It may seem all fun and games to date a rodeo cowboy, but believe me there's much more to it than just going to a weekend rodeo and then going home.
My boyfriend and I started dating March 20, 2016, and it's been a roller-coaster. We met March 4, 2016 when he was attending a steer wrestling school at the college I attend. When we met, I had NO INTEREST in him whatsoever; then we started talking. I knew he steer wrestled and rode saddle broncs, and team roped, and I knew what all three events consisted of.
If you feel like you want to be with a rodeo cowboy, there are 10 things you must know and realize before you "dive into" a relationship with one because it's not all chocolate and roses.
1. Rodeo practice will come before you.
Rodeo is his life, and most likely the way he plans to make a living; he's not going to blow off practice just to hang out with you.
2. There will hardly be a night with just you two because his rodeo buddies will always be a plus-5.
3. The flank strap on roughstock (bulls, barebacks, and broncs) does not go across the genitals.
The purpose of a "flank strap" is to go across the flank, and that's it, and no, it doesn't hurt the animal.
4. He will throw all of his tack, and equipment in your vehicle, and your vehicle will smell like sweaty horse for a good week.
5. He won't always smell the greatest, but still hug and kiss him anyway.
He works his butt off to compete at a rodeo, the least you can do is hug him and show him you're proud of him even if he is completely covered in mud.
6. Don't tell him he can't do an event because it scares you.
Chances are he's been doing this event way before you came into the picture, so don't tell him he can't do it because he's going to tell you to look away, and do it anyway.
7. He has a strong opinion of "wannabes".
When he gets on his soap box, it's just best to ignore him, and let him rant.
8. He will get hurt.
He rodeos, rodeo is a sport, and people get hurt in sports. Please, for the love of God do not make it all about you.
9. The people he rodeos with are like family to him; don't talk down to or exclude them from things.
10. When it's all said and done, he will always come home to you.
You are his biggest supporter, and hopefully the love of his life; don't fret other girls because they don't matter. The only girl (besides his mom, and other family members) that matter to him, is you. He does his best to show you love so don't get upset if he isn't very good at it, because most men aren't.
With all of that being said, dating a guy that rodeos can be a challenge but it can also be the best decision you have ever made. Give it time, don't rush it. If it's meant to be, it will be.
