KINGMAN – The Kingsmen Association will be celebrating their 40th year of bringing PRCA Pro Rodeo to the Kingman area on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, at Mohave County Fairgrounds in Kingman. Gates open at noon with the rodeo beginning at 2 p.m. each day. Tickets are per day; age 17 and up, $20; seniors, veterans, and first responders, $15; kids ages 7 – 16, $10; kids 6 and under free with paid adult.
This family-friendly event will feature exciting competitions in barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, bull riding, team roping, breakaway roping, saddle bronc, bareback riding and calf roping. And of course the all-time favorites – mutton busting and steer riding for the kids!
Mutton Busting
Mutton busting is a rodeo event where children ride sheep for sport and competition. Typically participating children should be between 3 and 7 years of age, and weigh under 60 pounds. The event involves the child holding on to the sheep as it runs out of a chute, aiming to stay on for as long as possible without falling off.
Mutton busting competition is held prior to the rodeo, with the participating kids being recognized at the rodeo itself. Mutton busting special event dates are as follows: Contestant choice of April 9 or 10 at 6 p.m. The top 10 participants each day will be able to ride again at the rodeo on respective days. April 9 contestants will ride in the rodeo on April 12; and April 10 contestants will ride in the rodeo on April 13. Pre-entry is required with entry open now through April 9 on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Rules include that the contestant may use one or two hands, with one-hand rides receiving more points. Participants must be able to ride for six seconds to score and receive points. One parent or guardian per child will be on the ground outside the chute area. Parents and contestants are required to dress wester with long sleeve shirt and western boots. Entry fee is $35 per child.
Steer Riding
Steer riding is a rodeo youth event for youth between 8 and 14 years of age, and weigh less than 100 pounds. Steer riding is an introductory form of bull riding for these young riders. Instead of bucking bulls, the children ride steers that buck. Also known as steer wrestling, this event involves a horse-mounted rider chasing after a steer, dismounting, and then wrestling the steer to the ground by grabbing its horns. It’s a demonstration of strength and technique.
Steer riding competition is held prior to the rodeo, with the participating kids being recognized at the rodeo itself. Mutton busting special event dates are as follows: Contestant choice of April 9 or 10 at 6 p.m. The top 10 participants each day will be able to ride again at the rodeo on respective days. April 9 contestants will ride in the rodeo on April 12; and April 10 contestants will ride in the rodeo on April 13. Pre-entry is required with entry open now through April 9 on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Rules include that the contestant must ride for eight seconds to score and receive points. One parent or guardian per child will be on the ground outside the chute area. Helmets and vests are provided. Parents and contestants are required to dress wester with long sleeve shirt and western boots. Entry fee is $35 per child.
The Kingsmen
The Kingsmen is a professional group of community-oriented men and women dedicated to preserving the western heritage value that stimulated the growth and identity of Kingman, Arizona.The Kingsmen support civic and charitable initiatives to promote Kingman as a highly desirable city for area families and tourists alike.
Current Kingsmen officers include President Tim Curry, Vice President Mike Sodaro, Secretary Chris Shaffer, Treasurer Joe Throneberry, Past President Cody Swanty, Life Member Mark Wimpee, Officer Clint VanVleet, and Sergeant at Arms Kenny Luman.
Rodeo Royalty
Rodeo royalty represent Kingsmen Andy Devine Pro Rodeo and other rodeos all over the state. Queen and Teen Queen royalty do a great job of representing The Kingsmen while also having a lot of fun!
The Kingsmen encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a weekend of rodeo fun and activities, Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13!
