Yes, I have a family

In a family tradition that includes at least seven generations of accomplished horse-handlers, my grand-daughters are winning saddles.

I never competed in rodeos; Dad thought it was a good way to get hurt. My daughter Shanna, however, put herself through college with rodeo scholarships. For about ten minutes one day back in 1983 she even held the So. Dak. state record in goat tying.

I am still not wild about such events, holding that roping calves and tying goats is an unpleasant experience for the tie-ees. In the scheme of things, however, kids' rodeos are probably better ways for kids to spend at least some of their energy and time than video games, blogs and mall surfing.

Here are pictures of Bridget, 14, and Shayla, 10, with their All-Around saddles won at Broadus MT on June 21. Brooke, 13, won the All-Around in her division last year. Shyanne, 6, has been a big disappointment, failing yet to win in the stick-horse division. :--))