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With cowboy boots, hats, big belt buckles and Little Britches, the rodeo returned to Moffat County.

The Moffat County Little Britches Rodeo bucked into action Thursday at the Moffat County Fairgrounds, 640 E. Victory Way.

The rodeo, which has been in Moffat County for more than 40 years, features more than 180 participants from 10 states.

There were several familiar cowboys and cowgirls from Moffat County riding, as well.

The Vernons, of Maybell, brought three participants and six horses for the four-day event.

Taylor Vernon had a good start to the weekend - she was the top all-around cowgirl with 170 points.

"I've done all right," she said. "I had a 23 in the trail course."

Vernon said she has a course set up at her house where she can practice the trail course three times a week.

"It was pretty good," she said. "I could have done better, though."

After the trail course, Vernon competed in several other events.

"Everything was pretty good," she said. "My best event was the barrels - I won it with 17.16."

Vernon was almost the last person to enter the ring for barrel racing.

"I don't watch the other people go," she said. "I don't want to pressure up."

Barrel racing wasn't Vernon's only strong showing.

"I had a 21.2 in the poles," she said. "It was pretty good."

Taylor Vernon wasn't the only Vernon, or Taylor, who got off to a good start.

Taylor Duzik, of Craig, and her horse, Milo, enjoyed the first day.

"I've done all right so far," Duzik said. "I was third in the trail course and sixth in breakaway roping."

There was one surprise for Duzik.

"Goat tying is usually one of my better events," she said. "Today, I had to tie twice."

Having a well-rounded day was the best part for Duzik, she said.

"I finished all of my events - I didn't have any 'no times,'" she said. "I had an average in everything."

Jaidyn Steele, of Craig, is leading the Little Wrangler class after one day, with 250 total points.

She was first in barrel racing, fourth in goat tail untying, first in flag racing and second in pole bending.

Kinlie Brennise, of Craig, wasn't far behind Steele.

She finished second in barrel racing and sixth in goat tail untying.

Casey Barnes, of Maybell, was first all around for junior boys with 196 points.