Mutton Bustin'

We watched last year when my daughter just turned 2 and she really wanted to do it, but I felt she was too young. We are going to let her try it this year though. They ride the sheep and smaller children are supported with people on both side of the sheep and aren't allowed to just take off unless the child is a more experienced rider. You can tell them this is their first time and they stay right there with you child the whole ride. So nothing to worry about there.

The sheep are full grown, so your son may be a bit intimidated and may need a bit of coaxing when you get there. But, getting him out of his shell is awesome!

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What a great question-- I've seen it done--- and have to admit -- I'd be a bit worried ( but then, I'm a worry-wart--) My suggestion is to say ''' well, dear heart-- you MIGHT be able to -- I'll help you try-- but Dad or I might decide it's too dangerous- so we sure aren't promising- we'll take a good close look when we get there''' --- and then--- go with your impression when you get there -- ask some real clear questions about safety- and then -- decide--- I'll be anxious to hear -- let me know :-)

Blessings,
J.- aka- Old Mom

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K. - While I am all for kids bustin' out of their shell, I would be VERY cautious of riding a sheep. As someone pointed out, they are not itty bitty. They are bigger than your son. If he falls off, and God forbid twists a little funny he could land on his head. I know you said he would have a helmet, which is great, but will that protect his neck? I know that the kids I nanny go dirt bike riding and ATV riding and they have neck braces for ALL Their kids to wear for that very reason....the head bounces around and whips back and forth.
I may be too much of a worry wort, but I would rather be safe than sorry!
L.
Okay, I know that 100's of kids probably do this every year and never have an issue, but what about that one or two kids that do?? I wouldn't want to cross my fingers about that one. I know we have to let our kids grow and explore and try out new sports...but riding a sheep isn't really a neccessaty (sp?) is it?

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K.,

We were going to let my son try it last year, but showed up to register too late. The sheep are NOT itty Bitty, they are about the size of Great Danes. The kids wear helmets and a ton of padding, and the dirt is soft packed. They cling the to back of the sheep like a baby gorilla while the sheep runs across the ring to its herd mates on the other side. I'd say, if he wants to do it let him. When you get there, if he chooses not to ride at the last minute I do believe that you can get your money back, as long as he's not on the sheep when he changes his mind. They go through the rules before you pay the money too.

Hope this helps,
M.

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Hi K. - If he wants to try then let him try. When kids are that age fear has not fully kicked in. If he is coming out of a shell then by all means help him explore the world around. He will slow down in a little bit, after he realizes that these opportunities to explore and try things will continue the rest of this life. Hope you have fun!

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I probably wouldn't let my son ride it;-) Because they fall off easily- not that that would hurt him but getting kicked or stepped on would- I used to ride horses and get bucked off but I was over 12 yrs old. Also it sound inhumane for the poor sheep?
Have fun at fair.

We have a small rodeo in our community that has Mutton Bustin'. All three of my boys love this. They are 7, 4, and almost 3. We put helmets and vests on the kids. Pretty much the worst that happens is the eat a lot of dirt. They love it!

My youngest cousins (boy and a girl) have been doing jr. rodeo events for a long time. The protective clothing that they are given helps with falls. There is always the chance they could get the wind knocked out of them or fall the odd way and break an arm, but those are what ifs, these things could just as easily happen at school playing on the playground equipment. Look at the size of the sheep. You want them to be lambs, not full grown sheep. And look at your child's physical size in comparison to the sheep. How coordinated is your child, as they do have to hang on to the cinch rope and grasp with their legs to be successful?
They can have a lot of fun. Yes, they will get their pride hurt, but most events like this every child gets a round of applause and a quarter or some participant award at the end of the ride. My little cousins are 7 and 4. The oldest has been 'rodeoing' since he was 3. Their little sister who is 3 will climb on a new lamb or a hop on the saddles in the tack room pretending to rope the next calf out of the chute. They are farm kids and they're Dad is pro calf roper.

Hi, I think that sounds like a lot of fun - kind of like riding a mini horse! I have a 2 and 3 year old that I'm sure would love it if they offered that here. I say go for it!

Big risks. Have thought out all the negatives? How active are the "muttons"? I know that you want to support his breaking out of his shell, but are permanent injuries worth it? Perhaps you should list the negatives vs the positives and compare the lists. He sounds so little and injuries at this age will last a life time. You could give him a choice of two or three other activities that will satisfy his need for adventure without such risk of injury.

I let my son do it when he was little and he loved it. He is now 10 and still talks about it sometimes.The local paper took a pic of him afterward, and he was able to keep that as a memo.
Let him do it if he is intersted.

My answer may not be popular with others but....let your kids be kids. If you feel it is dangerous when you get there don't let him do it. Otherwise go for it. If we keep our kids in a protective shell forever they will never get to experience all life has to offer. I just keep it reasonable.

my son did this last year for the first time. He had a great time. He does not like to do new things and get nervous, but he wanted to do this and we did get the video. he loves to watch it and show it to everyone. We even got him a shirt and he wers it with such pride letting everyone know he did it. I would say, if he wants to do it, let him. it is a hoot to watch all the kids. Some do eat a lot of dirt. When he fell off, he didnt get hurt. the helmet and vest protected him really well. I belive he did get hit in the leg bye hoof but he said it didnt hurt at all.