Extreme Mustang Makeover, Norco, CA – daily life photographer

Last year I was invited to attend the Norco Rodeo and I LOVED it!  This year I heard from a different friend that there was a rodeo happening again in May.  I didn’t know too much about it, but I bought a ticket anyway and took a friend to see what was going on.  Turns out that once again I was blown away.

This Extreme Mustang Makeover was not like the rodeo in the fall, rather it’s purpose was to increase the adoption of BLM-housed American Mustangs through innovative gentling competitions and awareness programs.  Trainers work with the Mustangs for 90 days and at the end of the 90 days there is a competition to show off the newly acquired skills, followed by bids for the adoption of these magnificent animals.

This horse and trainer impressed me the most!  The horse was so well trained that it was able to back up through these two pipes dragging the tire all the way through, without touching the pipes.  Then the horse walked sideways over one of the pipes and sideways the other way over the other pipe.  This beautiful performance is truly a testament to the skill and care of the trainer….and all of the time invested to make it happen.

Favorite Norco Rodeo photo

I love this photo!  Yesterday I was looking through some photos to see what would be suitable to make into a black and white image for a new look in my living room and I found this photo only to fall in love with it again.  Not only is it now in my living room, it is also my new desktop image that brings me joy every time I sit down at my computer.  Can’t you just imagine the pulse of energy and excitement this rider felt riding through the arena with the wind at her face, taking her breath away?

Norco Rodeo photos – something different

As you can see from the previous post, I ended up at a rodeo a few weeks ago.  I’d never been to a rodeo before, but I kind of had a feeling that I didn’t have the right clothes to wear since I am not a cowgirl at heart.  But I’m up for trying new things – to a certain extent.  In rummaging through my closet I found a shirt that might pass for a cowgirl shirt…borrowed a hat from a friend…wore jeans of course, added a belt…and topped it all off with…….flip flops!!!  Cause that is what I do!  These feet were made for breathing!

Once I got the outfit figured out I rounded up a friend and we drove up to the rodeo and met some more friends up there for the shindig.  It was pretty cool!  The speed and strength of the animals is a force to be reckoned with. It reminds me of the ocean; you learn to respect it’s strength. Some of these photos that freeze the motion and strength are only a small part of the story.  Take a look…

A little girl about 6 years of age practicing on a sheep!

Half-time entertainment:

Team work:

I was shooting from the stands, about halfway up, and someone in front of me stood up in my shot!

This bull was feisty! I think the rider had to get off a time or two before he settled down enough for them to open the gate.

OUCH!!!!

Rodeo!!!!

Sorry guys!  It has been too long since I last blogged!  Life has gotten pretty busy these past few weeks, but I look forward to getting in a few blog posts this next week. Here are a few photos that I took this weekend at the Rodeo!  Love it!!!!