Feb. 21. Sat. Nothing like a good old fashioned western rodeo! What a blast! Everyone who knows me, knows any day at a rodeo is a great day for me! I love the anticipation of the coming action, the sight and sounds of horses, getting dressed up like “wanna-be” cowgirl, and watching it all under big open skies in the west. Rodeos are all American as it represents life as it was in the west and many of the events are still really used in ranching today. Every rodeo starts off with saluting the flag and singing our national anthem. It tugs at the heart as we are reminded of our country’s freedom.
This year I took advantage of a special workshop at the rodeo sponsored by Cannon cameras and a local camera shop. Two guys from the camera club went with me. It started at 11:30 AM under a big tent at the end of the rodeo grounds and included help setting up our cameras for nice shots. Plus, Cannon equipment was available for those that wanted to try some of the big lenses. Some of them were so big you would need a crane to hold it on your shoulder! The equipment was up there in the thousands of dollars. My ticket also included a very nice lunch and free drinks. When the rodeo started, everyone was jockeying for a fence position!
The rodeo started off with the Junior Rodeo. The little kids in the mutton busting event were so funny. There was also the junior bull riding and barrel racing. The little girl on the white horse is only 8 years old! So cute!
The badge I am wearing entitled me to go anywhere in the stand I wanted to! That was so nice because I could get closer to the action when I wanted to. Made me feel important like the press or something!! Of course, you know I loved the fact that I was able to get right down into the front row of the stands for the barrel racing! It is my favorite event and then 2nd is the bull riding.
The bronco busting is almost as intense and dangerous as the bull riding! But these cowboys seem to know what they are doing. Or do they?!
I enjoy the steer roping and team roping because I love to watch the horses work. They are well trained and know exactly how to keep their eye on the steer and then hold the rope taught while the cowboy does his thing.
Naturally, the best is saved for last-the bull riding! Now that gives bravery a whole new meaning! At 8 seconds for the perfect ride, it is ranked the most dangerous sport in America. There is always loads of anticipation as you wait for the cowboys to come flying out of the gate on up to a ton of mean lean beef!!! Crazy! But the cowboy is the one that needs the sympathy, not the bull!
I had such a good time, if I had some extra time on my hands, I would have gone back again with the RV park group!
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