Lewiston Round-up!

            Another early morning removing my sponge rollers and doing my makeup led to another rodeo – Lewiston Round-up on September 10^th. As we drove past Asotin, I was taken back to my memory of our first rodeo in April. We had come full circle. I can still remember the nervous excitement I felt on the morning of the Asotin Rodeo. Once again, I was representing in the same neck of the woods with a couple more rodeos under my belt, but touched with the undeniable nervous excitement nevertheless.

            The parade spectators at Lewiston were some of the most interactive, cheerful people we have seen thus far. It is always more suitable to get a response to my “Good morning!” or “How’s it going?” greetings rather than blank stares and awkward silences. Children crowded the streets with their grins and bags of candy. Occasional groups and families cheered and hollered when they recognized our signature suede outfits and Chief Joseph Days breast-collars. It’s always nice to hear enthusiasm for your hometown rodeo.

            For the past few years, our court only appeared at the parade. This year the directors and Brinda, our chaperone, decided to allow us an appearance in the Grand Entry. Although we had to wait another six or so hours until the rodeo, it meant another craved run-in. After the court luncheon, they explained the Grand Entry process. Apparently the courts were called in twice for run-ins: once at the beginning of the rodeo and once after the bareback riding. When it was finally rodeo time (7:29 because that’s evidently how they do everything at Lewiston), we lined up for the first Grand Entry. The arena was small, and it was the first time we were asked to run-in on the right lead (waving with our left hand). We’re always up for a challenge, and did quite well for a backwards run-in. Once we were called up for the second run-in, one of the girls took a fall in the corner. Before letting the rest of us in, they warned us to be careful and check up our horses. Well there gets to a certain point where your horse decides running fast is the only option – none of this slow nonsense. As Buddy charged into the corner, I did my best to check him up. He powered on, and I decided to trust his confidence. We are both veterans now. Bolting past the last stretch of grandstands for the last time this year – I have truly come full circle.