Monument Health hosts a different kind of rodeo

RAPID CITY, S.D. — A different kind of rodeo was held Saturday, one the place everybody — even the volunteers — have been winners.

“Stuff like this builds confidence in younger children,” stated Dustin Luper, head rodeo coach at Chadron State College.

Excitement and infectious smiles crammed the Kjerstad Event Center Saturday morning for Monument Health’s Special Rodeo. It’s the primary 12 months for the occasion, which goals to offer these with different skills the possibility to expertise the rodeo way of life.

“Jack is 22 years outdated and he has autism and he’s nonverbal, so there’s not a lot of alternatives for younger adults with disabilities,” stated Michelle Kane, one of the dad and mom in attendance. “So that is the primary time we tried this, and thus far he’s nonetheless right here and he’s trying out a horse proper now, so we’re going to say it’s a success thus far!”

The occasion can be for the dad and mom, serving to to remind them they’re not alone, and connecting them to different households in related conditions.

Volunteers from all walks of life got here collectively and left the occasion each impressed and inspired.

“It’s in all probability extra for me than it’s for these children. Honestly, simply [to] see the smile and the enjoyment that it brings them and it simply fuels the hearth inside you,” Luper stated.

From remedy horse rides to roping, bull driving and stick horse races, there was no scarcity of alternatives to saddle up. Participants have been paired with a buddy — forming friendships, some of which go on to final for years.

Madi Moody is on Black Hills State’s Rodeo Team and has volunteered her time at related occasions previously. Four years in the past in Belle Fourche, she met Ruby, who was three on the time.

Ruby and her mother, Shannon, noticed Madi from throughout the world, and couldn’t imagine who it was.

“Somebody requested me earlier, like what’s different about this. And I feel that connection is simply…attending to see them once more. It’s simply actually cool,” Moody stated.

Madi and Ruby spent tons of time speaking, and it was all smiles for the pair.

Ruby’s favourite half? The horses, of course.

“We’re simply grateful we get the chance to do this stuff,” Ruby’s mother, Shannon, stated.

Everyone will get to go house a winner.

“It simply builds one thing in them that no one else may give them,” Luper stated. “They simply earn it.”