Rodeo 101

So, Fred called me up and "pretty please" begged me to write a short talk for McKenzie to use in her pageant coming up. Not sure why Paul wasn't the one chosen for this, but I gave in anyway. I don't know the cowboy realm as well as I should so I did what I could in putting this together. Thought I would share. Let me know what you would change before she has to use it.

Rodeo 101

Wanna be a cowgirl? Ya think the rodeo’s for you? Okay. Well, let me see how I can help.

First, you’re gonna need to shape up! We get started tomorrow. Set your alarm for just before dawn and head to the corral down near the south fields. There you will find me.

While you’re still trying to keep your eyes open, I’ll be finishing the last straps for the saddle and stroking a brush through the mane one last time. I’m ready! Are you?

“Hmmm. What to wear? Designer jeans?” Nope! Wranglers will suit me just fine.

“Should I grab my cell phone?” Are you kidding me?

“Make up? Lipstick?” Okay, now it’s time to talk.

Listen--let me tell you how this goes. While you might walk on a lot and pay for the keys to a Ford Mustang, I’d rather walk to the barn and take the reins to a quarter horse any day. While you’re listening to Jay Z on your iPod, I’m listening to my racing heart and a 4 step metronome rhythmically taking to my next victory.

“What about boys? Don’t you want a boyfriend?” Why, so I can break his heart? I’ll worry about that later. For now, I’ll spend my afternoons with a stallion that knows me better than any boy could. He knows my heart, my passion and understands that this girl likes to ride fast…and I’m not slowing down for anybody.

“But what if I break a nail?” Hah! I’m thinking more like “what if I break my leg?” And if I do, no big deal. I’ll be healed up and back on the saddle in 6 months riding faster than I ever have. Broken bones and broken nails are just a part of the business and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

See, if you wanna be a cowgirl or if you want to be the star at the next rodeo, you best find a love for a race at the stadium than a stroll through the mall. Trade in your high heels for a good pair of boots. Give up your perm for a pony tail and a cowboy hat. Exchange popularity and finesse for dirt and bruises. Give up the boy for a horse.

Real cowgirls untangle lassos instead of cords to a blow dryer, wear buckles instead of jewelry, watch NFR Nationals instead of The Glamour Girls finale and wear sweat instead of foundation. We live hard and ride harder and we keep the saddle on from sun up ‘til sun down. There’s no time for cell phones, sports cars, nice clothes, iPods, computers, Facebook or TV. Just give me my horse and I’ll be just fine.

So you still wanna be a cowgirl? Want a lesson in Rodeo 101? Set your alarm for just before dawn and head to the corral down near the south fields. There you will find me.