07/20/2026
Who else loves and lives for rodeo season?
For me, it's never just about the competition. It's about the lifestyle.
It's the traditions passed down through generations. The culture. The sportsmanship. The prayers spoken before the first event. The National Anthem echoing through the arena. The American flag flying proudly above the dust.
It's the partnership between horse and rider. The grit, determination, and constant pursuit of becoming better than you were yesterday. It's early mornings, late nights, hard work, and a way of life that can't be explained unless you've lived it.
As I look around, I can't help but notice our youth involvement in 4-H and equestrian sports slowly declining. I understand why, horses aren't cheap, and as a horse person myself, I know firsthand the sacrifices it takes.
But I also see incredible families, volunteers, ranchers, and mentors fighting every day to keep this heritage alive.
So I have to ask...
Which side are you on?
Will we let technology, busy schedules, and city life slowly replace these traditions? Or will we continue to invest in our youth, our western heritage, our ranching communities, and the values that have shaped generations?
As we head into Coos County Fair & Rodeo week, this image of Queen Bailey reminds me exactly why I love capturing these moments. They're more than photograph, they're pieces of history, preserving a way of life that deserves to be remembered.
Here's to another week of dust, determination, patriotism, and celebrating the western way of life. I'll hope to see you there, soaking in every moment.
