Sunday, August 23, 2009

Turning and Burning (A Team Roping Term)

This is Elder Son, after he took his steer down to the catch pen. It's dark, indoor arena lighting is kind of weird, and it was a while before I figured it all out. It forced me to get away from my Canon 40D and to utilize my full-frame Canon 5D Mark II. (Remember, I've had zero professional training.) And now, I love it - the 5D!

Two of the three men in my life - ElderSon and ThatManILove, discussing the price of tea in China - oh, no, that's not right! They're talking about horses. Specifically, high dollar Team Roping horses. (And, yes, ladies, this is one of the things y'all have been oohing and aahing about...cowboy butts in cowboy jeans. Cougars Be Gone!!)
Elder Son heading, Steve Taylor heeling. Making The Turn - and yes, they caught their steer and had a time, which took them into the short-go for this rotation.

This was shot 1 before the prior shot. Somehow, I can't get them in order from my Mac. I think it's something to do with Safari.


I caught this shot of Elder Son, watching the roping from the stands after his first rotation. I like it...a lot. I love catching natural shots.

Anyway, there are more, but I won't bore you with the roping shots. I love watching team ropings, but most people don't. They don't understand a good roping run involves at least 5 athletes...two horses, one steer, and two ropers. It is a finely tuned dance, if executed properly, and is beautiful.

Happy Trails!

21 comments:

darsden said...

awesome and I love all cowboy activities.. and sorry I did look at your sons butt, but stopped when you told me too..okay I took one more look. Your son is very handsome, lil dude too :-) bring on more .. I love it

Terri aka Pepsi's Mom said...

Many lifetimes ago.....I had a 16 hand big 'ole Quarter horse that I used to heel with. The horse was awesome, but alas, I never did get very good at the roping end of things! I raised him from a baby and did mainly 4-H. I still miss the horses........

Wunderwoman said...

You have a good looking son, and I wanted to let you know that I didn't look at his butt until YOU told me to quit, now I feel like a perv...thanks! LOL

kara said...

Hey, girlie!!! The roping pics are really good!! Bring on more!!! I haven't been to watch a team roping in a long time...now that you reminded me of them...I kinda miss them....may have to find one to attend....

Kaci said...

HAHA!! Sorry...but when it's right there...ha! :)

Joanie said...

He's quite a looker, that boy of yours!

Tami Weingartner said...

Expensive horse flesh will get me in trouble EVERY time!

Tell us more about your new camera...

Chatelaine said...

hahahaahha! Janie, you don't want to hear anyone talking about your boy's bootie, but you posted a pic of it! It's right there! Girls can't help it, honey :-)

Suzy said...

There's nothing like a cowboy in a duster to get me going.

P.S. Once you load your pictures in Blogger you can just click on them, hold down the click and move them to the place you want.

Pam said...

Great pics, I guess I'm too old for cowboy butts, I hadn't even noticed. I liked the action ones the best!!!

Liz Wilkey (a.k.a. A Mom on Spin) said...

Cougars???

Who's a cougar??? We just like jeans. . .

darsden said...

grrrrgrowwwllll ;-) nanananananananananananananana not me

blognut said...

Ooh, is it warm in here.

I can't stay because I'm feeling a bit sweaty and kinda cougar-like.

I'll be respectful and let myself out.

Kim said...

I heard a rumor your sons derriere was on your site today and that it was a "must see"! I have confirmed it is NOT a rumor, but the real deal!

Fragrant Liar said...

What a cutie patootie! Oh, and his face is quite handsome too! AH-ha-ha-ha.

My aunt is a barrel racer, and has won lots of stuff (Sue Miller). She's much older now, but she still gets out there!

Petra a.k.a The Wise (*Young*) Mommy said...

Wow, how handsome they are!!!! And so very manly on their horses!

♥ Braja said...

No WAY can you have a son so grown up.....

Tami Weingartner said...

Copied and pasted from my comments in case you didn't come back!!!

Janie,

Advice from Moi?!? I'm honored.....LOL!

Seriously though...

200mm minimum lens

I never shoot horse action slower than 640 shutter

For action I shoot .jpeg not .raw

Make sure that you hang out with the grooms after and get some shots of them bathing and hot walking.

I love to close up on the gear....polo horses wear a SERIOUS amount of head gear....it's totally insane!

And the best piece of advice...get sign up for a 30 day free trial at http://www.equinephotographers.org/
and ask the pro's!!!! They are a great group!

Tami

P.S. Can I come be your second shooter..... I'm due for a Texass trip soon anyway.

Tami Weingartner said...

......ut oh......

The grooms 'bathing the horses' not themselves....

of course it might make for an interesting evening to watch the players and horses bath too....

Far Side of Fifty said...

Great activity! Your Son is very handsome! :)

Snooty Primadona said...

Hubby's business partner does roping with his son & so far they have really raked in the cash. It seems like they are always off to Vegas for another competition.

And, it is great fun to watch! I also love cutting horses. Hubby's grandfather was the president of the National Cutting Horse Association for 11 consecutive years, so I'm no stranger to the horse/rodeo biz.