Mutton busting to bull riding at junior rodeo

Staff photo: Kevin Wilson

Jose Renderia, 6, of Odessa, Texas, holds on in vain during the Mutton Bustin’ event Saturday afternoon at the High Plains Junior Rodeo Association rodeo at the Curry County Events Center. The center will host the year-end association championship in July.

The Curry County Events Center hosted dozens of rodeo participants ranging in ages from four to 19 on Saturday through Sunday, as the High Plains Junior Rodeo Association (HPJRA) made a tour stop in Clovis.

The Hobbs, New Mexico-based HPJRA is a non-profit youth rodeo organization represented by boys and girls 19-years of age and younger from throughout the Southwest. Established in 1974, HPJRA officials said the organization has served 8,000 youth possessing fervent interest in advancing the sport — with many HPJRA alums advancing to claim collegiate and professional world championship titles.

This weekend’s participants spanned from mutton busting competitors to senior bull riders, hailing from New Mexico and Texas. And if you missed the opportunity to check out the HPJRA exploits this weekend, don’t fret. The Curry County Events Center will host the Association’s finals July 13-16.

“Those are the top five riders that have competed all year,” said High Plains Junior Rodeo Association West Region Director Tamberlyn Burrow. “The competition this weekend factors into who will advance to the finals later, so there is a lot at stake here.”

Burrow said her son is a calf rider and her husband was also a rodeo competitor, which she said adds to the sports familial element.

“Rodeo is like a second family where everybody takes care of everybody,” she said. “It also teaches my son how to take care of his money — because he earns money when he wins. It teaches patience, because there is the potential for him to get hurt and I have to learn to accept that aspect. There is also church service with every rodeo we have, so they are also teaching the principles of Christ while they are riding.”

Clovis resident Randy Gilbert took in a calf riding session with his wife and two children Saturday. While he had no specific rooting interest during the competition, he expressed admiration for the competitive spirit each contestant demonstrated.

“Just watching these kids put everything they have into their event is special,” he said. “Sports can teach you so much about life in general. It’s not always about winning. Competing enhances character, drive and determination. Those are great traits to have, especially when you get knocked down, like in rodeo. Get up, dust yourself off and give it another go.”