A Mexican Rodeo

The day after St Patty's Day the ranch Paul and Rhonda ride at, was hosting a private for fun rodeo. The plan was for Scott and his boys to pick up Paul, Rhonda, Ryan and myself early in the afternoon. We would go walk around the town of Chapala, pick up some drinks and then head to the rodeo. This plan changed when Ryan woke up after his epic St Patty's Day adventure, as a result I got to attend the rodeo solo with our friends while he stayed back and nursed his hangover.

We started our afternoon in Chapala, which is about a 20 minute drive from Ajijic depending on traffic. We all piled into Scott's truck riding in the bed of the truck, which is normal and acceptable in Mexico.

Walking through Chapala, we got to see the different vendors, the beach, the boats, fountain and church. It was a very relaxing and pleasant walk. Ajijic does not have a beach, seeing the sand and hearing the waves crash brought about a new feeling of relaxation and a sense of calm about our group.

We continued on to the ranch for the private fun rodeo. Before the rodeo started Photo Credit: V.Gray

Rhonda gave me a tour of the grounds and explained the ins and outs of the ranch. There are over 25 horses on the property, they roam free on the grounds and some of the horses do get put into stalls, along with the cows, bulls, chickens and pigs that also live on the property.

This rodeo was made up of local people and snowbirds who ride with Trail Brazer's Riding Group. We did not know what we were to going see or what the schedule was until it started unfolding before. It began with a young lady and her horse dancing, which was beautiful to watch not only the dance but how they interacted and their connection.

Photo Credit: Rhonda M.C.

As we continued to watch ladies started doing barrel racing, some with experience and some trying for the first time. The comradery and patiences between everyone was astounding, everyone helping and explaining making sure it was fair and that everyone was having fun.

Photo Credit: Rhonda M.C.

As the ladies rode the barrels, there were additional horses saddled up and ready to go for anyone who wanted to learn to ride or try the barrels. Everyone was riding, babies with parents, kids and teenagers for the first time and the pleasure riders even took a tour around the ring as well. Everyone was smiling, laughing and having a wonderful time with the welcoming and warm atmosphere of acceptance and patience.

Photo Credit: Rhonda M.C.

As the afternoon carried on a steer was brought into the riding ring and the cowboys and horses entered the ring, drawing a small crowd of spectators closer to the ring. This young steer was not aggressive and it took a while to get him going.

Photo Credit: Rhonda M.C.

This was really interesting because we got to watch the catdogs herd him and try to motivate him. Seeing the dogs communicate with one another, they each knew their role and where to go without getting in each other's way. They moved the ster around the ring and when they finally got him going the cowboys, all took turns practising their roping and following him around the ring. There was also a rodeo clown and other people started to play about trying to motivate the steer more, which was entertaining to watch.

Photo Credit: Rhonda M.C.

Photo Credit: V.Gray

As the cowboys roped the steer, the sun started to set and dinner was served.

Fresh Gordita (a thicker tortilla) with pork, cheese or refried beans and all toppings. Of course the topic of toppings is always up for debate and teasing, see who can take the most spice on top without surrendering to heat.

As the day food was served the cowboys came over on their horses for a beer and some gordita, without dismounting from their seats they got their fill and then continued on to finish practicing roping and then reloading the ster into the trailer.

Photo Credit: Vanessa G.

As the sun set over the mountains, horses made their way back to the barn to be de-tacked and rested. The dust settled in the riding ring, everyone slowly packed up and moved towards their vehicles to head home for the evening. Leaving with a full belly, a first completed whether it was riding a horse or their first private rodeo, with a smile and laughter the day came to a memorable end.

Cheers!

**Please note that all opinions and views expressed in this post are my own, from my own experiences. If you would like to see more pictures follow me on Instagram vikki.gray **