HEEE HAWW!

I think that in three short months I have accomplished my goal of becoming a Montana cowgirl. Last Friday I went to a breast cancer fundraiser at the Missoula Stampede Rodeo, with a group of gals I work with called Chicks and Chaps. This rodeo clinic forced me to walk the cowgirl walk and not just talk about it. I will admit that I was doubtful of the clinics authenticity when I walked in because EVERYTHING was covered in pink. They even painted the cowboy’s fingernails pink and let us all watch and giggle.

Real men wear pink!

Yes ladies, real live cowboys were there who ride in the rodeo circuit. Clowns too. No, Jewel and her bull riding husband were not there, total bummer.

Cowboy Clown Sandwich

In the clinic they taught us about the broc shoot (where the bucking broncos come out of), how to ride a PO’d bull and how to team rope. The team roping is where two GUYS (yup, I am a little upset too, but right now this is an all male event) ride out and one has to rope the bulls horns and the other has to get the back legs roped. I was a little bit nervous watching some of the other ladies before me swing the lasso over their heads. A good amount of the time they would lose their hats, get the rope twisted or end up with it around their necks. Oh, did I mention we were just roping a saw horse and a bale of hay? Details details. When I was tossed the rope it’s like I was born with it in my hand! OK, that’s a little dramatic, but I liked it a LOT and was pretty good. I am not sure I will run off to join the rodeo just yet, but it’s good to know that I have a legit fall-back plan if this fundraising gig doesn’t pan out.

Back Legs...Got em!

Horns....Check!

I even roped Sara!

And she didn't even spill her beer, budding bull riding talent!

Here are some other shots of the festivities.

Cowboy for sale! The other guy is our Mayor and on the right is the auctioneer

Imagine riding that bull!! Nuts.

Horses asses

The ladies

Stay tuned for Addy’s guest blog about her vacation in Montana!