Mutton busting is an event held at rodeos similar to bull riding or bronc riding. In the event, a sheep will be caught and held still while a child is placed on top in a riding position. Once the child is seated atop the sheep, the people holding the sheep let go and the sheep then starts to run in an attempt to get the child off. Often small prizes or ribbons are given out to the child who can stay on the longest.

The vast majority of children participating in the event fall off in under 30 seconds. Height and weight restrictions on participants generally prevent injuries to the sheep,^[1] and implements such as spurs are generally banned from use. Parents are often asked to sign waivers to protect the rodeo from legal action in that event. Organizations such as the ASPCA also discourage the practice on the grounds that it does not promote kindness or respect of animals.^[2]