Monday, April 8, 2013

Cowboys, Cowgirls, Horses and Team Roping


A friend of mine asked if I would like to come out to the rodeo arena to watch him compete in the Sunday Team Roping Event.

As you read this post, and view my photos of yesterday's events, keep in mind this is Texas. Horses, cattle, boots, hats, jeans, working the land, and western history are a big part of many lives, especially in small towns.













This must be the way...










 

Yes...I think I have found some of the riders. There are tens of thousands of amateur ropers across the country, who compete for millions of dollars in prize money.


This technique was originally developed on working ranches, when it became necessary to capture and restrain a full-grown animal that was too large to handle by a single man.


A western saddle with specialized features is used for the event.


The contestants are lined up as teams, waiting for their turn to beat the clock.

 

                    Once the steer is released into the rodeo arena, the team makes a fast break to rope him.

Click on Photo
The steer has protective horn wraps that go around the horns to prevent rope burns. The horses also wear protective bell boots on their legs.








It is not as easy as it looks....many times the steer gets away.







There is a great deal of skill and horsemanship that goes into the contest. The horses are fast, sure-footed, and well muscled.


You may be thinking this is strictly an Cowboy sport, but you would be wrong. Team Roping is the only rodeo event where men and women compete equally.


A pat of the hand for recognition of a job well done....


I would like to emphasize this is just a part of what Texas is about. Texas is bigger than many countries and we are a diverse people. There is no shortage of the arts and wonderful music that includes the symphony and opera. We have large cities with tall high-rise buildings and many universities and museums.


Yesterday's event took place after lunch, when the sun was high in the sky. It was a day of sunshine and enough winds that my hat would not stay on my head.


Fortunately, like many of the riders, I brought my baseball cap along for the day. It is never wise, to go without a hat, in the Texas sun...















I wasn't the only one having trouble with a hat.









Much to his father's chagrin, the little buckaroo finally took both hands and bent the brim of his hat down....

Meggie Mac

18 comments:

  1. Yippee Ki-yay! I love that traditions are honored and it looks like a fun day for all...except maybe the steers:-D XOXO

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    1. I'd like to think the steers are proud to be part of these traditions. I forgot to mention it was free admission! Of course, there was a snack stand...

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  2. Like this inside story of a Texan lady. And ofcourse this is only a part of Texas. But to me it brings back memories of my childhood, watching TV with my mother and sibblings, Rawhide with Clint Eastwood. Groetjes, Gerda

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    1. Thank you Gerda....you are correct, this is just a part of the person I am. I remember watching some of those shows, too. Your yesterday's post had some lovely photos of your life and country.

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  3. We'll be heading down to the cousins' ranch in May for their annual calf roundup. My husband has been before, but this will be my first time and I'm looking forward to it! Hoping to take the grandkids too.

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  4. Hi Jan....I should write about a cattle/calf round-up I went to, deep in Mexico. It's fun, but dirty, dusty and hot.

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  5. Dear Meggie, I just found your blog. I don’t know what took me so long . . . we have mutual followers and in many ways we are kindred spirits. Great photos . . . there is something about cowboys and cowgirls and their horses, than presents many a good Kodak moment :)
    I have been going through some of your posts and the area that you live in is beautiful. It appears to be very fertile, too . . . so many lovely flowers.
    I am your newest follower and I would love to invite you over to follow me back. I have been blogging for almost a year and a half, and I have met so many delightful people here in blog-land.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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    1. Thanks, Connie....I have just taken a look at your blog and joined. You are so right....I had about 80 photos from yesterday. It was a perfect day, except for the wind..

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  6. Thanks for sharing your photos Meggie. It is such a world away from my environment, but I love to see where you live and your traditions. I think I'm going to take my camera and photograph some of the things nearby - very different to where you live, but part of the industrial heritage of the place I call home.

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  7. Oh, Scarlet....that is one of the wonderful things about blogging. I am able to see the world that you live in. I look forward to seeing your photos. I continue to be amazed at your talent and projects for your home...

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  8. Hi Meggie, I would be delighted to add you to my blog-list :) and thank you so much for becoming a follower to my blog.
    I appreciate the sisterhood and the encouragement :)
    Have a marvelously beautiful day.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  9. It's fabulous to visit and see what happens in other parts of the world. x

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    1. Hello Suzy...It's one of the wonderful things about blogging!

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  10. Lovely pictures! Here in Alberta, we have plenty of cowboys and cowgirls, too :) Like Texas, we also have all of what you describe in our cities. We aren't JUST horses and cattle, either, LOL.

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    1. Hello...that is why I thought it best to include the paragraph about our cities. I didn't want the rest of the world to get the wrong idea....we are big and diverse.

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  11. My daughter would be in 7th heaven going to a rodeo like that. She and her husband stayed in Texas on their holiday last year. She can't wait to save up and go again. She loves horses and has three of her own.

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  12. Clapping wildly. LOVE THIS POST and the photos Great job capturing the essence there :) ... takes me back to the days I did it ... many years ago.

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  13. The post is written in very a good manner and it contains many useful information for me. Team building activities

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