Cowgirl Up!

Well, I am officially converted. Riding in a rodeo was more fun than I ever expected. I had a blast! My horse was quite anxious, despite being the most experienced, she was the least well behaved out of our group. I had a feeling that she was going to dump me and boy was I right. Our first event- the barrels- started with a bucking escapade. During the bucking, my hat flew over my eye's so I pulled her up, whipped off the cowboy hat and continued on. Our next two events went without incident- we were much slower than the other riders but rode with extreme precision and grace. I was very happy with her performance. The last event we were entered in was the keyhole- gallop down to an open ended circle, ride in, turn around and gallop back out. Everyone was encouraging me let Sheylan open up and give it her all, so I did- that in hindsight was a mistake; she spotted a mudhole and came to a dead stop halfway down the ring. Off I flew. I landed on my feet. I then ran back to her left side, and got back on. In the process of getting back on I lost my stirrup. It had come loose and fell right off the saddle, but I continued on anyways and completed the event. The cowboys were amazed that I could ride stirrupless- to them that is unheard of, so I was destined as the trick rider of the day. Now I am hooked and can't wait for my next rodeo. Perhaps I will actually practice before I enter in some of the events!

Rodeo Bound

This weekend I am riding in the Wiarton Rodeo. This is my first rodeo. My friends DD and Mark participate annually and this year I have been invited to join the festivities. We have been rounding up western tack and gear all week to look the part (we don't think our dressage saddles just won't fit in). We are taking up three horses, camping at DD's parents farm and going to have a weekend of fun! Perhaps I'll even get my dirtbike-riding boyfriend to ride my horse in an event! I am hoping that the rain will hold off, but what the heck, if it doesn't we will still be riding. Afterall, we are endurance riders at heart! Pictures to follow...