It is young men and women, along with the requisite beasts, depending on the event, who mount up, ride out and put their skill and will to the test. The Southwest Arkansas High School Rodeo Association takes these cowboys and cowgirls through their paces in a season that lasts from September to Memorial Day weekend of the following year.
"This year, we had to compress things somewhat because we lost some events due to the COVID shutdown," said Jackie Sue Watlington, event secretary at the rodeo which took place at the indoor arena, Four States Fairgrounds and Rodeo. "We managed to get it done and this weekend is the final set of competitions before the seasons finale."
These competitors, ranging from four to 18-years-old, compete in a wide range of events, against both each other and the clock, in a wide range of events, displaying athleticism, horsemanship, riding, rope handling, animal handling and more. Barrel racing, pole bending (a race around six standing poles for time), goat tying, team roping and more. All told, 150 competitors took on these tasks, with representatives from Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
"Been real good, this weekend," said Watlington," said Watlington. "COVID cost us events until we got through phase two. But we did manage to save the season."
Jaden Whittington (17), a junior at Haworth High School, Haworth, Oklahoma, participated in five events this weekend. She had a great weekend, placing in four out of five of the events, namely barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping and ribbon roping were the events she placed.
"I took first in barrels, breakaway and ribbon roping, second in poles," she said. "Doing this takes a lot, takes the whole family supporting, hard work and staying positive."
Whittington wants to do rodeo competing professionally and is eyeing a career.
Her sister, Jodie (13) loves it, the riding, the competition and just playing with the animals.
"When you have a rough day doing this, you can't give up, no matter what happens," she said.
She also has professional designs in the rodeo world, as a barrel racer.
"18 May, we officially opened up the indoor facilities," said Brent Talley, Four States Fairgrounds manager, and master of ceremonies for the weekend's rodeo events. "We've got the rodeo events going, and even are now operating our indoor concession stand. We still have guidelines we are operating under, but it is good to see we are on the way to something approaching normal."
Rodeo events can now be held. However, motor sports, such as the monster truck event they were looking at in June, have been pushed further down the calendar. Talley hopes they will be held later in the year.
"But we are positive about the prospects of the Four States Fair in September, stand by for announcements," he said.
The Southwest Arkansas High School Rodeo Association season finals takes place this coming weekend. The public is invited to attend.