Yippee-Yi-Ti-Yo, yes, that's me on the cover of "American Cowboy." My mom's idea of a cute photo project commemorating my first rodeo. Grandpa Jim, guess what you're getting for your birthday? I'm wearing your hat, after all.
It was the Coulee City Last Stand Rodeo over Memorial Day weekend, in my dad's hometown. From what I hear, it's one of the smaller rodeos, but it's as real as you get. Lots of up-close views of the animals: horses, calves, bulls, even bucking broncos. And the pretty rodeo princesses (one winked and waved at me!).
Despite all the excitement in the arena, I enjoyed playing under the bleachers much of the afternoon. But I emerged to watch the bull riding. The riders are brave or foolish, I can't decide which.
I wouldn't want to ride a bull -- I might get hurt, and bad! There was an ambulance standing by just in case someone did.
My mom snapped this great shot of the bull throwing the rider. Looks like the bull is doing a handstand, with his back feet up in the air. I think this guy won the contest.
Probably my favorite show was a family of "trick riders." This guy was only seven years old! After he and his brother and sisters cavorted through the ring, my mom had the gall to ask me not to climb on the bleacher railings. Come on, I was just trying some tricks of my own!
If anyone can teach me to throw a lasso, I'd appreciate a lesson. So long, pardners! Yippee-Yi-Ti-Yay...
