On our last night in Oklahoma we drove to Shawnee to see the International Finals for the Youth Rodeo.  These were young people from all over the world competing in three rings with at least a foot of pure slop-filled mud underfoot.  We have never seen so much M U D !  It was GREAT!!!

Calves are driven into the holding pens as the cowboys and cowgirls arrive

The young cowboy leads his ‘calf’ into the rodeo.  He used this to practice beforehand.

A final check before the rodeo begins.  Each time the rodeo begins with a ‘running of the flag’ where the American flag is run in the two outer rings.  This is followed by the National Anthem which was sung by an eleven year old boy.  You can see the cowboys below with their hats off.

There is a lot of time spent waiting and practicing.  This allowed for some really great shots!