Hollie/Brewer Adaptive Rodeo Thriving In Its Third Year
by SHAYLYNN MARKS
photos provided
The Hollie/Brewer Adaptive Rodeo returns for its third year Oct. 18 at the Hayman Arena inside the Polk County Youth Fair Grounds, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Founded by two local families — the Hollies and the Brewers — the event has grown rapidly since its debut and now caps at 70 participants, filling every spot within hours of registration opening. Admission and participation are free for contestants and their families, and the rodeo is supported entirely by community donations, sponsorships, and volunteers.
How It All Began
The idea came to fruition from two families who shared a common roadblock. Sarah Hollie and Jena Brewer, both deeply involved in agriculture, noticed that their daughters, one with Down syndrome and one with Angelman syndrome, were outgrowing pee wee divisions but had no opportunities to compete in rodeo events designed for participants with developmental disabilities.
“We became frustrated because there wasn’t a place for them,” co-founder Hollie says. “Kids with special needs deserve to be part of this world, but they can’t always compete against typical riders.”
“They don’t make things accessible,” co-founder Brewer adds. “Even something as simple as showing a cow — if a participant needs a helper, they’re not allowed one.”
What began as plans for a small backyard event quickly grew. The families secured a venue, rallied volunteers, and launched the first official rodeo in October 2023. The response from the community was immediate, and the event has grown each year since.
Breaking the Mold
The event is open to all ages and all disabilities, with activities modified so everyone can safely take part.
“We may have contestants in wheelchairs, walkers, or using crutches,” Hollie says. “We want every single person to feel included and supported.”
Events include barrel racing, mechanical bull riding, cow showmanship, whip popping, and steer dummy roping — all adapted with safety measures and extra volunteers. Each participant is paired with a dedicated “buddy” for the day who stays with them through every event, offering encouragement, breaks, and trips to a sensory room when needed.
Unforgettable Moments in the Ring
Last year, one contestant who uses a wheelchair told volunteers he had never ridden a horse. A group of arena helpers lifted him into the saddle, and he made a slow loop around the arena.
“He says this day is one of the best of the entire year,” Hollie says. “The only thing he looks forward to more is Christmas.”
There are countless moments of compassion shaping these participants’ lives, too. One contestant, who has sensory-processing challenges linked to autism, became overwhelmed by the noise and stimulation during her event.
As if on cue, Brewer recounts, the entire arena went quiet, giving her space to focus. She had dreamed of winning a buckle but didn’t place. Her “buddy” for the day gave their own buckle to her as a keepsake.
“That buckle wasn’t from this event at all,” Brewer says. “It was one they earned somewhere else, and they gave it up without hesitation. In the rodeo world, buckles are hard-earned. That made the moment even more incredible. It’s those little acts of kindness that stick with you.”
Community Support
Pulling off an event of this scale isn’t easy. It costs about $8,000 to host the rodeo each year, covering everything from insurance and facility rental to prizes, a standby ambulance, and safety measures.
“This is something we never wanted families to have to pay for,” Hollie says. “From day one, we’ve worked to make sure the entire event is free for participants and their families.”
To make that possible, the team relies heavily on local sponsors, donations, and volunteers. This year, the organizers hosted their first-ever sponsorship dinner, raising funds to keep the rodeo free and accessible. They also reach out to individuals and businesses through letters, offering opportunities to contribute even if they can’t attend.
Volunteers are a critical part of making the day successful. Each contestant is paired with a “buddy,” meaning at least 70 volunteers are needed just for that role alone.
In addition, the rodeo relies on arena workers, registration helpers, and plenty of “cheerleaders” to fill the stands and celebrate participants.
“We always encourage people to make signs, clap, and cheer as loud as they can,” Hollie says. “It means so much to the contestants to hear the crowd behind them.”
Brewer emphasizes how critical local involvement has been in sustaining the rodeo.
“This event wouldn’t happen without the community,” Brewer says. “From volunteers to sponsors to the people cheering in the stands, every single person makes it possible for these contestants to have this experience.”
Dreaming Beyond the Arena
There’s no slowing down for the organizers. Hollie and Brewer both say they plan to expand the event’s reach and continue advocating for more inclusive opportunities in local agriculture and rodeo communities.
One of their long-term goals is to build a dedicated facility that offers housing, medical support, and training opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
“We’d love to create a space where they can live, work, and participate in events like this year-round,” Hollie says.
“This is just the beginning,” Brewer says. “Every year we see more families, more volunteers, and more people cheering in the stands. We want this to keep growing so no one ever feels left out of the rodeo world.”