North Carolinians have always loved a good rodeo! From barrel racing and calf roping to bronc and bull riding, the excitement of a rodeo is nearly unmatched in the equine world. This year during the N.C. State Fair, come experience a rodeo like never before inside the Hunt Horse Complex!
Did you know that rodeo riding is not only considered a sport, but a viable career path for young people? The North Carolina High School Rodeo Association develops the next generation of riders from kindergarten through high school. “Horse back riding, rodeo riding especially, has been a part of our state’s heritage for many years,” said Richard Isley with Equine Event Planning. “Like anything else, you have to crawl before you can walk. The N.C. High School Rodeo Association is not only helping students promote our Western heritage but also creating opportunities for them to further their education.” The Association is broken up into three divisions that teach kids, ages kindergarten to 18+, how to bull ride, steer wrestle, calf tie, barrel race and more!
On October 20th and 21st from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., come out to cheer on these kids as they show off their skills in the Hunt Horse Complex! “It may not be a PBR rodeo, but it’s a dang good time,” Richard said. “In my opinion, it’s just like going to support kids playing baseball or soccer. Rodeo riding is considered a sport, and these kids work hard all year to develop their skills and bring them to the arena.” In fact, some of the kids who will be riding in the rodeo are already on rodeo scholarships to colleges across the U.S. “Many people don’t know that you can actually get scholarships for these types of riding, but you can,” Richard said. “Some of the kids you will see at the fair have been working all their life to reach that goal.” Although he loves every event, Richard’s favorite is the Mutton Busting, which is where young kids, typically 60 pounds or less, try riding a sheep across the arena. “It’s a lot of fun to watch these kids do what they love,” he said.
Tickets to the Rodeo can be purchased online in advance or at the Hunt Horse Complex on the day of each event. Individual rodeo tickets for Oct. 20th and Oct. 21st are $11.07 per person. If you plan to make a day of it and attend the N.C. State Fair before heading over to the rodeo, take advantage of our Bright Lights and Boots package for $19.93, which includes a fair admission ticket and a rodeo ticket for the night of your choosing. We can’t wait to experience the rodeo with you and your family this year during the N.C. State Fair!
