There are several Jr. Rodeo Associations around here. I think they are great, because they have adult classes too, so mom's and dad's can compete.
All the big rodeos have a Jr. Barrel class now too.
The only problem with the Jr. Asso. is the cost is pretty high if you're wanting to compete for a year end award, which is saddles in all the classes. To qualify you have to go to so many a year, they have one every weekend. They move them around so that no one has to always be the ones traveling far. By the time you pay for the hauling, food, entry fees, it can really run into some money.
They do have pay back tho at the end of each one, so we just usually went to the ones that were close.
Becky
Yep, it gets really expensive just showing too by the time you pay all the fees and gas to get to the shows. I think it's worth it though, especially for the kids. Sure teachs the value of hard work since it takes a lot of it to win :)