The 140th Silver Spurs Rodeo in Osceola County is taking place this weekend. The days leading up to the rodeo involve a few extra steps to make sure the livestock athletes are ready to take on the event.

The Silver Spurs Ranch in Kenansville is holding about 200 animals. Those who work the rodeo believe that in reality, it’s these horses and bulls who are the true the stars of the show.

“The livestock is our foundation,” said Steve Knowles, the livestock chairman.

Knowles knows these animals all too well, as he’s been volunteering at the Silver Spurs Ranch in Kenansville for years.

Knowles feeds, breeds and raises the next generation of animal athletes. He said this is “something I love being a part of.”

About 300 volunteers come together to make the rodeo a possibility. Knowles said their priority is to make sure the animals are well taken care of.

The bucking horses each eat about 10 pounds a day while the bucking bulls eat 20-25 pounds of feed each.

“We want the healthiest animal, we take care of our animals, we make sure they’re healthy, fed, medicated … They are our livelihood,” Knowles explained.

The Silver Spurs are the only rodeo in the country that own their livestock; in fact, they lease some animals out to other rodeos.

Knowles said that for him, this is not a job but his lifetime passion.

“I think it's a very unique organization, and I hope we keep going strong for many more years,” Knowles added.

The rodeo is taking place this weekend (Feb. 16-18) starting on Friday. Proceeds will benefit the organization Guardian ad Litem of Osceola County, which helps abused, abandoned and neglected children.

For more information on the event, visit its website: www.silverspursrodeo.com/event-schedule