Saturday, September 14, 2013

Focus on Life Week 37 - In Motion



This weeks Focus on Life blog prompt is "In Motion". 

The aim of every artist is to arrest motion, which is life, by artificial means and hold it fixed so that a hundred years later, when a stranger looks at it, it moves again since it is life. - William Faulkner

I love this shot of my husband steer wrestling above. Taken about 5 or 6 years ago it's still one of my favourite action shots. The sorrel on the right is out steer wrestling horse Eazy, he's 33 now and pretty much retired (much to his dismay) but he can still bust out a move like this is he wants. 

For those of you not familiar with rodeo events I'll describe steer wrestling for you and maybe you can better appreciate this shot. The cowboy backs his horse into a "box" and the steer is held in a chute to the right of the cowboy and horse. Cowboy nods, gate opens to steers chute and out barrels steer. Cowboy on his horse leave the "box" as fast as they can. Another cowboy to the left of the steer (the hazer) rides close to the steer to keep it running straight. Cowboy scotches off the right hand side of his horse, lets go of his reins and hangs for sometimes several seconds until he's in a good spot to drop onto the steer, stop the steer and toss it on it's side. What still awe's me to this day is these horses do their job diligently with NO steering from the cowboy hanging off their back. 

When we bought Eazy it gave me a whole new appreciation for a horse that loves his job and does it well. His face lights up in the arena and he's always jostling to do his job well. He's been a joy to own over these many years and his retirement all though I'm sure boring for him seems to be keeping him happy.

8 comments:

AntiquityTravelers said...

wow! great shot ... I can't even imagine doing this?!

Bits of Learning said...

I can see why its one of your favorites, fantastic capture of motion! There is just so much going on in the photo!

It is truly amazing how well these beautiful horses do their job.

Claire said...

A brilliant shot! I was surprised how much I enjoyed rodeos, when we lived in CA! They are so exciting and the skills displayed are amazing!

Paula, Chief Bead Officer said...

That is a fantastic photo! I know enough to be dangerous about rodeo events but DO know that I would seriously hurt myself if I even tried a fraction of what they do. It is amazing to watch. Great subject for this week!

Unknown said...

Wow, Nicole, that is a great shot. I love rodeo and as a past show horse owner, I can appreciate a great rodeo horse. My favorite is reining and cutting. Love me a good horse and a good cowboy, lol. Great post!

Alice said...

A fabulous shot! I have been to several rodeos in my time and pretty much biting my nails the entire time.

Empty nester at last said...

Thanks for a great post. I have seen rodeo's on TV, but never been to one. I would always be on pins and needles just knowing some one is going to get hurt. And your horse....so funny...sounds like a real winner to me!

Courtney Breul said...

This is such a great shot. I love the rodeo and the steer wrestling is AMAZING!