Rodeo kids Young stars steal show at Utah Youth Rodeo
Jasper Peterson, 6, poses for a photo while looking on at the other children competing.
Ridge Stark, 4, holds on during mutton bustin’ while his father chases to keep up with him.
Ridge Marriott, 5, works on his dummy roping skills.
Kirby Platt tries to hold on during the mutton bustin’ portion of the Utah Youth Rodeo Association at Golden Spike Arena in Ogden, Utah.
Ridge Stark, 4, is all smiles as he competes in the “stick horse barrels” at the Utah Youth Rodeo Association at Golden Spike Arena in Ogden, Utah.
OGDEN, Utah – To a casual spectator, the Utah Youth Rodeo may come across as an insignificant, albeit entertaining, event that farmers put on to pass the time.
But it’s much more than that. It’s a family affair. It’s preparing for the future. It’s a way of life.
About 300 boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 14 competed in 27 different events from goat tying to team roping in May, competing in their respective age groups in hopes to improve as they move on to the next level – even competing to earn collegiate scholarships.
“It’s just like any other sport now. If you don’t start when you’re 3, you’re behind,” said Stephanie Lindsey of Ogden. “It’s the same thing as basketball, football and soccer. If they jump in mid-stream, it’s tough to catch up.”
Stephanie is the wife of Utah Youth Rodeo Association President Brent Lindsey, was the secretary for the organization for five years, and has children who participate in rodeos.
“The high school rodeo level for years has been very competitive on the national level,” she said. “Texas, of course, is the strongest state in rodeo, but Utah is a close second. They really give them a run for their money.”
As she was being interviewed, her son Cooper, just two months shy of being 10 years of age, was quickly tying up the legs of a goat that he wrestled to the ground.
“That was a great tie!” she said to her smiling son.
The youngster said that he hopes to get to the National Finals Rodeo someday, where the best professionals in the world complete.
“It’s fun and it’s challenging,” he said.
Aside from the competitive aspect of the sport, is the community therein, something that Stephanie believes gives rodeos a distinct characteristic.
“The rodeo community is one big huge family,” she said. “Even the most competitive are still cheering on each other. My daughter plays sports also, she plays basketball for school, and it’s kind of the only sport where you truly cheer on your competitor. If your horse is down, your competitors are offering to lend you a hand, and they’re always there to help you. That’s kind of the unique aspect of rodeo.”
A fruit of that community feeling is Hope Counts – a non-profit organization started two years ago by 14-year-old Sydnee Christensen of Plain City.
“I noticed there wasn’t really any associations that help youth competitors if they’re sick or injured,” said Christensen. “We give them comfort by giving gift basket, just showing that we care. So far we’ve helped 10 families, and we hope to help more.”
That goal is being made possible by the National Little Britches Rodeo Association, who has partnered with Hope Counts to find youth and families in need across the country.
“We can help families nationwide. We hope that spreads,” said Sydnee. “They help support us, and they help give us word of a kid or family that needs help, and we’ll donate the money to them. It’s very rewarding to see everyone happy. I like feeling that joy and that happiness whenever I come (to rodeos). It gives the best feeling in the world.”
While rodeos are competitive events, they bring its competitors together, especially with cowgirls like Sydnee.
“We’re just one big family and we just care for everyone.”