The Rodeo

So, what does one do when your husband is out of town for the week and you have 9 antsy children in the house? Well, you take them to the rodeo, of course. 

The skies opened up in the beginning of the week and rain just kept coming down. I felt like I was back home, in Seattle, although it wasn't a drizzly rain, but a real umbrella-like rain, so that made things a little more depressing. Roads were getting flooded and there was no sign that the rain was going to end. Perhaps you saw it on the news; my husband did. Anyway, by Thursday things were looking up and the sun was shining. We headed to the Adams County Fair to watch the rodeo. David borught the perfect sweatshirt with him. It says, "There will be mud," and guess what? There was a ton of mud with no way to get rid of it. 

The beginning of the rodeo was all about our future cowboys. They call this Mutton Bustin'. These kids are so cute!

The goal is stay on for 6 seconds. It was rare to see that happen, but the kids sure had fun. They loved falling into the mud. It was like an extra cushion to soften their fall.

When you attend the rodeo there is always a little entertainment. With our seats being prety close the kids were able to see this guy's face and his face paint. They decided that he was more of a scary clown than a funny entertainer. 

The fair queens walked around giving all the children cowboy hats. You should see my house. I have hats everywhere now! 

After a little mutton bustin' we got watch a little Bronc riding. I'm not sure the horses enjoyed the mud.

It was little slick out there for everyone.

I'm not sure that the cowboys enjoyed the mud either. 

Team roping was up next.

What tricky event. I can't even get a lasso going on my own, so I can't imagine doing it with a partner.

With the smell of fair food everywhere we had to get a few funnel cakes and lemonades. Thankfully, we were given food and drink vouchers and used just about all $50 of it on just this. Insane, right?

Barrel racing is always fun to watch, but on this night a few horses were spooked by the mud. 

The bulls were a little feisty that evening too. 

This particular bull found it entertaining to knock the barrel over along with the rodeo clown inside. I found it quite amusing too.

Then he had to show off a little after it was all said and done.

There were just a couple cowboys that actually had qualifying rides that evening, but it sure was fun to cheer them on! Small town rodeos are so fun. If you live near one be sure to check it out. There's nothing more entertaining or fun!

Da Bulls

For me this is what the rodeo is all about!  It’s all about the bull riding.

  And here is your bull riding champion.  I think he won because of his chaps…or maybe it was his awesome skill.  He tied the arena record from 1999 with a score of 94.  Check it out below!

More Rodeo Fun!

We also watched a little team roping.   I still think it’s crazy how these guys can balance themselves on a horse, swing a lasso, and lasso a calf at the same time.  I don’t think I could even stay on a horse. Every fair has rides and of course fair food!  Can’t go wrong there. Ladies barrel racing was quite interesting as well.

Those horses are crazy fast!

Saddle Bronc Riding

Saddle bronc riding is a little different than bareback riding, however it’s just as exhilarating.

These cowboys are judged on their form and how hard the horses buck.

Ropin’ at the Rodeo

We got to watch a little roping as well.  This is an incredible event.   That horse is incredibly well trained to hold that rope taut.  It’s a team effort that works out quite well.

Frontier Days

A couple ladies from church wanted to dress me up as a cowgirl. You don’t get dressed up as cowgirls with nowhere to go, so we headed to the rodeo.  The big one.  Maybe you’ve heard of it?  Cheyenne Frontier Days.  Sound familiar?    We were running a little late since we had church that morning.  We arrived just in time for the bareback riding. Being from the city, this is something I have never seen before. I was completely mesmerized.  It looked a little similar to bull riding, which we got to see as well, but then again it was different. Look at that strength and that form.  It’s incredible.  I’m talking about the horse.Although those chaps aren’t bad either.  We had a fantastic time at the rodeo, so much so that you are going to get the whole experience in some upcoming posts.  But for now here’s a little video to get you ready for what’s to come!  Enjoy.

Teaser

On Sunday, I saw a little of this.  Some of this. A little of this.

And, Adriane, for you, lots of these.  I’m sure if you were there with me I would have met one or two.  Maybe next time…