For years now cowboys have grabbed bulls by the horns at Stegall’s Rodeo Arena in Concord, North Carolina, and just like the big cowboys, many little cowboys began their rodeo dreams at Stegall’s as well.
Every Sunday evening is a fun filled action packed rodeo night at Stegall’s and tonight was no exception. Many different events are held at Stegall’s including amateur and open bull riding but of all the events, nothing is more exciting than watching the art of mutton bustin’.
Rather than grabbing a bull by the horns, these youngsters, grab a handful of wool and hold on as the gate opens and the sheep darts across the arena, sometimes zigzagging as the little cowboy tries to stay on the animals back for the four second buzzer.
Tonight was a busy night for the little cowboys, as five gallant youngsters made their way to the chutes, where the study animals are penned in preparation for the event. The spectators watched as one by one the five fearsome cowboys climbed over the rails and onto their sheep.
The crowd cheered wildly as the youngsters, who only a few minutes before played together, now fiercely ride their sheep in tough competition for money and occasional prizes, such as belt buckles.
This evening saw Luke Johnson take the first ride scoring 76 points after a hard fought ride to near center of the arena. Little cowboy Tommy Carr mounted second and after a good ride was scored 70 points. Gage Brown, a great competitor with a great disposition burst out of chute three and his mount took him half-way across the arena before Gage lost his balance and slipped from his mount but not before scoring an impressive 77 points. Clay Guiton, a very talented little cowboy and the reigning mutton bustin’ champion came out of chute four and took his mount for a wild ride across the arena, spurring him on as he went, truly getting himself some wool in his spurs and a score of 85 points. Last out for the evening mutton bustin’ competition was little cowboy Audie Murphy Phillips. Audie’s sheep shot out of chute one and rapidly made its way to center arena before it swiftly pivoted right and hurled around the iron panels before little Audie slipped from the animal, scoring a hard-fought 82 points which placed him in second place directly behind the first place finisher Clay Guition at the conclusion of the event.
All in all it was a great night again at Stegall’s Arena and a fun filled evening for all in attendance. If you are looking for a great family outing on a Sunday evening, head out to Stegall’s. Directions can be found on their website at www.stegallsarena.com
