OCR Text |
Show Page 10 or their "broncs" wore out. Judges matched horse and rider, announced the winners and awarded prizes. Neighbors came from miles around to share the excitement. Ann was becoming a top bronc buster until she was disqualified from competition. For one contest the judges had chosen a large, strong cowboy to be her "horse," one who knew all the tricks of a bronco. Before her ride, a jokester in the audience pulled Ann aside. "Here, use these," he said, slipping something into her hand. Ann looked down at a pair of English spurs. She grinned. "Stand in the hay when you've got 'em on so no one will see," her friend added. Always full of mischief, Ann did as she was told. When her ride began and her mount began to buck, she dug the spurs in with all her might. Ann's "horse" let out a bellow, then did what no other horse had ever done before-took her over his knee and spanked her. The audience cheered. Ann was promptly disqualified and did not compete again until the "bronc's" sides had healed and Ann could sit without a pillow. Roping contests were also held in the hay corral. The roper had only one throw to catch both feet of the human horse. The children were taught by Isom Dart, a former slave who worked |