The Winnsboro rodeo arena was the scene of an unusual competition as riders and their mules took part in a mule rodeo featuring timed events and plenty of unpredictable moments Saturday evening, Oct. 17.

The evening began with Dally Huston presenting the American flag as spectators stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Event announcer and organizer Amanda Morgan then led a brief prayer.

Among the evening’s competitions was the “monkey in the tree” event, a timed challenge involving two people riding a mule to the far end of the arena.

Once there, the passenger grabs a rope suspended from a boom and hangs on while the rider circles a barrel before returning to pick up the teammate.

The “monkey” must remain off the ground or the team is disqualified. The clock stops when the rider, passenger and mule cross the finish line.

Another crowd favorite was the “hide ride,” a timed event in which one team member rides the mule while the other is pulled behind on a heavy piece of cowhide attached to the saddle horn by a long rope.

The mules didn’t always cooperate, sometimes changing direction unexpectedly and taking their turns occasionally caught riders off balance and brought plenty of laughs from spectators in the grandstands.

Lainey Giles won the monkey in the tree competition, while Montana Cunningham took first in the hide ride in the 39-and-under division. April McKenzie won both events in the 40-and over division. Tinley Grace earned Top Youth honors.