TRYON —  An expectant hush enveloped the crowd.

In a small pen, behind a tall metal gate, a man took one last turn around his hand with a rope and gave a nod.

The timer buzzed, the gate slammed open and 1,800 pounds of horn and muscle charged into the arena. The crowd roared as the huge bull twisted into a tight spin and tossed the rider aside like a sack of grain.

Professional bull riding is just one of the many events that thrilled more than 1,800 fans who attended the Foothills Nature Equestrian Center’s first rodeo last summer. FENCE Executive Director Traci Hanson said it was great fun, and they expect even more of a crowd next weekend for the second annual FENCE Rodeo, which will take place Friday, June 29, and Saturday, June 30.

The rodeo is a great fundraiser for the FENCE’s nature programs and Therapeutic Riding of Tryon, hosted by FENCE, Hanson said. In addition to the bull riding, the event will feature saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, cowgirl breakaway roping, team roping, tie down roping and women’s barrel racing.

Of course, the traditional rodeo clowns will be busy not only delighting the children, but also risking their lives to save the bull riders from harm.

“This is not just for horse enthusiasts,” Hanson said. “It’s great family fun for everyone.”

The rodeo will open with cowgirls and their horses, dressed in colorful hats and saddle blankets, galloping around the arena with flags waving. The riders will perform a short flag presentation as the crowd rises to the notes of the national anthem.

Hanson said they will serve hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks. The Ice Cream Barn in Columbus will be on hand to serve Hershey’s ice cream, fried Oreos and funnel cakes.

“The event is in the covered arena with plenty of seating, so it’s held rain or shine,” Hanson said.

She added that a 50/50 raffle fundraiser will take place both Friday and Saturday nights. The winner will take home 50 percent of the raffle proceeds, and the other 50 percent will go to FENCE.

Hanson said part of the excitement in the rodeo is being able to cheer for local riders, such as Landrum resident Rebecca Johnson, who will compete in the women’s barrel race competition. Don Williams, owner of the Hay Rack in Landrum, will ride in the team roping, and professional bull rider Rowdy Rice from Easley, South Carolina, will be one of the local celebrities vying for top honors. 

Gates will open at 6 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m.

Children under 12 will be admitted for free.

FENCE is located at 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon. For more information, people may visit fence.org or call 828-859-9021.