by Kathy Browning
First appeared on the Delta County Independent website.
For 10 years 4-H has played a big role in Kasey Miles’ life and has provided many unique opportunities. After going to Washington Focus in 2010 his chaperone talked to the Hotchkiss youth about being a youth ambassador for Rodeo China.
He will be teaching Chinese youth about rodeo and its history.
Miles attended a retreat to learn about his role. Miles and 59 other youth will be teaching the Chinese youth about the bucking machine, roping, ranch sorting, trail course and mutton busting.
Miles said ranching in China is mainly by hand. They use some horses and cows, but not nearly as much as here.
The 14-day trip, originally scheduled from Sept. 29 until Oct. 12, has been postponed due to a horse quarantine affecting the start date for Rodeo China. It now looks like the trip may be next spring.
Going with the 20 4-H members will be 20 more from FFA and 20 from the National Little Britches Association. They are not going as three different teams, but as one team, the Rodeo China team.
Rodeo originated in Colorado, and that is why all the kids going are from this state.
Miles and the others will be teaching the Chinese youth before Rodeo China happens, so the Chinese will have a better understanding of the rodeo events.
At the retreat, the Rodeo China team learned about the Chinese culture and a little of the language.
“I think this is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Miles said. “I wouldn’t be going except for 4-H. It’s helped me a lot.”
His mother, Vicki, was ecstatic about her son being selected for the team. She has made sure he has a good digital camera and lots of memory cards. “Mom’s big on pictures.” His own excitement about going grew after attending the retreat.
Rodeo China will be held at the Bird’s Nest in Beijing, the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
According to their website, “Rodeo China is a historic eight-day rodeo event featuring the best talent in rodeo today. It is bringing ‘The Culture of The American West’ and one of America’s oldest sports to China and the world creating an unprecedented opportunity for cultural exchange and introducing the cowboy culture.”