The origins of bull riding and the rodeo can be traced back to the Renaissance period, around the 1500s-1600s. The cattle industry in the American West was booming, and Rodeo became a now-beloved by-product of the same. The Spanish conquistadors and Spanish-Mexican settlers played a key role in the origin of the sport. Rodeo continued to evolve and finally became a test of the skills of a cowboy such as riding, roping, and branding.

Nowadays, the sport of rodeo forms an integral part of the culture of Southwest America and has become popular all over the nation. The Old Fort Days Rodeo is one such historical competition that has always attracted cowboys from all over the world. This year, the rodeo celebrated its 90th anniversary and introduced a special event for kids. 

Bull Riding event for kids ranging from 3 to 18 years

Since the year 1933, Fort Smith has been the home to one of Arkansa’s oldest and most exciting rodeos. The Old Fort Days Rodeo is a historic event with a rich history that has been popular in Arkansas for almost an entire century now. The rodeo is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year by organizing some special bull-riding events for young kids, which were inaugurated on May 23. The youth bull riding event has different categories for children ranging from ages 3-18 years. The youngest category which is for 3-5 years old, is the Walk Trot category. Other categories include Pee Wee, Jr. mini, Sr. mini, Jr. bulls, and so on. The ideology of the rodeo chairman Jerry Efurd to include small children in the event is simple.

According to him, kids should learn technique and safety by participating in sports from a young age so that they can strengthen their bodies. All the children who take part in rodeos in this community form a part of an interesting rodeo association which the locals have named the Professional Youth Roughtstock Association (PYRA). Currently, 40-50 kids form a part of this association that encourages the inclusion of children in bull riding events. According to 5 News, Jimmy Silva, who is the head of PYRA, revealed that the residents start encouraging their kids to ride bulls from as young as three years old. In fact, his own son, who is 15 years of age, is an avid bull rider and participates in his own series. While some parents have expressed concern about the sport being unsafe for kids, many members of the community feel that if the kids are taught how to control the animals properly, there is no looming danger to their safety.

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In this regard, Silva’s opinion is, “Everything in life is dangerous, you can’t get into a car and drive down the road without facing a little bit of danger. Yes, accidents do happen but that’s everything in life you can’t be afraid to live.” The supporters of the participation of young kids in bull riding feel that through this sport, they are teaching them responsibility and respect, something which is lacking in most people nowadays. The idea is, that bull riding is a sport that will make them stronger, not only physically but mentally as well. The Old Fort Days Rodeo which began on May 23, will go on till this Saturday, June 3.

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