Westgate River Ranch Rodeo

Just a 45 minute drive from here is the Westgate River Ranch and they hold a rodeo every Saturday night all year round.  Off we went, stopping at a restaurant on highway 60 called Jay Bee's for dinner.  This restaurant was recommended by one of our new friends at the park.  The place is in the middle of no where and it was packed.  It turned out pretty good.

From there it was about 15 miles to the ranch.  What a great spot.  They have all the amenities you could want.  A full service dude ranch.  Horse back riding, an airport, a golf course, zip lines, mini golf, mechanical bull, restaurants, saloon, bungee jump, petting zoo, camping, lodge, park models, docks, air boat rides, etc. etc.   They raise their own bulls on site for the rodeo.  We took a little drive around to take a look.  It was dark when we arrived so may have to take another trip in the day time to get a better look.    1700 acres of facilities for your enjoyment.

We watched a young lady try out the mechanical bull.  She hit the deck pretty quick.  Judy thought briefly about giving it a try but wisely decided otherwise.

There was bull riding in the arena.  As we were waiting for the action to start we were talking to a young cowboy in the stands.  He told us that we got a horn in the face two weeks ago at this rodeo.  His right cheek was broken, his nose was broken and the left check was shattered.  He has a steel plate in his face and has to stay off the bulls for a year.  But he said he loves the sport and will be back on another bull as soon as his doctor gives him the go ahead.  Nice young man.  He soon headed down to the gates to give the cowboys a hand with the action.

Trick riding, a calf scramble for the kids and of course the patriotic carrying of the flag.  My camera doesn't do action shots very good so my pictures are few and poor. But you will get the idea.

Sadly the second last bull rider got caught up in the rigging and got trampled pretty good.  They cancelled the final ride so they didn't have to move him.  Strangely there was not ambulance on site????  (Taylor where are you???)  They were still working on him when we left and we met a fire truck and ambulance on the highway as we headed home.  Sure hope the young lad will be okay.  These kids know the danger they are in with this sport but it sure doesn't stop them.

Until next time - safe travels.