Open Range

"The Welcoming Committee"  JUNIOR (l), VLAD & SPOOK came right over to say hello and look for food when I arrived at the ranch.  The rest of the bulls wandered over, and I was able to greet each one.

 It was a beautiful weekend here in CT, and there is no better place for me, right now, than at Let R Buck Bull Riding School, visiting with my bulls and hanging out with the JW, Cindi and the gang.  There were some brand new students, and some returning ones.  I found it amusing to see the combination of excitement and fear in the eyes of the new students.  Going thru the fundamentals is one thing...actually getting on a bull is completely different!

Cowboy Adam works on the drop barrel to perfect his form.  It was interesting to me as JW explained the importance of the free arm and it's position as the rider comes forward on the bull.

"Loading Time"....moving the bulls from their pen to the arena is always a fun chore.  Most of the time the bulls are happy to find fresh green grass to snack on!  It's a bit intimidating to stand in their path and have them all running at me, as I snapped this photo.  This gang knows where to go and made the left turn and headed right in to the pens.

This chute gate was left open, so THE SPOOK decided to self load!  He's ready to go!

My husband helping load the bulls.

Cowboy Adam attempts to ride PAPARAZZI.

(1 of 3) Returning student Jeremy putting his bull rope on THE SPOOK.

(2 of 3) Jeremy attempting to ride THE SPOOK.  Jeremy tried hard but Spook was too powerful.

(3 of 3) THE SPOOK wins! Momma Sue is happy! :)

New student Matt, who showed some real promise, attempts to ride BUCKSNOT.  Matt was also a great help in the back pens.  New students learn all aspects of bull riding and arena work.

Congratulations to Cowboy Adam, who finally conquered BUCKSNOT and rode for 8! 
BuckSnot had a good out and Adam rode well...but he still needs to work on the dismount.

New student Matt had his hands full with SNOT ZOMBIE!

Caught THE SPOOK by surprise! LOL!  The bulls got to roam the property after the bucking lessons were done Saturday.  I'm not sure how many bull owners let their bulls roam free, but our boys really seemed to enjoy it!  Fresh, cool green grass to nibble on and scratching posts galore.

SNOT JAMMER found this big pine tree the perfect place for a good scratch!  He was a rascal, though, as he tried to use the newly planted, smaller pines by the front door.  Cindi was NOT happy!

The weekend was the first time Rich rode bulls.  Rich usually works in the arena, but for his birthday JW gave him a lesson and the opportunity to get on BUCKSNOT.  Rich didn't make 8 but I suspect he'll try again!

(1 of 4) SNOT ZOMBIE waits for his next victim.....

(2 of 4) Tate attempts to ride SNOT ZOMBIE.....

(3 of 4) SNOT ZOMBIE leaves Tate in the dust...literally!

(4 of 4) Tate displays Zombie's hoof print on hist vest.  Later in the day, the hoof print was still on Tate's shoulder, along with scrapes and bruises.  I suspect Tate and Tylenol became good friends Sunday night!

Cowboy Adam attempted a ride aboard VLADIMIR Airlines.  The running joke is VLAD gets so high off the ground that you earn frequent flyer miles on each out!

(1 of 3) Matt attempts to ride THE SPOOK.  JW gets right in there for protection.

(2 of 3) Matt gets caught up as he goes off the side of THE SPOOK.

(3 of 3) THE SPOOK doing his victory lap!  That's my boy!!

Again, on Sunday, the bulls were given free range.  THE SPOOK decided that my husband's car was a nice place to hang out.  Thankfully, the thud we heard was only Spook's tail hitting the door!  YIKES!!!!!

Just in case you all don't know, I love being around the bulls I co-own!  They are great animals, and perform well for the school.  The more time I am with them, the more I see their personalities come out.  They are such good boys, and I am blessed beyond belief to have them in my life!  I am already excited to see them again next weekend, and it's only Wednesday.



All photographs by and property of Susan Hanrahan