The young riders, typically between 4 and 7 years old, are placed on top of a sheep in a chute before the animal is let go and sprints across the arena.
A sheep turned on its young rider at a rodeo event in Texas. Photo / Instagram
Riders’ arms are wrapped tightly around the sheep’s neck or they hold on to its wool for as long as they can before they are eventually thrown off.
The recent Mutton Bustin’ event was held as part of the wider Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The annual event combines rodeo competitions, concerts, carnival rides and agricultural events, drawing millions of visitors to the Texas city over its three-week run.
Each evening begins with professional rodeo competitions such as bull riding and is usually followed by a concert performance.
Country artists Lainey Wilson, Parker McCollum and Tim McGraw are set to perform at the event this year.
The livestock show gives spectators the opportunity to see cattle, pigs and other animals raised by students across Texas.
Livestock auctions are held regularly at the event, with last year’s grand champion steer selling for $1,154,991 (US$675,000).
However, this falls short of the record US$1 million ($1.7 million) bids made in both 2022 and 2024.