The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has once again brought back a crowd-pleaser: Mutton Bustin', a popular event where kids ages 5 and 6 get to channel their inner cowboy by riding a sheep. Courtney Price, mother of first-time participant 5-year-old Sterns Price, shared with CW39 Houston her excitement, saying, "I hope he has fun is really our goal. He’s been talking about it for awhile and now he’s finally five years old and excited to do it."
While participation for Mutton Bustin' inside NRG Stadium is closed for the season, The Junction still offers open spots on a first-come-first-serve basis, according to CW39 Houston. The cost of entry is $20, and the event is available to kids who meets the weight requirement of no more than 55 pounds. Rides kick off every hour from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., ensuring plenty of action throughout the day.
At The Junction, the thrill of the crowd and the joy of the young riders are palpable. As Nick Gatto, vice chairman of the rodeo's Mutton Bustin' Committee, explained in an interview with the Houston Chronicle, "It's just the thrill of crowds getting behind a young child, parents getting behind their son or daughter, just showing off and being able to have that sheer joy." With thousands of participants each year, the event has become a key part of Houston's rich rodeo tradition.
But Mutton Bustin' isn't just a local affair. Gatto highlighted its international appeal, noting "You have people from Australia, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, Canada. It's truly an international and world event." This representation echoes the diverse fabric of Houston itself and adds a global dimension to the cherished rodeo activity. Despite the initial fears, youngsters like 5-year-old Avery Machol embrace the challenge with enthusiasm. "This is a big deal, and the fact that she did it, we're about to go buy her anything she wants," Avery's mother Molly Machol told the Houston Chronicle after her daughter's five-second ride.
To find out more about the Mutton Bustin' event or to plan a visit, interested parties can check out the details on the official RodeoHouston website.
