AROUND TOWN
The Family that Plays Together Photography by Justin Robinson
M
ost kids of this digital age spend a lot of time in front of a screen but there are still plenty that like to get outside. Hunter and Tucker Whitten of Chase City, VA are two such kids. Amy, mother and teacher at Bluestone Middle School, said she had a challenge on her hands when Hunter went to school. “He’s all boy,” she said as she smiled and remarked that school didn’t hold a lot of interest for her little man. His grades were suffering and he wasn’t happy with the situation. “He wanted to be outside.” Having seen their Uncle Ben on the rodeo circuit both boys wanted to be cowboys and ride in the rodeo. “I watched him once,” Hunter said. 59 Summer 2020 Hearth & Vine
“It was pretty cool. I liked all of it.” Amy knew that the rodeo had children’s events, so she decided to present some options. If Hunter would maintain his grades, he could join the rodeo. “In order to get to ride he has to be on Honor Roll,” Amy said. “He has worked hard to do his part. On the weekend before the rodeo we have to get chores done before we leave. We all have to work together or they don’t go.” Amy and husband Jacob signed the boys up with the International Miniature Bullriding Association (IMBA) out of the Shenandoah Valley. Kids are grouped by age, learn pertinent skills and have the opportunity to ride in the rodeo. Of course the children don’t start out riding bulls. Amy said that IMBA kids begin at age four in the Walk Out Class, learning things like how to sit and hold the the rigging. Hunter, 7, and Tucker, 5 , participated in Mutton Busting, where a sheep is held still in a small chute by an adult handler, a rider is placed on top and the sheep is released. While it’s never certain what the animal will do, most of the time the sheep will try to run away and get the child off of it. Prizes are awarded for the kids that can stay on the longest. Hunter started riding calves in August last year after he had aged out of Mutton Busting. Understandably, most kids c an’t stay on their animal and fall off in less than eight seconds. There are also height and weight restrictions to prevent injuries to the animal. Children are required to wear safety gear and parents are asked to sign waivers. “It’s not scary. Sometimes you get one that’s crazy but if you get one that busts through the chute you get another ride.” he said, not a bit concerned about the prospects of injury. Amy, a very concerned mother, took a more practical approach and confessed that while it’s hard to watch her child in a precarious situation, she understands that accidents can happen regardless of what a child is doing. She noted
