Rodeo time for special kids.

If you live in the Rapid City, SD area, you may want to check out the Tucker Day Rodeo.  An inspiring couple fell in love the the contagious enthusiasm of a young child, who just happens to rock his extra chromosome, and his love for all things rodeo.  Wanting to inspire more children with special needs, the Jensen's simple act of love has taken on a life of its own as the Tucker Day Rodeo.

Tucker Day Rodeo

The Tucker Day Rodeo provides an opportunity for special-needs individuals to ride horses and participate in a rodeo in an arena setting. The fourth annual event is Sunday, Aug. 12, in Hill City.

August 10, 2012 4:00 am  •  Journal staff

One simple act of kindness has taken on a life of its own. And for LeeAnn and Rich Jensen, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Hill City couple are the driving force behind the annual Tucker Day Rodeo, which they have held on their Double Diamond Ranch, just outside Hill City. The fourth-year rodeo came about in 2008 when the couple were involved in the Western Heritage Festival.

One participant in the festival was Tucker Blain of Hermosa, a then-5-year-old who was born with Down syndrome.

The Jensens said they were amazed how Tucker maneuvered through the course with the help of his mom, LouAnn, and how well he bonded with his horse. Tucker flashed a smile that melted several hearts that day. Before the ranch horse competition was over, plans were already in the works to hold a special rodeo for special-needs riders like Tucker.

“We could not get over how adorable (Tucker) was," LeeAnn Jensen said about that initial meeting. “We were so inspired by him and his little horse and the excitement and enthusiasm he brought to our Western Heritage Festival.

The Tucker Day Rodeo provides an opportunity for special-needs individuals to ride horses and participate in a rodeo in an arena setting. The Jensens partnered with the SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy. The horses, as well as any attendants that may be needed, will be provided by SunCatcher. Children who have their own horses are allowed to bring them.

“The events are designed so all special-needs individuals participating in the rodeo are winners,” LeeAnn Jensen said. “Every participant receives a medallion for each event they participate in.”

Jensen said the rodeo focuses on participants from Fall River, Custer, Pennington, Meade and Lawrence counties, but they have had participants from North Dakota, Wyoming and Minnesota.

“We do not turn any special-needs individuals down,” LeeAnn Jensen said.

The event is free and spectators are encouraged to come watch. Bleachers will be provided, but spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to take advantage of tents that will be provided.

Be gentle.