A Ranch Rodeo Father's Day
by Terry Allen
June 21, 2016
The chute was banging under the hooves of the agitated bronc as Buck Schouboe climbed over the rail and got astride the restless bronc. Even though the bronc handers had a hold of both ends, he didn’t settle down much. Buck tried to get himself set as good as he could, but realized things weren’t going to get settled.
"Let’r out, Boys! Let’s go! He yelled. The gate man jerked open the gate and the bronc and Buck busted out. Hopping, twisting, jumping and shaking, the bronc tried everything it could to knock Buck loose but it was like someone had super-glued the saddle. "Beeeep" the announcer yelled into his microphone at the 8 second mark (because someone forgot to bring the buzzer) and the pick-up crew rode up alongside buck and the bronc and Buck jumped off.
Clint Grimes brought back the Hi-Country Ranch Rodeo again this year and judging from the folks filling the bleachers, I think there were almost three times the numbers of 2015.
Last year I posted a lot of action photos, which meant we couldn’t get a good look at the athlete’s faces. I decided to do some portrait style shots this year so you might be able to see in their faces some of the hard work and dedication that goes into being a Ranch Rodeo competitor. Please forgive me for neglecting to include a lot of the female athlete’s faces. It was Father’s Day and I guess I focused on that.
The events this year were:
National Anthem, Grand Entry by the rodeo queen carrying the flag on horseback, Bronc Riding, Team Roping, Mini Broncs, Doctoring Teams, Trailer Loading, Team Tying, Women’s Steer Stopping, Saddle Cow Riding, Team Roping, Chute Roping and Branding.
Casey Riggs of R and R Rodeo supplied the mini broncs for the event. He also supplies the mini broncs to the world championships in Las Vegas.
Zach Sargent came all the way from Texas to work for the Upper Green River Cattle Association. "I saw a job posting, so I brought my two horses and $200 bucks, and I’ll be working here ‘till November," he said.
Slade Morton told me that if I’d like to see a cattle drive, I can catch one between Dunham Road and Ryegrass at daybreak on Wednesday. It is Barney Ranch cattle and crew.
Please let me know if I made any name errors and I’ll fix them. If you know who the unknown cowboys are, please let me know and I’ll give them a name. You are welcome to share the photos among yourselves. I also sell hi-rez prints in case somebody wants to send one to family or something.
Contact: txpartisan@gmail.com
|
