2024 - Junior Rodeo
MAY 29, 2024
As I culled through the images from this past weekend's event; the 2024 Junior Rodeo - I see you in the background. I see you parents doing what you can for your riders. I see all of the hard work that you're putting in to give them these opportunities, that even they can't yet see. But, I can see it. Keep it up, for these moments will be fleeting and these very memories will fill your soul up with when they're grown and spreading their own wings with this gift you've provided for them. I know it can be hard, expensive, and their little personalities are shining through it along the way...but, they're paying attention & one day - Yes, one day they'll be able to see you - like I do right in this moment.
I want to also acknowledge those of you who make these things possible at the arena level; Building up the safety of the arena, the countless hours that seem to never end, the time you give in setting it all up to get to this point - I see you. Wow! You've all done such a great job, and it shows.
Junior Rodeo'ers - I adore you all to pieces. I see your advancements & improvements from a few years ago. Gosh, you were just peewee riders and look at you now! All grow'd up n stuff! The smiles and even the defeat on your faces tells me that this is where you want to be, when I can see how much you've spent (or not spent) on your horses is so telling of where you are. This is such an absolutely beautiful sport that I feel is overlooked by so many. Let me tell you, as you ride and compete, cheer on your fellow competitors - you make my heart swell BIG! These events are not for the weak at heart - and some of you are beginning to develop that inner grit needed to push further than the last go 'round in that arena. I see you. I SEE YOU!
I typically have a few favorite riders that just impress me; This time I had too many to even 'count'. You're my favorite because even if a pole or barrel goes down you finish out strong; You're my favorite because I can see your expressions and how dedicated you are; You're my favorite because I can see the growth from the last time I saw you ride; You're my favorite because of how I see you treat your horse outside of the arena; You're my favorite because you literally leave it all out in that red dirt...You are one with your horse & it shows. I LOVE IT!
For you the calf, steer, and bull riders - how can I not see you? The toughness that emits from your chaps alone is something even a non-rodeo'er like myself can't deny. Those hands on your hips before and after a ride - telling...Yes, even that is telling of just how incredible you are to put yourself in this very situation..makes me think of all things you will conquer later on in life. Keep it up and stay true to yourself. The unknown is something you'll always need to know how to navigate and you're way ahead in life, if you can strap yourself to the back of one of those crazy beasts you will be able to hurtle anything life throws at you.
I will be adding to this album as I complete the images from the weekend; So, please be patient as I have a lot going on. I didn't go and do anything special with these images - just a lil black and white, because it's truly my favorite and no color edits. I may do some color editing later 'just because.'
xoxo,
T