RAPID CITY, SD – A different kind of rodeo took place Saturday where everyone – even the volunteers – were winners.
“Things like this build confidence in young kids,” said Dustin Luper, rodeo coach at Chadron State College.
Excitement and contagious smiles filled the Kjerstad Event Center Saturday morning for a special rodeo for Memorial Health. This is the first year for the event, which aims to give people of all abilities a chance to experience the rodeo lifestyle.
“Jack is 22 years old and he has autism and he’s non-verbal so there aren’t a lot of opportunities for adults with disabilities,” said Michelle Kane, one of the parents in the audience. “So this is the first time we’ve tried this, and so far he’s here and he’s checking out the horse right now, so we’d say it’s a success so far!”
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
Chadron State College head rodeo coach Dustin Looper tips his hat to Matthew for some of his bull riding. Matthew rode that bull at least 20 times!
Chadron State College head rodeo coach Dustin Looper tips his hat to Matthew for some of his bull riding. Matthew rode that bull at least 20 times!
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
Volunteers help participants enter Memorial Health’s first-ever special rodeo.
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
Maddy Moody In 2018, Rubin met at a special rodeo in Belle Fourche
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
A special rodeo athlete will be drawn on one of the Red Horse healing therapy horses
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
Chadron State College head rodeo coach Dustin Looper tips his hat to Matthew for some of his bull riding.
Chadron State College head rodeo coach Dustin Looper tips his hat to Matthew for some of his bull riding.
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
Black Hills State University rodeo coach Glen Lammers (far left) and Chadron State College head rodeo coach Dustin Luper (center) pose with Matthews, a special rodeo athlete who loves bull riding.
Black Hills State University rodeo coach Glen Lammers (far left) and Chadron State College head rodeo coach Dustin Luper (center) pose with Matthews, a special rodeo athlete who loves bull riding.
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
Jackie does her best to hold all eight seconds.
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
Shannon Champion (left), daughter Ruby Lehman (center) and Maddie Moody (right), all reunited after attending the same event at Spearfish in 2018.
Shannon Champion (left), daughter Ruby Lehman (center) and Maddie Moody (right), all reunited after attending the same event at Spearfish in 2018.
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
Shannon Champion (left), daughter Ruby Lehman (center) and Maddie Moody (right), all reunited after attending the same event at Spearfish in 2018.
Shannon Champion (left), daughter Ruby Lehman (center) and Maddie Moody (right), all reunited after attending the same event at Spearfish in 2018.
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
It was attended by the James Kjerstad Event Center.
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
A special rodeo athlete is kissed by one of the Red Horse healing horses
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
A special rodeo athlete learns “the ropes”.
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
Memorial Health Special Rodeo
Special Rodeo Athletes Bull Riding at Memorial Health Special Rodeo August 27, 2022
Special Rodeo Athletes Bull Riding at Memorial Health Special Rodeo August 27, 2022
The event is for parents, to remind them that they are not alone and to connect with other families in similar situations.
Volunteers from all walks of life gathered and left the event inspired and encouraged.
Special Rodeo Athletes Bull Riding at Memorial Health Special Rodeo August 27, 2022
“It might be more for me than for these kids. Honestly, just [to] Look at the smiles and joy he brings and it just fuels the fire inside of you,” said Looper.
From therapy horseback riding to roping, bull riding and pole horse racing, there was no shortage of opportunities to saddle up. Participants are paired with a friend – forming friendships, some of which last for years.
Maddie Moody is on the Black Hills State Rodeo Team and has volunteered her time at similar events in the past. Four years ago in Belle Fourche, she met Ruby, who was three at the time.
Ruby and her mother, Shannon, saw Maddie from the stage and couldn’t believe who it was.
“Someone asked me earlier what’s different about this. And that relationship just…I think we’re getting to see them again. It’s great,” Moody said.
Maddy Moody In 2018, Rubin met at a special rodeo in Belle Fourche
Maddie and Ruby spent a lot of time talking, and it was all smiles for the pair.
Ruby’s favorite part? Horses, of course.
“We are so grateful to have the opportunity to do these things,” said Shannon, Ruby’s mother.
Everyone goes home a winner.
“It builds something in them that no one else can give them,” Luper said. “They just get it.”
