small town rodeo

As a result of our photos from last years Farmer’s Days Rodeo, we were hired to take some photos of this years small town rodeo for the Town of Stony Plain.

As we sat behind the shoots, one boy, or he seemed like a boy to me, leaned down on the gate as he anticipated his turn and held his hat in his hands and prayed.

I couldn’t help but think of “The Cowboy’s Prayer.” It was written by Clem McSpadden, has been widely popular and recited for decades before the beginning of small town rodeos everywhere. I thought you might like to have a read and a look.

The Cowboy’s Prayer

by Clem McSpadden

Our gracious and heavenly Father, we pause in the midst of this festive occasion,

mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us.

As cowboys, Lord, we don’t ask for any special favors.

We ask only that you will let us compete in this arena as in the arena of life.

We don’t ask that we never break a barrier, draw around a chute-fighting horse,

or draw a steer that just won’t lay. We don’t even ask for all daylight runs.

We only ask that you help us to compete in life as honest as the horses we ride

and in a manner as clean and pure as the wind that blows across this great land of ours.

Help us, Lord, to live our lives in such a manner that when we make that last inevitable ride to the country up there,

where the grass grows lush, green and stirrup high, and the water runs cool, clear and deep, that you,

as our last Judge, will tell us that our entry fees are paid.

Amen.

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Check out other events in our area that you can find us at: EVENTS

Other small town rodeo events: Rodeo events in Alberta