A Pinch of Rodeo

By Joe R. Nichols

Cal Farley Boy’s Ranch Rodeo

What an honor to be a part of the Labor Day Rodeo at the Boy’s Ranch.

I’ve never been to a rodeo where the crowd got in to the action more than the fans who came to support these kids. They were looking for any reason to acknowledge the efforts of the contestants, and the cowboys and cowgirls gave them plenty of opportunity to applaud and cheer.

From the little kids stick-horse race, to the senior boys bull riding, they all did their best. They come from all over the country and from all different circumstances. Most of them have no background or knowledge of the sport of rodeo prior to coming to the Boy’s Ranch. That’s what makes it so special to me. They get involved and take it serious. It’s amazing how fast they progress and how competitive they are, but the most impressive aspect, is how these kids pull for each other. This is the story I want to tell.

A senior girl was unable to compete due to a broken arm from a unrelated accident. She was considered to be in the running for the girls all-around title. Her good friend Gabby, a junior, decided before the rodeo, that if she could win the championship saddle, she would give it to her friend.

You have to consider, winning a saddle is a special and rare thing, and very hard to do. I can’t tell you how much it impressed me that this girl would try so hard to win one, and give it away.

Every event she did well in, she would ride out of the arena pointing at her friend, who was unsuspecting. In the pole bending event, she knocked down a pole, and she thought it might cost her the title. In the end, she did win the Senior Girls All-Around Championship.

The rodeo director became very emotional as he explained to the audience what her intentions were. They put the trophy saddle on her horse, then the friend with her arm in a cast, got on. Gabby led her around the arena to much applause and appreciation.

In my mind, it was the highlight of the entire rodeo.This has to say so much about the program at Cal Farley’s and the teachers, staff, administrators, host families, and everyone involved in such a life changing experience for young men and women.