Rodeo Queen

Ten years ago I didn't even know how to pronounce the word 'rodeo'. (I mean, was it like Rodeo Drive, in Hollywood, which is more 'Roh-day-oh'; or was it more 'Roh-dee-oh.') In any event, I didn't really care. Mostly because I had never been to one - nor had any intention of going - and they didn't interest me in the slightest. And yet rodeos have been growing on me; slowly. I didn't even notice at first.

I remember visiting my sister (who lived in the Queensland city of Rockhampton at the time) who took me to 'The Great Western' pub/bar in the middle of town.

The bar happened to have a rodeo ring built into the middle of it. You could have floored me. I had never felt more uncomfortable and out of place in my life!

In my first year of teaching in St George, I helped co-ordinate an end of year dance presentation. The girls involved all desperately wanted to do the dance from '8 Seconds'. I didn't know then that '8 Seconds' is a movie about champion bull rider, Laine Frost. My eyes glazed over at the mention of dancing to a country and western song. And so it was decided that the main dance presentation would be to the song 'I Like It, I Love It' by Tim McGraw. Several weeks in I realised that this song would be forever and ever eteched in to my brain. Amen. It's still there! Even more tragic, whenever I hear that song I STILL remember many of the dance moves the girls did all those moons ago.

Flash forward seven or so years. SOMEHOW (and actually I know how, but let's just say that CP can be too nice sometimes), CP got roped into the local Show Society, as the Rodeo Section organiser. This meant that I was also roped into organising the rodeo. I was mortified. There was no way I could possibly organise an event that I couldn't even pronounce!

I had a crash course in 'rodeos' with the outgoing rodeo organiser. It didn't look too difficult, but I still found it disconcerting keeping up with phrases like 'bucking stock', 'saddle bronc' and '2nd division bull ride'. Not to mention the phrases 'poddy ride' and 'mutton busters', which I have blogged about previously here.

It didn't take long for me to really start enjoying myself! Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding and the kid sections are ALL very interesting. Yes, they can be dangerous, and yes, it's not for everyone, but over the last few years I've become quite fond of the old Rodeo Circuit. There is a certain excitement level at a rodeo. The anticipation, the noise, the crowd.

At Mingenew Rodeo, WA - pic by Roz Bryce - Rozbys Gear.

If someone had told me ten years ago that I would have even been capable of doing this, I would have openly laughed in their face. But now I consider myself something of a Rodeo Queen (not to be confused with a Buckle Bunny)!

Who would have guessed?

And I really need to stop saying 'never'...

Mutton Busters

When I was a child, I climbed trees, and rode down steep hills on my bicycle for fun. I also thought I grew up in the country. I have since learned that 20 acres surrounded by rainforest with a few head of cattle and an acre of passion fruit vines does not really constitute 'country living' as such. It certainly was, and is, 'rural', but today 'country' means a whole lot more to me.

My children are country kids. They think 'mutton busting' is fun. This is mutton busting.

And before anyone goes getting their knickers in a knot about animal welfare and child welfare, NO animals were injured in this event at all - OR children. It's not something I would have understood ten years ago myself, but as a bit of a veteran now, I can only do my best to assure any nay-sayers that this is one of the hilights of a country kids' year.

My girls were so excited about this. Actually, ALL the kids were excited. It's craziness! The children all head out to the back of the rodeo area, adorn their protective vests and helmets, and set out to stay on the sheep for as long as possible.

This year Olivia wasn't too keen. I kept telling her that she didn't have to do it. But it was Darcy's complete enthusiasm for the event that ultimately led to Olivia insisting that it was something she 'needed' to do. Olivia was so nervous. She wasn't sure she wanted to do it right up intil they put her on the sheep. And then she was a natural!

She loved it so much, she wants to do it again next year!

Darcy on the other hand, was so excited about the build up, that the actual event was a real anti-climax for her. There was a lot of confusion 'behind the scenes', which I can only best explain by saying that at a rodeo there are too many Chiefs, and not even a single Indian. Too much testosterone, and very little brain power. If the event had been co-ordinated by a woman, it might actually stand a chance, but ANYWAY... I digress. When it was Darcy's turn, there was so much confusion that she actually had dismounted her sheep by the time they opened the chute, and out came the running sheep without it's little passenger. Game over. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. There were tears. But there's always next year Darcy...

If someone had told me ten years ago that I would be blogging about how excited my children would get about riding on the back of a sheep, I would have thought you were mad. And yet here I am, all this time later, aiding and abeting my husband, by rounding up some of our stock to give the girls a bit of practice for next year.

Apparently it's me who's the mad one. Or maybe you just have to have spent some quality time in the country to understand?!

YEEHAR!