 and younger are admitted free when seated on a parent or guardian’s lap.
Each evening concludes with the Folsom Pro Rodeo’s spectacular fireworks show above Dan Russell Arena, capping three nights of rodeo, patriotism and family entertainment that have become one of Northern California’s favorite Independence Day traditions.
Tickets and complete event information are available at FolsomProRodeo.com.
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