As many of you know, Betty and I volunteer at Galloping Grace Youth Ranch (GGYR) where kids can experience the joy of being with horses and all for free.
GGYR is the official charity of the New Mexico Stampede, a PRCA sanctioned rodeo. Betty and I enjoy going to the rodeo, but this past Saturday we were able to be a small part of some pre-rodeo activities.
The rodeo asked Max and Michelle Wade, founders of GGYR, if they could help put on a pre-rodeo event for some Cub Scouts who wanted to earn their horsemanship belt loop (similar to Boy Scout merit badges).
Starting about 5:00 PM and with the help of some of the rodeo personnel we put up two round pens on the arena floor. Max had brought four horses from the ranch and we worked with the Cub Scouts to help them mount, dismount and ride a few times around the pen.
In addition to riding the horses, the Cub Scouts were given a tour of the bucking chutes by the rodeo announcer and they were able to do some roping with some of the rodeo cowboys and rodeo queens.
It was a fun evening and we finished in plenty of time for the rodeo staff to get the arena ready for the show.
Here are some pictures of our Cub Scout riding experience:
Afterwards, we were able to watch the rodeo and here are just a few pictures:
One of the highlights of the night was Max Wade was recognized for being a finalist in a national rodeo humanitarian program. He was nominated by the NM Stampede Rodeo for his work at GGYR and came in second in the nation. He was given a pair of Justin boots by Miss New Mexico Rodeo Queen.
Well done Max and thanks for all your hard work and giving me and Betty a chance to be a small part of Galloping Grace Youth Ranch. (And thanks for getting us free tickets to the rodeo.)
8 comments:
Excellent pictures, Dan! I almost felt like I was there.....except it doesn't smell like manure in my kitchen!! :)
Yee Haw. Awesome. Fantastic. Loved it. Remind us next year and we will come too. Perfect time of the year for us to get away. No mexico next year. I have been sick ever since we got home. How is Betty?
What a great day! I'll bet it was fun working with the little Cub Scouts.
Way to go MAX! That is so cool- runner up of the whole nation!!
Those are some excellent photo captures- WOW! What a rodeo!!
What an impressive post. Why can't I get myself to do one? I think I'll just have to link other here. :)
Thanks so much for coming to help. Your calm, gentle manner is always a true pleasure to have around.
Love you guys!!
This was a fantastic post! I had a lot of fun even though I couldn't see without my glasses. (:
Wow! I love the pictures, and what a gret writer. You know Michelle is always asking for guest posters. You should step upto the plate.
Betty it was so good to see you! I'm glad your feeling better. But, don't over do it.
When Tim and I grow up I want to be like you guys. (but I don't know if he'll ever grow up)
Thanks for the rodeo pictures. I have not seen any yet. Everyone said it was great and the cub scout leader emailed me and said they loved it.
So cool! Great pics. Max and Michelle, wonderful folks!!
Post a Comment