Guest Post: Getting Ahead by Emily Cale

Today I have invited Emily Cale, author of Getting Ahead, to my blog to tell us about rodeos! Here is a quick blurb of her new book:

          Colton is exactly the kind of distraction Amber doesn't want, but he might be exactly what she needs to get back on track.
Recovering from a bad fall during competition, Amber McDonald decides to spend her last week of training before her next rodeo at a Colorado ranch, away from any and all distractions. It'd be the perfect arrangement—if only her fear wasn't stopping her from getting back on her horse.
Then Colt Riley steps in. He's sexy and seems to have incredible insight into her situation, but he's everything she's been trying to stay away from.
Colt knows exactly what Amber is going through...because he's been there before. Forced to give up his riding career after an accident, he sets his mind to helping her get back on track. All that's easier said than done, especially when she discovers his hidden past. Will his efforts be enough to help her get ahead?

So, why rodeos Emily?

Getting Ahead is the first in a series of books following characters who are part of the rodeo circuit. In the first book, Amber is a barrel racer looking to make a comeback after an accident at a prior event. She's assisted in her efforts by Colt, a former bareback rider, who understands exactly where she's coming from.
I grew up going to rodeos. Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world's largest outdoor rodeo, is held in my hometown during the last full week of July every year. If you grew up in a small town with a State or County Fair, you might be able to imagine the joy this kind of event brings. Carnival rides, pancake breakfasts, parades, fried foods (Funnel Cake!!!!), and live music were all a major part of the experience, but the highlight was always the daily rodeos. When most people think about rodeo, they probably consider bareback riding or bull riding, but there are a large number of other events that are at least as much fun to watch. In fact, some of my favorites are the roping events, barrel racing, and chuck wagon races (which have sadly been done away with in the last several years). All of the contestants are serious athletes who train long and hard to come up with and implement strategies to try and walk away with some money and, for the very best, a belt buckle (like a trophy).
But the cowboys/cowgirls aren't the only athletes competing. The livestock are as important, if not more valuable, than the people competing. The horses know exactly where they are supposed to go and what to do even in the strangest of circumstances. Every hour that the contestant spends training is often also spent training an animal to respond to whatever conditions arise.
Have you ever been to a rodeo? Have a favorite event? I'd love to hear about it. I'll be counting the days until the end of July.


I can't say I've ever been to a rodeo, but it sure does sound like great fun, especially for my little girls.
You can also find Emily online on her blog (http://www.emilycale.blogspot.com) or on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/emilycale).