July 13, 2012
Hello All,
Since last Sunday, we have been horsing around. Literally.
Last Sunday, July 7, we went to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. If you go, watch the 12-minute movie which gives you insight into the history of the sport and knowledge of its various events. Rodeos started when cowboys finished their cattle drives from Texas to places like Abilene and Dodge City. They started competitions in replicating facets of their daily lives like tying calves and breaking horses.
The lobby had information of some of the top rodeos such as Pendelton, Cheyenne, Houston, and the one we attended last night, the Pike’s Peak or Bust Rodeo. This Colorado Springs rodeo started in 1937, originally near the Broadmoor Hotel. It was called the Will Rogers Rodeo the first year. After that, the name was changed. The current venue, Norris-Penrose Arena, was constructed in 2006. Penrose, a businessman and philanthropist was responsible for Broadmoor and the zoo with its Will Rogers Shrine. I have read he was a friend of Will Rogers.
Behind admissions, you see a beautiful collection of saddles. These range from a Texan one from 1870 to the newest dating from 1925. At the end of the hall, you’ll admire the work of the Cowboy Makers. It contains boots, saddles, hats, and braiding from some of the finest craftsmen in this country.
The largest gallery is the Hall of Champions displaying historic and modern cowboy gear, clothing, awards, and programs honoring the sport’s finest competitors. It’s arranged in such areas as bronc riding, team roping, bull riding, bareback riding, and steer wrestling. We didn’t recognize many names - only Casey Tibbs, Gene Autry who supplied rodeo stock, and Binion (from Las Vegas.)
Another room features the National Rodeo held annually in Las Vegas. It has an exhibit dealing with the time line of rodeos and notable people concerned with the Nationals.
Although the museum was very interesting, what we found outside was the highlight. There 142 teams of calf ropers were competing for a saddle and prize money. Some were quite successful at this event. In many cases, the calves escaped and won. I noticed the calves wear helmets which prevents them from getting injured if a rope accidentally hits them on the head.
Last night we went to the rodeo at Norris-Penrose Arena. I had purchased seats in the first row which gave Earl access to easy shooting. He said he took 480 photographs during the four hours we were there.
We had a great time seeing some of the sport’s best cowboys. This is regarded as a major rodeo. Among the states strongly represented were Oregon, California, Texas, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and, of course, Colorado. A few other states like Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington, and Minnesota had at least one athlete. I didn’t see anyone from Arizona.
The first event was 10 bareback riders. All stayed on their horses without being bucked off. The highest score, 85,was by Steven Dent of Nebraska.
Steer wrestling had mixed results with four of ten cowboys failing to lasso their steers. The best scores - really good scores for any rodeo - were a 4.4 by Jason Miller of Wyoming and a 4.7 by Trevor Knowles of Oregon.
The kids entertained next. A number of youngsters tried to ride a sheep in Mutton Bustin’. Some actually rode eight seconds. All received trophies. The sheep dog really earned his dinner keeping other sheep from scrambling all over the arena.
Next, six of ten cowboy teams succeeded in team roping. You have one cowboy heading the calf in a direction with the heeler trying to lasso its rear legs. It’s not as easy as it sounds. The team from California/Utah won this one with an outstanding 4.4 second time.
Saddle bronc riding was next. Nine riders took their turns. In four cases, the broncs won with the cowboys receiving zero scores. The top score, an 82, was by Roy Johnson from California. I was impressed with the California cowboys. There must be something in the water out there.
Tie Down Roping consists of jumping off a horse and tying three legs of a calf. Timing is important in this event and four of the ten calves got away. The best score, 9.9, by Sterling Smith of Texas was much better than his competitors. Only one other was under 13.
They had a comedian Tommie Turvey with his horse Pokerjoe. It was the funniest horse act I’ve seen. Look for it on U Tube. You’ll enjoy it.
This was followed by eight four-man teams, many with military connections, trying to milk a cow in the open arena. Seven cows escaped while one was actually milked.
Next it was the ladies’ turn with barrel racing. Seven women competed with most times in the 17 something range. Liz Combs of Eltopia, Washington won with a time of 17.25. It’s very difficult to race around the three barrels without knocking them over. Some of these barrels get a bit tipsy but survive.
The last event was bull riding. Twelve cowboys competed and at one time it was bulls 8, cowboys 0 as they couldn’t stay on for eight seconds. Finally two cowboys stayed on - J. W. Harris from Texas with a score of 86 and Kanin Asay from Wyoming who scored 82. Basically, it was a night for the bulls.
So that’s what we have been up to. Typical days are cross stitch for me during the morning. I’m starting my second project. Earl watches TV, works on photos, and hangs out with the computer.
Have a great weekend.
Nan
Photos: All done by Earl Miller
Calf tying at Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
Hello All,
Since last Sunday, we have been horsing around. Literally.
Last Sunday, July 7, we went to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. If you go, watch the 12-minute movie which gives you insight into the history of the sport and knowledge of its various events. Rodeos started when cowboys finished their cattle drives from Texas to places like Abilene and Dodge City. They started competitions in replicating facets of their daily lives like tying calves and breaking horses.
The lobby had information of some of the top rodeos such as Pendelton, Cheyenne, Houston, and the one we attended last night, the Pike’s Peak or Bust Rodeo. This Colorado Springs rodeo started in 1937, originally near the Broadmoor Hotel. It was called the Will Rogers Rodeo the first year. After that, the name was changed. The current venue, Norris-Penrose Arena, was constructed in 2006. Penrose, a businessman and philanthropist was responsible for Broadmoor and the zoo with its Will Rogers Shrine. I have read he was a friend of Will Rogers.
Behind admissions, you see a beautiful collection of saddles. These range from a Texan one from 1870 to the newest dating from 1925. At the end of the hall, you’ll admire the work of the Cowboy Makers. It contains boots, saddles, hats, and braiding from some of the finest craftsmen in this country.
The largest gallery is the Hall of Champions displaying historic and modern cowboy gear, clothing, awards, and programs honoring the sport’s finest competitors. It’s arranged in such areas as bronc riding, team roping, bull riding, bareback riding, and steer wrestling. We didn’t recognize many names - only Casey Tibbs, Gene Autry who supplied rodeo stock, and Binion (from Las Vegas.)
Another room features the National Rodeo held annually in Las Vegas. It has an exhibit dealing with the time line of rodeos and notable people concerned with the Nationals.
Although the museum was very interesting, what we found outside was the highlight. There 142 teams of calf ropers were competing for a saddle and prize money. Some were quite successful at this event. In many cases, the calves escaped and won. I noticed the calves wear helmets which prevents them from getting injured if a rope accidentally hits them on the head.
Last night we went to the rodeo at Norris-Penrose Arena. I had purchased seats in the first row which gave Earl access to easy shooting. He said he took 480 photographs during the four hours we were there.
We had a great time seeing some of the sport’s best cowboys. This is regarded as a major rodeo. Among the states strongly represented were Oregon, California, Texas, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and, of course, Colorado. A few other states like Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington, and Minnesota had at least one athlete. I didn’t see anyone from Arizona.
The first event was 10 bareback riders. All stayed on their horses without being bucked off. The highest score, 85,was by Steven Dent of Nebraska.
Steer wrestling had mixed results with four of ten cowboys failing to lasso their steers. The best scores - really good scores for any rodeo - were a 4.4 by Jason Miller of Wyoming and a 4.7 by Trevor Knowles of Oregon.
The kids entertained next. A number of youngsters tried to ride a sheep in Mutton Bustin’. Some actually rode eight seconds. All received trophies. The sheep dog really earned his dinner keeping other sheep from scrambling all over the arena.
Next, six of ten cowboy teams succeeded in team roping. You have one cowboy heading the calf in a direction with the heeler trying to lasso its rear legs. It’s not as easy as it sounds. The team from California/Utah won this one with an outstanding 4.4 second time.
Saddle bronc riding was next. Nine riders took their turns. In four cases, the broncs won with the cowboys receiving zero scores. The top score, an 82, was by Roy Johnson from California. I was impressed with the California cowboys. There must be something in the water out there.
Tie Down Roping consists of jumping off a horse and tying three legs of a calf. Timing is important in this event and four of the ten calves got away. The best score, 9.9, by Sterling Smith of Texas was much better than his competitors. Only one other was under 13.
They had a comedian Tommie Turvey with his horse Pokerjoe. It was the funniest horse act I’ve seen. Look for it on U Tube. You’ll enjoy it.
This was followed by eight four-man teams, many with military connections, trying to milk a cow in the open arena. Seven cows escaped while one was actually milked.
Next it was the ladies’ turn with barrel racing. Seven women competed with most times in the 17 something range. Liz Combs of Eltopia, Washington won with a time of 17.25. It’s very difficult to race around the three barrels without knocking them over. Some of these barrels get a bit tipsy but survive.
The last event was bull riding. Twelve cowboys competed and at one time it was bulls 8, cowboys 0 as they couldn’t stay on for eight seconds. Finally two cowboys stayed on - J. W. Harris from Texas with a score of 86 and Kanin Asay from Wyoming who scored 82. Basically, it was a night for the bulls.
So that’s what we have been up to. Typical days are cross stitch for me during the morning. I’m starting my second project. Earl watches TV, works on photos, and hangs out with the computer.
Have a great weekend.
Nan
Photos: All done by Earl Miller
Calf tying at Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame