Mutton Busting

Above, a mutton busting contestant at the Gallup Lions Club Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From Modern Farmer:

Mutton busting is simple: children between the age of 4 or 7 clamber aboard a wild, wooly sheep and try to hold on for six seconds.

The Gallup Lions Club Rodeo this last weekend included a mutton busting (or sheep riding) event. Several kids (boys and girls) took part.

Larry Lucier and I remarked that from what we saw, "these kids are tough." None who fell of a sheep got hurt or cried. One contestant was even three years old. He (or she) was as game as the little older sheep riders. After every ride, they just got up, brush themselves off and stride off the field. 

There are some liberal groups in California who want to ban mutton busting. Alameda County in California has already banned it.

Wide Open Pets posted: 

Most parents say this is a confidence-building activity. Yet some parents argue that this is child abuse. Research shows that the sheep don't buck and the children are very close to the ground. 

According to Modern Farmer:

To be a wool rider, a kid has to be between the ages of 4 and 7 and 60 pounds or less. Entry fees are between $10 and $12. Parents sign a waiver to let their children participate and kids wear protective gear, including a vest and helmet with a metal face guard on the front. Just like in the rodeo, sheep are kept in individual chutes. After the kids straddle the sheep and the animals are released into an arena, they get six seconds to try and hang on. Every first place winner in every show is invited to the Wool Riders Only World Championship. Shows go on rain or shine.

To read more, go here.