Off to the Rodeo
March 20, 2016
This weekend I ventured out to Edmonton Northlands to witness my nephew and his roping partner compete in the Canadian College Finals Rodeo. I remember when my nephew was a wee guy roping a mini roping dummy off the couch in his living room. I remember telling both him and his mom that this kid was gonna go places. It appears as though I was right.
It’s always interesting when I go to an event like this mainly because I am not part of the rodeo crowd. I don’t know much about rodeos at all. The last time I went to a rodeo I saw my other nephew compete in the same rodeo last year. This year though I was really tuned in to what the animals had to say about their experience. You may be surprised.
The goat tying had to be the most funny. If you have never had a goat, then you will not get what I am saying. Goats are like no other animal. They are hardy, mischievous and very entertaining. On Friday night when the young ladies were approaching the goat I heard comments from the goat like, “Weeeeee, this is fun!” This little alpine goat was running in circles around the stake as the rider approached. The rider had to chase the goat before she could get her hands on it. The goat loved the chase. And loved this event. I love goats. I’ve had about four of them. Each one was so funny and made me laugh for their antics.
On Friday night, after the first bull was ridden, and the rider jumped off after a successful eight-second ride, the bull jogged around the arena saying, “I’m so pretty. I’m so pretty.” He truly was an attractive bull, palomino and had a very nice loose jog.
In the pole bending on both nights, one horse gave me that tingle of awareness that I was witnessing something great when he ran the poles. He was a natural; with agility and speed it was amazing to watch him carry his rider. I knew if this horse wanted, he’d run the poles all by himself! He loved it that much.
Many people do not like rodeos because they say the events are cruel. Some things happen and I will admit, I don’t like it when anyone gets hurt, man or animal. Some may say that they animals don’t have a choice but here’s the kicker; some of those animals do like it. The bulls are very proud and show off after they lose their riders. Last night it took a lot of effort for the pick up riders to rope and herd a very large proud bull out of the arena. That bull was truly showing off! I heard a few of the goats say their event was fun. And they even liked that the crowd was watching them. Imagine, a goat loving being in a rodeo!
I left the rodeo last night feeling better about the animals that were a part of the rodeo. I understand that while they may not get the chance to say yes or no, some of those animals are right where they are meant to be, off to the rodeo.
This weekend I ventured out to Edmonton Northlands to witness my nephew and his roping partner compete in the Canadian College Finals Rodeo. I remember when my nephew was a wee guy roping a mini roping dummy off the couch in his living room. I remember telling both him and his mom that this kid was gonna go places. It appears as though I was right.
It’s always interesting when I go to an event like this mainly because I am not part of the rodeo crowd. I don’t know much about rodeos at all. The last time I went to a rodeo I saw my other nephew compete in the same rodeo last year. This year though I was really tuned in to what the animals had to say about their experience. You may be surprised.
The goat tying had to be the most funny. If you have never had a goat, then you will not get what I am saying. Goats are like no other animal. They are hardy, mischievous and very entertaining. On Friday night when the young ladies were approaching the goat I heard comments from the goat like, “Weeeeee, this is fun!” This little alpine goat was running in circles around the stake as the rider approached. The rider had to chase the goat before she could get her hands on it. The goat loved the chase. And loved this event. I love goats. I’ve had about four of them. Each one was so funny and made me laugh for their antics.
On Friday night, after the first bull was ridden, and the rider jumped off after a successful eight-second ride, the bull jogged around the arena saying, “I’m so pretty. I’m so pretty.” He truly was an attractive bull, palomino and had a very nice loose jog.
In the pole bending on both nights, one horse gave me that tingle of awareness that I was witnessing something great when he ran the poles. He was a natural; with agility and speed it was amazing to watch him carry his rider. I knew if this horse wanted, he’d run the poles all by himself! He loved it that much.
Many people do not like rodeos because they say the events are cruel. Some things happen and I will admit, I don’t like it when anyone gets hurt, man or animal. Some may say that they animals don’t have a choice but here’s the kicker; some of those animals do like it. The bulls are very proud and show off after they lose their riders. Last night it took a lot of effort for the pick up riders to rope and herd a very large proud bull out of the arena. That bull was truly showing off! I heard a few of the goats say their event was fun. And they even liked that the crowd was watching them. Imagine, a goat loving being in a rodeo!
I left the rodeo last night feeling better about the animals that were a part of the rodeo. I understand that while they may not get the chance to say yes or no, some of those animals are right where they are meant to be, off to the rodeo.