| The hot, sunny days of summer
were in full swing. Proper attire, of course, is denim shorts, a tank top, and ropers. Try
to make sure that the matching socks can barely be seen on either side of the pull tabs. I
have always felt that one of my duties in life is to make "fashion statements".
Of course, my husband would prefer that I walk a few steps to the rear when I am dressed
in my summer best!  We were spending
most of our days and evenings, at least until dark, at the barn. I always tell everyone
"If you need to reach me, don't call until after dark!" On this particular day,
my two smallest boys were helping water the horses. I'm using the word helping, it could
also be referred to as "making ponds". Helping Mom water means that the oldest -
Nicholas, age 2 - would hold the hose and the youngest - Kory Mac, age 1 - would sit on
the rail with his feet in the bucket until the "pond" filled up. Then Mom comes
along and moves the hose to the next pond.
We had almost finished when Katy, Jolene
and Jennifer came down to the shed row, halters in one hand and lead ropes in the other.
"Come on Nicholas and Kory. We are going riding." The girls were ready and
willing to take the two little cowboys on a great adventure. Keep in mind that these girls
have been raised riding horses, finding fun and delight in flying all over the stables.
They are confident and good little riders with great mounts. Nicholas, of course, said
"No, I only ride with my dad on my dad's horse."
"Let's
go ride the bulls!" |
Then there is Kory Mac.
Fearless and trusting, he left with the girls aboard Lucky. Lucky is a Shetland Pony with
the patience and kindness every child needs to overcome any fear or hesitation he or she
might have. The perfect picture of a tiny little boy on a tiny little horse. Lucky is the
size of a Saint Bernard, he just doesn't drool!
A few minutes passed. Then Kory was back.
Nicholas was still irrigating. You know you have moved to the country - when your two and
a half year old can say irrigate - and knows what it means! The girls left for a little
while and we were getting ready to leave when Jolene came back. She haltered up her two
bull calves and lead them down the shed row. "Come on Nicholas and Kory. Let's go
ride the bulls!"
Nicholas was standing next to Kory Mac. He
put his hand on his back and gave him a little push forward. "No," was his
answer. "Take Kory, he wants to go!" I could read his little mind. Take my
little brother - if he comes back without a boo boo, then I might try it. If he doesn't
come back, that's okay too, because I don't like having to share anyway. Kory is kind of
like the King's food tester or big brother's test driver.
Needless to say, Kory Mac became a bull
rider that day. He was in bull rider heaven, hanging on for dear life with a huge smile
and a "No way am I getting' off" look on his face.
 |
Photo by Vickee Greer
Rodeo Kids Style
PHOTOS |
So, are bull riders born or are they
made? Well, they are the little brothers of the kids who want them to test things out that
they, themselves, are not quite so sure of. |
