In 1987, the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) held their finals at the Colorado State Fair Grounds in Pueblo, CO; I was 14 years old. At that time in life, there were plenty of circumstances preventing me from being able to compete in rodeo or any horse event, but I tried to get my mom or someone to take me to anything that was relatively close to home.

As a young teenager, I was not only interested in horses, I was interested in writing. I decided to write an article about the finals. Perhaps it was just an excuse to attend the event, but I did get to go. My story was called “Goin’ Behind the Scenes.” I submitted it to the Western Horseman Magazine, and it was promptly rejected. That was my first and only submission in 30 years. I just dug it out of a box, and fully understand why they could not use this un-beautiful piece of childhood art. Here it is, in its entirety:

The rodeo grounds sure are lonely after the show. Everyone always goes home and never bothers to stick around to say “good job” or “hope you do better next time.” I guess they just get to embarrassed or something. I suppose no one will ever know just how normal the ropers and riders really are. They’re just another one of us. Now I’ll admit some of those cowboys really don’t want to be bothered, but that isn’t all that often. I know some of you guys and some of you girls get the idea that the person you want to talk to is so good looking and talented that he or she would never talk to you, well, you’re wrong. I know for sure. I’ve actually talked to a couple of the good guys and gals. Just remember the next time you go to a rodeo don’t go home, go behind the scenes and meet a couple people, you’ll never regret it!

I remember so little from that day at the rodeo, but there are a few things that I could have written about,  yet none of them are mentioned in that very short story. If I could have a conversation with 14-year-old me, I might suggest to her that she write about the way the contestants decorated their stalls and horse trailers. Everywhere you looked there were painted images proclaiming home states and naming their events. My favorite at the time was “Nanny Slammer!” A definite reference to goat tying that we might not use so freely today.

The contestants of the queen contest were another highlight for me. They were beautiful in their colored hats, bright sequined blouses, and an elegant sash naming their state. I remember loving their long hair and the way that if flowed in curls over their shoulders from underneath their hats. The beauty of their carefully applied makeup and their perfect smiles. Watching them dash by, horseback, with a flourishing queen wave made me want to be in the contest. Why didn’t 14-year-old Jenny write about that?

Difficult then, as it is now, I was unable to have a conversation with any person at the rodeo. To approach someone and ask them questions about their event or contest was so overwhelming that I just let the day go by and quietly observed. The result of that would ultimately be not having a story to write. In my story, I said “I’ve actually talked to a couple of the good guys and gals.” I’m sure that is not true. I’ve never been good at small talk, and approaching a stranger uninvited, in my mind, was and still is, intrusive; neither of which serve me well as a journalist. However, let’s keep in mind, I’ve never aspired to be a journalist, I’ve always just wanted to write.

Jennifer and her Niece, Shyanna Reeves

Being the Auntie of a Rock Star Rodeo kid recently got me an introduction to the Publisher of the NHSRA Times, Chip Garofalo. Having some history with the Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association and the National Reined Cowhorse Association gave me something to talk with him about.

Reined Cowhorse was recently added to the venue of events for High School Rodeo, but they have lacked some magazine coverage. I tried to tell Chip that I am an “aspiring” writer, not exactly seasoned, but he was excited that I had an interest and wanted to give me a try.

When Chip read my article, he said they weren’t going to change much, but they needed more. He asked me to come up with a side bar. We decided on a Q & A format with NRCHA $2 Million rider, Todd Crawford. When I hung up the phone, I realized what I had just suggested. I now had to call Todd Crawford on the phone and ask him to answer questions about safety and animal welfare. Easy enough, right? I needed a few deep breaths to get through that. Luckily, Todd was happy to help and easy to talk to. He and many others in the NRCHA have a desire to see the cowhorse event flourish in the high school rodeo venue.

In addition to the Q & A from Todd, it was very helpful to have the discerning eye of a trusted expert, and I appreciate the technical cowwork edit by my good friend, and NRCHA Professional, Darren Miller. Without him, the article would’ve had a couple of serious faux pas.

It’s been 30 years since I attended the Finals in Pueblo and submitted my article to the Western Horseman. I didn’t stop writing after that, but I did stop submitting. This has been a special opportunity to reconnect with my teenage aspiration. Click the button below to read my all grown up article in the February, 2017 issue of the NHSRA Times.

READ ARTICLE in the NHSRA Times      

I appreciate your time, and I value your feedback. Please take a moment to rate or share this article below. Your comments are also welcome. All the best to you! Until next time ~ Jennifer