Rodeo rock star

Andrew Kaplan, a kindergartener at West University Elementary, scored second place in Mutton Bustin’ at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

My name is Andrew and I am 6 and a half. This year at the rodeo, I was part of Mutton Bustin’. You can only do Mutton Bustin’ if you are 5 or 6, so I can’t do it again next year. I practiced ahead of time at the carnival and on my dad’s back around our house so I could learn how to stay on the sheep. We got there really early, and it was during my Spring Break from school.

I got to ride in the Grand Entry of the rodeo with all the other kids. They let us ride on a wagon pulled by horses. We waved at all the people in the stands. They put on our helmets and these jackets that protect us. They had all the kids lined up ready to go. I was so nervous in front of all of the people, but my mom, dad, brother Joshua, sister Emily, my aunt, uncle, grandparents and my cousin were watching me, and they were excited. My teacher from school also came to watch with her friends and held up signs to cheer me on.

During the rodeo, some of the sheep are very fast, and some are slow. I got a fast sheep, and he took off running as soon as I got on him. You have to hold on tight to stay on the sheep. I held on to my sheep really tight and stayed on as long as I could. I got second place! My mom and dad said good job, and they were very happy. My score was an 89. I was very proud. After everyone had their ride, we all got trophies and belt buckles. Then, I got to eat cotton candy, popcorn and pizza, and I loved playing the games at the rodeo. But riding on the sheep was my favorite part of the day. I had so much fun, and I can’t wait to go back to the rodeo next year. See Andrew’s Mutton Bustin’ performance below. Video by Michael Kaplan.

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