There was a feeling of excitement in the air. Yesterday I practiced my roping skills in preparation of today. This morning I woke up and worked my way downstairs, ready for the long day ahead. I felt stiff from those practice sessions yesterday, but I was prepared. I got ready for the day by putting on my worn leather cowboy boots, shiny belt buckle, and cowboy hat. And I walked outside in a confident manner, prepared to take on the physically challenging tasks of the day.
Every time I stepped outside I felt a feeling of gratification. I felt the earth beneath my feet, the coolness of the morning, and the wholesomeness of the entire world.
At least ten trucks and trailers barreled down the dirt road toward the barn in preparation of the day ahead. At 8am the riders unloaded their horses from their trailers and saddled them whilst happily chatting with the neighboring trailers. At the same time my father, brothers, and I were busy corralling the cows into the roping ring and separating the roping cows from the non-roping cows.
By 10am everybody has finished getting ready. The riders have gone to the roping ring and are slowly galloping around the outer perimeter as the roping cows stand in an impatient manner. I watch as the riders position their horses one after another in the middle of the ring to prevent the cow from veering right on the chase.
Two of the more courageous riders step out from the line, one trots to the header box, and the other to the heeler box. They act calmer than trained professionals. Once positioned the header draws in a breath deeper than any other, and nods.
Suddenly the chute is open and the cow inside lurches forward, the horses activate their great muscles and launch forward like fighter jets; sand is sent everywhere and the rider holds on for dear life. The rope is thrown and hooks the horns of the cow; it is quickly tightened and wrapped around the horn of the saddle. Excitement is in the air.