Entries for the 2006 National Western Stock Show Mutton Bustin' are now open. The competition takes place during the National Western Rodeo, Jan. 7 to 22, 2006.

One of the most popular attractions at the annual rodeo, the Mutton Bustin' features young cowpokes clinging to sheep as hard as they can for as long as they can. Like the standard roughstock events, time and score count. But, all the contestants receive trophies for their courage and effort.

Hopeful applicants should send a postcard with their name, address, phone number, date of birth and weight to National Western Mutton Bustin', 4655 Humboldt Street, Denver, CO 80216, before Nov. 30. All applications will be entered in random drawings to take place after Dec. 15. Only the winners will be notified. All contestants are eligible to compete at the National Western Mutton Bustin' only once.

Children must be between the ages of 5 and 7 and weigh less than 55 pounds as of Jan. 1, 2006.

The West's largest annual agricultural exhibition, the National Western Stock Show features the nation's fifth richest professional rodeo, Colorado's largest indoor trade show and more than 15,000 head of animals during its 16-day run. The National Western celebrates its 100th anniversary Jan. 7 to 22, 2006. For more information, please contact the National Western Stock Show at 303-297-1166 or visit NationalWestern.com.

Date: 7/21/05