What Makes the First Frontier Circuit Cowboys and Cowgirls Exceptional?

While the business at hand may have been trying to win a circuit championship, the First Frontier cowboys and cowgirls started the weekend by giving back to the community in an exceptional way.

Harrisburg, Pa., is hosting the top 12 cowboys and cowgirls in each of the standard Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association events for the weekend. The talented athletes from the 13-state region are competing to earn championship titles in their respective events. It would be easy to say, though, that many of those professional athletes already earned a championship badge when they showed up to assist with the Exceptional Rodeo held Thursday afternoon.

New Holland Arena was the place to be for heartwarming "rodeo" action full of smiles and life-long memories. The annual Exceptional Rodeo event is designed specifically for youth with special needs and disabilities to have the opportunity to interact with professionals and take part in special events.

Being partnered with a cowboy or cowgirl who assists the youth, the pairs make their way around to each of the different sections of the arena. Offering real-life experiences in roping a dummy calf, stick horse barrel racing, sitting on a saddle bronc saddle, riding a bucking machine, climbing in a clown barrel, meeting rodeo clowns, and creating life-long memories, the Exceptional Rodeo is a favorite for all involved.

Jenna Halstead, who is in charge of the First Frontier Social Media, talked about the impact, "My son actually had a stroke and has some special needs. Couple that with the fact that I work at a hospital where I interact with special needs patients, makes this a really special event. Bringing these kids in and seeing them shine in their own right is amazing. There really is no other time that these kids get to be a part of roping and riding. The smiles on their faces make every bit of work worthwhile."

Some of the participants have been taking part in the event for 10 years and literally can't wait for registration to open for the next year. 

Halstead shared, "These kids that have been here for multiple years have developed connections with the cowboys and cowgirls. They actually go to some of the other circuit rodeos to watch their favorite athlete. In fact, some of the cowboys let the kids pet their horses and even sit on their horses. It is just absolutely heartwarming."

One of the incredible kids to partake in the festivities this year was Gracie, who was accompanied by her mom, Tina. After spending some time at the stations, Tina shared some of the mutual feelings of all involved.

"This specific event is really awesome for all of the kids. The ones who don't really know a lot about rodeo are allowed the opportunity to learn about rodeo and have experiences they wouldn't have anywhere else. We come here every year from New Jersey and wouldn't miss it.

"Rodeo, in general, is wonderful for all kids. It gives them responsibility and keeps them out of trouble. These kids are getting to experience their own success," Tina said.

Gracie added enthusiastically, "Roping was my favorite!" When asked if she had fun, "YES!" Her advice to everyone is, "Go out there and have FUN in whatever you do!"