Bright smiles filled NRG Center on Wednesday, March 7, for the second night of the Lil’ Rustlers Rodeo hosted by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Special Children’s Committee. Approximately 55 children tried their hand at roping, stick horse barrel racing and a variety of other “rodeo” events.
“It gives them an opportunity to show off what they can do,” said Dick Hudgins, Lifetime Vice President and event announcer. “They are so proud of all [of] their activities.”
The Special Children’s Committee has devoted 66 years to helping children with special needs enjoy the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. During the Lil’ Rustlers Rodeo, each child is paired with a cowboy or cowgirl (committee member) to assist with all the rodeo action.
“I love that it gives the families a chance to sit back and watch the kids have fun and be independent,” said Suzanne Andrews, Special Children’s Committee vice chairman.
Laughs and smiles could be found at each event station within the arena. One participant, Emily, said the best part was riding the brown horse named Bucky. The horseback riding was a crowd favorite among her peers too.
“My favorite part is meeting the kids and hearing what they have to say,” Hudgins said. “It’s great to see them having such a great time.”
Come out to see the third, and final, Lil’ Rustlers Rodeo of 2018 on Thursday, March 8, at 5 p.m. in the NRG Center Main Arena.
