(Posted July 3, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Broken Horn Rodeo has added a ninth event to their lineup for this year’s Madison County Fair Rodeo which will take place July 8 at 7:30 p.m. It’s called chute dogging, and it’s for amateurs only–no pro cowboys allowed.
“We put one of our bull dogging steers in a bucking chute. As soon as the steer clears the gate, you have to throw it down on its side,” explained Jim McElroy who owns Broken Horn with his wife, Sandra.
The event is geared toward fair visitors who want to get in on the rodeo action. Anyone 18 or older is welcome to enter. Prizes go to the winners.
Another fun add-on is the kids’ stick horse races which take place at intermission. Entrants run around four cones; the fastest win prizes. There are two age groups: 5 years old and younger; and 6 to 9 years old. There is no entry fee.
The rest of the show lineup includes: saddle bronc riding, bareback horse riding, steer wrestling, tie-down calf roping, barrel racing, team roping, bull riding, and cowgirls’ break-away roping. These events are open to pros and amateurs. Anyone younger than 18 must have a notarized waiver from their parents. The call-in date to enter is July 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Standard Time, (903) 287-7852. Those who want to compete must call on this date and time, no exceptions.
All entry fees go back into cash prizes for the winners. Broken Horn adds $500 to each event to complete the purse money. Additionally, those participating in rodeo circuit competitions earn a point for every dollar they win; those points count for national standings for finals.
Broken Horn Rodeo is based out of Ripley, Ohio, near Cincinnati. Founded in 1991, the business is sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association and the American Professional Rodeo Association. This year, Broken Horn is doing 22 shows, traveling around Ohio and to Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
In conjunction with the rodeo, the Madison County Fair Board is sponsoring a mechanical bull from 6 to 9 p.m. Anyone can ride for free. Children and adults are welcome.
Fairgoers are welcome to get autographs from cowboys, bull fighters, and the rodeo’s funny man if they are available.
Admission to the rodeo is free with paid admission to the fair.
For details, look for “Broken Horn Rodeo” on Facebook, send email to brokenhornroado1@gmail.com, or call (513) 309-5371.
The 2023 Madison County Fair runs July 8-15. For a schedule of events, visit Madison County Fair.
