I recently read about introducing “mutton bustin'” at the Litchfield Fair. Children who are too old to participate in the pig scramble would be allowed to test their skills with sheep riding. But all they are provided with for safety is a helmet. There is nothing else to hold onto except the sheep’s wool.

All participants would receive a T-shirt for accepting the challenge.

“Mutton bustin'” should be lots of fun for the participants and provide “sheer” delight, however, there is also a major safety risk to go along with the activity. An 8-year-old weighing about 60 pounds, riding on an animal with an unknown reaction when that child gets on its back could result in the child hitting the ground after being thrown off. That would surely result in bruises and tears.

Are we ready to take on that?

Completely getting rid of the activity would be a shame. I suggest that parents and their children are made aware of what could happen. They would be prepared for whatever risks are being taken. If they still would like to participate, then that is excellent.

The sheep should also be introduced to human contact ahead of time to reduce the wildness of the ride.

With those changes, the “mutton bustin'” should still be lots of “sheer” delight.

Jamie Prue, Wales