By Samantha Bivens
Samantha Bivens, Tucson Chicks N Chaps Decorations Chair
I’m an old country gal. I’m not new to horses, ranching, roping and I even chased a barrel a time or two once upon a time. I even won me a fancy silver and gold buckle. Third place and a dinged knee I’ll never forget. So, when I heard about this event called, “Tucson Chicks n’ Chaps”, where you pay a little cash to raise funds for Breast Cancer research at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, and in turn get an insider’s look at La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, I was thrilled. It’d been a long time since I’ve been behind the chutes, and this sort of event was right up my alley.
Lori Shoulders (left) and Samantha Bivens at 2014 Chicks n Chaps Registration.
These days, I spend long, easy rides on my fat old gelding JoJo, watching the sun rise. It would be nice to get a little nostalgic for a day back at one of my old stomping grounds. I signed right on board without spitting twice and dove into my closet to find something colored pink.
I was not disappointed. In fact, I was rather surprised.
Chicks N Chaps Clinics
When I arrived that early morning, the gate attendants, a pair of young cowboys, were polite and cordial. I parked in clearly marked areas for the folks participating in CnC. I walked in to find a delightful light breakfast set out, coffee, juice, water and bagels, perfect for a cool February morning. Once all the attendees arrived, we were rounded up to start the day. Notable Cowboys came forth to explain how rodeo works and scoring, breeding logistics of stock and just how carefully the animals in the rodeo are prized and used. We then got to see the broncos let out for their morning run in the arena…Strong, healthy horses, bay and blacks, dapples and paints and grey shiny coats, weaving and bucking, graceful as a flock of birds. Beautiful sight.
It was so neat to see behind the chutes again, and see how participants cued up to ride. Then we were off for our Rodeo Clinics. Here we saw how Cowboys and gals had to adhere to rope lines, and how they cut out after a steer to either rope or wrestle. We learned about the new protective gear they have for steers and the participants, to ensure that neither Cowperson or animal gets hurt during the sport.
Other clinics included learning how to rope, and learning about the equipment a Cowboy or Cowgirl uses for the various events, like Bull or Bronc saddle and bareback riding, or barrel racing. Even though I myself already knew a lot of this stuff, what was really fun was learning some stuff I didn’t know, and looking around at the faces of the other people in the group whose only brush with the wild west was something they had seen in a movie or on T.V. Fun, informative and laid back, the clinics were a blast!
The Chick Pit
Then it was off to cool down in “The Chick Pit”, where we were treated to goodie bags, a silent auction, a fabulous champagne brunch and entertainment. It wasn’t even over even then!
If you wanted, after brunch, you were welcome to stay and watch the Rodeo finals from the Chick-Pit bleachers and attend the Barn Dance after the Rodeo itself! All in all, a great day, for a great cause! I look forward to this year’s event; and you can bet your best pair of boots that I’m bringing people with me!
University of Arizona Cancer Center Breast Cancer Research
It was informative, action-packed and a lot of fun. Making new friends, and marveling at some of the new technology Rodeo folks use to protect themselves and their charges was beyond interesting. For me, not only did I get to help support research for Breast Cancer that stays right here in Tucson, but I learned some new things too! I may be an old country gal – but events like this prove you’re never too old to learn some new tricks, and you are definitely never too old to help fight for the Cure.
Samantha Bivens, 2015 Chicks N Chaps Deocrations Chair.
Samantha Bivens is a Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Outreach Specialist for the American Red Cross, Southern Arizona Chapter. After attending last year’s Chicks N ChapsTM event, she volunteered to be the 2015 Decorations Chair.
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