The annual New Mexico Stampede PRCA (Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association) rodeo was held last night, Friday, at the Santa Ana Star Arena. Galloping Grace Youth Ranch is the official charity of the rodeo and, each year, there are ways for GGYR to make some money. This year the rodeo said if we could sell 100 tickets at $10 (regular price $14), they would donate $4 to GGYR for each ticket sold. The good news is 120 ticket were sold.
Betty and I bought two tickets and it was my first outing at night. I did OK, but I was pretty tired when we left.
I took my camera and I got plenty of pictures of the typical rodeo action. Such as the bucking bronc riders…
The crazy and courageous bull riders…
The controlled chaos of the bull doggers…
And the ballet of the team ropers…
But what I find interesting is all the things that happen around the events. At the beginning is the presentation of the American flag and a very patriotic opening…
Then they turn out several of the rough stock horses and it’s beautiful to watch them run around in and out of the spotlight…
The rodeo clown getting his barrel in place before the bull riding…
The lonesome cowboy carrying his rig while watching action at the other end of the arena…
A nervous horse waiting his turn while tied up next to the calf pen…
The slam-bang action of the pick up men rescuing a bronc rider after the ride is over…
The team ropers waiting their turns in the holding pen. It was amazing to see all those horses jammed up against each other and staying so calm…
The hand and rope of a roper getting ready to go…
Finally, two of our Galloping Grace cowgirls enjoying the rodeo…
It was a good night. No one got hurt. GGYR made some money. And Betty and I had a good time with good friends.
4 comments:
Great pics and great commentary, my friend. I'm so glad you guys (and Betty's forearms) came! Thanks for the support and friendship.
Excellent pictures! My pictures are completely lacking.....
Anyway, again, it was great to see you guys. And thank you for taking a picture of Tom and I. It will be on my blog in a couple days.
Sounds like a great night and you got some good action shots even with the poor lighting.
That nervous horse looks like he's trying to figure out what the heck kind of bit is in his mouth....I am, too.
lol!
~Lisa
Perfectly cropped and well timed photos Dan. I always find action shots quite tricky so a great job ~
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