RIO ARRIBA COUNTY News:
The Rio Arriba County Fair Association, Kids Rodeo Committee members will host the 3rd Annual Kids Rodeo at the Rio Arriba County Fair at the Rural Events Center in Abiquiu.
This fun to watch, free event to spectators, starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 28.
Most people associate rodeo with enormous bucking bulls, burly cowboys and lightning fast barrel racers, however, rodeo is not an adults-only sport. What sets these competitors apart is their age – youth ages 2-18 from Rio Arriba and surrounding counties will be competing in this rodeo. This year’s kids rodeo will showcase a handful of timed speed events for rodeo enthusiasts (no rough stock), and offer fun, excitement and prizes to the most determined little cowgirls and cowboys.
Competitors will be broken into groups based on their age and gender. Barrel Racing, in which a horse and rider attempt to complete a cloverleaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time. Pole bending, where each competitor is required to weave around a set of six poles in the shortest time possible. The flag race, is a test of speed and precision. A can filled with soft dirt and a flag is placed into it and set atop a barrel at the far side of the arena … the competitor runs across the arena horseback around the barrel, scoops the flag out of the can, and carries it to the finish line as fast as possible.
Goat tying is a smaller version of adult tie-down roping, and involves the competitors running to a goat staked in the middle of the arena, where they must cross and tie any three legs, and the goat must stay tied for 6 seconds.
For the littlest of cowpokes, (6 and under) they must grab a ribbon off the goat’s tail, and throw their hands up to stop the timer. And finally, the Rescue Race. This event has two contestants riding as a team. One contestant mounted on their horse will ride to the opposite end of the arena to rescue his partner that is standing atop a barrel. The mounted rider must get close enough to his partner so his partner can also mount the starting horsemen’s horse, rescuing him; and then both ride back together to the starting point in the arena.
Fun events to include the crowd will also take place. Contestants from both Rio Arriba county and Los Alamos county have already sent in entry forms. Show up at 6:30 p.m., Friday, July 28 in Abiquiu to watch the action, and support the youth in our community.