Bradford Lad: Taking A Ride On The Wild Side
When Mike Coatesworth went to Canada on Army manouvres he never thought he would end up on the back of a bucking bronco.
As I sat in my garden, I recalled the time when I was posted to Canada for six weeks while serving in the Army.
After finishing with the military manoeuvres at Camp Crowfoot in Medicine Hat, a mate of mine and myself decided to see the places where tourists rarely visit.
We came across a small town and decided to stay the night. At the time we arrived, there was a rodeo, and never having seen one before, we went over to where it was taking place and were greatly amused as we watched rider after rider fall off the horses. ‘I thought they were cowboys,’ I remarked to my friend. ‘They can’t even handle a horse properly.’
A man at the side of us overheard this conversation. He was a small man, dressed in checked shirt and jeans, and on his back he had a number. Obviously he was one of the contestants. ‘Are you a bouncer?’ he asked me a little sarcastically.
I looked at this person, a little puzzled. “A Bouncer” to us, meant someone standing outside a pub, ready to throw out any undesirables.
From our puzzled frowns he must have realised we didn’t understand what he meant. ‘Can you ride?’ he asked.
‘Well, I’ve ridden a horse on a farm,’ I replied, after explaining we were from England, just visiting the town.
I’m not sure exactly how it happened, but one minute I was talking to him and the next I had a number on my back and was lead towards the arena, then placed in an enclosure with other riders awaiting there turn at bronco riding. To say I was nervous is an understatement. I was petrified.
It wasn’t long before it was my turn. I had come so far and I couldn’t back down now. As I was placed on the back of the horse, I was given a couple of tips. ‘If you are going to fall, kick your feet free of the stirrups and when you land on the ground, keep rolling.’
They asked if I was ready. The announcer, over the tannoy, stated, ‘Here is a young man from Yorkshire, England. Apparently he wants to show us how to handle a horse!’ It was obvious that the man I had been talking to had decided to have a little fun at my expense.
I wrapped the reins tightly around my hand. They opened the gate and the horse shot out faster than a speeding bullet.
One second, I was on the horse, the next I was on the floor. The horse took an instant disliking to me and threw me. All, I could think of was “Keep Rolling.” Which I did after I hit the floor. The only damage was to my pride.
I was a embarrassed, but to my surprise there was clapping and cheering. Without realising it I had stayed on the horse for three seconds. I was called to the podium and shook the announcer's hand. He stated over the tannoy. ‘Here is a brave lad from Yorkshire, England. Not only is he a possible candidate for being a future bouncer. He’s proved he can take a joke!’
The whole crowd applauded and cheered again. I found out, the horse I had ridden was the tamest of them all! Imagine what might have happened if I had ridden one of the wild ones!
Time for a Cuppa!
Mike Coatesworth says "If you think my stories are true, then they probably are. If you think my stories are fiction, then just relax and enjoy the tales.''
Meet Mike and read some great stories
http://www.btinternet.com/~mikeco158/mike.htm
