Wednesday, January 16, 2008

This Bull Even Has Muscles in His Ears

Can you guess what time of year it is here in our Longhorn City?

The Stock Show & Rodeo is in town!

With cowboy boots in tow, the husband and I kicked off to "Bulls Night Out" Tuesday night. Our friends had 2 extra tickets & since we had never been before, we thought, "why not?" It was an absolutely fantastic time! The bulls are magnificent and fierce, the riders young and tough, the announcers amusing and entertaining and, finally, thank the gods that be the rodeo clowns are not creepy.

There was always an intermission show between the sets of bull riding. During one, two gambling tables had been set up while the announcers started in about, "do you enjoy gambling?!" I thought, "great. Card gambling - how boring." My thoughts started to wander around in my endless abyss of a mind. But I proceeded to watch six men split up into three at each table. With a disinterested yawn, where I tossed around heading to the restroom . . . . . I watched a bull pen open and a giant bull charged out at full speed. Towards the tables. He hit the first one and smashed it to pieces; taking two gamblers and their chairs with him. The third remained in his seat. The bull turned around, charged and violently knocked him over and then proceeded to run this cowboy over two more times (he used his horns and feet. Yes, he was injured a bit, but these are real cowboys). Not quite finished, the bull took out the second table and all it's men sitting in their chairs with one charge. From what I came to understand, the last one sitting in their chair was to be the winner. Let me point out here, with this second table, when the bull came a charging - all the men jumped and ran to the fences. I would too. I don't have those kind of cajones. In fact, you would never get me to sit at one of those tables. Ever.

As violent as it sounds, it was awesomely fun! I think I'm twisted.

Not to worry though, I'm not completely sick in the head. The event featured new riders as well. Approximately seven children under the age of 8 rode sheep. This was conclusively hilarious and endearing all at the same time. The kids clung to these sheep for dear life as the sheep ran for dear life. Most of the children ended up hanging off the sides of sheep just trying to make it to the three-second bell. They all won trophies and a new pair cowboy boots from Justin Boots. This was captivating and charming. Our future bull riders at work.

Overall, the husband and I loved every single minute of Bulls Night Out. We cheered the riders, we cheered the bulls, we basically cheered anything that moved or made us laugh. It was a great time. We cannot wait to go back. And, if you have never been, I highly recommend you give it a go.

Ya'll come back now, ya hear?


9 comments:

Allison Horner said...

Oh how fun! I finally went to the Houston Rodeo a few years ago, but that was mainly to see John Mayer in concert. We did see a little bit of the bulls, too. Scary!!!

LOVE your boots (both of yours). I got my first pair a year or 2 ago & love them! Yours look very similar to mine, but mine are a lighter brown. Very cute!!!

It's funny, there was a time in my life I thought I would NEVER wear cowgirl boots, but I am totally digging mine now. (Although, they are more of the trendy kind, not the real thing.)

Anonymous said...

I love the rodeo. The mutton riders or mutton something is what that kid/sheep one is called. It's my favorite. They are always so cute.

Em

R.E.H. said...

I've always wanted to go see the rodeo. The closest I've come is riding a mechanical bull... which in itself was funny as hell!

Jay said...

I've never gone to the rodeo. I started to go to the one in San Antonio once, but got distracted by something shiny.

It's not the kind of thing that I really think I would enjoy. Maybe in person it's more fun.

Real Live Lesbian said...

Wow...that DOES sound fun.

(apparently just as twisted as you are!)

Take me!!!!

Jen said...

alli: you HAVE to see the bull riders! It was fantastically fun!

I think you's and me's had that discussion several times - we would NEVER buy cowboy/girl boots nor date a guy who wore them. Uh. Never say never, right? I love, love, LOVE my boots - I'll be wearing them to see you, for real. I's sleep with my on if I could!

Em: Thanks! I didn't know it was called mutton riding though it makes sense. Duh. They were supposed to have a monkey that rode a border collie too & I couldn't wait to see that! How much fun could that be? But they didn't ***sad*** But these kids sure made up for it!

r.e.h.: I, nor the husband, never had an interest in seeing the rodeo. Never. WE LOVED IT! I highly recommend you go if you get the chance. Catch the bull riding you won't ever have so much fun sitting in your seat drinking beer!

I want video of the mechanical bull ride. It must be YOU though and not some random dude of YouTube. Mm'k?

Jay: In addition to responding to r.e.h. above, understand that I thought the rodeo was ridiculous and cruel. I was wrong on both counts! I think the animals are admired for their strength and giganticness and are thus treated kindly until their balls are tied up. Okay. . . that's a bit mean, but it comes off as soon as they buck off the rider. And(!) this was one of the best times I've had - it really was! I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be going back for more. . .

real live lesbian: It WAS fun! ! ! If you're ever in town, I'll be happy & promise to take you. Being twisted is a good time.

Anonymous said...

I love the rodeo. And I love my cowboy boots. And I own a 'Don't mess with Texas' belt buckle. There's a chance I've gone native.

Ian

Jen said...

Ian: I'm becoming native myself. For real.

Anonymous said...

I thought of the actual name. It's Mutton Busters. Or at least, that's what it was at the last rodeo I saw. :)

Em