| I have had many experiences with horses but one particularly stands out in my mind. In June 2003 I qualified for The National High School Finals Rodeo, the largest rodeo in the world. Fifteen hundred contestants qualified for the rodeo bringing with them seventeen hundred horses. The rodeo was held in Farmington, New Mexico. After the two-day drive we finally arrived at the complex where the rodeo was going to be held. There was an endless view of horses, horse trailers, campers, RV’s, and trucks. I competed on Monday and Friday in the cutting event. I did not do so well on my first go, but on my second go I scored a seventy-two from both judges, which put me in fourth place for that round. I did not qualify for the finals but the over all experience of my week in New Mexico was something I will never forget. |