Reconciliation Horsemanship

Let’s talk rodeos! Specifically, a local one from “Spur A Productions.”

I could go into the rich history that is everything Rodeo, then and now, all the great cities states and hotspots for it, but y’all have Google for that. I grew up going to rodeos and stock sales most weekends. I never got into the specific sports held at rodeos but loved going to support and socialize (since events like CMSA aren’t yet in most rodeos around the country). Additionally, I stayed pretty busy for a time retraining barrel & pole horses, which didn’t help my lack of desire to compete in those disciplines. But it never gets old getting to see the up-and-coming future of each sport and rodeo itself. Whether you’re cheering on a friend around the final barrel or your cousin to stick that 8 second ride, don’t ever turn down a chance to go to a good rodeo. Broaden your horizons a bit on different disciplines, get a little dust on your boots, and go have fun! You never know what new friends, or old, you might meet! Friday night football and I’m likely to fall asleep, but a good set of team ropers? I’ll be cheering louder than a UK fan. I had some free time this past weekend, which is a rarity nowadays, so what better way to spend a Saturday night?

Saturday night was the final event for the series, this one being held in Liberty Ky. And no, I’m not being partial because my cousin was riding the bulls that night. Whether you’re actively competing in the Kentucky rodeo sports scene or live locally, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard rodeos being put on by “Spur A Productions.” They had been on my radar for some months, but again the whole lack of free time thing. When I go to a rodeo, big or small, there’s a few things that gain and maintain my attention….or not.

Let’s talk announcers y’all, because they can make or break a good rodeo EASILY. You come for the rides and competition, but whether or not you stay engaged rests fully on the Announcer and his Barrel Man.
This announcer sounded like one of the guys you hear at the bigger Pro Rodeos like down in Houston or at The North American. He opened with prayer, as any good rodeo does and should, which immediately got my respect, and he worked the crowd throughout the night whether he was down in the dirt or up in the box. He wasn’t just a commentor on the night’s events, he made an effort to encourage each rider, roper and barrel racer that came through the gates! He knew (or at least sounded like he did, props) the majority of the bull riders, both experienced and novice, and was hands on helping with the little mutton busters. The intro he gave each rider regardless of their title and experience was more than half of what most get in the big leagues. He checked in with the crowd seamlessly while the gates, broncs, and bulls were prepped, and from the spectator side you never felt like you had to wait too long.

The bull fighters were fearless young guns and took their job seriously. They were fast to get the guys out of harm’s way and get the bulls going, even had a little fun amidst it all. They worked well off each other and as a fluid team. Now, they weren’t a Dave Showtime Meyer (iykyk) but these boys were ready to throw down and embodied bravery to the fullest.

The pickup riders had my FULL respect as horsemen, both rode hard and roped well without a tie-down. (I said what I said). A few of the bulls actually turned into the horses and I thought we were about to have a different kind of show! But their horses were obviously well prepared and knew their jobs, quick and nimble keeping both them and their rider safe. The red roan mustang was my favorite but each horse they rode in on, in body movement and temperament, were indicative of quality training. Their bodies were balanced and built up to the best of anyone’s ability, and a confidence emanated from each horse confirming their experience. None of the pickup rider’s horses were ringing wet from pre-work running them into the ground to get them to stand still during their job. Whether the riders were the trainers or someone else, whoever did so deserves a massive well done for producing horses that confidently enjoy their job and are darn good at it.

It’s been a while since I’ve been to a good rodeo, much less one that was smaller. Usually with the smaller ones you get long pauses, short rides, and maybe get to hear a name or two called out for who’s riding, but this was far from any of that. The bulls were good, the broncs on par, team roping and barrel racers were solid competitors, and let me tell you the lineup did not disappoint! If you’re looking for a fun, family friendly event, because yes there were lots of events for the littles too, go check out a rodeo put on by “Spur A Productions.” Couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend a Saturday evening. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of state, I’d bring just about anybody along.

Check out their Facebook page here for events:
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