Isaac and Andrew riding their horses. Andrew is a trick rider. He has mastered riding backwards.

I enjoy riding my horse on the trail.  Ladd and I love to get out of the round pen and/or arena and get out in the pasture and woods.  I like to have my own private trail rodeo.

You have probably never ever heard of a trail rodeo, but I love them.  It is when the horse and rider pretend to be in a rodeo.  I can easily spot out three trees that look like barrels.  I know barrel racing is for girls, but it is good practice to turn sharply.  Ladd is old so he does not rush out of our “gate,” but his speed is still fun.

I take him to the right “barrel” first, turn, and then go to the left “barrel,” turn, and race to the last “barrel.”  It makes a clover leaf pattern.

We ride on a cattle ranch, and there are cattle grazing in the pastures.  When you spot the herd, Ladd and I can separate a calf from the bunch like a real cowboy.  Of course, we let it go back to its mama.  Most of the time the calf has as much fun as we do.

Sometimes, Ladd gets spooked by a dog running under his belly or some other unexpected thing.  He will jump to the side and crow-hop.  When he does this, I grab on and pretend that he is a saddle bronc.  I hold on easily for the eight seconds.

My two younger brothers have trail rodeos all the time on their stick horses.  I show them “barrels” all the time.  They rope pretend calves and ride bucking broncs.  I am teaching them well.

Having a trail rodeo is fun and easy.  All you need is a little imagination.