What seemed to be a far fetched idea was brought up at a meeting of the Reigning Riders 4-H Club in July 2011,when a couple of the members mentioned they were interested in going to the National Finals Rodeo.
Their point was, what better experience, than to be eyewitnesses at the rodeo that showcases the world's top cowboys and cowgirls. Although this started out as more of a dream, the members all began talking it over, and decided that someone should seriously look into the idea and price it out.
The members and their families have done an exhausting amount of fundraising in the past. This year, because of rained out clinics in the spring, cancelled shows due to the equine virus and a family leaving the club, the club had a surplus of funds. The club has also not applied for any grant money for the past two years.
About a week after the initial year end trip meeting, much debate, and voting, it was settled. Members were going to go on the trip of a lifetime.
Their dream came true Dec. 1, when all seven members, along with their parents and another leader flew out of Saskatoon to Las Vegas, Nev.
Upon arrival, the club members were picked up by a rented 15-passenger van and drove to the hotel, which was home base for the five-day, five-night stay.
Friday morning group members were up and at 'em bright and early. The day was spent exploring fantastic hotels and visiting the huge trade show called "Country Christmas." That evening for supper, the group had pre-purchased tickets for a show called the "Tournament of Kings." It included a medieval feast, sword fights and exciting jousting matches. The club ended up staying well after the show was over and everyone else was gone, just to visit with the riders and their big, beautiful Andalusian horses.
Saturday all 14 group members piled into the van and drove out of the city to Red Rock Canyon. This is where they were able to explore historical caves, see rock ovens and actual centuries old pictographs. They also learned about the aboriginal people of that area.
Sunday's adventures included a drive into Arizona to see the breathtaking Grand Canyon. This was a magical place with interesting history that not one of the group will ever forget. On the drive home the tour also stopped at the Hoover Dam.
Monday morning was spent in the pool ranked the world's fourth best! Members swam around a huge aquarium filled with sharks and massive fish, and also went water sliding right through the middle of the shark tank in a clear plastic waterslide. Hours were spent in the water by members and parents. It was a great break from all the activity of driving and sightseeing.
In the afternoon all went shopping again, this time to "Cowboy Christmas." Before exhaustion set in everyone went back to the hotel to get ready for the most exciting thing ever. -the NFR!
The hotel had big buses transport people to the Thomas and Mack Center and, you betcha, Reigning Riders were the absolute first people in the line up to get on. Excited or what?
Upon arrival, members watched as different horse trainers performed amazing stunts and tricks with their horses outside. But once inside the arena, the energy was electric. Everyone was excited and thankful to be eyewitnesses to this world class show. And the members were not let down one bit. That Monday night they watched the fastest barrel racing run ever made at the $6 million rodeo, when Carlee Pierce stopped the clock with only 13.46 sec. on it. Reigning Riders actually saw the new arena record be made. That is an image that will stay with these 4-Hers forever.
Tuesday meant the end of the trip, and after swimming around with sharks one last time, the group packed up, and headed for home.
As we were flying over the city, I know that each one of our light horse members was dreaming the exact same thing as I was. "Next time I come back to this rodeo, I will be the one making a new arena record!"
For more photos of the Reigning Riders' Las Vegas adventure visit Photo Galliers under the Community tab.
