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! 🙂
