A group of area rodeo enthusiasts will present their equine skills for the community at the Allen County 4-H Rough Riders Shodeo Friday evening. THE SHODEO serves as a major fundraiser for the Rough Riders club, which sports members from each of the Allen County 4-H clubs.
The festivities, for competitors of all ages, begins at 7 p.m. at the Lyle Dreher Rough Riders Arena at Riverside Park.
Admission is $1 for those 9 and older. Those 8 and younger will be admitted free of charge.
“This should be a lot of fun,” said Amy Shannon, Rough Riders community leader. “These are not normal events you’d see at a rodeo, so their horses may not be accustomed to some of the competition. That’s where the excitement comes from.”
A $10 entry fee will cover five events: poles, barrels, a modified flag race and M barrel races, as well as one mystery event not to be revealed until Friday evening.
The competition will be divided into five age groups: 6 and under, 7-9, 10-13, 14-17 and 18 and older. Competitors will earn points for their performance in each competition. The top point earners in each age group will earn a buckle.
“That’s what is so great about Rough Riders,” Shannon said. “It brings kids from these different clubs together.”
Proceeds from the entry fees, concession sales and at the gate will fund Rough Riders activities throughout the year, including clinics and workshops, parade entry fees and for the club’s participation in a Quiz Bowl competition.
“And the kids are doing the work to put this together,” Shannon said. “They’re working hard.”
Shodeo sponsors include Twin Motors Ford, Town & Country, Iola Saddle Club, PSI Insurance, Loomis Tack, J-D’s Automotive, Iola Auto Parts and Brenda Hobbs Rockin Horseshoe Ranch.
Shodeo tests youth’s horseback skills
