Patterns in the Wind

This afternoon, Howell and Kellsie Purdy (Miss Rodeo Colorado) braved the elements to help with preparations for the horsemanship portion of the royalty tryouts.  Although it was sunny, the wind nearly knocked us off of our feet. I am not sure how Joe (the horse pictured) managed to stay on his.  We all had to wear sunglasses--just to keep the grit out of our eyes. 

Howell rode the course first--including the queen's run.  He lost his hat shortly after entering the arena (maybe it was the 30 mph wind). Yes, that is him waving at the empty stands.  I don't think the royalty candidates have anything to worry about.  Although he showed great enthusiasm, he didn't really have that "something" we are looking for in rodeo royalty.  

 Kellsie, however, was a good sport, kept her hat and was able to negotiate the pattern with ease.  Looks like it will take about 4 to 5 minutes to complete the course. 

Getting Ready for the royalty

You know that rodeo season is approaching, when we start talking about royalty tryouts! Today, Kim, Howell, and I met in arena to iron out the finer points of thevriding patterns for tryouts in May.  Although the arena was strangely quiet, I began to feel the excitement that comes with the beginning of rodeo season in the high country.  The sun was shining, for the most part, and there were plenty of animated discussions and drawing in the dirt.  I am convinced that this will be a year full of traditions and changes in the program--just as it should be.  No one ever gets anywhere standing still. 

Here We Go...

There may be snow on the horses' backs, but the days are getting longer, the temperatures a little warmer,  and plans for the 2011 Rooftop Rodeo are heating up. The construction of the new parking lot at the fairgrounds started this week.  The high winds are sure kickin' up the dust today, but it will really be nice to have paved parking this summer. 

This year, we are kicking off rodeo week with a special birthday celebration--our 85th!  We would like to hear from folks who have been a part of our Rooftop Rodeo family including competitors, past committee members, former royalty, and volunteers. We would love to have them join us in the celebration.  Plans for Old Mexico Day, Armed Forces Day,  First Responders Day, and Youth Day are well underday.  Amy has something special planned for Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day, which will be on Wedneday July 13th.  I wouldn't be surprised see a lot of pink--even without my rose-colored glasses.