Hometown Rodeo

My Cowgirl Pals and I got together yesterday evening to attend our hometown rodeo.  To the left is my Frainer (friend and trainer), Rachel.  In the middle is my long-time friend Stacy, the owner of the barn where I've ridden for years.  To the right is my bestest in the world sorting partner, Lisa.

As part of our County Fair, this was the first time the rodeo had been back in over ten years.  It was also the 150th anniversary of our County Fair which has struggled during these economic times.  We were there to not only support the Rodeo and Fair but to cheer on the family members, friends and neighbors who were rodeo participants this evening.

These gals, former members of our County 4H Horse Program are now all grown up.  They returned to their old riding arena to open the show with a spirit that lifted us all up out of our seats and had us cheering.

My Frainer's Significant Other, preparing for Steer Wrestling.

A local landmark, Mount Peak in the distance - a favorite place to hike.

Roping...which continued after the rodeo.

And as the sun started to set, the bull riding.

A great time was had by all.  As we walked back to our car with a bright red sunset glowing behind the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainer pasted with pink light in front of us, we commented on how special a home town rodeo is.  We both agreed, the bigger rodeos have their place, but there's nothing like a hometown rodeo to give one that warm, happy feeling of friends and community pride in where you live.