Ashland County Fair brings rodeo enjoyable to youngsters with ‘Mutton Bustin’ debut

ASHLAND — The sheep didn’t stand an opportunity.

Children took heart stage Wednesday night within the Ashland County Fair’s first-ever Mutton Bustin contest.

The grandstand stuffed because the solar beamed down on 16 keen kids, every able to show themselves within the crowd-pleasing occasion, the place youngsters see how lengthy they’ll maintain onto sheep earlier than falling off.

Excitement buzzed by means of the air as households and fairgoers sat of their seats, ready to see who may cling on to the sheep the longest.

Among the riders stood 4-year-old Ashland native, Henry Gamber, who stepped into the sector with all the boldness of a seasoned cowboy.

It was Henry’s first rodeo, however he confirmed simply how robust he might be. The second the gate swung open, he clung tight and held on with each ounce of dedication he had.

When he ultimately tumbled off, he bounced proper again up, brushed himself off and picked up his medal as the gang set free cheers.

Henry’s mother and father, Rebekkah and Matt Gamber, stated a flyer caught their eye. They knew they needed to give it a attempt.

“His older brother is into rodeos,” Matt stated.

“And all things cowboys,” Rebekkah added.

When requested if he had enjoyable and would attempt it once more, Henry’s reply was a fast and assured “yes.”

Another rider, Gracie Stover, drew particular reward from the Master of Ceremonies, who inspired the gang to point out assist for all the women in attendance.

“We’ve got a cowgirl down here, so let’s hear a little extra noise from the ladies,” he stated.

Stover clung to the sheep with each ounce of power she had earlier than lastly falling to the bottom.

“Gracie came ready to ride!” he stated.

Mutton Bustin joins Ashland County Fair for 1st time

Fair Secretary Cathy Rice stated a board member noticed the occasion at one other rodeo and reached out to deliver it right here. She stated whereas many rodeos embrace it as a part of their contracts, Ashland’s full rodeo had not supplied it earlier than.

Sixteen youngsters signed up after the announcement on Facebook with a registration deadline.

To hold it secure, every rider wore a helmet and vest, and the Fair solely allowed individuals weighing 50 kilos or much less.

Some kids reached the gate and selected to not journey on the final second, however they nonetheless acquired loud cheers from the stands and a medal to have a good time their braveness.

Since sheep are near the bottom, youngsters didn’t have far to fall, Rice stated.

She stated the Fair is thrilled so as to add one other contemporary occasion that’s simply as enjoyable to observe as to take part.

(Photos from the Mutton Bustin occasion. Photo credit score: Hannah Martin)