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YCF Jr. Rodeo in Collaboration with Wildwood

Jr Rodeo

🎉 Yolo County Fair Junior Rodeo
📅 Wednesday, August 14, 2025
🕕 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 2025 Junior 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 7th, $12 or Family 4 pack for $40.

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

Boot Race(age 3-8)
  • 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.

Mutton Bustin’ (Max 65lbs)
  • 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

Calf Sorting 2 person Team (age 5-14)
  • 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.

Sheep Dressing – 3 member team (age 5-18)
  • 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

Breakaway Roping – (age 8-18) – Finals
  • 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.

Cowhide Race – Adult & kid combo
  • 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.

Team Roping
  • 18 and under
  • Open
  • 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.

Jr Steer Riding - (age 9-14)
  • 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.

2025 Yolo County Fair Junior Rodeo - Registration

To Register for the Jr Rodeo please complete the form below.

TEAM EVENTS: If you are participating in a team events, please complete the box where you will put in the team event, team name and participants. Each participant will have to register

Once you have registered and paid the fees. You will receive participation instructions as we get closer to the Yolo County Fair. If you have any questions you can email info@yolocountyfair.net

Parent Contact Information

Participant Information

Please give First and Last Name
Please provide age of the child as of 08/13/25

Participating Events

Please select each event to participate
Boot Race(age 3-8)
$5.00
Breakaway Roping – (age 8-18) – Finals
Maximum 20 individuals per age group
Age 8- 12
Age 13-15
Age 16-18
$5.00
Calf Sorting 2 person Team (age 5-14)
$5.00
Jr Steer Riding - (age 9-14)
$5.00
Mutton Bustin’ (Max 65lbs)
$5.00
Sheep Dressing – 3 member team (age 5-18)
$5.00
Team Roping
$5.00
Team Member
$5.00
Type -Team Event, Team Name and Participants
Please complete the Waiver and Release of Liability forms by following the link or on the Event Page Rules and Regulations PDFs. Once the waiver is complete please upload it on the registration page.

If you have any questions you can email info@yolocountyfair.net or call our office at (530) 402.2222

File Upload

Waiver and Release of Liability Please upload waiver and release of liability

Terms and Conditions

I agree to the terms and conditions
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