The California Rodeo Salinas organizes various events dedicated to preserving and celebrating the traditions of the American West, with a special focus on educating children about the industry and its customs. One of the most beloved annual attractions is the mutton busting, or sheep riding, which takes place during the Rodeo performances as well as the Big Week Bull Riding.
Young aspiring cowboys and cowgirls can participate in the mutton busting event sponsored by Pacific Valley Bank at all four California Rodeo Salinas performances from July 18th to the 21st, as well as at the Big Week Bull Riding Xtreme Bulls event on July 17th. Children aged 4 to 7, weighing a maximum of 60 pounds on the day of the ride, are eligible to ride sheep during the competitions on July 17th, 18th, 19th, or 20th. The top three riders with the longest ride times from each day will compete in the finals on Sunday, July 21st, for a chance to win a prize belt buckle.
Entries must be submitted by midnight on June 6, 2024. Entry forms can be found at https://www.carodeo.com/events/2024/mutton-busting; however, completion of an entry form does not guarantee a riding spot. Sixty-six riders will be selected in a random drawing on June 7, 2024, and notified the following week. The competition fee is $50.00, payable only if your child is selected to ride.
About California Rodeo Salinas
The 114th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 18-21, 2024. The California Rodeo Association is a not-for-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the West. We support the community and other non-profit organizations through the staging of the annual California Rodeo Salinas and other year-round operations of the Salinas Sports Complex. Through donations of our facility, vending, and fundraising opportunities during Rodeo and other events, the California Rodeo Association created opportunities for non-profits and community groups to receive over $771,000 in 2023. For more information about the California Rodeo Salinas, log on to www.CARodeo.com or call the California Rodeo Office at 831-775-3100.
Photo by Mag One Media