Cowboy culture
Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages filled the Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park in Hodges Sept. 15-16 for the Bulls, Barrels and Pistols Rodeo.
Jimmy Boswell, Rodeo Stock contractor and producer for B.R. Ink Productions, helped bring the youth-focused rodeo to life. He supplied the stock, crew and riders for the event, except for Josh Ingle and his Cowboy Mounted Shooting Demonstration. Park director Dennis Seales was the mover behind Ingles’ addition to the rodeo.
“I’ve known Josh for a long time now. We’re in the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association together,” Seales said.
Seales was the one to bring the first CMSA club to Alabama in 2004, he said. He became the park director at the beginning of 2017, but he said he has been organizing rodeos off and on for about 10 years now and has been a horse-mounted shooter for going on 40 years.
It’s a family tradition, too: His son was a bronc rider for 11 years.
Rodeos and cowboy culture are a tradition all their own that continue to draw families in. Children decked out in cowboy boots and hats lined the fence surrounding the arena Friday and Saturday night. Some climbed to the top, eager to see without the restraint of the steel bars, as parents held tightly to their little legs. Others clustered into friend groups, a foot propped on the lowest rung as they watched in amazement as riders dashed around barrels or braved the bucking bull.
That youth-centered, family atmosphere is exactly what Boswell said he strives for with B.R. Ink. “I love to see future champions out there learning the ropes and having fun,” he said.
Boswell described it as a wholesome atmosphere, where people shake hands with meaning and their word still counts for something. Seales echoed these sentiments and praised Boswell for his work with the children.
“I love to see these youngsters out there learning about horses and these skills. It’s a great opportunity,” he said.
They even found a way to incorporate local children into the festivities. A coloring page was given out at local schools, and the winners of the coloring contest were awarded with a bicycle. Walmart donated the two bicycles, one for a boy and one for a girl, Seales said.
Friday night’s admission fee included a bowl of chili from the Chili Cook-Off that preceded the rodeo, said Kaysha Galbreath, event coordinator. There were three categories, she explained: Best Tasting, Most Unique and Best Tasting Hot. Bud Davidson won Best Tasting, and Jimmy Boswell won Most Unique and Best Tasting Hot.
“It’s an all-around fun event,” Galbreath said.
Boswell and Seales said they have already planned a time to host the event again next year.
“This is a great place and a great community. I can’t wait to come back,” Boswell said. He said his plan is to make it an even bigger and better event in 2018.
In the meantime, the Equestrian Park has plenty to offer for those who wish to spend their time with horses or just exploring nature. Their St. Jude ride and Pony Express are coming up, along with a new trail that is being constructed. Seales said he is excited for everything that is coming up and welcomes everyone to come join the fun at Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park.
