Ride On

 

me, a few years back

A few years ago and there I was, riding with my boys in a beautiful arena. They rode well, I tell you, then exited stage left. Time for me to open up the throttle and run hell for leather around the track, which I did.

It was her horse

Dear readers, all two you, please understand that this was like taking a Maserati out for a a spin; Randy was/is a PRA barrel horse, notorious for throwing careless riders. "Hey, man, take it easy, don't fall off," Did I? No, I did not, much to PRA amazement. On the contrary, we sped along as one.

What a lot of fun and guess what, the kids, bless 'em, rode like buddha pros.

Your Best Pal,

LSP

Rodeo

Yesterday was a big day. Great shooting enjoyment in the morning and then evening rodeo in Waco. 

OK, it's no fun to drive to Waco but the Extraco venue's a great place to see the event, far better than a massive stadium because you're closer to the action, especially with a ringside view.

Good, too, to be with some of the people who organize the competition, which makes everything more personal. But regardless, I like the excitement of the thing.

So much suspense: will she make that barrel, will he get stomped by a raging bull? Why is that USMC veteran a rodeo clown? How long will he stay on the ferociously bucking horse and will he die if he's thrown off into the arena? And so on.

I tell you, adrenaline's up and at it. And guess what, none of the people there took a knee for the national anthem. They're patriots who do not disrespect the flag. The PRA's very different to, say, the NFL or the NBA and thank God for it. 

All that in mind and more, what a great night out. When I got back to the bucolic haven that is this small rural farming community, my eldest called in from Korea. 

"Hey, dad, what's up?" I told him and learned that he 's fine and enjoying army life. Thank God. But exactly what this entails is a bit of a mystery because he steadfastly refuses to send photos of anything beyond being in the "motor pool." Though I've been told beaches are involved. Hmmm.

Therein lies another post. 

Ride on,

LSP