This summer, instead of doing a chart reminding us to exercise, read, keep up on our math facts, and all the other boring stuff moms are supposed to make their kids do, we decided to create a list of fun things for us to do. One on the list was to attend a rodeo, after I tried to explain in vain to the kids what a rodeo even was. Why did people get onto angry bulls? Why do they race their horses around barrels? What was the purpose of roping a calf? Why is there a cowboy dressed as a creepy clown?
 |
| That pony was the BEST pony I’ve ever seen. Such a good pony. I want one!!! |
 |
| You gotta keep yourself entertained while waiting your turn! |
Only Peter, Zoey, and Henry were young enough to be signed up, so I asked if they were interested in participating, and I was answered with a resounding yes. I endured weeks of asking if their chance to sheep ride that day, so when the morning finally came, they were giddy with anticipation.
 |
| Claire and I had run a 5k that morning, so she was wiped out. 🤣 |
For anyone who’s ever participated in any individual sport, from rodeoing to swimming to wrestling to dressage, they understand how tedious it can be waiting to have your turn. That was the rodeo we attended. For a few hours, we were entertained and in awe of the kids’ skill riding and roping, but eventually, their excitement (and patience waned), which meant we came full circle–they started asking if it was their turn. Again, and AGAIN, and AGAIN.
 |
| Luckily Henry lost one of his wiggly teeth before he took his ride, or he might have swallowed it. 🤣 |
 |
| Peter didn’t have to be told twice it was his turn! 😅 |
When it was finally (FINALLY!!!) their turn, we borrowed a vest and helmet from a few generous folks. Henry, Zoey, and Peter lined up, while the rest of us stood off to the side to bite our nails (that was me) and watch. Peter rode with the littliest kids, some of whom changed their mind once they were on the sheep’s back. Not Peter. That kid was up and over the gate, and on the sheep before I could even wish him luck. The cowboy in the chute gave him some pointers, and off he went. Literally. He barely made it out of the gate before he was tumbling into the dirt. I think he underestimated how powerful the initial leap would be. But, it didn’t matter. Once he was off, he quickly got back on his feet, and gave everyone the thumbs up.
Henry’s ride was very similar to his brother and sister. What his sheep didn’t anticipate was how hefty Henry was, so when he started tipping off the side, he took his sheep with him. So much so, that his sheep rolled right over him. I wouldn’t have been a surprise if he cried about being squished, but the helmet and vest did their job, and all he said about it was that it felt like being steamrolled by a heavy pillow. He jumped up, laughed at his performance, and got a bunch of highfives from the older cowboys. That made his day.
