Well, it’s Rodeo Time! Last weekend was the local Long Beach Rodeo and it did not disappoint! I was only able to make it for the first day, but got some great shots and my annual dose (which I’ve missed for a couple of years now due to Covid) of small town wonderful. As usual, the rodeo was sponsored by the Peninsula Saddle Club and they did a fantastic job along with a host of other supporters.
If you are a history buff, checkout the history of the Peninsula Saddle Club; it’s a terrific organization.
And AGAIN this year I got a bit choked up as the anthem was sung and a variety of thanks were made to our veterans, while a horse with the flag slowly walked then moved faster and faster around the arena. It is always impactful and always gets me lol! The only thing that I missed was the reading of the Cowboy Prayer, which I love. So in that spirit, I give you the Cowboy Prayer, with full credit given to writer Clem McSpadden. This poem/prayer has been recited for decades before the beginning of rodeos everywhere. The accompanying shots were taken at the 2022 Long Beach Rodeo on July 30th. I hope you enjoy.
The Cowboy’s Prayer
Our gracious and heavenly Father, we pause in the midst of this festive occasion, mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us.
As cowboys, Lord, we don’t ask for any special favors. We ask only that you will let us compete in this arena as in the arena of life.
We don’t ask that we never break a barrier, draw around a chute-fighting horse, or draw a steer that just won’t lay. We don’t even ask for all daylight runs.
We only ask that you help us to compete in life as honest as the horses we ride and in a manner as clean and pure as the wind that blows across this great land of ours.
Help us, Lord, to live our lives in such a manner that when we make that last inevitable ride to the country up there, where the grass grows lush, green and stirrup high, and the water runs cool, clear and deep, that you, as our last Judge, will tell us that our entry fees are paid.
Amen.
As usual, I’d love your feedback on the images. Also, check out some of our other photography here!
Really great shots. You are a pro.
Tom
Love the opening picture! OMG