麻豆传媒AV

A staple of family road trips growing up was my dad playing the Garth Brooks greatest hits CD. One of my favourite songs on the album was Rodeo. Growing up in southern Ontario, there weren't many rodeos to attend in the area. All of the events sounded cool on the song, but that track was the closest I ever got to the real thing.

That was until this past weekend at the 44th annual Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo.

During the North Stars season, there was a constant reminder of the rodeo on a sign in the corner of the arena. It was marked on my calendar as something I wanted to attend.

It was easy to get into the rodeo spirit, or whatever I thought the rodeo spirit was, early Friday morning. Two cowboy hats, one light brown and the other dark, were on my desk when I arrived at work. After getting opinions on which hat to wear and chides for my lack of proper footwear, I was all set to go.

I arrived at the Civic Centre about half an hour before the event started. It's a good thing I did. Before long, both sides of the stands were packed.

After spending time in the press box before the rodeo started because I didn't know exactly where to go, I ventured down and found a spot on what would've been the North Stars' bench.

Then, finally something familiar. As I was working to get my camera set up to take pictures of the event, the Garth Brooks song played across the speaker system. I have to admit that I'm not much of a fan of country music, but that song got me into the moment.

Bareback bronco riding started off the event. It was at that moment I realized this was something I would never want to try. Watching the cowboys getting thrashed around on top of a bucking bronco made me wince in pain for them. However, it was exciting to watch.

As the events continued through the night, the rodeo clown Brinson kept the audience entertained between events. After seeing him perform, I think I missed my true calling in life. Here was this man making a fool of himself for people's amusement. Dancing, singing, running around. I would've been a star.

The barrel racing was probably my second favourite event of the evening, even though it was the most hazardous to the people taking pictures on the players' bench. Each time a horse charged towards the barrel in front of us, it would kick up the debris from the arena floor. I learned early to turn my back to not have dirt showered on my face. Although, it did leave my back an easy target for the rocks mixed in with the dirt. It was my own little taste of rodeo pain.

Bull riding was the main event. It was the part I was most looking forward to as well. This event is what I always thought of when someone mentioned a rodeo and it didn't disappoint.

The first rider was Cody Coverchuk from North Battleford. He lasted the eight seconds and held on for a little more. After getting bucked off, the real fun of the bull riding started. How do they corral the angry animal? Well, they allowed it to run around for a bit, as if the riders were letting it work out some of its issues. Eventually, they guided it back through the gate as the next rider got ready.

During the bull riding, I realized I wouldn't last long as a rodeo clown. They have to distract the bulls on parade after they toss of their rider. I had an up close and personal view of this.

After one of the riders was tossed off, a particularly angry bull was still wandering around the floor. I was up near the fence, looking to take pictures. All of a sudden, Brinson jumps over the fence just as the bull ran by, almost landing on me. I was able to stagger back, but it was definitely quite the athletic feat; something that I definitely wouldn't be able to accomplish.

That jump was the closest I'll ever get to being in a rodeo. The things these cowboys and cowgirls are able to do are amazing to see in person. I definitely see the appeal of all the action, but sitting on the bench is the closest you'll ever see me to participating in any of the events.