full-time to the rodeo business,leaving behind a bundle of dusty, smiling youngsters in their wake.
"The funnest thing we do is meeting the people," Melinda said., "and seeing how much the children love riding the sheep."
During a mutton bustin' event, a child wears a helmet with face protection and holds on to a tuft of fur on a sheep's neck while the sheep runs around a pen until the child falls off or the sheep gives up.
The McDonalds became involved in mutton bustin' when their son, Kevin, expressed an interest in the sport. Greg then took his son to local events and bought him a practice chute. Before he knew it, Greg had jumped head first into the industry.
"Before long, I'm winding up making chutes," Greg said. "I've built a portable arena to take to events."
Now Kevin acts as the "Sheep fighter," and helps the children mount the sheep. He also holds the smaller children while they ride to prevent injuries.
"It's a thrill for the kids," Melinda said, "and-knock on wood-they seldom sustain injuries as the sheep are so close to the ground."
CMP has produced the Eastern National Mutton Bustin' Championships at the State Fair of Virginia for the past three years. The event involves three qualifying rounds and a finals. Children compete for tee-shirts, ribbons and trophies.
Glenn Martin, livestock programs director for the SFV, has known the McDonalds for several years.
"They're not just a production crew out here to make money," Martin said. "They do it because they really enjoy it-working with kids,promoting the livestock and the rodeo."
The family is staying busy. Earlier this month, CMP traveled to Leesburg for a show. They also produced a mutton bustin' event for BLM Bull & Rodeo in June at Oakland heights Farm in Gordonsville.
In addition to mutton bustin', CMP also produces Team Penning and team roping events. The McDonalds have a farm in western Goochland where they raise long-horn cattle for roping and train horses for cutting, which involves separating cattle.
Greg, who is originally from Australia, is also a well-respected farrier-an expert in equine hoof care. "I've been cutting horses for 20 years," Greg said. "I came to the states because I wanted to see the best."
Melinda met Greg when he was hired to break-in some of her horses.
"[Working with my wife] is fun," Greg said. "We're together everyday."
The McDonalds also have a daughter, Annie Laurie, who is on the equestrian team at the University of South Carolina, continuing her family's agricultural legacy.
Melinda's father, Paul Lanier, raises beef cattle on the adjacent farm. Although Melinda grew up in Richmond, she spent weekends and holidays on her father's farm in Goochland, a place her family now calls home.
Working from home has been a blessing, Melinda said and the McDonalds are excited about the future of rodeo. As mutton bustin gains popularity within the rodeo circle, it might not be long Carney Man Productions is a household name.
