Lone ride at the Lone Oak

It was a hot weekend here in CT, and the heat was turned up a little bit more when Lone Oak Campgrounds hosted the East Coast Bull Riding Association event Saturday last.  There was a great turnout of fans ready to see the bulls buck and the cowboy's attempt at riding them.

So, let's face it folks, it's all about the bulls....and when you have bulls as handsome as these, why talk about anything else?  THE SPOOK (l) and SNOT JAMMER hanging out in the arena before the show.

JW Gowan does the event introductions, as his wife Cindi, on Breeze, proudly displays the flag.  JW even managed to get my husband and I out in the arena, as we are business partners on six bucking bulls.

Cowboy Bradley readies himself for an attempt on THE SPOOK.  Spook is so well behaved in the chute, and most of the time gives the rider a clean shot at riding him.

THE SPOOK took Bradley on a wild ride, all for naught, as Bradley was DQ'd.  To make matters worse, Bradley landed square on his tailbone and was quite sore the rest of the weekend.

There are not many bulls who stand still in the arena so you can remove their flank strap and give them a pat on the butt!  JUNIOR is such a special and wonderful animal!  He is loved by everyone and the perfect school bull for beginners.

(1 of 2) Cowboy Nate leaves the chute on VLAD THE IMPALER.  Vlad jumped high and long out in to the arena, but Nate rode him and was awarded 74 points for the 8 second ride!

(2 of 2) JW moving in as Nate comes off of  VLAD.  Nate did a great job of riding this bull but VLAD wasn't too happy about it and left Nate with quite a bruise on his leg! 

Cowboy Tyler attempted to ride SNOT JAMMER twice on Saturday, and left with a zero both times.  Big boy Snot Jammer was in good form and not in the mood to be ridden!

(1 of 2) Cowboy Adam leaves the chute on BUCKSNOT.  Adam made it thru the first few jumps but BUCKSNOT got him off before 8 seconds.

(2 of 2) My photo of the weekend!  Adam coming off BUCKSNOT and preparing to hit the ground flat on his back.  Adam did a great job of getting away from BuckSnot, who likes to play after the ride is over.

On Sunday, new student Jeremy gives it a go on SNOT ZOMBIE.  Along with another new student, Kevin, Jeremy was extremely helpful in the back pens, and had a few attempts at riding a bull.  Pretty good for their first weekend at the school!

At the end of the day, the bulls were turned out for a rest and lots of water!  I just love these boys so much!  VLAD THE IMPALER gives THE SPOOK a little love.  My partner and I purchased these two bulls together, and they are still buddies!

At the end of Saturday, Cowboy Nate was the only rider with a qualified ride, and he took home all the prize money!  Several of the cowboys took the bulls deep, but not quite to 8 seconds.  We're all very proud of Nate and wish him continued success as he now leads the East Coast Bull Riding Association standings.  There are nine more events to go, before the buckle is awarded, so it's still anyone's game!




All photos by and property of Susan Hanrahan.  Thanks to Ashley for snapping the introduction picture for me!