Some Rodeo

 We spent a week camping at Hart Ranch in the Black Hills. The weather was perfect the first half of the week and then turned HOT the last half. We met friends for dinner and a lovely catch-up and had pizza with relatives for another catch-up. Hubby had two projects he completed on the travel trailer and I read 4 books. We did not geocache! It truly was an R and R camping week. We went to a movie, Horizon on Friday afternoon to spend some time in AC other than in the camper. We also went to the Wednesday night rodeo at Hart Ranch.

Hart Ranch is a beautiful setting for the local rodeo. It gives area cowboys and cowgirls a chance to gain experience and possibly win some money for their efforts.

This is not the long-awaited Butts and Boots Rodeo blog. Not a lot of butts to choose from and all the cute boots were worn by young, elementary age girls. So no boots.

A new event for me was Break-Away Roping. The contestant rode after a calf released into the arena, roping it over its head. The lasso then broke away from the rider's saddle horn. Not as easy as it sounds as there were only a couple successful riders.

There were both male and female contestants for Break-Away Roping event.

Saddle Bronc rider

and another Saddle Bronc rider

there was also the Bareback event

The entertainment was a 15 year old trick rider from Belle Fouche. She rode two different horses to perform her tricks.

the second of three tricks

and her final, quite amazing for 15 years of age

women's Barrel Racing was another event

This 7 year old rode her horse around the barrels. Both of her parents are rodeo contestants. I think the announcer said this was her first barrel racing in an area in front of an audience.

The horse was well trained and knew exactly what to do. Most contestants ride the barrels around 15-17 seconds if there are no penalties. This seven year old and her horse completed the three barrels in 36 seconds, with no penalties. It was a delight to see her ride; a barrel racer in the making.

Scott the rodeo clown is Hubby's relative. Scott's grandmother is Curt's cousin. We have seen Scott at several of the Hart Ranch rodeos.

time for the bull riding!

three riders made the 8 second ride

just in case, but it was not needed Wednesday night

This was something I had not seen before. The bull did come out of the chute bucking, but then stopped and just stood there. 

Then the bull turned around and walked. When the 8 seconds were up, the rider got off and the judges did award him a make-up ride. He scored points on the second ride, but did not place in the top three. It was entertaining, but I'm certain frustrating for the bull rider.

I didn't get Butts or Boots, but I did get some hats...

probably the prettiest one I saw

hats on the younger women and the older cowboys

a beautiful sunset due to the smoke from Canadian wildfires

a good night for a rodeo