October 10th, 2010 was our 2nd Annual Chad Winters Memorial Ranch Rodeo
Preparation started the day before the rodeo...
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Setting up the chuckwagon under the direction of Chuckwagon Master Mr. Carl Hawkins, and Bonanza Creek Ranch Manager, Steve Price some of our 4-H kids learned how to set up the fly by swinging a sledge hammer to set the stakes - good job boys!
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Mr. Hawkins teaches all about some useful knots.
The big day, after several practice dates the kids were ready. We began with the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer for the safety of all, some rules of the road, and the teams with their team captains were off.
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Our Horses for Heroes - Cowboy Up! veterans assisted in all the activities and most importantly cheered the kids on!
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First event was the trail course
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Photo by: Connie Jo Mitchell
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Photo by: Connie Jo Mitchell
The second event was Goat Tying where teams split the duties of roping, flanking and tying their goat. The goat had to remain tied for 6 seconds.
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Photo by: Connie Jo Mitchell
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Photo by: Connie Jo Mitchell
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Photo by: Connie Jo Mitchell
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Third event was Branding. Riders tracked and hazed cattle into the stripping chute where the teammates waited to place a brand (of paint) on the steers side all under the watchful eyes of Mr. Henry McKinley, 81 years young.
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Fourth event was Ranch Sorting where the entire mounted team took turns quietly entering the cattle herd and sorting one out at a time, move them across a line while the rest of the team held the herd. This was repeated until every team member had completed their sort.
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Photo by: Connie Jo Mitchell
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Photo by: Connie Jo Mitchell
Awards...! Through the generosity of Mr. & Mrs. Winters, Chad's parents, beautiful award ribbons were presented to each participant.
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Chow Time - the kids learn the cowboy's cardinal rule, "Never argue with a mule, a skunk or the cook!"
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Kyle Mascarenas brought his brand of magic to our Ranch Rodeo - Thanks Kyle!
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Group Photo - Fun had by all!!!