How to Get Your Child Started in Rodeo

Rodeo is one of the fastest-growing sports in America, with youth participation on the rise in nearly every region — and you don’t have to be living out West or in the South to participate. For many families, rodeo is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life rooted in tradition and responsibility. But for parents new to the scene, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. As a Rodeo Athlete Performance Specialist and someone who grew up in the rodeo world, Logan Corbett answers frequently asked questions and shares what every parent should know before saddling up.

What Age Can Kids Start Rodeo?

A dad of four, Logan shares that each of his children — ages 8, 6, 4, and 2 — is involved in rodeos in some capacity. It’s just about knowing where to look and educating yourself on how to get involved.

“At junior rodeos, there are a lot of beginner-friendly events,” explains Logan. “For example, they can have a goat tail untying event, where they tie a ribbon on a goat’s tail, and you have to run down the line to tie the ribbon off the goat’s tail.

In other words, your child doesn’t have to jump directly into horse or bull riding. They can start with beginner, age-friendly events.

Most children begin in a peewee division, which is typically geared toward ages 3 to 7. These low-pressure events help little ones build confidence while learning basic rodeo skills. For children ages 5 to 18, junior rodeo circuits are a popular division. “[These] are in almost every state in the United States,” adds Logan. “They have sanctioned events throughout the year, and it’s an opportunity for your child to [get involved].”

First Steps: How to Get Involved

Traditionally speaking, it’s been difficult for people who are interested in rodeo to know who to talk to and how to get first involved — but Logan and the rest of the Western community are working to change that.

“One of the things we haven’t done well in the rodeo community is that we kind of gatekeep [things],” he explains. “You usually have to know somebody to understand how to get connected.”

A great starting point Logan often recommends is the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association: “This is like the NFL or MLB of rodeo. They do about 40 different camps across the country throughout the year that they call Rodeo 101. These junior rodeo camps are usually a one-day event, and anybody, almost any age, can come and learn rodeo basics.”

Another great way to start familiarizing yourself and your child with rodeo is to attend sanctioned events. Not only will this provide an up-close look at different events, but you’ll also be around people eager to offer advice and support.

“A cool thing about the Western world is the community has a large camaraderie,” says Logan. “You and your kids show up to a junior rodeo, introduce yourself to somebody, and say, ‘Hey, we’ve never done this before. Would you be willing to help us?’ Every single person and every parent there will be like, ‘For sure. Here’s a rope you can borrow, and we’re cooking barbecue at the horse trailer, so be sure to come by.’ They’re going to make you feel welcome, and they’re gonna try to help you, especially when you’re just getting started.”

What Events Can Kids Compete In?

In rodeo, events typically fall into two categories: roughstock events and timed events. Roughstock events involve riding calves or steers, and they’re typically more physically intense. Meanwhile, timed events focus on speed, precision, and control, often involving roping, racing, or tying. Below are some common events based on age and experience level:

Peewee & Beginner-Friendly Events:

• Mutton Bustin’: Riding a sheep for as long as possible.
• Goat Tail Untying: Running to pull a ribbon off a goat’s tail.
• Stick Horse Races: Children mimic rodeo maneuvers by using a toy that consists of a stick with a horse head.
• Dummy Roping: Practicing roping on a stationary target.

Timed Events (Ages ~5 and up):

• Barrel Racing: Riding a horse around a three-barrel pattern.
• Pole Bending: Weaving a horse through a series of upright poles.
• Goat Tying: Racing to tie a goat’s legs.
• Breakaway Roping: Riding a horse while tying a rope to a calf’s saddle. When the calf is far enough away from the horse, the rope breaks.
• Team Roping: Two riders work together to rope a steer.

Roughstock Events (Older/More Experienced Riders):

• Calf Riding: Competing while riding on a calf.
• Steer Riding: Competing while riding on a steer.
• Mini Bull Riding: Competing while riding on a mini bull.

Equipment: What You Really Need

Participating in rodeos can be expensive, so Logan emphasizes the importance of ensuring this is an activity your child really wants to pursue. “You can easily spend $500 to $1,000 on protective gear just to realize that this isn’t something you want to do,” he says.

When your child decides rodeo is something they ​​seriously want to do, Logan recommends the brand Beastmaster Rodeo. It offers a comprehensive collection of gear and is especially resourceful for beginners, providing everything from protective vests to helmets, boots, saddles, spurs, and more. Remember that required gear varies depending on the event, so Logan again suggests connecting with other rodeo families before buying everything new: “There will always be people [in the community] who will share until [your child] decides if this is something they want to do.”

Do You Need Your Own Horse?

The short answer: Not necessarily. While many kids eventually compete on their own horse, it’s not required when you’re just starting. Many families start by leasing a horse from a local trainer, barn, or rodeo coach, participating in camps where horses are provided, or taking lessons with an instructor who has access to beginner-safe horses. If your child is focused on ground events, like goat tying or dummy roping, you might not even need a horse. Finding the right local program that best suits you and your family is key.

Knowledge is Power

When it comes to safety and easing parents’ worries, Logan says, “Knowledge is power. The closer you get to the sport, the more you start to understand the precautions that are taken.”

These precautions include everything from making sure your child has the proper protective gear to ensuring they’re enrolled in age-appropriate events and riding well-trained horses.

“Rodeo is a culture and an environment you can’t understand unless you’ve been in it and been a part of it,” adds Logan. “You can go to a junior rodeo, and you’ll experience what I’m talking about — where people just take care of each other and look out for each other.”

The Benefits of Rodeo for Kids

To Logan and many others, rodeo is much more than a sport. It’s a lifestyle that teaches children about discipline and responsibility. While traditional youth sports emphasize practice and teamwork, rodeo adds something deeper: the daily care and commitment associated with live animals.

“Rodeo provides something that not a lot of other sports do,” adds Logan. “It becomes a lifestyle. You have to practice and you have to work at it, but you also have to take care of livestock. Responsibility is something that gets taught pretty early on to people in the Western lifestyle … [Rodeo kids] understand the amount of work that goes into doing [the sport].”

Whether your child is chasing barrels or pulling ribbons off a goat’s tail, rodeo offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to grow, not just as an athlete, but as a person. With the proper support, equipment, and community, getting your child started is easier than you think.