NEWCASTLE — When Gemma-Anne Haynes of Gillette heard that her friend Waylon Jackson would be riding sheep at the miniature roughstock rodeo during the Weston County Fair, she was all in.
Leading up to the event, Jackson had been bragging that he was going to beat his friend at mutton busting.
In the end, Haynes toughed it out the longest. Jackson lost his grip and dropped to the dirt near the gate, while Haynes was still holding on by the time the sheep had reached the middle of the arena.
She didn’t win the overall event, but it was apparent from the breathless smiles of both mother and daughter that Gemma-Anne had won bragging rights over Jackson, and that was more important.
Angel told Cowboy State Daily she couldn’t be prouder of her daughter’s achievement. In a state that has rodeo down to its roots, kids start as soon as they can sit in a saddle.
Miniature roughstock rodeos like the one this past week in Newcastle are becoming more and more popular. They allow kids to ride appropriately sized bulls, horses and other rodeo livestock.
“This is a great activity for the kids,” Angel said. “There’s good sportsmanship, and these kids are all coming together. Winning and