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Pictured: Children run the gauntlet in 'mutton bustin' rodeo

USA - Aimee Dilger/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
USA - Aimee Dilger/SOPA Images/Shutterstock

Children have run the gauntlet in a competition of high stakes at an agricultural fair in the US, clinging to sheep for as long as possible before hitting the floor.

The 'mutton bustin' competition took place at the Bloomsburg Fair in Pennsylvania, which has run since 1855.

Rodeos across the US host the competition, which was first registered at the National Western Stock Show in the 1980s.

In the event, a sheep is held still while a child is placed on top in a riding position, before the animal is released.

Participants must be between 4 and 7 years old and weigh less than 55lb.

USA - Aimee Dilger/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
USA - Aimee Dilger/SOPA Images/Shutterstock

Prizes are given for distance, with Grand Champion belt buckles awarded to the contestant with the highest score.

The week-long fair also includes children’s competitions such as a BBQ cook-off, a pet show and a tractor pull.

Although popular across many rural areas, the practice was banned in New York City in 2012, and in Alameda County, California, in 2019.

Critics including the American Society for the Care and Protection of Animals have opposed the sport on the grounds of cruelty to animals.