A day at the rodeo is a day of excitement. The bull riding, barrel racing and mutton busting events are always entertaining.

Unfortunately, many of the participants in these professional events do not always conduct themselves as champions.

Dallas County native Jimmy Boswell has seen this first hand. As a professional bull rider, Boswell said he saw many of his fellow cowboys turning to drugs and alcohol to deal with injuries and to escape the circuit.

Now, Boswell is training a new generation of competitors. His rodeos, which will take place each month at the Dallas County horse arena, teach young bull riders and pro rodeo hopefuls that faith can lift riders higher than any substance.

Boswell doesn’t just train cowboys and cowgirls, he trains the leaders of tomorrow. The lessons learned in the arena set the tone for the way these young people will conduct themselves in any profession they choose.

Athletics have long been a great way for young people to lean the importance of hard work. Some learn on the football, baseball and softball fields, while others gain an appreciation for a solid work ethic on the basketball court.

In Dallas County, the rodeo has always been a popular draw for young people.

Now, they too  have a united front geared toward shaping productive citizens.

Between the positive reinforcement offered to participants, cowboy church and the sense of togetherness offered at these rodeos, it looks like the event will continue to build steam.

Boswell and his wife Pam should be commended for reaching out to the young people of our area. The rodeo has become another place for them to learn values.