Learning the ropes with the World's Toughest Rodeo
The cowboys of the World's Toughest Rodeo are in town Saturday at the RBC Center. Here's a taste of some of their riding and roping skills.
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By Kathy Hanrahan
Have you ever wanted to be a cowboy? I grew up near the swamps of Louisiana, so I was more likely to see an alligator than a horse. But I got a chance to try out my cowgirl skills with a few real cowboys from the World's Toughest Rodeo on Friday.
They are in town for the rodeo Saturday night at the RBC Center. Tickets are still available and children under 12 can get in for half price. And if you go early, WQDR 94.7 FM is hosting a Kids Zone where children will be able to see TC – the mascot for the event – and get their picture taken on a fake bull.
At the State Fairgrounds Horse Complex on Friday morning, I got to try out my rope skills, meet a real bull and try out some bull riding. And they even found me some cowgirl gear.
Now, I hoped to bring you all of this on video, but we had a few technical problems with our camera. In the video below, you will see some of what we did.
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Here is what you missed:
Roping ain't easy! - Trick roper Anthony Lucia showed me the ropes literally! He tried to teach me a few of his moves but I just couldn't keep the rope moving fast enough. He said he learned how to rope when he was child and had lots of spare time.
No bull - The bull you see at the beginning of the video is named TC (Tough Cowboy). He is the mascot for the World's Toughest Rodeo. And he acted more like a dog than a bull. He was friendly, docile and just wanted to snuggle and be petted. His owner/handler, Kenny Petet, said TC was just born with that personality. His mother on the other hand is much more aggressive. TC spends most of his time with people, so when he gets around other bulls and cows he is confused by their energy. TC does talk around other cows and bulls, occasionally letting out a "moo." He didn't talk to us much today! He also enjoys a steady diet of hay and Purina cow chow (seriously, they make that.)
Bull riding ain't easy - Rider and WTR competitor Charlie Barker talked to me a little bit about what it takes to ride a bull professionally. He is one of the best around, but hasn't been seriously injured. He helped me get set up with some chaps and a cowboy hat. He is the cowboy with me at the beginning and end of the clip.
And if you are going to the Canes hockey game tonight, look for Kenny and the stuffed bull, they will be on hand for photos!
