I have been one of those lily liberals in the past that spoke about certain things as just being cruel to animals. Bull-fighting, rodeo ridding, anything that seemed to use animals fell under my judgment.
However I was in Spain passing through a small town when their national bull run was scheduled. I stood in the crowds wondering why I was there, and suddenly I thought I am also going to run. I tightened up my sandals and jumped into the street with the native Spanish, and ran in front of the bulls down narrow winding streets.
After it was over I felt exhilarated, truly alive in a way that I had not felt as an adult before. The whole experience opened my eyes to forms of fun and excitement that I had never considered before.
I have watched rodeo riders on TV and in film and in the past felt emotionally detached from it all – but not now.
And later this year the biggest Rodeo championship takes place in Las Vegas during the first week of December, I would love to be there, but getting good NFR Tickets is problematic for me, as I want really good tickets to be near the ring. I want to feel the passion that these elite cowboys at work and play in the ring feel competing for the ultimate world championship in various classes.