Growing up, dads “good roping horse” was a bareback horse that didn’t buck consistently. We always had a surprise or two at the goofiest times. After college, I decided to get back into rodeo and there weren’t many options for a 6’4/265# former wrestler who never could throw a rope. Worst mistake was trying to figure out how to bulldog from an acquaintance who “did it all the time”, shortly followed up by going to Les Patterson’s bulldogging school. Finally figured out a few things. Little success led to getting mounted better, then a bit more success. Got in with a few guys to travel together who’s horses could put us all in the money… After the first few seasons, I started doing the MMA gig in the off-season to try to pay for the habit. That went a bit further than I really expected… met my wife and a few months later, both came to a halt. Fun times though. Lots of “activities” that my body tries to remind me of…Mine was working with an ex racehorse trying to make him into a roping horse.His thing was go fast and turn left, everything else was a horse eating ________.
Loads of fun, but I can’t count the number of times I was thrown or went through a rough stock demo in a roping saddle. He was. Great hunter jumper for his next owner though.