January 2024 – OsteoPraxis on the road

Having had the opportunity this year (2023 ) to expand our involvement in the Patricia Rodeo by making a small contribution to one of the purses, we were invited to a supporters’ appreciation event in Patricia. We were delighted to attend to gain a little different perspective on some of the faces behind the scenes, and say hi to the public faces we already knew.

It’s a 2 plus hour drive up there so we left home early to combine the day with a side trip to Dinosaur PP….a place that never disappoints.

That breathtaking view from the parking lot by the entrance……a must stop before descending into the park itself.

It was very cold that day with a bitter wind that could cut you in half, and still a little October snow on the ground. Rather than hike we opted to take the scenic drive around the loop.

Just after passing the visitor centre, we had to stop to watch some of the locals going about their business (mule deer)

It was so quiet in the park. Very few people crazy enough to be here in this weather….

My intrepid blogtographer was braver than me and headed out to find some vistas to photograph.

Unbeknownst to the warm person in the car (me) he stumbled across a lone coyote and the two of them had a little staring match, so I am told….!!!

He didn’t last long out there |LOL)…Did I mention it was cold…..

But we did one last stop down by the river before heading back to Patricia.

It was lovely to see this place in a different season and with different light (last time we were here was in sweltering summer heat) and a great experience to lift the curtain on the administration of our favourite rodeo.

Now that we are not only diehard fans but newbie supporters…. 😁

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With one of our host of visitors still with us (good friend Bev as part of her Solo at 70 tour) and looking around for an event to visit, we spotted a small rodeo event at Writing-on-Stone advertised on their Facebook page. The weather was making promises of being warm and sunny, so we took advantage and headed down there with cameras at the ready.

As we pulled down into the valley where the rodeo grounds are located, we were approached by a lady coming to inquire if we were lost (LOL). Turns out that it was a very small event, mostly a practice run for some of the smaller kids barrel racing, and some team ropers trying out technique and horses who had not run with live calves before.

We three were the only spectators…!!!

We gladly made some donations adding to the prize pot for the kids barrel racing and sat ourselves on the bleachers for some entertainment. …and we were duly entertained.

We were told that the kids riding today had not had great results at the official WOS rodeo as nerves got the better of them with a full crowd. So just the three of us were considerably less intimidating.

It was an informal but still highly competitive little gathering.

The riders ranged from seriously skilled (and fast)

To determined and learning the skill.

To little tiny people being introduced to something I am sure they will come to love……

After the morning session of barrel racing, the team ropers showed up. These guys were mostly adults, from young to….well….experienced….!!!

…and I have to say…this whole idea of team roping…….it looks completely impossible…….

…but every so often……there is a team that cracks it….

Amazing stuff……..

The photographers were both doing their bit, laying in the dirt mostly…taking the action shots. I stayed mostly in the bleachers watching the trainers work with riders on skills. (mostly fine communication with some incredibly talented horses…….subtle body hand and foot movements to ask these big four-legged critters to do the dance). I do love watching skill happen….. 😁

What an entirely unexpected day out, terrific people and animals and all so handily close to home.

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