4H Rodeo will feature 300 participants

After being rescheduled last month, and in spite of this week's weather, the Dunklin County 4H Club is still planning to go forth with the SEMO 4H Rodeo on Saturday.

The event, which will take place at the Branden Burk 4B Arena, will see 10 counties and 300 participants competing in various events beginning at 9 a.m., on Saturday, June 20. Dunklin County's 4H members will participate in an evening performance at 7 p.m.

Rodeo events include Barrel Racing, Calf Riding, Team Roping, Pole Bending, Goat Tying, Calf Roping, Steer Riding, Team Penning, Chute Dogging, and Bull Riding.

Members of the Dunklin County 4H competing in the contest include Tripp Scales in Steer Riding, Break Away Roping, Poles, and Barrel; Dalton Jackson in Calf Riding, Barrels and Poles, and Goat Tying; Cheyenne Long in Break Away Roping, Poles, Barrels, and Goat Tying; Tatum Lowry in Goat Tying, Pole Bending, and Barrel Racing; Joe Mobley in Pole Bending and Barrel Racing; Max Mobley in Team Penning, Goat Tying, Barrel Racing, and Pole Bending; Rachel Leslie Pole Bending and Barrel Racing; Britlyn Pikey in Goat Tying, Pole Bending, and Barrel Racing; Pierce Watkins in Bull Riding; James Michael Goodwin in Bull Riding; Scott Jackson in Bull Riding; and Sam McHaney in Pole Bending and Barrel Racing.

According to Adult Volunteer Leader, Will Mobley, this is the fourth year Dunklin County has had a club, and this is the second year they have hosted a rodeo.

"The thing that is a little bit interesting is seeing the kids grow up and then grow in their horsemanship," Mobley said.

"You see the kids growing up and learning about the horses. They start out with a plug and then they graduate to something better and then they get interested in being competitive and trying to win.

"The mothers in the program do most of the leadership," Mobley continued. "They are pretty strict about the kids being good to their horses and being empathetic. The mothers also all work together. If one kid is doing something inappropriate, its like he has six moms out here."

Mobley said that any child wishing to be involved with the program can sign up at any time, however, they will not be allowed to compete until the insurance enrollment, which is held in February of each year.

Admission to the event is $6 for adults and $4 for youth between the ages of seven and 12, children six and under may attend free of charge. Concession stands will be available throughout the event.

The SEMO 4H Rodeo is sponsored this year by the Kennett Area United Way and University of Missouri Extension.