Of all the events I watched at the 2013 Elk's Youth Rodeo this year, by far my favorite activity was just watching everybody. Horses, cowboys and cowgirls of all ages, denim, hats, ropes, and everywhere, color.
There is something thrilling about being so close to so much muscle and power, and I felt very small as I threaded my way between the horses in the lane ways between the arenas.
Every direction I turned there was something I wanted to capture - some new breathtaking or fascinating aspect of the rodeo.
There were of course the animals - without which it would not have mattered the skill of the rider, as there would have been nothing to compete on or with.
And the riders, who ranged in age from 3-17.
Plus a whole slew of mamas, papas, siblings and rodeo volunteers. The entire rodeo is run on volunteer power and coordinated by the Sheridan Elk's Lodge 520.
It was amusing to see how many papas had shirts of a similar color to their cowboys/cowgirls.
The Prizes
At the end of the rodeo there was also a very amusing event called "Monkey on a Rope" which I've posted separately. It is not one of the official events of the
rodeo, it is held so that the tally keepers have time to check and
verify their numbers before the awards ceremony. Once all the scores are tallied and the checks written, the awards ceremony begins.
Cash and awards of $68,650 were given away at the end of the 2013 rodeo. Fremont Motors donated a one-year lease of a Ford truck for the Senior All Around, won by 17-year old Casey Rae Reimler from Rozet, WY.
The All Around Youth award, a Jackson three horse slant load trailer was presented to 9-year old Harlee Mullens from Bokchito, OK.
There were also saddles, trophies, belt buckets, cash and scholarships to honor the winners.
At the end of the two days of events, my feet were tired, my camera dusty and my SD card was full.
Y'all come back now, you hear?
Cheers -
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