rodeo

     Hooves churning up the dirt. Panting horses and creaking leather. Country music blaring on the speakers. Little boys running around in cowboy duds. Breathless anticipation, spirited determination. The 8 second buzzer.... 91 points! A collective cheer from the crowd -- whooping, hollering, whistling... The victor throws his hat in the air. Another championship won!

Why are rodeos so appealing? What is so intoxicating about the atmosphere of horses, dirt and cowboys? I think it is the honest competition, the grit and hard work thrown into good riding.
It's the old fashioned romance of courage and integrity.
It's the fellowship of horse-loving, God-fearing, salt-of-the-earth people.
It's the comfortable familiarity of dusty boots, worn jeans, and a good saddle.
Rodeos epitomize the culture of country life -- a lifestyle admired and envied for the charm and legend built up around it. As Zane Grey put it: "It's my ideal of livin'!"