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Madison Griffin receives an award from Johntrell Irving for barrel racing.

Codey Lucas receives an award from Johntrell Irving for dummy roping.

Kinsley Decuir receives an award from Johntrell Irving for arena racing.

Kinen Singleton receives an award from Johntrell Irving for goat tying.

Maggie Smith receives an award from Johntrell Irving for pole bending.

Bella Taylor receives an award from Johntrell Irving for pole bending.

Kavin Roquemore receives an award from Johntrell Irving for break away roping.

Carson Briggs receives an award from Johntrell Irving for dummy roping.

Marquis Terrell receives an award from Johntrell Irving for tie down roping.

Davenger Griffin receives an award from Johntrell Irving for calf roping.

Dantrell Gaines receives an award from Johntrell Irving for team roping.

Michael Mitchell Jr. receives an award from Johntrell Irving for team roping.

Terry Briggs Jr. receives an award from Johntrell Irving for helping with the youth rodeo.

NATCHEZ — More than 60 youngsters from Adams County participated in the first year of the Adams County Youth Rodeo Association, said Johntrell Irving, president of the group.

On Saturday, those youngsters were honored with a banquet at Pitchford Plaza.

Irving said the group begins in March and ends its rodeo season in November.

“This year, we had approximately 60 kids, and we are looking to make it bigger,” he said. “We start with age 2 and continue through age 17. I and a few of my friends came up with an idea to do something positive in the community to help the kids to make better decisions in life. So many kids love rodeoing, so we stepped out on faith.”

Youth who participate do not have to have previous experience with horses or farm animals.

“That’s what we are there for, to teach them,” Irving said. “Some have experience, and some don’t. You don’t have to live on a farm or in a rural setting to be involved with rodeo. We are trying to get the kids involved in something before they get into bad habits.”

The Adams County Youth Rodeo Association practices at the Adams County Equestrian Arena two or three nights a week.

“I’ve been involved with rodeo since I was six years old,” Irving said. “I love kids and would love to get more kids involved. Anything positive that makes our city a better place starts with kids. I want them to do good in school and get into some positive activity.”

Irving said he also needs help from adults willing to volunteer their time teaching Adams County youngsters about rodeo.

Those interested in signing up their children for the next season or volunteering their time to help with the youth rodeo association are asked to call Irving at 214-304-1364.

Irving thanked several organizations and individuals who helped with this first year of the Adams County Youth Rodeo Association. They include Miss-Lou Veterinary Clinic, Gamberi Feed and Farm Supply, Terry Briggs, Erica Singleton, Jalisa Bradford, Larry Hutchins, Joni Ratliff, Dontrell Gaines, Angie Issac, Javonte Irving, Davenger Griffin, Jacorey Stewart, Yvette Corner, Elbert Hughes, Jay Mitchell and Wardell Gaines Jr.

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