The pearl snaps and wranglers were out in force Sunday at the Bell County Expo Center.
Children came from the farthest corners of the County to compete in the Youth Fair and Livestock Show. Families followed to support their children in a day of belt buckle winning barrel racing.
Sunday’s events included horse speed racing and animal weigh-ins.
Devoted parents leaned eagerly against the rails, using their own stopwatches to gauge their children’s performances as they trotted the patterns.
“These kids practice with their horses practically everyday for different events, which teach responsibility for the kids,” said Joyce Hooper.
Hooper, a volunteer, is superintendent of horse competition at the fair. “First, they have to practice and, secondly, they have to take care of their horse to compete and try to win.
“Watching the kids compete,” Hooper said, “is the most interesting thing. I am amazed that even though the kids are in the same class they still pull for each other - there is no jealousy.”
Ninety-three children competed in the horse time trials Sunday afternoon. Winners of the events were not available Sunday night. Look for them in Tuesday’s Telegram.
Twelve-year-old Shelby Fields of Troy said she has had her horse Rodeo for a year, and that she trains her for the barrel races by practicing the basics, trotting and loping.
Others students employ different techniques to keep their horses performing at an optimum level.
Sasha Mullins of Belton said she likes to stretch out her horse Boomer to help him stay limber. It’s all part of getting Boomer ready to race, she said. As Sasha spoke, Boomer began to roll back and forth on his back. Sasha said, “It is like getting a back massage after a workout.”
According to Sasha, acupuncture, chiropractics, massage therapy, magnetic boots for arthritis, and swim facilities in wellness centers are available and devoted to the well being of horses.
“We swim our horses,” Sasha said. “It’s good for them. If you run them too much and work them too hard they stop wanting to run for you.”
It was not all horseplay at the Expo center Sunday. Many children brought their sheep and Herefords to be weighed and to get acquainted with their new pens on the northeast end of the center.
Jacob Macnmara, 15, brought his sheep Scooter that he’s had for eight months. Jacob says he’s been showing sheep since he was in third grade. Now that he’s a freshman in high school, he’s looking to win money at the auction to turn a profit.
Livestock competition starts today and runs through Thursday night, event coordinator Dirk Aaron said.
He added, “There is such a diverse amount of competition. For example, the home economics and woodworking competition, which has over 3,000 entries, starts (today).
“The highlight of the whole thing” though, Aaron said, “is the symbiotic relationship PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) has with putting on the rodeo. It provides the opportunity for professional cowboys to compete at additional venues.”
The rodeo runs from Thursday to Saturday. All proceeds from the rodeo go back to the youth fair. For more information about the rodeo, visit www.bellcountyrodeo.com.
