This was one of my favorite action shots of 2013, filled with the horror of seeing an airborne horse over a rider who’d hoped to stay in the saddle, and amazement that the rider was able to dust himself off and walk away.
Tag: Clallam County Rodeo
The Rodeo, 2 of 2
The Clallam County Rodeo is offered twice during the County Fair. This year we went on Saturday night and the grandstands were packed. There were hometown favorites riding and a few of the cow boys and girls were truly talented youngsters. The bull rider in the bottom right shot was 14 years old and I don’t think the girl on the bottom left could have been much older. And, believe it or not, the bronc rider on the top left walked off the field on his own.
The Rodeo, 1 of 2
These mules were part of a team of four that pulled a wagonload of officials out at the start of the Clallam County Rodeo last weekend at the County Fair. The mules were beautiful, as was their tack. They made quite a sight.
Glancing back at 2012: The rodeo
Happy new year! Here we are in 2013 and 2012 is now a memory. That was quick!
I’m going to take a look back at 2012 for a few days and post some of my favorites in no particular order.
This is a shot from the Clallam County Rodeo last summer. The fellow in the middle was finishing his ride on the bucking bronco and looked like he was sharing a laugh with the two cowboys who were helping him off his mount. I love the lines and power of the horses and the action of the shot.
Is there a chiropractor in the house?
Bull riding! My back hurts just watching these guys. This is another one of those rodeo events where a cowboy climbs on an unwilling ride. . .in this case a 3,000 pound steer that isn’t happy about the turn of events.
And here’s another example of testosterone meets resistance. There’s money to win at rodeos, but from my perspective a few of life’s bumps and injuries have taught me not to go looking for more.
I usually don’t fuss much with my photos but couldn’t do much about the background here. What do you think of this effect?
Barrel racing
Barrell racing is where the cowgirls shine at the rodeo. The rider and horse circle a course of three barrels and then tear back to the starting point.
Seconds count so winning teams maneuver close and fast. Mind you, the rider may talk to the horse but the real communication is through body language and teamwork. It’s all about trust and practice.
The home stretch is where they really pour on the speed. Each racer clocks in around 15 seconds or less. I love to watch, but my camera allows me to take in and appreciate the beauty of the ride.
Tomorrow: Bronc and bull riding.
I love the rodeo
The Clallam County Fair last weekend featured a rodeo on Saturday and Sunday. I caught the action on Sunday and it did not disappoint. Here’s an example of bareback riding, where a cowboy climbs on an unwilling horse, keeps one hand in the air, and takes a ride. There are finer points, but suffice it to say that it’s quite a ride.
