It's junior rodeo time at the Ridge Rider Arena

The Ridge Riders will once again be sponsoring a junior rodeo and co-sanctioning with Eastern Washington and Caribou Trail Jr. Rodeo Associations May 30th & 31st at the Ridge Rider Arena in Grand Coulee.

Some 223 Contestants travel from all over the Pacific Northwest to attend these junior rodeos, which are becoming fewer and fewer due to rising costs, organizers say.  

The youth equestrian competition allows kids from ages 3 to 18 to learn and compete in core rodeo events in age-related brackets. 

Junior rodeos teach horsemanship, leadership, responsibility and sportsmanship while acting as a training ground for the professional circuits their promoters say.

They junior versions feature modified versions of standard rodeo events, such as bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing, and events for the younger kids such as goat tying, mutton busting and poles, while prioritizing safety and skill development.

The junior rodeos start in the spring and go until early fall so the kids can earn points for end-of-the-year awards, buckles, saddles and scholarships.

The Ridge Rider Cook Shack will be in full service both days for anyone who would like to try a tasty burger or hotdog and support the local youth.