Do you like to find different things to do? Something that is fun for everyone? Check out the Carroll County Agriculture Center for the IBR Bullriding events.
I am always looking for something to do that isn’t the same old thing everyone does. I like to switch things up to make life interesting. If you are anything like me I can only do the same park or the same few places before it becomes a chore and I don’t want to leave the house.
Usually rodeos are held outside in the warmer months, we are fortunate enough to have an indoor bull riding event in the winter. You will find the IBR Bullriding at the Carroll County Agriculture & Arena is a HUGE deal for Marylanders. It is two Saturdays in a row and you must get there an hour or so before the doors open just to get in.
This event is cash only and you cannot get your tickets in advance. Once you get in there are some vendors that you can walk around and purchase the goods they have for sale. These vendors do take cards. You can get some beautiful jewelry or tap into your inner cowboy/cowgirl and grab a hat, boots, buckles, belts, wallets and purses. There was also a mechanical bull setup if you think you are able to stay on for 8 seconds.
If you are wanting to get something to eat from the concession stand they are cash only. I sent my kids with my card so we didn’t lose our seats. They ended up hunting me down for cash because they already ordered. After we were settled and walked around to the different vendors it was time for the event to begin.
They always start the event with the Cowboy Prayer and the National Anthem. It is a beautiful thing to see and will bring you to tears. The whole place is silent and it is very moving to see the cowboys appreciate the prayer and anthem.
Since this is just a qualifying bull riding event, you get to watch the top bull riders qualify for the finals. There is a buckle ceremony afterwards and a cash reward.
If you have never been to a rodeo or bull riding event you must stay on for eight seconds without touching the bull or falling off to qualify. You are scored based on how well you ride. There were five bucking chutes and as one chute would open the other riders are getting themselves into place and ready to ride when their chute opens. It does go by pretty fast and the rodeo clown does a great job at keeping you entertained if the rider isn’t ready.
Of course these are animals and they do have a mind of their own. At times they do throw the cowboy or the handlers that are in the arena to protect the cowboy form the horns. Because they have a mind of their own they do like to wander around and not go to the back. While this happens the announcer and rodeo clown do a great job at keeping the audience entertained.
There is an intermission where they bring up some little kids to do some mutton bustin. This is where those little ones get to try there hand in riding a sheep. They are not bucking sheep they just run around the arena while they get to hold on without falling off. It is cute to watch. After the intermission they will bring out the cowboys that qualified in the first half back for another ride.
If you are looking for some fun and different ideas on what to do with your friends and/or family give a rodeo or bullriding event a try. You will have a lot of fun!
With Love,
Jamie
