Bull riding proves tough even for the courageous Friday night, with each rider thrown off unceremoniously. Cowboy protectors stand nearby to distract the raging bulls after a rider is thrown.

By Josh Prewitt For the FCT

Hooves pounded the dirt within the arena, and a crowd cheered from the stands. Boots and cowboy hats were the attire of choice, and mounting adrenaline mingled with loud music and radio clown antics.

This year’s Franklin County Sheriffs Rodeo held at Rock Bridge Canyon in Hodges June 12-13 was a success, according to event organizers.

“Several sheriffs across the state host rodeos as a fundraiser to help them purchase items for the department,” Sheriff Shannon Oliver said. “We partnered with Rock Bridge Equestrian Park for our first rodeo. It is also good for the community and the officers to get together for just some good fun and entertainment. We would like to thank our sponsors and all the people that came out and spent the weekend with us.

“We had good turnout and hope it gets better each year!”

Tina Lawler, who coordinated this year’s Sheriffs Rodeo, had a lot to say.

“I thought we had a great turnout for the rodeo,” Lawler said. “The rain hindered the crowd a little on Friday night, but it was standing room only Saturday night. It takes several months of planning and numerous people involved to put on an event of this size. From selling ads and sponsorships to having programs and banners printed, it took a lot of people and hard work, but it is always well worth it on rodeo night … It was a great team effort.”

The names of the rodeo companies that took part in the rodeo were 3 Bar A and 5M. 3 Bar A is from Russellville, and 5M is from Mississippi.

The following were winners in each event:

Bareback Riding: Josh Cragar, Columbia, Tenn.

Sadle Bronc Riding: Eddie Parlier, Lexley

Bull Riding: No qualified

Calf Roping: Ben Walker, Sparta, Tenn.

Cowgirl Break Away Roping: Chelsie McDade, (not member)

Cowgirl Barrel Racing: Kindyl Scruggs, South Haven, Miss.