One of the most popular parts of the annual Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo doesn’t have much to do with bucking broncos, but involves making everyone feel at “home on the range.”

Friday marked the 13th annual Special Needs Rodeo, where students and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities have the opportunity to come out to the arena and be immersed in “The Greatest Show on Dirt.”

Attendees rode ponies, hitched a ride on a tractor, horse cart and mule buggy, played with petting zoo animals and dipped into the face paints.

The rodeo also lets participants have their turn at lassoing a “steer” (usually made out of steel bars or a hay bale with a plastic calf’s head pinned to it). Rodeo clowns entertain with their crazy costumes and tales of dodging the bull’s horns and, this year, the rodeo came complete with a karaoke tent.

Sheriff Mike Blakely said the idea for the event belongs to his wife, Debbie, along with the 2003 rodeo queen. Blakely said he and his department were so busy putting on the regular rodeo each year, he thought it would be impossible to add the special needs rodeo to an already packed schedule. He consented as long as the women could find volunteers to put it together.

The result was overwhelming.

“When I (saw) what happened the first year … I had to go down to an out building and cry,” the sheriff said.

After that first year, Blakely saw no reason to ever stop hosting the special needs rodeo.

“Not only is this important and a joy to the special needs clients, it’s the people who volunteer that get a lot out of it and want to come back and help again the following year,” he said.

Getting local farmers and other folks to volunteer their time, equipment and animals to spend the day at the arena is never a chore, Blakely said. He never has to beg for volunteers.

“We’re so thankful that we got so many people like folks that bring their tractor, folks that bring their wagon and mules, bring their horses, you know, that help,” he said. “We’ve got groups, civic groups, that come out here and help feed (the attendees). We get as much good out of it … feeling like you did a little something to bring some joy into some lives that might not have this opportunity any other time.”

What continues to amaze the sheriff is the simple act of a pony ride, he said. All day long children, teens and adults lined up to ride horses, even if they had a limiting physical disability. The sight is testament to how open the rodeo world can be to everyone.

“Out of all the events, that’s probably the most popular,” he said. “I’m just so appreciative to so many wonderful people that give of their time to come out here and make this happen.”