On Monday nights there is a rodeo of sorts held in the heart of Amish Country – practically right outside my backdoor. Of course I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a trip to the Hillbrook Rodeo!

Tucked away in farm country this rodeo is open to riders of all ages – boasting barrel racing, pole bending, team penning, and various other speed sports. (For the non-horse enthusiast, it basically had cows and horses that like to run really really fast).

The team penning was pretty fun to watch, with the object being that three riders need to pick out three cows (all containing the same number on their sides) and separate them from their herd, putting them into a different pen. The Amish gals made it look easy – even while riding in a dress!

One of the little girls I met at the rodeo offered to lend me her pony so I could give team penning a try too.

Very tempting, considering that her miniature horse was JUST MY SIZE, but I had to take a pass this time.

After all, being a spectator was turning about to be way too much fun anyway.

The sights, sounds, and smells of the rodeo were grand, and you can bet I’ll be returning again this summer!

Now let’s giddy-up and ride!