Red Level Horseman’s Association
A Ministry of Red Level Baptist Church
Unless you were raised in Florida on one of the properties that raise cattle and make up nearly half of all the agricultural land in the state, you probably don’t know that cattle were first introduced to North America in the 1500s by Ponce De Leon.
Settlers quickly realized the climate here and the natural forage were perfect, and the Florida Ranch Industry began. At one time, Florida raised more cows than any other state in the United States – thanks in part to the higher number of head per acre. Florida is primarily cow/calf operations now, with over 750,000 head.
Managing cattle – and then other livestock that inhabit ranches – meant manpower. Manpower was trained early as sons and daughters were brought up to respect the land and their place in it. Riding horses for working the ranch required skills that needed to be taught and practiced. Competition encouraged competence and pride in a job well done, and in an animal partner well-trained and handled.
Rodeo was born.
Red Level Horseman’s Association, a ministry of Red Level Baptist Church, was started in 2016 by a small group of parents/grandparents who had rural roots and wanted the 5 children in their lives to grow up to associate hard work and dedication with achievement. They wanted their children to appreciate the community’s support, and the community to appreciate their youngest members. There are now roughly 50 families, 60-75 kids.
Red Level started with speed events. As the children grew in stature as well as in skills, different events were added. From a corral of sand with a fence, the site grew as needed. The events and animals are held in an arena behind Red Level Baptist Church. Every post of every fence, the bleachers and hardware have all been donated, repaired and updated by volunteers from the community. The livestock are cared for and provided by AD Priest. The inevitable paperwork and organizational requirements are met by Kathi Priest. Meet them and the other dedicated volunteers who come as they can. Local businesses sponsor events, prizes, or special needs in return for a banner displaying their support.
There are now nearly a hundred children (counting little brothers and sisters who come as well) who are riding horses, steers, and even goats and sheep, rather than getting into trouble. They care for and feed their animals in between scheduled and unscheduled practices. The older participants help coach the younger ones. Some have aged out of the program but still return to help.
Starting in the fall, participants now compete for locally calculated points accumulated towards prizes awarded at the end of the series. Families travel hours from home, both ways to support their young competitors. There are requirements for competing, a cost per event for the participant is just the beginning (most often earned by the children at home or at work). Competitors are required to dress appropriately. The proper dress code is Cowboy attire (hat, boots, long-sleeved shirt, pants). There is no swearing on the grounds. Good sportsmanship is not just an expectation, but a requirement.
Awards range from beautiful saddles and belt buckles to shirts and vests. Perhaps the most important award is confidence and self-respect.
I interviewed one young man who discovered the rodeo and now earns his way into the events. He is neat and clean and respectful of adults and others. The camaraderie he discovered has helped him through recent loss. He has found a group of people his own age and older that he can belong to and look up to.
When I asked one of their invaluable volunteers why she did it, she smiled and took a minute to think. You could see the pride in her eyes for the young people she has watched grow up. Even with her young’uns aged out of the program, more keep coming. Stewardship of land and animals continues to grow in importance; children still need to learn responsibility and respect for others. The important things never change.
The members of Red Level Baptist are proud of their self-supporting ministry and are pleased to help at the events and spread the gospel to the people who come. Whether they are cheering for the competitors, the parents with the lead lines, or even the animals, they are spreading the love their church preaches, teaches and exhibits.
Do you have young ones who would benefit from this program?
Do you have a business willing to sponsor an award, an event, a particular need? On a personal level, volunteers are needed at the events to interact with parents, children, animals and other guests. Can you help turn our next generation into respectful and responsible adults? Help them become leaders in our community?
There is no skill required beyond a willingness to learn and enjoy the day.
For more information about the regular season or summer programs, please call Kathi at 352-436-3442
