Lafayette County Multi-Purpose Arena opened for two days of rodeo action on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 at the Lafayette County Pro Rodeo, where cowpoke competed in a series of classic events showcasing speed and skill.
The rodeo kicked off with saddle bronc riding, in which riders attempted to stay on bucking horses for eight seconds. The evening continued with calf roping, team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing, before closing with the crowd-favorite event, bull riding.
“I love the high adrenaline, the bucking bulls,” Reagan Synder, a junior criminal justice major, said.
While some came for the bulls, some came for an all-American experience with their families, and others came simply to enjoy a night of entertainment before stormy weather entered over the weekend.
“I wanted to enjoy something before the rain,” Musa Thomas, a senior multidisciplinary studies major, said. “I wanted to see cowboys and horses and bull riding.”
The crowd also included members of the UM chapter of Turning Point USA. UM TPUSA president Lesley Lachman, a junior public policy leadership major, felt the rodeo reflected shared values with the political organization, so the group attended in support.
“The rodeo is an all-American tradition, and we felt that it aligned with our values of loving our country and our local community,” Lachman said. “Mississippi State is also here, so it’s Mississippi State, Ole Miss, rodeo coming together to support America.”
Behind the scenes, rodeo workers focused on ensuring both riders and animals stayed safe throughout the night. Pickup riders, the horsemen who assist competitors and guide animals out of the arena after rides, played a key role in the event.
“The main thing I’m looking for is just consistency, just for everything to go the way it’s supposed to and everyone to stay safe,” Jake Kiteif, one of the pickup riders, said.
His son, 11-year-old Cutter Kiteif, and helper in the team roping event shared his anticipation before the competition began.
“I think all (these) boys are ready to strap some broncs tonight,” Cutter Kiteif said.
Austin Roebuck, another pickup rider, shared a similar perspective.
“I’m just here to have a good time and make sure the cowboys stay safe and get the animals out of the arena and hopefully just put on a good show for the crowd,” Roebuck said.
For the competitors, rodeo represents years of dedication and passion for the sport.
Rider Johvon Armstead said his journey started early in life.
“I started riding bucking horses when I was fifteen,” Armstead said. “My mom put me on my first horse when I was two, and I’ve been riding ever since. I’m a first-generation cowboy.”
Nick Pullim, another rider competing that night, said his experience with horses has shaped his approach to competition.
“I’ve been around horses all my life,” Pullim said. “What I plan on doing tonight is stick to what I know, cover and hopefully take a check home.”
