Moments ago, she was thrown from the 2,000 plus-pound bull she was attempting to ride. Debbie's nickname is Psycho Woman, and she's a competitor in the 17th annual L.A. Rodeo, held the last weekend in April at the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center in Lakeview Terrace. Much of the rodeo is similar to those put on by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association. There are horse races, calf roping competitions and the requisite bull, steer and bronco events. Country music blares.
Folks are line dancing.
In Goat Dressing, two contestants jam a pair of men's undershorts onto a farm animal. For all the camp, there's real poignancy, too. In a formal ceremony, a riderless horse is led around the ring. Cowboy boots rest, sans wearer, in the stirrups. The pair lives on a five-acre property on the outskirts of L.A. County.