Mutton Busting and Calf Scrambles tests youngsters' mettle at 2013 Pincher Creek Rodeo

The Mutton Busting crew at the Pincher Creek Rodeo
T. Lucas/C. Davis photos and video

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

One of the highlights of the Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo is the mutton busting and calf scramble events, which so often act as an introduction into rodeo sports for young people.

Mutton Busting - in this event the youngster rides a sheep, out of the chute and hold on tight! Their steeds are wild, wooley, and unpredictable.

The emotional gamut runs from hesitant to eager.  I'm not sure if I am talking about the kids or the sheep.

A great Mutton Ride on Sunday from Erica Phillips

 For most of these kids, it was their first time coming out of a chute.  The crowd cheered on each contestant exuberantly, whether the ride was long or barely made it out of the gate.  CrAsh Cooper was nearby to help them with their ride and sometimes to cheer them up when it was over.

Each and every one of the participating kids were winners for getting out there and trying something new.

After the event each child was presented with a bag of candy for their efforts.

Shenoa is an up and coming equestrian and
was one of the Calf Scramble champs on Saturday

The Calf Scramble is another entertaining event, with bicycles donated by Windyview Mechanical as the prizes.  Kids  lined up on the halfway mark of the arena.  Calves were set loose at one end with a ribbon attached to their tails, two ribbons per heat.  The goal was to be the first to capture a ribbon.   After seeing dozens of eager children charging full speed at them truly the calves truly did scramble, full tilt around the arena.

During Sunday's calf scramble a ribbon broke in two, causing some consternation as to who would win a bicycle.  This was smoothed out by Lundbreck's Kirk Thomson  (Recipient of the prestigious Ranchman's Legendary Achievement Award on Saturday).  He offered to buy a bicycle so that each of the two kids with a piece of the winning ribbon would win.

Editor's note: A big shout out to my buddy Tyler, who entered the calf scramble for the very first time on Saturday afternoon. He didn't get a ribbon, but he sure earned some respect out there! A tip of the hat to you Tyler, and to all of you that tried these events for the first time.

Way to go Tyler!