At the rodeo!

Yes, people I have been to a rodeo. It was a couple of weeks ago. Basically, I figured that if I had travelled all the way to Texas' Fort Worth’s stockyards, I might as well see what it’s like, and my tour guide would have absolutely loved it! So, I booked what was available (sadly the ‘traditional’ rodeo with horses, cows etc was not on that day): a Professional Bull Riders events at the coliseum in Fort Worth. Nothing less.

So when it was time to go, I got quite excited. I did stick out slightly with my outfit (as in, my lack of cowboy hat or boots…) but I compensated by getting what my idea of this kind of event required: a huuuuuuge frozen margarita (not particularly good) and a huuuuuuuge plate of nachos smothered in chili and weird melted cheese (not particularly good either). I didn’t finish either but that was not the point.

When it started, everything mostly happened in one end of the arena (the opposite side from where I was sitting, of course…). So, in summary, there was a lot of smoke and light going in all directions for the entrance of the contestants, and commentary was provided by one guy, most of what he was talking about past me by. There were also 2 men on horses with lassos, to get the bull if things got tricky (which only happened a couple of times) and 3 blokes there running around just to distract the bull. The way it goes is that they kinda stabilise the rider on the bull in a pen (that bit can take a while), open the gate, and there he goes, he’s on his own, willingly sitting on a crazy jumping bull!

What I understood eventually was that:

• They only got points if they stayed on the bull for over 8 seconds.

• 8 seconds is quite a long time to be riding a bull who doesn’t really want to be there.

What was the score exactly based on beyond that? I can’t tell you, all too confusing for me, but what I can tell you is that the crowd’s internal clock is spot on as they got only excited as time went on. Sadly, a lot of the contestants didn’t score anything. The maximum time was probably 12 seconds? And then there were some ties, so some had another go. There were also replays on big screens, loud music, slow motion, advertisement, camera showing people in the crowd waving kissing, and occasionally a ranking table. No obvious injury, no dramatic exit, no paramedics… And then the whole thing ended quite abruptly – the last guy went, the scores were probably announced but I didn’t understand, thank you goodbye see you next time. No podium, no medal, no “that’s gonna hurt tomorrow” – nothing! 15 min later I was on the bus home.

So, there you go. Will I go again? Probably not, but I’d try most things once, and I am glad I went. And finally, I thought I’d put a picture of the blokes signing up for the event before, rather than what happened during, because at least there is something to see (I shoot with a 35mm lens, remember?).

Til next time!