Rodeo and County Fair - "Wow, what an experience!"

That’s about all I could say during the entire evening. Neither JP nor I had ever been to a county fair let alone a rodeo, and boy - we were in for a treat. The first Wow! I uttered when I realized how huge the fair was. Calhoun County Fair is the oldest in Michigan, it was established in 1848 and happens once a year in August. I expected a small venue somewhere out in the boonies, not huge crowds, trucks, trailers, vendors, games, rides, barns with 4H* animals, and sold out grandstands for the Lost Nations Rodeo.

Brandt rode up on Remy next to the grandstand when we got there, and I was relieved to see that Remy hadn’t freaked out (yet) at all the commotion. Brandt rode him right in between the chutes with the bulls, and we learned that bulls are not Remy’s problem, only other horses.  I was a nervous wreck well before the start (what if… he freaks out, throws off Brandt/breaks a leg/colics… you name it – I thought of it!). Into the arena they went. The stands were packed. Brandt rode in front of the crowd and introduced Remy “Give a hand to Remy, he is is Morgan Horse and new to this”. The crowd complied and Remy seemed to enjoy it. He continued to stand calmly during prayer and the National Anthem.

Then it was time for the rodeo. For a qualifying round a rider has to stay on a bull for eight seconds. I thought Brandt would leave the arena with Remy – but no, they stayed right in there with the action! I always had the notion that rodeos are cruel but these bulls clearly had no problem. They know their jobs: Get rid of the rider as quickly as possible, look threatening, and then go back into the chute (it reminded me of sending our dogs to their beds). Some bulls just quietly walked back onto their trailer on their own.

Remy’s issue came on the surface when it was time for the barrel racers to warm up. Remy was right in the middle, and he was clearly bothered by the crowding and energy of the other horses. Especially Paints seem scary to him. But Brandt stayed calm and all was well.

This was just such an unique experience, I could go on and on. I feel like a teenager gushing, really. After the rodeo JP and I strolled around the fairgrounds and it was like taking a step back in time: An old fashioned ‘Kirmes’ (German) or ‘Fete Foraine’ (French), and I was thrilled seeing a Riesenrad, Boxautos, Kettenkarussell, and a lot of other things from my childhood. We also went into the 4H barns where we were immediately smitten by very personable goats. Luckily, we did get a grip on ourselves before loading a couple of goats into our truck.

Around midnight I got a text from Brandt saying Remy made it back safely back and all was well. Whew!!

They say horses come into our lives for specific reasons – Remy obviously wanted us to experience a fair and rodeo. Thank you, Remy, we had a blast!

Speaking of being thankful: We feel very fortunate that Brandt is taking Remy on this amazing journey and helping him getting all the confidence he needs in the most kind and professional way. Thank you, Brandt!

 

(*The 4-H name represents four personal development areas of focus for the organization: head, heart, hands, and health. 4H animals are raised by children and then shown at fairs for competition).

Having fun at "Brandt's summer camp" - and going to the rodeo!

Remy’s activities yesterday: Play basketball, canter around the property, splash into water, have a two-year old on his back, carry the flag, watch 18-wheelers fly by. Full program. I was amazed how calm and quiet Remy was. He might also bit a bit sleep deprived, though. Instead of luxuriating in his own room he is in an ‘outdoor dorm’ with six other guys.

The training with the mounted police schedule for today was postponed to next week. Instead, Brandt offered to take Remy to the rodeo tonight at the Calhoun county fairgrounds. In preparation he rode him with the flag yesterday, which wasn’t a problem. But add to this screaming crowds,  bulls, and whatever else you’ll find at a county fair and rodeo (I’ve never been to either one) and I’m the one getting panic attacks!

So, trying to blend in: Does anyone have a big belt buckle I could borrow??

An equine Lothario... and no girls allowed

Remy's introduction to Brandt's herd didn't go as smoothly as planned: Girls! Remy remembered the "Good old days" and -in typical guy fashion- had one thing on his mind. Brandt moved him to the other herd, but when we checked on him yesterday what did we see: Remy being totally 'attentive' to a very cute mare. I was chopped liver to him, but it was kind of cute to see how he was doing the equine version of 'wining and dining', and then pulling out all (foreplay) stops. A true equine Lothario!


However, Remy needs to concentrate on his work and should be hanging out with the guys, so I think he moves to a "Guys only" dorm - excluding frat parties!


* Definition of LOTHARIO. : a man whose chief interest is seducing women.