Saturday Mutton Bustin’ Highlights from Angelina Benefit Rodeo

There is something special about Saturday night at the Angelina Benefit Rodeo. It's always the biggest crowd of the four-night rodeo.  There seems to be a little more 'electricity' in the air.  It's the night when champions are crowned. It's also the last chance to see twelve young cowboys and cowgirls compete for the nightly trophy in the mutton bustin' championship sponsored by KICKS 105, Boot Barn, and Justin.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights at the rodeo there were numerous 90+ point rides in the mutton bustin'. Quite a few youngsters were able to stay on their sheep (sometimes sideways) from the chute gate all the way to the other end of the arena.  Saturday night, however, the sheep decided to strike back.

The majority of the rides stayed in the 70s this time around, but it wasn't for lack of trying by the cowboys and cowgirls. One of the sheep named 'Miranda Lambert' decided to do her best impersonation of a tornado to spin off Reina Hyde of Lufkin.

There were three riders who punched their way into the 80s.  Joseph Hughes rode 'Ewe Tube' for 84 points.  It could have been a bigger ride had Ewe Tube not decided to stop and visit with a brethren sheep.  Kynleigh Haney rode 'Chew Baa Caa' for a beautiful ride of 87 points to take the lead.  However, the lead was short-lived as the very next rider, Jay Hathorn of Alto, rode 'Pasure Bed Time' for 89 points.  That was good for the high mark of the night and the mutton bustin' championship trophy for Saturday.