Rootin’ Tootin’ Tots Of Delbert Days

By Grace Usher

Rodeo weekend is full of Western inspired activities for all ages to enjoy. Some may say the cutest time of the weekend is the mornings when the youngest cowboys and cowgirls are featured: Little Delbert Days.

For the last 10 years, the youngins have put on their boots, put on their gallon hats and held on for dear life. The morning events include mutton bustin’, calf riding and steer riding.

Second place winner Anderson Olson holds on to a sheep during Muttin’ Bustin Saturday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Mutton Bustin’ is for the youngest tikes of the gang. Age 5 and under, these ridin’ tots jump on sheep bigger than them, grab by the fur and attempt to hold on for as long as possible. Many don’t make it more than a second, but there are a few who get the ride of their life.

“My favorite part of riding the sheep is when I got knocked off!” said Jaxzon Bovee, 6.

For the calf riding, kids aged 6-10 saddle up bare-back on a young calf who is full of energy and ready to run. Because of their size, this ride is a bit more dangerous and a lot more fun.

2nd place winner Sebastian Tilaro rides a calf during Delbert Days Saturday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“[My favorite part] was riding the cow. It was my first time today,” said Sebastian Tillero, 8.

The final tier of rough riding is the steers. Only for those 10-14, this is the roughest ride of the morning. Trying to hold on to these animals gives these kids an idea of how their parents must feel every day.

“My favorite part was when I finally got on [the cow] and I did it and didn’t back off,” said Sophia Corodda, 9.

Good job to all of the kids who participated in Little Delbert Days Saturday morning. Here are the names of all the contestants:

Mutton Bustin’

1st: Jaxson Jaramillo
2nd: Anderson Olson
3rd: Brianna Bly

Calf Riding

1st: Logan Goalet
2nd: Sebastian Tilaro
3rd: Charles Wilhelm

Steer Riding

1st: Blane Humble
2nd: Preston Holmes
3rd: Jeremiah Snedeker

Here are some highlight photos from Saturday’s event: