Rodeo Road: Down & Back Tutorial

A few weeks ago I shared with you the basics of the first rodeo events my kidders learned to compete in: goat tail tying. Now I'm on to sharing with you the second event they learned: Down & Back.

Just like the name suggests, this event consists of going down the arena, around a cone, and back across the finish line.

Because the rules & pattern are simple, it's great for beginning riders who are just getting their feet wet. They can start off walking in the event...

And pick the speed up to a trot once they gain a little more confidence. From there it's onto a slow lope or canter...

There's plenty of time to learn and no hurry to rush into really running the horse (that's not to say the running part it not fun, it's just stressful on the Momma's hearts!).

I think it's a great event to develop basic control skills like stopping, slowing down and turning.

In this event, the fastest time wins. But most importantly, kids learn the value of hard work and practice.

And once you add caring for a live animal like a horse into the mix, responsibility grows and blossoms.

And the sense of accomplishment they get and the joy they have is amazing for a momma to see.

As a side note, you'll notice my kidders always wear safety helmets when they ride, and I make sure they are mounted on suitable, well-broke and reliable animals. These are kids, so use common sense. I want my kids to excel and do well, but most importantly, I want them to have fun and love horses and the sport of rodeo like I do.

And who knows, one day, they may end up with some more of these: