Judge Neil Gorsuch’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing took a lighthearted turn Tuesday when the 49-year-old nominee talked about his affinity for an obscure rodeo event called “mutton busting.” Sen.

A furry beast, a brave rider and a roaring crowd make up the list of ingredients for the Western rodeo tradition known as “mutton busting.” Think of it as bull-riding, but for 6-year-olds, and the ...