Snotitude...with Gratitude!

As this week brings the special holiday of Thanksgiving, and then the official kick-off to the Christmas season, I've spent a lot of time thinking about how thankful and grateful I am for this world of professional bull riding that I "discovered" six years ago.  I think back to that tiny make-shift arena with folding chairs around it...sitting in the front row, wondering what it is I'm about to see...listening to the bulls fussing in the trailer before being unloaded...and thinking it was the COOLEST thing I'd EVER seen, after that first bull bucked!

All these years later, I've traveled to 13 states to see bull riding events, met countless people across the country and have made some life-long friends!  I started this blog a year and a half ago which led me to learning more about this sport of bull riding, learning about these fabulous bucking athletes and to co-owning bulls at Let R Buck Bull Riding School, here in CT.  I can't even put in to words how my life has changed...all for the good...thanks to this sport, the people involved and these wonderful, stubborn, powerful, dangerous, and funny animals!

VLAD the IMPALER takes off during "class" at Let R Buck.  Truly, I can't even tell you all how much I enjoy being on the ranch and hanging out during school days and events.  Blessed!

SNOT ZOMBIE left Matt in the dust and the arena crew scrambling for the fence!  Zombie is 65-0!

I would like to say THANK YOU to my husband, Paul, for embarking on this journey and being on this ride of a lifetime with me!  I appreciate your support, encouragement, love and patience!  I love you!

THANK YOU to JW & Cindi at Let R Buck for welcoming me in to their business and family.  I am blessed beyond belief being a part of Let R Buck and co-owning these magnificent bulls.

THANK YOU to the crew: Buckshot, Ray, Bryan, Bradley, Hannah, Holden and Matt for the help and care of the bulls at Let R Buck.  I truly appreciate the hard work you do!

THANK YOU to each and every one of the readers and followers of my blog.  Your support and encouragement keeps me going.  Sometimes I wonder why I'm doing this and then a note or a text or a comment comes thru and makes me realize my purpose here.

THANK YOU to the Leal's of the Miniature Bull Riding Assoc. for their time via telephone and then in Las Vegas, sharing their wonderful story with me.  I love those mini bulls!

THANK YOU to the Stock Contractors of the PBR, who provide the magnificent bucking athletes that make the sport so exciting.  As a fan of the bulls, I appreciate your hard work, dedication and investment.  As I learn more about these animals and what it takes to raise them, I am truly in awe of the men and women who do this as their life's work.

THANK YOU to my family and close friends, especially Charlotte,  who have to listen me gush about my bulls, and all things snot, ad nauseum!  As I told my good friend Beverly, who has known me most of my life, "I've traded in my designer boots for muck boots!  And I'm happier than I've ever been."

And, last, but certainly not least (well...they are never least!) THANK YOU to my bulls...for being the silly, wonderful, powerful, amazing animals that you are, for letting me scratch your backs and feed you treats, and for getting me through a difficult time in my life.

THE SPOOK giving me his signature snotitude.  How I love this boy...and every once and a while, he let's me know that it's ok to love him!

VLAD the IMPALER enjoying his snack.  Recently, he has become so friendly and greets me each and every visit with mouth open, looking for bread.

SNOT JAMMER, PAPARAZZI, SNOT ZOMBIE and IRON MAN enjoying their meal together.

So, this week, as we gather around tables with family and friends, may we each give thanks for all that is important to us. And no matter who you feed or what you feed them, please take time to thank God for the many blessings He has given. 
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Sincerely,
Susan




All photographs property of and by Susan Hanrahan