Those who know about rodeos thought it was awesome that Mads got to experience a REAL LIVE ONE last week.... Those who don't know anything about rodeos have wondered what the big deal is.... so here is a little taste of what Mads discovered at his real TEXAS RODEO!
In case you didn't know, RODEOING is an actual sport----where cowboys (and cowgirls, too!) compete in various events throughout their region, trying to earn points. These points are accumulated throughout the rodeo season and then the top performers are eligible to compete at the national level.... for LARGE AMOUNTS of Money and REALLY BIG BELT BUCKLES! And the most interesting part is that these events are just like the ACTUAL WORK that these cowboys (and cowgirls, too!) do on a daily basis on their ranches.
The night starts out with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.....kinda sends chills down your spine.....
and then the fun begins! There is a little BAREBACK RIDING on the bucking broncos:
TEAM ROPING
BARREL RACING
(the Cowgirls' event)
There was STEER WRESTLING and SADDLE BRONC RIDING, plus TIE DOWN ROPING and even an event for the kids called "Mutton Bustin" where these TINY kiddoes (aged 3-6) got the chance to try and ride a sheep! I was too busy cracking up to remember to video these! In fact, the greatest line said all night was, "You can go to jail for spanking your kid in Wal-mart, but what you are about to see here is perfectly legal!" And then these little tykes came out, wearing helmets, and clinging to a sheep's wool with all their might!
and then we finished the night with the biggest and the best.....
World Championship Bull Riding!
(And you've ONLY got to stay on for 8 seconds!)
One of the neatest things to see during the night was when one of the steers (they weigh about 300 lb. each) appeared to be less than perky when he got back up and they immediately called in the Rodeo Vet...he pulled up in a big pickup truck and immediately took the steer to be checked. The cowboys realize the importance of these animals and mentioned their appreciation of them many times throughout the night....
But the best part of the night (other than watching my Viking's face during each event) was seeing all the FAMILIES in attendance. I have been to many rodeos in my lifetime and every time it is the same.... FAMILIES gathered together enjoying the night.... And I feel so lucky that our family got to experience this night together!
4 comments:
Sounds like a great experience!
Bull riding has got to be one of the most extreme sports on the planet. Does Mads say y'all with an accent, yet?
You ever get homesick experiencing things like that? Rodeos are a feel good activity for the whole family, action, patriotism, nostalgia, and animals...all rolled up in one fun evening!!! Glad yáll had a great evening!!! Cute photo of the four of you :-)
I've been to a Western Canadian rodeo, although it is probably not as legit as a Texan one. Watching the young cowboys and cowgirls is the best part.
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