GENTLE SOUL: Rescue horse enjoys new life, friends. P12
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May 31, 2018
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
Community Rodeo tests riders’ skills Annual competition is held in advance of town’s signature Stampede BY TOM MUNDS TMUNDS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Occasional drizzle and chilly temperatures didn’t lessen the efforts of the competitors or the applause from the audience at the Elizabeth Community Rodeo events held on May 19 at Casey Jones Arena. The community rodeo is one of the traditional events leading up to the annual Elizabeth Stampede, a three-day rodeo event running June 1-3 at the Casey Jones Arena. The community rodeo included events for competitors of all ages and drew competitors young and old from the local area and from miles away. The youngest entries of the day were the 4- to 7-year-olds who can’t weigh more than 70 pound competing in mutton bustin’. As the name of the event indicates, the rider in the event is trying to stay on the back of a good-size sheep that doesn’t want a rider. The rider has nothing to hold on to but the sheep, so most squeeze hard with their knees, try to wrap their arms around the sheep’s neck or just hold on tightly to whatever they can grasp. Elbert County resident El Wendell’s parents, Kim and Tim, said competing in mutton bustin’ was their daughter’s idea “She asked to enter the competition,” Kim said. “We agreed to say yes since she really wanted do it. I’m not scared by what she is doing. I am excited to watch her so I can tell her I am proud of her when she finishes her ride.” El, a 4-year-old, donned the protective helmet with a face mask and the protective vest as she prepared for her ride.
Walker Schubert keeps competes in the bareback bronc riding event at the May 19 Elizabeth Community Rodeo at Casey Jones Arena. He stayed atop the horse for the full eight seconds and was awarded a score of 65. PHOTOS BY TOM MUNDS “I am looking forward to this,” she said as she waited her turn. “I am excited and I want to hold on tight and stay on as long as I can.” She rode well but wasn’t able to stay on the sheep until the buzzer sounded eight seconds after the ride started. Some contestants, like 10-year-old Carson Fritz, began competing in steer riding when they were too old to continue in mutton bustin’. “I started out with mutton bustin’ and liked it,” the Parker resident said. “When I turned 8 I decided I wanted to continue to ride so I moved up to steers.” He said steers are bigger, buck hard and are harder to ride.
Jacob Barton holds on as tight as he can as he competes in mutton busting during the May 19 Elizabeth Community Rodeo. Like most mutton busting competitors, he gave it his best effort but unfortunately didn’t manage to stay on for the full ride.
SEE RODEO, P4
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
“My hope is that we will also continue to pray for and support all of the brave men and women who courageously fight and stand at the ready to fight for our continued freedoms today.” Michael Norton, columnist | P10 INSIDE
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VOLUME 123 | ISSUE 18