Change in Schedule and Spirit Mountain-We're On Our Way!

The season is already moving along at a fast pace and we're only a few weeks in! Many thanks to the J-L Ranch for the use of their truck and horse trailer. We could not do any of this without them! They are amazing!!! Thank you so much, Jesse and Linda!

We are making a change in schedule for this year...due to the rising cost of gas (diesel is nearly $5 a gallon!) and other horse related expenses (hay and feed and farrier services) we have been forced to make some very tough decisions regarding rodeo this season. We decided to attend the rodeos in which Austin has the most events. Those will be the NYRA and WVJRA this year. It was with heavy hearts we had to opt out of the OJBRA for the 2008 season. It was hard to justify the expense of gas and entry fees for one, 6 second ride. The day alone would cost us nearly $100 and after much discussion (Austin included) we came to the conclusion that we were not being good stewards of his sponsorship funds in attending those events. We may decide to do one or two as a permit rider but will be unable to attend enough to justify the cost of membership fees and expenses. This means fewer rides for Austin as far as bull riding is concerned, but he will be able to participate in more events through the NYRA and WVJRA than we had originally planned. If the budget allows, we may again include the OJBRA next year in his list of rodeos to attend. So, here is the revised schedule:



Saturday, July 12 Clark County (NYRA) 10am-Clark County Saddle Club

Events: Bull Riding, Bareback, Calf Tying, Barrel Racing and Pole Bending.

Sunday, July 13 Molalla (WVJRA) 10am Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo Grounds

Events: Bareback, Barrel Racing and Pole Bending

Saturday, July 26 Spirit Mountain (NYRA)
Sunday, July 27 Molalla (WVJRA)
Saturday, August 2 Newport (NYRA)
Sunday, August 3 Molalla (WVJRA)
Sunday, August 10 Polk County (NYRA)
Saturday, August 16 Molalla (WVJRA)
Sunday, August 17 Philomath (NYRA)

As each rodeo nears, I will again be posting the schedule with events that Austin will be participating in so watch for updates.

At the first Spirit Mountain rodeo, Austin participated in bull riding, bareback and barrel racing. He was fortunate to draw John Wayne (provided by the Howell Rodeo Company) and covered his ride with a score of 59. Let's just say it could have gone better. I wish I had shot the video with my digital camera as one minute he was seated on the back of JW and the next, his left leg was over the horse and he was hanging on the side by his hand! That was certainly reflected in his score but covering his first bareback ride as a Junior was the goal. Conquering that hurdle gives him the confidence needed to move beyond hanging on and on to concentrating on his ride. I'm so proud of him for having the courage to participate in this event when his peers won't even try. He is currently the only Junior Bareback rider and one of a very few in the NYRA. There are a couple of seniors and a handful of pee wees. It is a tough event as there are more things involved than just hanging on. Marking out, spuring and making a good ride of it while a raging horse is doing his best to launch you across the arena or dump you in to the fence is a challenge. I was so focused on videotaping his ride for him that I don't have any still pictures either but when you see us next, we would be happy to show you the video.

Hanging off the side is not without it's risks and Austin now has a fist size goose egg on the inside of his knee that is sporting a variety of shades. A few additional bumps and bruises and a split knuckle to boot but that was the worst of it and within a couple of hours, he was riding his bull. You just can't keep a good man down!

Austin was thrilled that he drew the biggest bull in the Junior pen for his bull ride. You would not have thought so after St. Paul but having faced his fear of just getting on a full grown bull was enough to get him excited about doing it again. Sorry, I videotaped this as well instead of taking photographs. Being able to watch the video helps Austin tremendously. He gains a different perspective and can see his areas of strength and his weaknesses. I will have to solicit help with the video camera so I can keep up on the pictures! While he did not cover his ride, he did double the amount of time he was able to stay on making it 5.5 seconds...just under the required 6 seconds. I think his bull was nearly taller than him so that is excellent. His form was good but his landing painful and he struggled with a pulled groin and lower back this week. You would think that it would not be worth it but he just counts down the days until he gets to do it again.

He did not run Chazz in pole bending this past weekend but did make an attempt at barrels. Chazz decided he wasn't in the mood for running and after the first barrel, they butted heads with Chazz stopping, doing a little bucking fit and then moving again. Dad shot the pics while Mom took the video so there are pictures from this event. Dad is unable to take pictures during Austin's rough stock events because he works behind the chutes getting Austin's ride ready and him prepared. Austin could not possibly do this without the love and support of his dad.

So, from here, Austin gets a few weeks to recoup and get ready for Clark County and Molalla. He will spend some time working with Chazz and getting him ready and practicing his calf tying on anything that he can catch. I may try to shoot some digital video next time to share as I know that would be a lot of fun for everyone. Also, check out the comments from the last post. Austin's idol, World Champion Bareback Rider-Bobby Mote, left him a note. I don't think Austin has stopped smiling yet!! Thank you, Bobby, and as a parent I appreciate what a wonderful example you set and that you are a role model my son can look up to. You are awesome!

Updates on the yearlings to come!

Riding: The art of keeping a horse between you and the ground. ~Author Unknown

It is not enough for a man to know how to ride; he must know how to fall. ~Mexican Proverb

Horses and children, I often think, have a lot of the good sense there is in the world. ~Josephine Demott Robinson