Life is full of new adventures. These new experiences keep life fresh and exciting. Case in point, my first Montana Rodeo. To make an idiom more concrete, this really was “my first rodeo.”
Family is very important in many sports. So it is with the cowboys and cowgirls of the rodeo set. I was so impressed with the family orientation of the program. How the stands were filled to capacity with families, from pregnant women and their spouses, to babies and little children with extended families, like grandparents and aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. Everyone seemed to know one another.
In the events, fathers team up with their daughters or sons to rope cattle. Siblings ride together to rope calves. They work on teamwork: one cowboy or cowgirl lassos the head, and then the other teammate lassos the back legs. They need to rope both ends of the calf in the best time to win. The team each get one throw of the lasso. Truly difficult as the calf races to the other side of the arena.
Some of the rodeo families allow their little children to participate in “Peewee Barrels” and “Tiny Tot Barrels” events.
Barrel racing is negotiating a running horse around weighted barrels in the arena. The cowgirl or boy needs to get as close to the barrels as possible without bumping into them or knocking the barrels over. Peewees are for children 5 to 10 years of age. Tiny Tots are 7 years and under. These events are used to introduce young children to the maneuvers necessary to complete the barrel course, which is more simplified for the younger set. And of course, the ponies are comparable to the size of its rider and his or her ability. And yes! It’s about being the fastest to run the course. The clock is ticking!
In addition to all the adult events, there are some “Junior” versions of these events for teens. Bareback, Steer Riding, Ranch Broncs and Saddle Broncs, Bull Riding. Ranch bronc riders use a saddle with a horn and the cowboy or girl holds on with two hands. The saddle bronc riders have a specially designed saddle with no horn and grip a rein with one hand.
I realize there is much skill involved in these events. Still, all the bucking scares me. The bulls, mainly, terrify me. Or maybe it’s just my back observing the person in the saddle and empathizing with his back. Think about it. One hand holding on. No stirrups. Legs flailing. The cowboy and the animal appear to fly, as the rider struggles to hold on for the allotted time to win.
Patriotism is another important element for the rodeo. The crowded stands are draped in red, white and blue, as are the patrons. The way the wranglers ride into the arena with a large American flag standing tall. God Bless America booms through the loudspeakers. And the event opens with a prayer from a minister. People take off their hats and place them over their hearts.
My first rodeo was quite an experience for me. Don’t be afraid to try a new adventure. Have any of you ever gone to a rodeo before? Did it seem very patriotic to you? Family oriented? Did you enjoy your experience? What is something new that you have tried lately?
Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Americans. Enjoy your time with family and friends.
I like that last bit about the patriotism and prayer.
I went to a couple rodeos when I was a kid in Arizona. Those people are skilled and tough!
Yes they are, Alex. I’d be too chicken to try and stay on a bucking bronco or–yikes–a bull. Lots of skill here. I was truly impressed by the patriotism and faith of the group. We need more of this in our troubled world.
Thank you so much for visiting Camping with Five Kids and leaving a note. It’s appreciated more than you know. Enjoy your week!
I’m glad you enjoyed the rodeo. I didn’t realize it was such a family affair.
Neither did I, Natalie. It was truly inspiring. It’s always a pleasure seeing you here at Camping with Five Kids. Have a beautiful week!