Sagittarius Viking
Mindful exploring, through the eyes of a viking daughter.
Bull Riding
Since I’m about to leave California shortly, I figured I’d have to share my last, previously unshared, California rodeo pics, from earlier this season.
This is how Wikipedia describes the sport of bull riding;
Bull riding is a rodeo sport that involves a rider getting on a bucking bull and attempting to stay mounted while the animal tries to buck off the rider.
In the American tradition, the rider must stay on top of the bucking bull while holding onto the bull rope with one hand for eight seconds and not touching the bull or themself with their free hand. A bull rope is a fiber rope wrapped around the chest of the bull directly behind the bull’s front legs, which the rider grips while riding. If the rider does this, it is a qualified ride. If the rider is bucked off before eight seconds, it is a no score. In most bull riding circuits, four judges mark scores for the rider and the bull. Two judges score the rider based on their ability up to 25 points each for up to a total of 50 points. The other two judges score the bull on his bucking performance for up to 25 points each for a total of up to 50 points. Thus, the ride is scored up to 100 points. Most professional riders score between the mid-70s and high 80s. American bull riding has been called “the most dangerous eight seconds in sports.”
It’s easy to see why it is “the most dangerous eight seconds in sports.” Or what do you think? I have no idea why I like going to rodeos so much. Maybe it’s the extreme opposite from my otherwise mindful life? I don’t go to a whole lot of organized events, but I do always go to a few rodeos every year. I always have a blast. These where the last three rodeo photos that I have for now. I hope you enjoyed them, and that you’re having an awesome day!
Love,
Ms Zen
These are beautiful photos! Love the colours and clarity. This sport is questionable shall we say… 😬
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Thank you John! Yes, questionable indeed.
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Great pics love a great rodeo, its kind of like sharing the adrenalin fun with a whole bunch of kindred spirits in the one watering hole. lol.
Safe travels my friend.
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Yes, exactly!! I’m happy that I don’t have a son that is riding bulls though… Thank you ❤
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My home town established its annual Rodeo Days when I was 11 years old. (The 60th anniversary rodeo is next year.) I always enjoyed watching the competitions. And some years, I ended up spending a few hours one day during the multi-day production hawking popcorn. At least some of the seating was on the side of the surrounding hills, and the folks brought blankets for us to sit on.
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What wonderful memories! Thank you for sharing them. The Red Bluff rodeo, which is my favorite, where these photos were taken, is close to100 years of tradition now. The Reno rodeo, another favorite, is celebrating their 100th rodeo next year. I think I’ll have to go to that one. Thank you so much for your comment!
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Great action shots!
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Thank you Eliza!!
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Love your photos!! You are an excellent photography, and a good rodeo is a ton of fun! I think there is a little bit of cowgirl in all of us horse loving people. ❤
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Yes! I think of myself as a cowgirl without cows. I did actually buy a bunch of cows once, because it was a good deal, and then I flipped them. I don’t know anything about cows, so I was just pure lucky to get them off my hands quickly. Thank you for your kind comment Diana ❤
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Excellent shots, Maria, you captured them in all of their essence! I went to a few rodeos as a kids when we lived in Oregon but have not been to one in a long while!
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Thank you so much Terri! I bet it must of been a big experience as a kid?! I was an adult when I went for the first time. Not so many rodeos in Europe. Have an awesome day!
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Prescott has what is billed as “America’s oldest rodeo”. It has a rival for that title, somewhere up north. Of course, Las Vegas has its share of rodeos, so you won’t be missing out any.
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That’s cool. I might have to check it out! 🙂 I have been to the finals in Vegas once. Have an awesome day!
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I think you like rodeos because it’s people facing a difficult and dangerous challenge. Courage like this is always inspiring.
Your photos are wonderful! They really show the risk-taking and the danger!
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You might be exactly right about that. It is inspiring, and make you feel alive. Thank you for your most kind comment!
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Wow! Great pictures!
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Thank you so much Nancy!!
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