2023 WSF debuts World Champion Mutton Bustin’

The world of mutton bustin’ is one of the best kept secrets in rodeo.

Those who don’t have a little buckaroo at home may have never had the chance to see the future of the sport tumble off of a sheep for the first time.

For others, it might be tradition to participate in the increasingly popular event.

While many Wyoming hometowns hold their own competitions, mutton bustin’ is an ever growing event, with increasing prizes on the world stage.

Wyoming State Fair (WSF) recognizes this, which is why it is expanding its reach by debuting the 2023 World Champion Mutton Bustin’ during the 111th annual fair.

“It’s a huge event and everyone who goes to watch it just loves it,” says WSF Marketing and Communications Liaison Kota Provence. “With World Champion Mutton Bustin’ we can have up to 30 participants allowing more people to get in on the fun than ever before”

For those who have not had the opportunity to catch the action live, it is worth the trip.

State fair event

Mutton bustin’ will be held Aug. 17 just before the 7 p.m. Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night Rodeo and the crowning of 2024 Miss Wyoming. Registration is on a first come, first served basis, so interested individuals should visit wystatefair.com to promptly complete a registration form to secure a spot to compete in this premier event.

Registration will remain open until all 30 spots are filled.

“We will also be awarding a higher first place

Continued on next page prize than we have historically to help foster youth competition,” Kota says.

The competition is open to all cowboys and cowgirls ages 5-7, weighing 65 pounds or less.

The winner of the WSF World Champion Mutton Bustin’ will not only take home the prestigious title, but they will also be awarded a grand prize of $250 in cash, along with a magnificent World Champion Buckle.

Every participant will receive a commemorative shirt courtesy of the F.A.I.R. Posse. Additionally, all participants will receive a reserve champion chair as a memento for their participation.

Expert advice

Mutton bustin’ is also known as wool riding and is a youngster’s version of bronc riding. It has transformed into a children’s rodeo event, in which kids try to ride a sheep for up to eight seconds.

There were nearly two dozen riders at the mutton bustin’ in Glenrock on June 23.

While many rides were short, several youngsters exceeded five seconds. Despite their time, they all had in one thing in common – no regrets for trying.

“You have to keep holding on with both hands, and you have to keep your head in the middle of the sheep’s back,” says 11-year-old Wesston Allen of Glenrock, who is a veteran of the sport.

“Two ways to practice to do good in mutton bustin’ is on your dad’s back, or you can sit on a horse and ride around – that helps too,” he advises.

Wesston, born and raised in Converse County, is entering sixth grade and has retired from mutton bustin’ because he is too old to compete.

However, through his experience, he provides good advice to the current mutton bustin’ community, as he has competed in nearly 20 events – he lost count after so many – and won four rides, including the Central Wyoming Fair, Deer Creek Days and Converse County Fair, twice.

“I have two favorite memories in mutton bustin’. The first one is after I had a good ride, I got up and waved to the crowd, and they were all clapping for me,” he shares. “The other time, I was riding the sheep, and I landed in a mud puddle.”

Wesston hopes to compete in rodeo one day, which is is the beauty of mutton bustin’ – it introduces young cowboys and cowgirls to the rodeo way of life, some who ultimately grow up to compete in pro rodeo.

With practice and a plan, these youngsters could have better odds at winning the cutest event in dirt ever and earn prestigious bragging rights and cash prizes, just like WSF will award this year.