Junior Rodeo Round Up 

It’s not Kimberly Benne-Gray’s first rodeo. In fact, she’s been to hundreds. As the daughter of Edmond’s longest rodeo member, Carl Benne, Kimberly says she’s spent her entire life at the rodeo. She learned to count in the concession stand working alongside her mother and recently marked her 20th year as Edmond Round Up Club Secretary. 

“My father was eight years old when he joined the Edmond Round Up Club,” she said. “The club honored him by naming the arena after him in 2003.” Carl passed in 2020 at the age of 87, but his legacy lives on. 

The Edmond Junior Rodeo series, organized by the Edmond Round Up Club, runs from April through August, featuring 14 rodeos that cater to children aged 1 to 18. The events are designed to be a stepping stone for young rodeo enthusiasts, providing a nurturing and supportive environment. 

“Some places focus on being really competitive,” Kimberly explained,” And while there is healthy competition, we really focus on being a stepping stone to get kids to the next level. We want everyone to feel like Edmond is a safe place to learn and grow – like it’s home.” 

Each rodeo sees around 200 young competitors. “Participants can compete just about as soon as they can walk,” Kimberly said, going on to describe a spectator favorite: goat undecorating. 

“The little ones toddle from the starting line to their designated goat. The goal is to remove ribbons from the goat’s tail, but there’s a lot of hugging and playing that goes on before that happens.” More advanced participants can compete in bull riding, steer riding, calf riding, mutton bustin’, break-away roping, team roping, goat undecorating on horse, goat tying, barrel racing, and pole bending. 

While winners do walk away with special prizes at the end of the season, Kimberly says no one walks away empty-handed. “Rodeo kids learn great responsibility early on,” she said. “They have to get up every day and care for their animals, and many of them practice their skills daily. It really is a fun way for kids to learn discipline and how to care for something outside of themselves.” 

While some participants go on to ride professionally, the Edmond Junior Rodeo remains a crucial foundation, providing a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can feel at home – spectators included. 

“It’s a great place to bring your family even if you’re not participating,” Kimberly said. “We have an average of over 200 kids out there, and so it’s a very family-oriented, fun way to get out in the community and experience something that may be new to you.” 

There are still opportunities to get roped into the Junior Rodeo this summer. Find them at edmondroundupclub.com/calendar.