High Schoolers Saddle Up At The Fair

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) - There is a fairly large rodeo community here in Minnesota. And on Friday, high schoolers showed off their skills and even let me try it out.

They make all the riding and roping look easy, but rodeo is a skill that takes years of practice.

Five years in and McKenzie Smith still spends at least three days a week on her horse.

"I put countless hours into it," Smith said.

Rodeo tests instinct, balance and athleticism, and all while relying on a working relationship between horse and rider. And it can certainly have its challenges.

"It's just you versus the animal," she said.

Once the rider has conquered the animal, rope control is key, according to young rider.

"If you don't know how to throw a rope, you're not going to be able to compete," he said.

After a quick lesson on how to hold and throw, I thought I found a fall back career. Alas, roping is much easier said than done.

I'll stick to my day job.