Rodeo is a lifestyle that is embraced at a young age. Growing up around horses and cattle creates a love for them as well as a respect for the strengths of these animals.
On Sept. 14th and 15th the Kennedy High School rodeo will be held for its sixth year.
Local organizer and Saskatchewan High School Rodeo Association National Director, Howard Floyd, explained the event started with his son's interest in the sport.
"My son joined the High School Rodeo Association when he was in grade six, so the following spring we hosted one," Floyd explained. "My son's now graduated but we've hosted one every year since and hope to continue to do so."
Though his son, Cody Floyd, is now graduated he is still a strong competitor in rodeo events and the Floyd family enjoys the opportunity to continue giving to the young competitors of the sport.
"A lot of our kids with the Junior High division are just getting going in the sport of rodeo," Howard stated. "You're going to see better than you expected. With the High School division there are many who are also competing in the Amateur division of the Canadian Rodeo. It is going to be like watching junior hockey as compared to the next level."
In this sense the reference to junior hockey shows that those competing may be the ones who eventually make it into the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.
"Many of these kids have been riding and competing since an early age," Howard continued.
Though Cody may no longer be competing in the High School Rodeo Association there are competitive youth in the area including Celina Cummins of Kennedy as well as Cassie Eaton, Zach Eaton, and Tucker Eaton all of Arcola.
The competition will begin both days at 9:30 a.m. with the Junior High division, while the High School division will begin at noon.
The Junior High division will see chute dogging, break away roping, junior bull riding, barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, ribbon roping, team roping, barrel racing, and pole bending.
The High School division will consist of tie down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, and break away roping.
Admission for the day is $5 per day for adults, while students who are accompanied with an adult will be admitted for free.
Saturday will also see a roast pork supper at 6 p.m. for $10.
Many competitive youth are expected to participate in the rodeo, which over the past five years has become a great event for rodeo enthusiasts to take in.
