Slumps Sucks, But They're Life

I've been the girl that loaded her horses in the trailer knowing I would bring home a first place check if I rode my horse right. I've also been the girl who loaded her horses hoping one of them would fall in the cracks just right to pull a 1 or 2D check. 

I've been the girl everyone was talking about because I was winning everywhere I went. I've also been the girl everyone was talking about because she couldn't pull a check and my horses looked like I should have just stayed home. 

This life that we've all chosen, rather it be going down the road rodeoing or riding futurity colts, is a hard and humbling one. We deal with death, injuries, heartbreak, and set backs. All of the work and struggles we have in the practice pen often go unnoticed. Most of the time it feels like we are putting every ounce of try and heart into the horse we are on, only to get to the jackpot and have our horses look like they haven't even seen a barrel before. 

10 years ago I had the coolest bay gelding, and was winning big open races left and right. I always knew if I rode him right, and got him past the barrels I was probably going to win it. Back then I couldn't even imagine being happy about winning a 3D check, but times change. Here I am, happy I got a 3D check this summer because I really just needed some money. 

Slumps in rodeo are a promise. It's how you handle those slumps that determine how successful you will be. As hard as it gets, the lows are what create us into the person we are. They make you a stronger, more thankful person. Thankful for those seasoned campaigners your parents made sure you had while you were little, but also thankful for the ones you've rode that taught you how to loose. 

The only way out of a slump is to keep working and grinding, and sooner or later the hard work and dedication will pay off. Sooner or later this slump will be over, just like all the others. Don't ever give up, keep pushing yourself to be better, and take the blessings as they come. Realize how much the little things mean, like finally getting your colt to pick up the left lead. Always walk with pride, no matter how things went in the arena. And NEVER quit smiling. You never know what little girl is watching everything you do, wishing to be just like you someday. 

To the girls who were raised as "One of the Guys"

Here's to the girls that grew up as "one of the guys". Who was more her dad's son than daughter. Who learned how to work cattle, weld up corrals, build fence, cut hay, and work on machinery, but also learned her way around a kitchen and how to get gussied up on a Saturday night and go dancing.

These are the girls who can ride a bronc out the gate without a struggle. Who can work calves off cows better then the men. Who has a soft hand with a wide eyed colt at weaning time. Who will go out at 2 AM to check heifers and pull a calf by herself. These girls learned at a young age about death, but also about new life.

These are the girls who are strong minded, strong willed, and stronger than they appear. However, deep down they are still a girl with feelings and sometimes being tough is more than they can take. Sure it's cool to be "one of the guys" until a crush looks at you as "one of the guys". Sure its cool to be tough and strong, until a guy breaks your heart into a million pieces or you have to put down your old rope horse. They pretend it's not a big deal and life goes on, but inside they're broken and hurt. It's hard for them to show their emotions because they've been taught to be "one of the guys" and guys don't cry. They're expected to be tough and move on, no matter how bad they just want to fall down and have a good cry.

These are the girls that cry behind closed doors. Who smile when all they want to do is cry. Who put on a big front to impress their fathers, cuz it's not ok to cry over spilled milk. These girls are the ones with quality friends rather than a lot of friends. These are the girls that are looked down on by the bigger population because they're not lady like.

So here is my advice  to the girls who are just "one of the guys". Stay true to your roots. Your dad raised you as a boy because he believed you were more than just another girl. He knew you would do big things and accomplish all you ever could. So don't let anyone run you over, have a back bone and stick to your believes. No matter what people say, think before you speak. Speak less, and say more. Always keep your promises. Take pride in your work and family. Always have a firm, strong hand shake and look people in the eye. It will get tough and bumpy along the way, but don't ever change who you are as a person.

Here's to the girls who were raised the way I was! The world needs more cowboys, but sometimes those cowboys are girls. Don't ever settle for anything less than you deserve and always remember to close the gate behind you!