I know that people who knew me B.R., or "before rodeo" cannot believe that Chris and I are involved in rodeos. Believe me, I can't either! I've always loved horses but never had one of my own. Even though I have horses now, I don't compete. I work for Brynna and Chris, getting their horses ready and doing the behind-the-scenes work. And you know what? I love it!!!!!When we first came to Hot Springs (actually the humming suburb of Pearcy) I was very unsure of the whole rodeo life. The rodeo people weren't rude but they weren't what I had expected. I didn't feel like I could ever fit in to rodeo life. Boy was I wrong!
Rodeo life...cowboy life...is so very different from just "I ride horses." Like it or not, rodeo people have to accept you into their inner circle because they can smell a fraud a mile away! No offense...just reality. And it takes time to be accepted because you have to show that you live the life, not just go through the motions.
Rodeo/Cowboy life means you treasure your horses above all. Sure you may buy and sell, but you'll always remember that one horse that made a difference in your life! We have several already who we cherish like children. It's nothing for people to send their horses to chiropractors or give them medicine that costs way more than anything they would buy for themselves. Cowboys provide horsefeed for their horses that, one scoop, costs more than he probably spent at lunch that day. It's just the way of the cowboy to take care of his (or her) horse.
Being a rodeo secretary for three or four years now has taught me so much about the rodeo way of life. One of my favorite rodeo judges once told me that there were rodeo contestants and there were cowboys. The difference is found in the way they act. Once he pointed that out to me, it was all prefectly clear!
Cowboys are "yes ma'am" and "no sir" and taking their hat off during prayer and putting it across their heart when the National Anthem is being played. A cowboy is committed to living a life deeply rooted in the basics. So much of that is gone with today's youth. It's all about materialism and money. I'm not saying cowboys and cowgirls don't want the latest iPhone or $100 belt but their "materialism" comes in getting the latest ropes, saddles, boots etc. The tools of the trade.
I am very fortunate to have "rodeo kids" around to watch them evolve into fantastic human beings and to have Brynna look up to the older ones and see what she has to look forward to.
My photo chosen for this blog is of an exceptional young man saddling his horse. He's done it hundreds of times before but each time he has a meticulous eye for detail, knowing everything should be perfect when he rides in the arena. This photo represents my rodeo kids - Brynna included - who make me want to shout from the rooftops...."Long Live Cowboys!"
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