FOLEY – Cowboys and cowgirls came out to show what they’re made of during the 20th Annual Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Professional Rodeo. The rodeo, held at the Foley Horse Arena, gives cowboys and cowgirls from all over the opportunity to show their skills both against one another and as a team, as they compete for cash prizes and the chance to travel to Biloxi, Mississippi for the Rodeo Finals.

These professionals test their skills in multiple categories, such as calf roping, cowgirl’s breakaway roping, steer wrestling, bareback bronc riding, team roping, and cowgirl’s barrel racing. The grand finale features the cowboys going against each other at bull riding, an event not for the faint of heart. During the three-day event, competitors change each night, so no two events are the same and spectators witness multiple cowboys and cowgirls looking to score a spot in the finals.

Also present is the rodeo court, including the Rodeo Queen, the Junior Queen, and the Senior Queen, who bring Mardi Gras back during August as they throw beads to the masses. Kids not only were able to show up early to enjoy pre-rodeo activities, but were also treated to horseback rides courtesy of Oak Hollow Farm. During the show, the audience was entertained between events by the rodeo clown, music, and even more competitions that children enjoyed, such as a dance-off mid-show and calf chasing. Tributes were also presented in honor of Jennifer Claire Moore, whose name lives on forever through the foundation.

The rodeo is The Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation’s main fundraiser throughout the year, and all proceeds benefit the Peer Helper Programs in Baldwin County, which provide peer-to-peer counselling for students, focusing on everything from suicide prevention to bullying. The volunteers in the program are students trained in recognizing when their peers are going through tough times, and how to deal with these situations.

If anyone is interested in learning more about The Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation, would like to volunteer, or would like to donate to the foundation, you can learn more on their website at JenniferMooreFoundation.com.

For a full gallery from the 20th Annual Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Rodeo, visit our website at GulfCoastNewsToday.com.