Hold On Tight: Flynn’s Big Mutton Busting Win at the Platte County Fair

If you’ve been around our ranch long enough, you know that sheep aren’t exactly the stars of our operation—but this past weekend, they took center stage. Well, one sheep did. And riding on top of it? My very own little cowboy, Flynn.

It was mutton busting day at the Platte County Fair, and Flynn had been talking about it all week. We’d heard every plan, every “this is how I’m going to hold on” strategy, and more than one confident statement along the lines of, “Don’t worry, Mom, I’ve got this.”

When his turn came, he climbed up onto that woolly rocket with all the confidence in the world. The sheep gave a little wiggle, the gate flew open, and off they went—hooves flying, dust kicking, and Flynn hanging on like he’d been doing this his whole life. You could hear the crowd cheering, and I’m pretty sure my voice was the loudest in the mix.

And he didn’t just ride—he stayed on all the way until the buzzer, making it look like a Sunday stroll instead of a bouncing, jolting ride. The announcer called his score, and before I could even process it, they were handing him the buckle for first place.

Flynn’s grin could have lit up the arena. He walked out like a champion, clutching that shiny buckle like it was made of gold. And honestly? To him, it might as well be.

We’ve had plenty of proud moments on the ranch, but there’s something about watching your kid climb on a sheep, hold on for dear life, and come out a winner that hits a little different. It’s grit, it’s joy, and it’s a reminder that ranch kids really do grow up with a little extra toughness in their bones.

So here’s to Flynn—the newest champion in the family. And

here’s to all the little cowboys and cowgirls out there proving that sometimes the smallest riders have the biggest hearts.

Until next time,

Rancher Brittany