<p>Hermiston 7-year-old Abrie Bagnall tries a hand at Mutton Bustin' for the first time without any help Thursday at the Umatilla County Fair.</p>

This year at the Umatilla County Fair, mutton bustin was not just offered to rodeo-going children, but to all interested fair-going children as well.

Every day during fair week, children had the chance to compete in a free mutton bustin competition offered by Wool Busters, a company that tours throughout the country providing the opportunity for children to ride a bucking sheep.

Were looking to start the next generation of rodeo champions, Wool Busters Mutton Bustin owner Frank Rendon said. Kids can come and learn how to be a cowboy.

As long as children weigh less than 55 pounds so they dont hurt the sheep and have their parents consent, any child can participate in the competition.

Rendon said Thursday between 50 and 60 children have tried to ride a bucking sheep each day at the fair.

Hermistons Abrie Bagnall, 7, gave it a try Thursday and was able to ride her sheep for a couple of seconds.

It was really fun, she said. Ive never ridden one that fast before without any help. It was really scary at first, but when I crossed my fingers across the rope, I was like this is fun.

Each child is given a caged helmet so they wont injure their head, and they grip a rope to steady themselves as they ride.

For younger children, Wool Busters staff members hold onto the sheep as it tries to run across an arena, so the youngsters can also experience the thrill.

Children as young as 2 have participated in the event this week, and many of their parents purchased photos for $5.

The top 15 competitors with the best times will compete in the championship round starting at 8 p.m. today.

We only choose the top 15 for the championship because only the top 15 cowboys go to the NFR (National Finals Rodeo), Rendon said.

The children with the top five times in the championship round today will all compete for a silver belt buckle. The four runners-up will earn trophies.