My first year on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Mutton Bustin' committee was also the year I became an aunt. I was a first-grade teacher at West University Elementary teaching 6 and 7-year-olds, which is the age group for the indisputable crowd favorite rodeo event.

In my roles of teacher and aunt, I realized there is need for a quality mutton bustin' picture book that children and adults would enjoy reading as they gear up for rodeos across the country!

I have two nieces now, Sydney Clair and Grace Anne. Sydney held on tight to her sheep in 2022. Grace Anne might need some convincing, but this book should do the trick. :)

My full manuscript is below to read and enjoy. With the funds raised here, I will hire an illustrator and self-publish e-book and printed copies of That's How You Rodeo. My hope is support for this project will allow printed copies to be sold in local stores and Houston Rodeo shopping in 2024.

If you're not familiar with mutton bustin', watch this video of mutton busters and my committee team in action from 2020!

More Info:

That's How You Rodeo

By: Vivian Fore

I grab my boots and my hat. It’s time to rodeo.

I’ve been practicing on my dad, and now it’s time to go!

“Yee-haw”, I’d yell when on his back! “Let’s go again!” I’d cheer.

Dad’s told me, “Guts and grit will always overcome your fear.”

I say “howdy” when I’m checking in. Manners are always key.

They pin a number to my vest. I’m lucky thirty-three!

The stands are packed, the crowd is rowdy - hollerin’ so loud!

Mom and dad hug me bye and say to make them proud!

I get in line. No longer fine. I’m worried about tumblin’

off the sheep, into the dirt. My tummy starts a-rumblin’.

I close my eyes, and take deep breaths - remember why I’m here.

Dad’s told me, “Guts and grit will always overcome your fear.”

Barrel and Chuck Races,

Steer Roping and Broncos,

Bareback and Bull Riding,

Mutton Bustin’s next to go!

We’re creeping up the line and getting closer to the chute.

The boy next to me is Billy, and he’s shakin’ in his boots.

He turns to me and tells me that he doesn’t want to do it.

I remind MYSELF and tell him guts and grit will get US through it!

Dad’s saying does the trick, and Billy rides the ewe right through.

It gets ME so excited ‘bout what I’m fixin’ to do!

They ask me if I’m ready to climb up on the sheep.

I take a breath - don’t bat an eye. I’m not Little Bo Peep!

I hold on with my arms, and I hold on with my legs.

I have the guts and grits to do what other kids might dread.

I ride my sheep to the end. I could hang on all day.

The bullfighter says, “Look at her - that girl’s not here to play!”

Fistfuls of wool - they had to pull me off the sheep before

that crazy sheep turned around and went right back for more!

I didn’t come to play. I came to the fair to win,

but becoming friends with Billy’s even better in the end.

I won first place! I got the buckle and shared my belt at dinner.

When making a new friend, everyone feels like a winner.

So when you’re mutton bustin’ and someone is scared to go,

don’t be afraid to turn around. Just wave and say, “Hello!”

Your new friend might be nervous. They might be about to walk.

You can give yourself and your new friend a much needed pep talk!

Be a friend.Help others out, and hold tight as you go.

Now grab your boots - it’s your turn! That’s how you rodeo!