Category Archives: Attractions

Fort Worth Stockshow Rodeo

Ranches, windmills and the country are probably some of my favorite things that I love about Texas. I may have mentioned once or twice that I like the rodeo. Ok – I’ve probably mentioned it at least 100 times and I LOVE the rodeo. I love everything about the rodeo, the cute kids dressed up in their boots, pearl snaps and cowboy hats, the rodeo clowns, the smell of the arena and the cowboys are nice to look at too. In all seriousness, I think it comes down to taking what’s done on the ranch and putting it all into a competition. There’s something about the atmosphere that I can’t quite put my finger on. It just feel like home. All day, everyday – I could do it! Competitors and spectators alike come from near and far to attend this event. It’s an absolute must to watch!

The rodeo for the annual Fort Worth Stockshow and Rodeo is held at the Will Rogers Coliseum. If you plan on attending, I would suggest getting your tickets well in advance. I tell myself this every year however I procrastinate and then you end up attending at Saturday morning 10am show.

I’ll try to break this all down for ya and include some video.

Event: Bronc Riding

This event was originally based on how to break a horse. Typically, a rider will try not to get thrown off. It shows the horses bucking ability and strength.

Event: Barrel Racing

This is one event I would love to do. Actually, I think I would try all of them at least one. Anywho – barrel racing is where the rider has to race and maneuver her horse around three barrels in the arena in a clover leaf pattern. Knock a barrel down and you’re penalized. The quickest time wins.

Event: Double Mugging & Ranch Vet

I’m not a fan of either of these. Each time, I can just feel myself running with fear, choking and having my limbs pulled apart like the calves/yearlings. (They don’t really have their limbs pulled apart, they get up and go after.) It’s all part of ranch life, you just won’t see me doing these unless I have to (you know, once I marry my cowboy and live my life on a ranch… dreaming). It should be pretty obvious that these events are meant to represent sorting, doctoring and branding these young animals.

I like to always hope that they get away. A few of them do. You’ll see a grin on my face.

Event: Bull Riding

This is my favorite. Just like in the movie or the bar (depending where you are), get on and hold on for 8 seconds boys! Some of these bulls are pretty angry. I mean, you would be too if you had a rope tied around your you-know-what.

During each rodeo, there’s usually entertainment in between each event. My favorite is mutton bustin’ which involves the little kids riding sheep. It’s pretty darn cute. During this rodeo, they had a few different one.

Wagon races. These guys cruise. I would think it’d be pretty fun to spin around the corners on these wagons!

Have you heard of Whiplash?
That’s right! What you’re seeing is a Cowboy Monkey, on a dog, herding sheep!

Then there was Will Rogers himself, well not really but he sure could handle his lasso! On his horse, around him, jumping in and out, while standing and riding his horse. Pretty impressive.

It’s really hard to include everything in this event into one post. If you’d like to see more videos of the FWSSR, head on over to my YouTube page – there’s plenty! I know a few of you live out there on the ranches and do this full time so if something isn’t explained exactly quite right, leave me a comment or send me an email and I’ll update. If that’s the case, also feel free to invite me out to ranch one weekend as well for some first hand experience – I would love it and be forever grateful! 🙂

“Second star to the right and straight on ’til morning. ”

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― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Saturday morning, I woke up earlier than I would’ve liked to go get my oil changed. For some reason I brought my camera. Who brings a camera to get their oil changed?! Maybe it was a premonition. The plan was to go out to west Fort Worth, get my oil changed then come home and finish unpacking my new apartment and work on my horrendous, unending to-do list. If you know me, you will not be surprised that I ended up finding some back country roads and taking a lot of pictures. Surprise, surprise.

A couple years ago, I was given a book with weird, roadside stops in Texas. I keep it in my car because I don’t really plan things out (read above) and just end up going places. So while waiting for my oil change, I looked up what was nearby.

Stop #1 involved Peter Pan. I was in!
Peter Pan is one of my favorite cartoons / stories growing up. (Have you watched Finding Neverland? One of my favorites!) I find it pretty important to always be a kid at heart (hence you will see me busting out a move at inopportune moments to try to get people to relax – I don’t care if I look like an ass, it’s a good time)!

I had known about this little pit stop for a while but I’m glad I finally got to check it out!

If you ever find yourself near Weatherford, Texas, head on over to the library. It’s right off the highway and really easy to find. Outside, you will find the Peter Pan statue. The story of Peter Pan has nothing to do with Weatherford, however the actress that played Peter Pan did.

Mary Martin played Peter Pan in the Broadway production of Peter Pan until she was in her 50’s. She also earned a Tony Award for her role and was a Kennedy Center Honoree in 1989. The story goes, as a child she was obsessed with Buster Brown and she had her haircut in a short “pageboy bob” and refused to ever wear a bow. Funny how she ended up playing Peter Pan! If you want to realize how small the world really is, she is also Larry Hagman’s (from the TV show Dallas) mother.

In 1976, Ronald Thomason created this life-sized bronze statue of Martin in the signature Peter Pan pose. The status can be seen at the library along with some memorabilia inside (I wish I would’ve read that in the book before I left the library). In 1990, Mary Martin passed away and is now buried in Weatherford as well.

If you’re a fan of Peter Pan, swing on by. It just takes a minute. While I was there, two kids came running out of the library and couldn’t wait to get a picture with Peter Pan. It was pretty cute. We can all be big kids too folks! 🙂

“All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.”
― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

Check back in on Wednesday to see what else I came across on my Saturday travels!

Fort Worth Stockshow

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Every year, Fort Worth holds the Stockshow and Rodeo which attracts people from near and far. It lasts for three or four weeks every January and early February. If you are looking for a true taste of Texas, I’ll suggest checking out this event. It’s one of my favorites!

Because I love this event so much, I’m going to break this up into two posts. Today, we’ll focus on the Stockshow.

The Stockshow is basically shopping central and livestock. In a large exhibit hall you can find anything from tractors, artwork, cowboy hats, furniture, jewelry, heck you name it. You can even see a celebrity or two. Can anyone name this guy to the far left below?

Tractors are fun to drive!

I have to share this. In the hall of one of the buildings, they were showing local art work of some students. Seriously, can you believe these? All under 18 years of age. It’s amazing!

Now, my absolute favorite part of the Stockshow are the animals! I LOVE farm animals and would love to have some someday. I think I left the Stockshow saying I was going to teach yoga, become a photographer and raise cows! (Those who really know me probably wouldn’t be surprised at this at all!) So here you go – way too many photos of cows!

Growing up, we actually raised a few of these Herefords ourselves back in good ole Vermont!

I wanted to pet every cow I saw, although I wasn’t sure if I was allowed since so many people were nearby so I just stuck with petting this little guy!

He’s a beast!

I can do without the chickens on my farm.

Have I mentioned how much I love cows?

These are the barns that the livestock are held in and where the animal shows are held. Massive barns! In the back (behind me) you can see the Will Rogers Coliseum where the rodeo is held.

I found an unattended cow…. I was petting this one for a good five minutes! What a great day!

You can take a girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl!