Team sorting practice draws crowds to arena

No, the rodeo's not in town but, on just about any Friday night, you can head out past the Bogalusa Industrial Park to the Bogalusa Community Arena and find the parking area filled with pickups pulling horse trailers, automobiles and the grandstands filled with people.

So, with no rodeo, what's going on?

It's the Bogalusa team sorting practice and the books open every Friday night at 6:15 with practice getting under way at 7.

Not into horses? Don't know what team sorting is?

Well, three riders head into the arena — while, on the other end, two wranglers keep 10 calves together, each wearing a number on its side. As the wranglers head to the other end, the three-person team spreads — one to one side of the arena and another to the other side, while the third rider waits for a number to be called.

"Four" sounds out of the speakers, meaning the middle rider has to cut the calf wearing the number four away from the rest of the herd and toward the other end. If the calf gets between one of the other riders and the arena railing, it's a no-score ... and if a calf other than the one called gets past the two riders, it's also a no-score.

This Friday, there were a number of no scores and there were some successes, as well — like cutting out two calves in 75 seconds.

While spectators are admitted free, the cost is $5 per ride and an arena membership ($20 individual/$35 families) is required. 

For more information, contact Troy Crain at (985) 516-7507 or Blake Chiasson at (985) 285-0892. 

Check for updates on Facebook at Bogalusa Team Sorting Practice or  www.bogalusacommunityarena.com.