From tiny tots to teenagers, roughly 100 local competitors participated in the first of the three-part Steve Mauldin Memorial Youth Rodeo Buckle Series, held at the Fellsmere Riding Club Arena.
The annual event is a tribute to Steven Mauldin, a young rodeo circuit rider who was killed in a car accident in 2006.
With friends and family cheering them on, contestants hung on tight and showed off their skills in true rodeo fashion – from mutton bustin’ (aka sheep riding) to fullout barrel racing and bull riding.
The second in the series takes place Sept. 12, with finals following on Oct. 3.