Why We Rodeo
SSEMC linemen prepare their gear ahead of an event
The Georgia Lineman's Rodeo took place at Camp John Hope in Perry, Georgia
Engineering Youth Apprentice Walker Allen (left) stands with his grandfather and retired SSEMC lineman, Kyle McDonald, and his brother Jackson Allen (right), who is an Apprentice Lineman and former Engineering Youth Apprentice.
Director of Line Services, Bobby Fincher (left), spent the entire week leading up to the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo coordinating and preparing for the event.
Carson Peters, Apprentice Lineman, was part of the flag ceremony at the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo.
Jackson Allen, Apprentice Lineman, was part of the flag ceremony at the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo.
Many SSEMC staff assisted in judging the events for the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo.
Many SSEMC staff assisted in judging the events for the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo.
SSEMC's Rodeo Flag
(Left to right) Apprentices Nicholas Hatcher, Branen Bramblett, Sawyer Hill, Aaron Mauldin, Chris Burney, Gabe Lunsford and Cole Rusk after the awards banquet of the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo.

Over the past few weeks, SSEMC staff has been deeply involved in training for, preparing, running, and cheering on lineman rodeos. For those who have never participated in one of these events, it’s fair to ask—why do we do it?

If the photos and videos don't already make it clear, lineman rodeos are a powerful expression of the family and community values we hold dear as a cooperative.

Our on-site Apprentice Lineman Rodeo is an incredible opportunity to witness the year-over-year growth of our linemen—not just in skill, but in confidence and camaraderie. It’s a front-row seat to their professional and personal development.

At the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, we go a step further—connecting with the parents, spouses, and children who support our linemen every single day. These events offer a meaningful way to honor and involve the people who make our work possible behind the scenes.

The rodeos also showcase how staff members from across departments step up. From the fleet team that cleans, prepares, and transports our classic work truck to Perry, Georgia, to those who help judge and score events, these efforts reflect the unity that defines Snapping Shoals EMC.

All of this highlights something you likely already know—SSEMC is a special place filled with special people. And when we attend events like the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, we’re reminded that we’re not alone in our mission. Across the state, and the country, there are other cooperatives striving toward the same goal: delivering reliable power to the members who count on us.

Even though we may never meet them, countless men and women of other cooperatives share in our challenges and stand ready to support us, just as we would support them.