Training the grandaughter to mutton busting

[Ford Zoo]

Spooner WI hosts the Heart of the North Rodeo every July. One highlight is the "Mutton Busting" event, where 5 year olds vie to hold on the longest to a sheep let loose to run around the arena. We're hoping to get our grandkids involved when they are old enough and figured-why not start with goats?

DGD Bella, not quite 2yo, on Cookie the ND, then Blossom the young boerXnubian, who made a quick exit and Dad saved the day! (Note, no animals or children were harmed in this photo session and Bella thought it was great fun):

[Frosted Mini's]

Lol, I help my daughter ride the goats too, though I'm starting to question if it's a good idea for if she gets in their pen, she might start jumping on goats. LOL.

[dkhern]

if the gk think its fun goforit

[Otter]

Not to be a spoilsport (those are some very cute pics!) but I wouldn't. Goats are finer-boned then most sheep and don't really handle weight on their backs well unless they've been conditioned and trained. More then one kid has accidentally killed the family milk goat because they think it's big enough to ride so why not.

If you watch mutton busting, the most successful kids don't sit on the goat like a pony and like you'd be tempted to do with your nice, tame goats. They lie across it's back - spreading the weight out, much safer for the animal - and grab big handfuls of wool as far down as they can reach. better practice might be pony-rides on Grandpa!

[Frosted Mini's]

LOL, now I am picturing wooly grandpas! NOT good.

[Minelson]

Well I am going to have to plan on visiting my Mom in Spooner in July!!

[Ford Zoo]

Originally Posted by Minelson

Well I am going to have to plan on visiting my Mom in Spooner in July!!

Do drop me a line!! They put on a great family show. I've worked the ER almost every year and unfortunately have had to meet and care for a few of these cowboys. They are gentleman, and quite frankly, a dying breed. http://www.spoonerrodeo.com/

This was all in family fun. Little Bella had sat quietly watching (well, as quiet as a little one can) while we vaccinated and supplemented the bred does. This was her reward for being such a good little farm hand!