SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Youths to Saddle Up for Junior Rodeo

Rodeo isn’t just a sport for men and women decked out in 10-gallon hats and boots.

Boys and girls in the Junior Rodeo Assn. of California start learning how to rope goats and calves and race horses around barrels at the age of 4.

Up to 130 cowboys- and cowgirls-in-training will show off their rodeo prowess today in the first Junior Rodeo ever held at the Ortega Equestrian Center.

The rodeo, which is the association’s sixth Junior Rodeo this year, will begin at 9 a.m. at the center, 27252 Calle Arroyo. Admission is free.

The youths, who are between the ages of 4 and 18, will compete in 21 events, ranging from steer and calf riding to barrel racing and team calf roping.

Association secretary Barbara Chaffee, whose 14-year-old son has competed in the Junior Rodeo for four years, said rodeo teaches sportsmanship, how to care for animals and perseverance.

“In rodeo team events, the kids learn that, even if you’re having a bad day, you have to be there for your partner,” Chaffee said.