DODGE CITY, Kan. – Youth who have an interest in rodeo have an opportunity to learn even more about the sport.
Dodge City Roundup Rodeo is hosting an event that’s part of the PRCA Championship Rodeo Camp Series from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Roundup Arena in Dodge City. The free training is set for participants of all abilities who are 8 year old or older.
“PRCA Championship Rodeo Camps are great for beginners and have proven to be very beneficial for advanced riders,” said Julie Jutten, who is with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s industry outreach department. “If you are new to the sport, the camp will get you off to the right start, which will help your long-term success in the sport.”
The curriculum includes an introduction to all three roughstock events – bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding – and will cover the basics: safety and fundamentals, livestock safety, injury prevention, tips from professionals, chute procedures, riding equipment overview, goal setting and an introduction to the PRCA.
“We’re very excited to be part of this program that is designed to help teach people about rodeo,” said Dr. R.C. Trotter, chairman of the Roundup committee. “I think this is an outstanding way to draw young people to the sport and teach them the skills they might need if they want to pursue rodeo in their future.”
It’s been a banner year for Dodge City Roundup, which takes place annually during the community’s Dodge City Days celebration. It was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame this past July. In August, the community hosted a rodeo that featured the very best in the sport and saw a record-breaking attendance.
“Hopefully we’ll have a number of the campers who come back and compete at Roundup in just a few years,” Trotter said.
Students can register in all three roughstock events and may do so online HERE. Students also can register by calling Jutten at (719) 304-1471.
“The classroom will include sessions on preventing and managing injuries, which will prolong careers, and understanding the PRCA, which will ease an athlete’s transition into ProRodeo,” Jutten said. “The camps are free and a great chance to learn from the best of the PRCA.”