Rodeo School Offers "Experience"

Rodeo School Offers "Experience" LIVESTOCK Miscellaneous 30-1-8 Whether it's riding bucking bulls or broncos, Walker's Rodeo Co. of Lyons, Ore., offers a chance for people of all ages and from all walks of life, to learn or improve rodeo skills. "What we do is give newcomers an opportunity to try rodeo, or for those with more experience, to get additional practice on the fundamentals," says Darian Walker. Walker and his wife Tami both have full-time jobs in town (a truck driver and a banker, respectively), but on the side, they raise bucking stock and operate what some have called a "rodeo school" in their 200 by 80-ft. outdoor riding arena. In the summer months they hold "buckouts" each Sunday afternoon and Wednesday night, attracting riders with a wide range of skill levels. The winter season is limited to Saturday buckouts. According to the Walkers, some riders get involved for their own entertainment, while others have aspirations of one day becoming pro rodeo competitors. The couple charges each participant $15 per ride, which is far more affordable than rodeo bull riding entry fees that can range from $75 up to $150 per ride. At rodeos, riders also have a lower chance of staying on the animals, since higher caliber bulls are used. "I have stock suited for a range of rider skill levels," Darian says. "At rodeos, stock contractors are often in a hurry when you're getting on their animals, so I slow things down and let the riders take the time they need to get their gear right, and their minds right." Walker got his own rodeo experience by competing in high school rodeo and in an amateur association for one year afterward. He says he enjoys passing on his skills to newcomers and hopes to grow the business by adding new attractions. "We have plans next summer to put on some horse play days û which will involve barrel racing, pole bending, etc., for all ages. These events will offer high point prizes to help attract competitors. We'll also be hosting some roping events," he says. The Walkers were recently approached by a parent who wants to book the facility for a "bull-riding birthday party" for his five-year-old. They'll be entertaining the young group of birthday party-goers with demonstrations by bull riders and give the kids a chance to have their photo taken with those fellows. They'll also get an opportunity to ride "a bucking barrel" (on springs for kids to get the feel of a bucking animal). "We enjoy helping people get involved with rodeo, as it seems like a dying sport. Anything we can do to educate and encourage others to keep it going is rewarding," Darian says. Creating the "rodeo school" has been a dream for the couple, who cleared trees from the hillside site and built a horse barn, the arena and holding pens. They hope to eventually put a roof over the arena for year-round use. Since rodeo is a notoriously dangerous sport, the Walkers protect themselves by getting their clients to sign a "release of liability" form, drawn up by their lawyer. A notarized signature is required for minors without a parent present. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Darian and Tami Walker, Walker's Rodeo Co. LLC, 44129 Hwy. 226, Stayton, Ore. 97383 (ph 503 859-4632 or 503 991-0360; wcattleco2@aol.com).

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