LINCOLN -- Stockton Smith landed an expanded role as Lincoln Riding Club 2021 Lil' Mister along with a handsome buckle when he won the title on Aug. 13, 2021, at the 68th annual Lincoln Rodeo.
Stockton, 6-year-old son of Matt and Malorie Smith, of Prairie Grove, entered the limelight at an appropriate time for a junior cowboy, who enjoys riding his horse "Wee Man" and feeding him. Stockton loves to go with his dad to feed the cows and going to rodeos. He tries his hand working the chute when dad practices.
Last year Lincoln Riding Club decided to offer an optional horsemanship event for Lil' Mister and Lil' Miss contestants.
"This is just to give them the opportunity to be on their horse during the competition. The points they earn during their horsemanship do NOT go toward points for the Lil' Mister and Lil' Miss titles," stated a social media post outlining the additional event.
Just as in 2021, horsemanship carries no weight on the outcome of the title competition for 2022 Lil' Mister and Lil' Miss. There will be a separate horsemanship award given for those who choose to participate. They will not be judged for having a lead or company in the arena while riding their pattern.
Not only did Stockton have that opportunity, for the first time in 2021 the Littles were crowned along with the other royalty, queen, junior queen and princess, on Saturday during the final performance of the rodeo, breaking away from past years when the LRC Lil' Mister and Lil' Miss coronation occurred on Wednesday prior to the street dance. Beyond that, other than leading the stickhorse grand entry each night of the Lincoln Rodeo, they didn't get much chance to show off their royalty sashes.
That all changed in 2021. Stockton participated in a full week of the Littles' pageant from Wednesday, Aug. 11, through Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. Among the changes, the Little contestants were part of the fashion show with customized, one of a kind surprises new for last year, assuring participants that every contestant would go away with gifts. Contestants again this year must wear their cowboy hat, belt and buckle and cowboy boots with their outfit.
Stockton will soon enter first grade at Prairie Grove Elementary. Last year on Labor Day weekend, Stockton competed with his square dance team, "Twist & Shout," during the Clothesline Fair. Among his interests are becoming an auctioneer.