7.06.09 - 4:30PM
- by
Eliot Glazer

Mutton Busting, In Which Parents Let Their Young Children Get Tossed From Sheep

topic:
Videos
In Real Life
Sports
Animals

mutton busting sheep kids We've never been to the rodeo, but it sounds like a *k*R*a*Z*y* time. Dudes riding on bulls and sh*t? That just sounds nuts. Hands down nuts, y'all. Honestly, though? It's probably not our scene.

Instead, we'd much prefer to head over to the baby rodeo, where *ZOMG* MUTTON BUSTING takes place. And while "mutton busting" sounds categorically filthy, it is, in fact, merely the act of a child riding a hyper sheep bareback.

As one might expect, some people consider it "child abuse" while others consider it "animal abuse" (and some, in fact, recognize it as both). And, sure, they're probably right, but it doesn't mean there aren't plenty of folks happy to upload the footage to the Tubez.

(J/K, we'd never want to see this live, considering that we'd end up picketing.)

Mother of the Year?

Thanks for the tip, Steve!

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7.10.09

By Oklahoma Kracker

Neutral

You'd protest an event where a child in a flak jacket and helmet falls two feet into worked up sandy ground? Seems like with that kind of time on your hands you might be able to find something to do to actually make this world a better place.

Just a thought.

7.10.09

By Seth

Neutral

Here's another horrible horrible practice you should be aware of. Some reprehensible parents strap their children into wheeled contraptions and push them down hills with little thought to their safety. And not on soft rodeo dirt, but asphalt!? How is this ok?

Here is a video of a 10 yr old hitting a curb and doing a triple flip over an embankment and into a tree.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teEZxy5Oy0M

WILL NO ONE THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!?!?!?!?!1

Have some perspective.

8.26.09

By Eric H

Neutral

2 points:
1. Child Abuse: In the video you chose to support your comments I saw parents and kids spending time together, high fives, hugs, laughter, and encouragement, and some tears. Not sure what you do with your kids, but if they are sitting on a couch playing a video game right now you might what to re-think some things. Obesity and inactivity are claiming way more lives than riders in protective gear falling off sheep.
2. Animal Abuse: At least you admitted you haven't spent any time around stock animals. Rodeo stock are expensive and receive intensive care, from owners, riders, and vets. Larger, intelligent stock clearly enjoy the events and display a keen desire to participate. As for the sheep, it would be unfair to suggest they "want" to be ridden, they clearly would rather be left alone, but between pain tolerance, appropriate weight of rider, controlled area etc... injuries to sheep are unheard of. Their life in an open pasture is far more difficult, and brutal, than those selected for rodeo work.

You don't approve of rodeo because you don't know animals. Risk of injury? Animals risk injury in daily life. Unattended by ranchers or farmers they will run too fast, jump too high, fall off things, hurt each other, step off or on dangerous items... What they won't do is stay safefly in an enclosed prepared environment free or obstacles or other animals that could cause them injury unless you force them too against their will. And if you do, they spend 100% of their time trying to get out.

I doubt you will take these comments to heart, but they are true.

9.14.09

By Leanna

Neutral

For a lot of these kids - mine included - this sport is taken VERY seriously. My 8-yo son and daughter both "bust" and will be riding broncs and bulls when they're old enough, if they want to continue with rodeoing. Their call. Child abuse? Hardly. Danger? Remote chance. Animal abuse? Well, I'm guessing the sheep would rather be ridden for 8 seconds than eaten... Oh, and my 14-yo son rides bulls. Guess I'm won't be in the running for the mother-of-the-year award.

1.10.12

By muttonbustinmom

Neutral

My 16 yo eats breathes and sleeps ridin. Myself and my family support him and his opinions and choices. My 3 yo spends his afternoons practicing riding sheep. It's a way of life for most people in Southeast New Mexico where we are from. Child abuse? Animal abuse? What a bunch of morons...