All the way from Jacob Penner’s boots, to the top of his hat, the six-year-old is a real cowboy.
“I most like riding my horse, doing barrels and pulls… I like watching people go on the steers.”
Penner’s dad, Dave, put him into the rodeo scene when he was just four years old and never looked back. He said getting kids into the arena early helps them develop social skills.
“I think it’s important for them to get a taste of what rodeo is actually like, so when they do get older and have the decision-making process to think about, they are ready to make that decision.”
The Blood Tribe Youth Rodeo in Stand Off, Alta welcomes teenagers and toddlers, some who can barely hold on. Organizers of the event said it is a good opportunity to keep kids focused on something positive.
“A lot of them do continue to participate in rodeo… It’s good and it gives kids the opportunity come out and be with not only their own peers but they get that support from their family members as well,” Marcel Weaselhead said.
For 12-year-old Cole Soop, it’s the support he gets from his peers and grandpa that made him fall in love with the sport.
“Last year I made it to Vegas, my first year of rodeo. ”
He placed 15th for junior break away towing at the Indian National Finals Rodeo. He hopes his success now will lead him to become a world champ in the future.
The rodeo will continue throughout the week, with the adults getting into the arena on Wednesday. The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Kainai Indian Days, the powwow begins on Friday.
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