Vernal Rodeo

July 13

Later in the evening, Nate and I went to the Vernal Round-Up Rodeo. 

I love rodeos; just like my mom. Before she got sick, it kind of became our thing. We'd go to one in West Jordan and she'd explain all of the rules to me. I enjoyed watching the barrel racing the most (with the bull riding and bare-back broncos second). I remember wanting to learn how to barrel race just for kicks-n-giggles; still do in actually. I remember getting excited with her over the different events. We talked about going on a two week trip trying to hit as many rodeos as possible from Utah to Montana, just the two of us. Obviously, that never happened or will happen. But it was a good dream to have with her. Something that was just ours. 

Walking by the food booths, passing the cattle bins and through the stands, I couldn't wait for the events to start. Something about rodeos, gets my blood pumping. 

 Nate went to go get some food while I enjoyed the view next to the bull shoots. With the clear skies, I was hoping for it to stay that way throughout the evening.

 Gorgeous scenery!

That obviously wasn't the case...

 The rain came down in sheets! At least half of the audience left with the downpour. We weren't prepared for the rain. We enjoyed it anyway. I had Nate grab me a funnel cake, since it's tradition every summer and we weren't able to make it to the art festival in Logan.

This looks fun and dangerous. Jump on a cowhide while a horse races down the arena and doesn't slow down for you to get on. Then you have to hold on for dear life as long as you can. :)

The coolest intermission event, while waiting for the bull riding event to be ready, was the little wagon racing. Two competitors raced their little wagon carts with two ponies each around the arena (much like the chariots of ancient Greece). It was so cool! One of the wagon carts lost a wheel and the cart kept going like nothing had happened. 

The bull-riding was the last event. Nate saw a buddy of his from home in the line-up. He is an avid bull rider. Nate was telling me that in high school, the guy was thrown forward in the shoot, cracking his head on the bars. He wasn't wearing a face mask and had to go through some intense surgery. His face is deformed on one side, but at least he is still alive. After that happened, to this day, he still rides bulls like nothing happened. We tried to snag him to say hi, but with the chaos of the rodeo, that didn't happened. 

Needless to say, it was an enjoyable evening!