The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

I just realized Fall and Winter are when I truly enjoy rodeoing the most.

“What’s that?” you say. How can I enjoy rodeoing in our region in the fall and winter? There are no rodeos then.

You’re right. There aren’t any. Am I nuts or am I saying I don’t like rodeo?

Neither.

Confused? Let me explain. I love rodeo. Rodeo was a big part of my life for a very long time and I would have been lost without it. When there was a rodeo to go to, my heart picked up a beat, my step became more lively, in short, the world took on a new, brighter meaning. How, then, can I say I like the part of the year when there are no rodeos?

Simple. Rodeo can be full of disappointments. Not everybody wins every time. If there are 40 contestants in your event, six leave happy and 34 leave disappointed. Thus, for all the heart racing action, there usually is a sad period before you begin to build for the next challenge.

During the off months, though, there are no bad days. Every day is full of anticipation, preparation and enthusiasm. Bull riders look for a new rope, bronc riders tweak their riggings and ropers practice and train on their horses. Past disappointments are forgotten and everyone can hardly wait for the next season to arrive. Next season, you see, will have no disappointments. Next season will be full of wins. Next season will be different. It will be different because I will be better mounted, better prepared and in a better mental state. In short, next year will be wonderful . I can hardly wait.

But wait I must. In the meantime, the anticipation builds. In my mind I never miss a loop and you never buck off or tip a barrel. Our rodeoing approaches a state of near perfection. There will never be another bad day.

That’s why I love rodeo during those cold dreary winter months. My skills become perfect. It is also not necessary to remind myself that I woke up one morning to discover I was too old to go any more.

That’s right, I become a legend in my own mind.

My winter rodeoing is now definitely the best.