Amateur rodeo series kicks off

MEDICAL LAKE — The Bulls Eye Hunter’s Buckout rodeo series gets underway this Saturday at the Bar N Rodeo Arena.

The action begins at 7 p.m. at the 25421 W. Hallett Road arena.

This is the first event in a six-part buckle series, which will run monthly throughout the fall and winter, offering opportunities for both kids and adults to compete.

Bar N Rodeo Chairman Val Nussbaumer said the event will feature traditional rodeo competitions such as bull riding, steer dogging, chute dogging, bronc riding and more.

Children will have the chance to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin’, while adults can look forward to a branding challenge, bull and steer riding.

Nussbaumer emphasized the importance of this series for aspiring young rodeo athlete.

“There’s really nothing in the amateur arena for them to build up the experience they need to eventually go pro,” she said, noting that while junior rodeos are great for competing at the appropriate age level, they don’t provide the stepping stones necessary for progressing to the professional level. “Our amateur rodeos help fill that gap, giving participants a space to gain the experience they need to compete in pro rodeo someday.”

Rough Stock Riders is the stock contractor for this weekend’s event. Nussbaumer said they are well known in this area for well trained stock.