Jr Rodeo

🎉 Yolo County Fair Junior Rodeo
📅 Thursday, August 13, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Main Arena, Yolo County Fairgrounds
💵 $5 entry fee per contestant per event

Giddy up—it’s time to show off your skills at the 2026Junior Rodeo at the Yolo County Fair! This fun, family-friendly competition gives young riders the chance to compete in classic rodeo events in a supportive, high-energy environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned young roper or new to the sport, all are welcome to participate and enjoy a night in the arena. Tickets go on Sale July 6^th, $12 or Family 4 pack for $40.

📝 Registration opens May 1 and closes July 1
Spots fill fast—so be sure to register early

• Maximum 20 entries
• Shoes from participants will be placed in a pile in the arena. All participants will be released from the start line to retrieve their boots. First five participants to cross the finish line with their shoes on win.
• All participants win a prize.

• Maximum 15 entries
• Rider may ride with both hands. All riders will be timed. Judges will be looking for a 6 second ride. Must ride until whistle blows or they fall off.
• Protective headwear is required
• Awards to 8th place

• Maximum 10 teams
• This a two person team. Calves will already be haltered and loose in the arena. Contestants will be given one lead rope per team. Then, contestants will snap the lead rope on to the halter and lead the calf to the center of the arena, to the barrel. First team to get their calf to the center of the barrel wins. Contestants have a maximum of 3 minutes to complete the task.

• Maximum 10 groups, one member must be over 16,
• Three person team, teams will be timed how long it takes to put on a set amount of clothing articles

• Maximum 20 individuals per age group
• Age 8- 12
• Age 13-15
• Age 16-18
• Equipment
  • Rope must be tied to the saddle horn with a breakaway string.
  • A flag or marker must be attached to the rope for visibility when the rope breaks free.
  • No metal clips or hardware may be used on the string tie.
• Start: A barrier will be used. Breaking the barrier early results in a 10-second penalty.
• Legal Catch: The rope must go over the calf’s head and catch around the neck cleanly. No figure-eight or leg catches allowed.
• Time Stops: When the rope breaks free from the saddle horn. Judge’s decision is final on when the rope is considered "broken away."
• No Time: If the calf is not caught, or if the catch is illegal (not around the neck), no time will be recorded.
• Contestants must be ready when called—no re-runs for missed calls.
• No rough handling of animals—this will result in disqualification.
• Protective headgear is encouraged for all youth contestants.

• Rider 18+ - Cowhide – 8+
• Maximum 10 teams
• This is a two-person event with one person pulling the hide dallied around the saddle horn of the horse, while the other person rides the hide. Once on the hide, the team’s time starts once they cross the starting line. They must go down the arena, around the barrel and back across the line. There will be a 5 second penalty for knocking over the barrel. Hide Rider must wear a helmet and should wear coveralls and gloves. Person on horse must be over 18.
• Rider may pull no more than 3 people.

• 18 and under
  • Open
  • Jr
  • Jr/Sr
• Semi Finals & Finals – Top 8 finals
• Maximum 15 individuals
• Team consists of two members, one header and one heeler. All teams will be assigned a timer. Time starts when the announcer says “Go.” Teams must rope cattle around the head first. Heeler will be assessed a 5 second penalty for one hind leg caught. There will be a 1 ½ minute time limit.
• Protective headgear is encouraged for all youth contestants.

• Maximum 10 per age group
• Rider may ride with one hand. All riders will be timed. Judges will be looking for a 6 second ride. Contestants will be scored on their time and performance. Must ride when name is called or be disqualified.
• Protective headgear is required for all youth contestants.