TRAINING TIPS with PHIL HAUGEN
RODEO ATHLETES AND THE WESTERN INDUSTRY After trying to stay up for 10 nights in a row watching the NFR it seems like it takes a few days for my sleep schedule and my work schedule to get back to normal. Now that I’ve had a few days to reflect I started thinking about what that rodeo does for our Western Industry each year, and it really made me think about how much we need to appreciate and thank those athletes for putting on such an incredible show. It is so interesting to me to listen to the interviews of the contestants, whether it’s prior to the start of the rodeo, after winning a go round, or even after winning a world Championship, they all usually have one statement in common,”It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a little kid.” That right there tells you the power and influence that this one event has on our industry each year and without those contestants, who are the very best in the world, it wouldn’t be what it is today. I wish I knew what the economic impact was from those ten nights of rodeo in December on our Western Industry, it would be staggering. There are so many of us that benefit either directly or indirectly from the NFR each December. Whether it be from Retail sales, picking up new customers, reuniting with friends out in Vegas, or simply being more motivated going into the new year. It’s a great rodeo for the contestants to showcase their talents and it gives them a chance to put some money in their pocket at the end of a year that at times can be full of challenges. With that being said
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tho, the great thing about rodeo athletes is that they’re doing something they love and have a passion for. When you hear a guy the size of Ty Erickson say “It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a little Kid”, after he won the World Championship in Steer Wrestling, you realize that it’s all about reaching goals and having dreams come true. I didn’t hear him say anything about the $ he won. That is what I love about rodeo, rodeo contestants, and the Western Industry. We all need to believe that our dreams can come true and when we watch these athletes do what they do on the biggest stage it gives all of us hope. My hope is that these contestants realize what a positive impact they are not only on our industry but on the World. We live in the greatest country in the world and Lord knows we have some challenges but I think it’s a pretty easy fix to get it headed in the right direction.... The world needs more Cowboys and Cowgirls! God Bless and have a great Month!
Phil
Fb Phil Haugen Horsemanship www.PhilHaugenHorsemanship.com
