Have you ever sat in the stands watching a professional rodeo athlete and wonder what got that person started in rodeo? Where did they learn to swing a rope? When did they ride their first bucking horse? Who influenced them in their lives to chase the sport of rodeo?
For several rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, their love for competition and education in the sport of rodeo came at an early age. Many were fortunate enough to have parents, grandparents and family friends help them on their journey to become the future aces of professional rodeo and many of them started on the junior rodeo circuit.
Junior rodeo is a great way to get young people involved in the sport of rodeo. It teaches them responsibility, sportsmanship and competition at an early age. These kids are the future of the sport of rodeo and the Snake River Stampede is proud to give them the opportunity to compete in the same venue as some of their rodeo idols.
The Snake River Stampede partners with the Gem State Junior Rodeo Association each year to hold a junior rodeo during the Stampede. Jr Rodeo participants are divided into 4 different age groups: Mini Mites (7 and under), Pee Wee (8-10), Junior (11-13) and Senior (14-18). The qualifying events that compete in the Snake River Stampede are: goat flanking, goat tying, breakaway roping, and team roping. For more information regarding Gem State Junior Rodeo, please refer to their website at www.gemstaterodeo.com.