KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
February 13, 2025
By Natalie Cook Clark
The Special Rodeo continues a beautiful partnership that shines in a week full of tradition, competition, community involvement and more.
For 82 years the Katy Rodeo has brought the community together in a partnership that both entertains, educates, and supports local students who participate in rodeo and FFA activities. However, one of the most cherished traditions is the Special Rodeo where FFA students are paired with a “best buddy,” who is a student with special needs.
This week Katy ISD held its Best Buddies Special Rodeo, as part of this year’s FFA Livestock Show. A yearly favorite, the Special Rodeo showcases the District’s commitment to community, service and offering unique opportunities for the District’s students with special needs.
This special event provides the student with a supportive environment as they participate in rodeo activities modified to their abilities. The partnership is also a testament to the kindness, compassion and servant leadership of the “buddy” who is an example to their school and wider community.
“Our Special Rodeo is a beloved part of our annual livestock show because it really demonstrates the community spirit we have in Katy,” said Jeannie Knierim, director of CTE in Katy ISD. “The event is always full of smiles and laughter, and our students enjoy forging new bonds and making memories with their ‘best buddies’.”
The Katy Cowgirls, the mounted drill team made up of riders across the District, performed and spent time with the students. Many girls remarked how this a favorite tradition.
“Our Special Rodeo brings so much happiness to so many students with special needs,” says Katy ISD Board of Trustee Dawn Champagne. “The Katy ISD Livestock Show and Rodeo is here for ALL students.”
The Katy Rodeo is tonight through Saturday at the Young Agricultural Sciences Center and W.E. Billy Morgan Rodeo Arena (5801 Katy Hockley Cut Off Road.)
Students will compete in categories including steers, goats, lambs, hogs, broilers and rabbits. Some Katy ISD students will also participate in the junior rodeo with traditional rodeo events.
The annual parade is Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
The full calendar of events can be found on the Livestock Show and Rodeo webpage.
Nightly, rodeo events begin at 7:00 p.m., and gates open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. Adults are $15 and children (Ages 4-11) are $7. All children are free tonight!