Photo Friday: Cottonwood, AZ Cowboy Wisdom
 Cottonwood, Arizona |
Before I moved to Las Vegas, I would never have guessed that National Finals Rodeo was among the biggest events in town. But it is, in fact, one of the most anticipated events on the local calendar. Nearly 200,000 cowboys and girls will descend on Vegas over the coming week. For a "city slicker" like me, it's a people watcher's extravaganza.
I only personally know one honest-to-God cowboy. He was our "wrangler" on a trail ride in Cottonwood, AZ. It was the only time either Rufus or I have ever been on a horse, and our guide was very patient, not to mention highly entertaining, as he guided us through the better part of an afternoon in the saddle.
Though it was an absolute thrill for us to mosey across the river, the pace was undoubtedly a yawn-fest for our authentic cowboy guide. Sure, he didn't let on that giving trail rides is the cowboy equivalent of boring office tasks like filing. But it has to be, because he mentioned he makes most of his living "breaking" horses.
Wild. Bucking. Horses.
His JOB is to ride a wild horse until it figures out it can't throw him and stops trying. Bulls are reportedly docile by comparison.
But on this day, his job was trail guide and maker of friendly conversation. He'd been to Vegas one time, he said, but the city just wasn't his thing. His buddy ALMOST had him talked into getting on the New York New York roller coaster, but he came to his senses. No way, no how was he going to get on one of those things.
Not ever.
No sir.
Uh-uh.
I'm not much for roller coasters myself, but vehement resistance from such a thrill-seeker came as a surprise.
"So, let me see if I understand this," I began to clarify. "You'll risk being trampled by a crazed animal, but you won't seat belt yourself into a safety tested amusement ride?"
He looked at me deadpan and said, "Yes ma'am. I only ride things with hair."
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Just so you know, Wordy, it was really difficult for me to refrain from leaving a really snarky rejoinder here. Only things with hair, huh? Oh, the possibilities!
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Well, there's no reason to censor yourself in this forum if some silliness on here inspires a snarky reaction. A line like that is practically an invitation to summon your inner 7th-grader.
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Okay...I laughed out loud when I got to the end of that story! :-)
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I'm glad you enjoyed it -- we're glad we met this cowboy too. Thanks for your comment!
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Does the cowboy ride dogs and cats or is that considered fur? I would love to be around at that time of year all those people to watch and eavesdrop on.
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You know, I didn't clarify that, but I guess the answer depends on whether or not the dog or cat in question needs to be broken. For the record, I don't think he meant he'd ride anything with hair... just that it has to have hair for him to consider it. He was a fun character and we had a great day horseback riding. Thanks for your comment!
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I love that.
"Yes ma'am. I only ride things with hair."
Cowboys really do have the best expressions. I think it's in their blood.
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I think you're right. The experience of hanging out with our guide made me understand the allure of cowboy culture.
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LOL!! Now I'm imagining John Wayne saying he only rides things with hair.
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Even if John Wayne never said that, he probably lived it. Ha! Thanks for your comment.
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I didn't realise coyboys still existed. But they do, and they talk like that -hilarious.
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Oh, I promise you -- if you were in Vegas this weekend, there'd be no question: cowboys exist. Thanks for stopping by.
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As I sit here doing boring office tasks, I'm thinking I'd rather be giving a trail ride. Ahhhhhh. Funny story.
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Ha! Yes, I guess everything's relative. Happy Friday.
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I guess life is all a matter of perspective isn't it? Too funny about only riding things with hair.
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Agreed! Thanks for your comment.
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Loved this story. Cowboys are so honest. The roller coaster was probably tame compared to a wild bull or a bucking horse. Cowboys! You gotta love 'em.
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It's been years since I've been on a horse (or a roller coaster!), but it might worth the price of admission to spend some time with your guide and hear some more pithy wisdom.
Thanks for the chuckle!
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Now that's the kind of Guy I'd like to be taking a ride on the trail with.
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He was really fantastic. Told us he gave trail rides just to pay for his bad habits. It's really not a bad gig, if you can get it. Ha! Thanks for your comment.
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