Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls at the WNFR Contract Personnel Banquet
The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls recently returned from the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo an Specialty Act Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The girls all had a great time catching up with old friends and making new ones, and also had a pleasurable experience at the 1st and 3rd go rounds.
One experience the Cowboy Girls will not take lightly is the contract personnel meeting. Lecile Harris gave an amazing accent to a question asked. The basis of the speech was that specialty acts can not just expect hand outs and contracts; in order to secure rodeos, one must continually improve, modify, break down and build back up their act. Being hired is an accomplishment, a testament to all the long hours one puts in perfecting their craft. You were hired based on the individuality, appearence and appealing aspect of your act, not because a committee was forced by contract to hire you. The rodeo isn't just about the specialty acts either, it's the prCa for a reason, Pro Rodeo COWBOYS Association, one should never forget that. Do for yourself; work hard and be rewarded by getting hired, for then you know that you have earned it.
Each Cowboy Girl slowly smiled and looked at one another. Isn't this what Riata Ranch has taught since 1957? To never stop working, progress and push yourself to the next level, beyond limitations. To give the best possible performance every time, for every committee, for every rodeo, every venue. To exude professionalism whether getting a bottle of water or standing in front of 17 000 people Texas Skipping. Lecile Harris touched on the very foundations of what Riata Ranch is built upon, and it was refreshing to hear someone that shares our thoughts, beliefs and ideas. What an honour to be in the same room with those people, one that a Riata girl does not take lightly.
Not only did the Girls get to see old friends like Dale and Carol Miller, Bob Tallman and other acts such as Max Reynolds, but they also got to meet new and upcoming talents that were very inspiring, such as Abigail Petersen and the Wild Rose Trick Riders. Courtesy of Sean Davis and with the help of Kenny Petet, Brandi and Aly were able to attend round 3 as spectators that got to get the crowd motivated (you know how good the girls are at that!). As usual, a cowboy girl's adventures are never ending.
Now is the time for rejuvination, revitalization and resurrection of the act. Time to improve, tone and tighten. Boy, are we ready.
