ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@aol.com

Summer Ball looks ahead as her horse steps quickly around a drum in senior barrel racing. Arcadia Youth Rodeo Association began its monthly meets Saturday at the Arcadia Rodeo Arena.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@aol.com

Cody Massey hangs on during senior bull riding. Arcadia Youth Rodeo gives youngsters a chance to learn rodeo skills throughout their school years.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@aol.com

Seth McGee's calf digs in as he lands a rope in senior breakaway. Acradia Youth Rodeo events take place at the Arcadia Rodeo Arena and are free for spectators.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@aol.com

Britta Strain concentrates on wrapping the rope correctly around the calf's feet in the junior breakaway event. More than 300 children took part in several categories of events Saturday when AYRA opened its 2012-13 season.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@aol.com

Cole Clemons keeps his loop readay in the tot breakaway event.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@aol.com

Justin Tyler Mills gets a good grip to last the eight seconds for senior bull riding. Children learn rodeo skills and can go on to compete at the state and national levels.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@aol.com

Luke Manning hits the ground in senor bull riding. Youth can learn rodeo skills through the Arcadia Youth Rodeo Association.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@sol.com

Cody Vina guides his mount around the course in tot barrel racing. Awards are given out at the end of the season.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@sol.com

Emma Martin guides her horse around the obstacles in the tot barrel racing event. Children start young and work their way up to rough stock in their high school years.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@aol.com

Kaylie Garcia rounds a corner in tot barrel racing. Children compete for prizes and awards.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@aol.com

Nikki Postma swings a tight arc around a drum in the senior barrel racing event. Skills are learned that can qualify competitors for bigger competitions.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY KELLEY BAKER, skfshowcattle@aol.com

Shelby Johnson puts the brakes on her horse when her rope finds the calf in the senior breakaway event. More than 300 children came out Sunday for the opening of AYRA's season.