Local rodeo reschedules events to begin in March
By Marla Ballard
he 2024 Young Guns Junior Rodeo Association (YGJRA) was scheduled to start this month, however due to weather conditions the startup date has been moved to Saturday, March 2. The rodeo is still booked at the Agribition Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
The Agribition Center is part of Alabama A&M University and is easily accessible from Interstate 565 or Highway 72. The indoor heated, dirt floor arena seats up to 1,500 people in its retractable stadium seating. There is also a large outdoor arena on site and stalls suitable for livestock.
YGJRA contestants come from the tri-state area of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. In 2023 YGJRA had nearly 180 members. The YGJRA is produced by Todd and Christine Graham.
March will host two rodeos for YGJRA, the second one is scheduled for March 30. Thereafter YGJRA will return to their home arena in Pisgah. YGJRA will have ten rodeos this season, which will include contestants ages 1 to 19.
“We start them out young,” said Christine. “Little ones participate in the goat tail ribbon pull, stick horse race, and dummy roping.”
“We awarded seven All-Around Champion saddles and over 50 buckles, jackets and other custom awards at our 2023 Awards Banquet,” said Todd. Rodeo royalty for 2023 were: Young Gun Queen – Tyler Moore from Susan Moore, Alabama; Jr Miss Young Guns – Jaidyn Kittle from Pisgah, Alabama; and Tiny Miss Young Guns – Rylan Cooper from Vinemont, Alabama.
“They have represented our association well throughout the year,” said Christine. The new rodeo royalty Queen competition for 2024 will be held Friday, March 1 at 4 p.m. at the Agribition Center.
The 2023 All-Around Champions were: Buckaroo Division (5 years and under) - Colton Morrison; Rustler Division (6-8 years) - Sawyer Ledbetter; Wrangler Girls (10-12 years) Delayne Still; Wrangler Boys (10-12 years) - Bronclyn Hammett; Junior Girls (13-15 years) - Lily Blevins; Junior Boys (13-15 years) - Eli Crump; Senior Girls (16-19 years) - Kiara Ballew; and Senior Boys (16-19 years) - Brendan Ogle.
Christine spoke with Junior Girls All-Around Champion Lily Blevins and Junior Boys All-Around Champion Eli Crump about their 2023 season.
Lily said, “I really did not think I would win the All-Around, I missed a rodeo, and my main horse could not perform after the third rodeo due to having surgery. It was tough finishing the season without her.”
“I was really shocked when I got the confirmation text that I had won, because I was really down on myself. I pushed through the sadness and finished the season as strong as I could with the challenges that I had been given. I am really proud of my team and myself, it goes to show that you get out what you put in. I tell everyone who wants to start rodeo to go to YGJRA, the atmosphere is family-like, everyone has a bond.”
Eli said “The highlight of the season was being able to help younger riders learn to ride and rope. Being able to help out at the rodeos with the little guys in Mutton Bustin is very rewarding. I have always had someone in my corner helping me, and I want to be that person for someone that needs me. YGJRA has become family to me, the memories I made last year I will carry with me the rest of my life. I would not have had the season I had without my horses, my ribbon roping partner- Lily, my team roping partner - John, my parents, and my mentors.”
“Not all kids are into football and cheerleading,” said Christine. “I feel that rodeo is about life lessons, not just about winning and belt buckles. I was blessed to raise my kids in rodeo.”
“I feel like giving kids something to do keeps them out of trouble,” said Todd. “ A man once told me that paying for your kids to rodeo is cheaper than drug rehab. I agree with him and I hope with this rodeo we can keep some kids grounded and out of trouble. Our association is based on Christian principles.”
“We are asking those who would like to be a sponsor to reach out,” said Christine. “We have several sponsor levels available.” Rodeo competition dates and other information can be found at www.younggunsjuniorrodeo.com. Also on Facebook: Young Guns Junior Rodeo Association.
Non-participants are invited to watch at Hidden Springs Arena in Pisgah. The rodeo is free to attend as a viewer. Events generally starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 7 p.m. The rodeo season will continue until October. Hidden Springs Arena is located at 4684 County Road 60 in Pisgah. Call them at 256-605-1245. The Agribition Center is located at 4925 Moores Mill Road in Huntsville. Call them at 256-689-0274.
