Want an epic display of pure strength and endurance? One event at rodeos around the world is founded for kids to show their talents and rodeo ability. Yes children. Why is this on a sheep blog you may ask? Well this is simple, the event is Mutton Busting. Mutton Busting was brought officially into rodeo in the mid 1980s where the idea was that kids 5-7 years old (no bigger than 55lbs) would be given the challenge to ride a sheep for 6 whole seconds. It can be a rough and tumble sport just like full size rodeo. Many of the children I know who participate do it to prove to their families or themselves that they can be real cowboys or cowgirls.
Now how about those sheep? Annually we send some of our sheep to the Tees Rodeo for the first weekend of August for this event. How do we chose? All you animal lovers out there please don't be too afraid here. These sheep are almost 200 pounds and have tiny humans on them. It may not seem like the most humane event but we always take precautions to make sure that they all stay safe. We use the ewes that aren't pregnant, are in good shape (strong and not boney) and sometimes even pet sheep that have done such event before.
All in all the kids, the spectators and even the sheep can have a lot of fun.
