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Video: This actually was my first rodeo

The Bar River Rodeo is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year

As a SooToday videographer I get to cover a lot of things I probably wouldn't know about otherwise and Saturday was a good example.  

The Bar River Rodeo started in 1991, making this its 30th anniversary, but this assignment was the first I had ever heard about it. 

As a city slicker, I have to say it was awesome and if you have a chance to make it out, do it.

I met up Michelle Young who explained a bit about the history of the event and how it came to be.

The folks of Laird Township have turned everyday ranch duties into a kind of sport where competitors work in teams to sort cattle from one pen into another.

There are two 60-foot round pens separated by a gate and one team member rides on horseback into a small group of numbered cattle in order to separate one form the herd while the other team member guards a gate attempting to block any other cows that may try and make it through.

Once the correct cow has been corralled to the appropriate pen the team members trade roles.

The object is to get as many cows, in the correct order, from one pen to the other in 60 seconds. Points are tallied throughout the year and winners are declared during a celebration banquet made possible by the events sponsors. 

Michelle has been competing for years now and started the way most do, taking part in practice clinics, which are open to all ages and youth engagement is encouraged. Some riders seen competing over the weekend were as young as 14.

Information on the Bar River Rodeo can be found on its Facebook page, which includes upcoming events along with information on how to get involved.


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