Colonel Sekou Karega, commander, welcomed residents from throughout the High Desert to enjoy the action-packed “extreme rodeo” exhibition at the stables aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Sept. 8 and 9.
The event also recognized the 50th anniversary of the last remaining Mounted Color Guard in the Marine Corps as they presented colors during the nightly commencement ceremonies.
Performed by the Flying U Rodeo Company, the spectators watched as children rode bareback on sheep to participate in the traditional crowd favorite “mutton busting. Other events included motorcycle daredevils launching into skillful jumps and somersaults; bucking bulls and horses tossed their riders; bull fighters flirted with disaster trying to dodge the huge animals without getting injured; bull poker players sat at a table in the arena as bull charged at them until the last man sitting was deemed the winner; cowboys standing in a ring of fire hoping to not get run over by a charging bull; a toro teeter totter where participants stuffed in clear plastic bubbles were batted around; traditional barrel racing as well as barrel racing involving a horse against a motorcycle and an extreme bronc event during which teams attempted to saddle untrained horses and ride to the finish line.
Story by Keith Hayes
