For some in Kansas, youth rodeo is taken quite seriously. Rodeos consist of multiple events that both genders can participate in. Events like saddle bronc riding - which is the “classic” event, bareback riding, bull riding, tie down roping and barrel racing draw high school competitors, and even kids first grade and younger can compete in events like sheep riding and goat tying, with additional events for kids in the middle. Dodge City - known for rodeos in Kansas - has its crowning of the Miss Rodeo Kansas.  

Freshmen Kylie Ast and Tori Kunz are locally known for participating in rodeos and do different events.

“I participate in the barrel racing,” says freshman Kylie Ast.

Both said they have been in rodeos since they were young and have grown to love the events.

Though there are multiple events to watch and compete in, both picked the one they currently compete in as their favorite.

“My favorite event is probably roping and barrel racing,” Kunz said.

Both Ast and Kunz were inspired to do rodeos by their fathers, who had passed it on to both of them at a young age.

“I do it because of my dad; he passed it on to us girls,” Ast said.

While rodeo looks fun, it's a serious event with a real risk of getting hurt but big rewards as well.  

“Rodeo is exciting, and hard work pays off,” Ast said.

Photo of Kylie Ast courtesy of Facebook