THE LEGEND OF A RODEO ATHLETE

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Not your typical rodeo horse...

At thirty-three, he is a bit slower than he used to be. Arthritis has unfortunately claimed territory in his joints, especially his lower, right-front coronet and hoof. But he has seen it all on the rodeo circuit, from crazy, head-strong calf-roping to undefeated performance times. At one point in his life, in his younger days, he had a reputation for being top of his class. There is no doubt he has NO regrets: he loved it all. He was trained to be a great athlete, mentally prepared to overcome great obstacles to be Number One, physically challenging himself to run at top speeds to win. He is Snots, a.k.a. Iron Man, one of the best roping horses to train rodeo cowboys at Western Oklahoma State College in Altus, Oklahoma.

Western Oklahoma State College, home of the Western Pioneers, proudly vies against many other colleges and universities in rodeo competition, ranging from Oklahoma State University to Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Arkansas. Recruiting young rodeo cowboys from near and far, Western Oklahoma State College refines their roping skills by pairing them with outstanding rodeo quarter horses, roping horses with might and speed, roping horses who are rodeo athletes with a fiercely persistent drive. Let’s RIDE!

A good roping horse on the rodeo circuit is hard to find; a great one is an equine athlete with many, many hours of training who loves to compete and loves possessing the skills and speed to be top of his game, one who does not give up, one who overcomes adversity to pursue, and one who gallantly wins with grace.

And how do I know this? Iron Man lives with us. There are many questions surrounding his life we do not have the answers for, such as where he was born, who trained him, and how long he competed in the rodeo circuits in Oklahoma. He has been retired for several years. As many of you are aware, a horse that is thirty-three is considered very old in age. But, in spirit? Iron Man has the heart of a young colt.

His coat is brown, a sorrel horse with a long black tail and a white sock on his right front hoof. He bears a brand on his left hip, the identifying mark of a long-ago owner, a feature of the home ranch, perhaps. He walks with a slight limp on days his old age catches him slightly weaker, but his heart beats strong and true. He is a fighter.

Most likely, his limp is from his athletic past. When I gaze into his gentle brown eyes, it is easy for me to visualize the determination Iron Man displayed as a roping legend: from his explosive start, which carried a cowboy fast to the running calf, enabling his rider to place the rope with precision, to his quick reactive stop, timed to perfection and tugging the weight of the roped calf for a victorious performance. The pressure on his front legs digging in the dirt, stopping in record time, fighting the momentum he gained in his fast-paced gallop, inevitably strained his ankle ligaments, knees, leg bones, coronets, and heels. This repetitive execution undoubtedly took its toll.

A few years back, our daughter acquired him in a purchase. Our grandson thought Snots was not a regal-enough name for such a legendary equine athlete and, so, renamed him Iron Man. And Iron Man truly suits him for he will always be a superhero to me.

He ran free in a green Oklahoma pasture until about four years ago. It was October. Iron Man showed symptoms of heart disease, losing weight and strength. The veterinarian said he would probably not survive until Christmas. Because Oklahoma winters can be very bitter with snow and ice, we thought he might have a better chance of survival in milder Arizona weather. The decision was made for us to trailer him to Payson. And that we did, fearing he might not make the trip.

But Iron Man is a true fighter. Although very weak, he fought to make the trip by demonstrating unequaled might and endurance. Once in Arizona, he strived to improve his health, trying to eat his grain and nutrients to make himself better, truly a roping athlete with the competitive drive to never quit. Let’s RIDE!

Since the journey to Arizona, we are amazed at his determination and his unrelenting spirit to make the most of every day. When our granddaughters were small, we would gently place them on his back; he was so very proud of the fact he remained a performer, maybe not in the rodeo circuit but definitely of great value to a young girl’s heart to enjoy a ride on a gentle steed.

And while we do not have all the answers to Iron Man’s life, I do know he is a great value to me. Anytime I am near him, he is full of love. Even though he is considered “out to pasture” to not be ridden, he gives me a sense of strength as I marvel at his journeys, his desire to win at life.

I know someday his journey will include equine heaven, but until then, I will cherish each moment with the legendary rodeo athlete, Snots, a.k.a. Iron Man.

The Payson Pro Rodeo Committee will host in Payson, Arizona, the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo Thursday through Saturday, August 19-21, 2021. The “August Doings” will include bull riding, barrel racing, and, of course, calf roping. If you get the chance to attend, I urge you not only to congratulate the human competitors but also acknowledge the equine rodeo athletes whose determined spirit will never let them quit. Let’s RIDE!

Until next time, may all your journeys be on happy trails and in green pastures; may you have the unconditional love that comes from hugging a big horse like Iron Man and feeling the presence of a gentle soul; and may you soar high with mighty determination when faced with life’s adversities. Blessings to you and yours.

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