As the 2016 XIT Rodeo and Reunion comes into full swing, you can’t help but admire all the cowboys driving their rigs into town. This is their life. Driving from town to town, trying to become the next big thing. I know that a few of us might have watched the movie "The Longest Ride" and couldn’t help but fall in love with the jean wearing, hat touting, flower baring gentleman that just so happened to look like Clint Eastwood. It was not only his aesthetics that were pleasing though, it was his kind spirit and respectful nature. The best part is, my town is now full to the brim with Luke Collins’ (feel free to be jealous).
OK, enough of the girly nonsense; let's get down to their actual lives. As romantic as it is for them to ride into town and face down a bull, that’s not the full picture. Most of these guys don’t get full-time sponsorship and have to work part-time jobs to be able to perform. Those aren’t always glamorous jobs like owning your own ranch. It usually involves working on an oil-rig or being an extra hand on a dairy or farm. It's tough work, but they are some of the hardest working people you will ever meet. They love their lives and chase after their dreams. They are some of the most well behaved men (as long as they are not too drunk) that you will ever meet. So maybe they deserve to be romanticized.
One thing I know for sure, you have never danced, if you haven’t danced with a cowboy. They will lead strong, spin fast and through you up higher then is necessary in the two step. Just make sure not to wear a short skirt or dress. Which brings up one very important issue. If you dress slutty, then they will try to sleep with you. If you dress modest, yet pretty, then they will try to take you home to their mamas. I am speaking from experience, so don’t be so shocked with the outcome you choose.
Modest and cute:
Slutty:
So whether it was the dime store novels or movies like "The Longest Ride," the world has offered them as romanticized sacrifices to the imaginations of women everywhere. Funny thing is, they don’t seem to mind too much (just the opposite actually).
Just a little background in regards to the XIT Rodeo and Reunion.
This is one of the worlds largest free BBQs and it has been around for 80 years now. It's to commemorate what used to be one of America's largest ranches, spanning over 3,000,000 acres and running up to 150,000 head of cattle. Little by little, they sold the land and later shut down the ranch. The rodeo started when the hands wanted to meet up for a reunion. They all brought meat, their wives, their rides and thus began the XIT Rodeo and Reunion. Three days where Small Town USA draws in over 20,000 visitors and disappoints not a single one.
