Young cowboys and cowgirls tried their hand at bucking and barrel racing during Saturday's youth rodeo at Timberline Stables in New Bloomfield.
The second in Glory Days Rodeo Company's 2017 Winter Series saw more than 80 participants from around Missouri and as far away as Illinois brave the cold temperatures and slippery footing. Glory Days was founded in 2014 by Ben Ferrell and Tom Calliham who wanted to bring youth rodeo to the area.
"When I started riding, there was no youth division," Ferrell said. "Kids would ride the same bulls as the adults."
Glory Days provides a variety of bucking events that are easier for kids, all the way up to full-sized bulls. The events including bucking sheep, calves, pee-wee bulls and pee-wee ponies. For the older contestents, a junior bull and open bull division is offered. For those with a need for speed, Glory Days also holds pee-wee, youth and open barrel races.
Ferrell, who rode bulls as a youth, said these events help kids get a taste of the rodeo experience.
"We like riding, and we want to pass it on to the kids," he said. "We want this to be a learning experience."
During summer, Glory Days holds events at local fairs. But in the winter, even Ferrell hates the cold weather.
"Nobody likes doing these during the winter, being out in the cold weather, not even me," Ferrell said. "But, you gotta do it."
The next rodeo in the 2017 Winter Series will be on Feb. 4 at Timberline Stables in New Bloomfield.