Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Momma's Brag Book, Part 2

I'm sitting here today, trying to cheer myself up.  It's snowing outside and I am NOT a big fan of snow, or winter, for that matter!  So my choices are to do some online shopping or write a blog.  I decided the blog would make me feel better and be cheaper than shopping!  So, please allow me to share some more bull pictures and introduce you all to my newest two bulls.  Thinking about my big boys always warms my heart!

On the Saturday right before I was to leave for Las Vegas and the PBR World Finals, my husband and I went out to the Let R Buck Bull Riding School for a chance to see our bulls buck for the first time.   I was a bit nervous and excited and quite proud to be co-owner of bulls that will be used at the school.  I was a little bit (secretly) happy when I listened to the cowboys talk about how good the bulls were and which ones were ranker than others.  Of course I knew I couldn't cheer too loudly for the bulls, after all, this is a school and I need to encourage the cowboys, right?.....well, I tried....and I failed....because I had to cheer for my bulls!

My husband, Paul, is getting to see and meet the bulls for the very first time.  Here, he is chatting with BuckSnot.  What Paul didn't realize was he would be put to work in the back pens and opening the chute gate.  He even learned how to tie the flank strap on.  He told me that he has a whole new respect for the guys who do this, week in and week out, for the PBR!

The Spook (l), Vlad the Impaler (m) and Snot Zombie (r) were lined up wondering what all the fuss was about.  There were bunches of people looking at them, music blaring in the background and the big tractor was in the arena trying to spread the dirt more evenly, after a big rain the day before.

After one jump, the cowboy is already out of position on Snot Zombie.  Despite the muddy conditions Snot Zombie bucked good and bucked off the cowboy.  He did manage to give the bull fighters fits after the ride,  so I think we'll need to work on his exit strategy!

I was standing behind the chutes when BuckSnot was loaded.  He's looking at me like, "Momma, why am I in here and what are they gonna do to me?" BuckSnot also bucked his cowboy off and looked good, in the process!

The Spook had some nice kick and dumped his cowboy.  He also needs some help with an exit strategy!  I was giggling up a storm as The Spook went around and around and around the arena.  Finally, Vlad was sent in to help escort The Spook out.  At the end of the day, my bulls went unridden.  I was thrilled to see them buck so well and proud to have the cowboys tell me what great bulls they are!

This is Snot Jammer, one of the newest additions.  His sire is Jim Jam.  Snot Jammer is 5 years old and a really nice size bull.  He is a fighter, and has had to be in time-out since his arrival.  He challenged Iron Man, who is the leader of this herd, and roughed him up pretty good.  I hope Snot Jammer channels all that energy in to bucking when the time comes.

Here, Snot Jammer is sparring with Gunner.  It seems, when in the group, Jammer was constantly looking for a challenge.  I was quite nervous when I was in the arena and Snot Jammer came right up beside me.  Paul jumped right in to protect me.  Thankfully, no protection was needed.
This is Lil' Elvis.  His bloodlines go back to Wrangler Rivets and Cow Town.  He is 3 1/2 years old and another really nice sized bull.  His brindle coat is gorgeous, and he seemed like a nice even-tempered bull.


I got to hang out in the arena for a bit.  Lil' Elvis and The Spook were not at all curious about me.  Vlad just starred at me for awhile.  BuckSnot and Snot Zombie kept their distance.

Lil' Elvis and Snot Jammer enjoying their lunch.  It is fun to help feed them!  As soon as JW started opening the bags of feed, the bulls were lined up, jostling for position to get that first mouthful of food.  They were really funny to watch.  Once we separated them, so they would not fight, each was given his own pan.  Lil' Elvis inhaled his lunch while Snot Jammer seemed to savor each mouthful.  Things got interesting when Lil' Elvis tried to steal some of Jammer's feed!

And last, but not least, I had to share my favorite picture of the day....The Spook coming on over to say good-bye to his Momma.  While I can't really pet him yet, he seems much more at ease around people.  He was right there taking slices of bread from me in the arena and managed to lick my hand often.  But the day was not complete without The Spook giving me a good snot-shower....next time I need to remember to bring a towel!
A good day was had by all, and the bulls are happy and healthy!  I'm just wondering how they are enjoying the snow today......






Photographs by Susan Hanrahan, with Paul's help on one!

1 comment: