In her third year of hosting play days in Wessington Springs, Kaycee Coleman continues providing fun opportunities for children of all ages.
“I started doing this three years ago for the kids. My own kids like to ride and rodeo and there are a lot of kids that are not eight years old, so they can’t do 4-H rodeo yet. This gives them an opportunity to compete,” says Coleman.
When she was younger, Coleman and her sisters made many memories riding horses and going to rodeos with their dad.
“We didn’t rodeo ourselves when we were younger, not until I was a freshmen in high school. That’s why I want to give kids like me the opportunity to compete,” shared Coleman.
The second of three playdays scheduled for this year was held last Thursday, August 1. Attracting over 100 contestants, Coleman prides herself in providing a unique experience for her riders.
“I try to make my events unique and have the kids ride different patterns than what they have seen before. It makes it more of an even playing field for those who ride, but don’t rodeo,” shared Coleman. “A lot of the playdays you go to don’t have music playing. I like to make mine more of a “pro rodeo” type of feel with music, announcers and good quality prizes.”
Coleman credits much of the event’s success to those who have donated and helped make these playdays possible.
“When I first started out, it was me coming up with prizes on my own. When people saw all the trailers heading into town, everyone started donating. I am at the point that even if a kid does not have a fast horse and makes it into the top 12, they still get to leave with a prize. It’s honestly amazing how many people have donated prizes,” shared Coleman. “I am also glad Jerauld County allows me to use our rodeo grounds, it’s such a cool place at the foothills.”
The third and final play day scheduled for 2024 is Thursday, August 8th. Pee-Wees (0-6 age group) start at 4:30 p.m. with other age groups to follow.