The Mena weekly star., 1909-08-26
CATTLE RANCH SPORTS
Lots of Roping and Bronco Busting but Mena Sailor Boy Made the
 Real Hit of the Day.

The roping contest and COW. boy feats Thursday started out slow, but before the finish had warmed up. The first thing on the program was some bronco busting. After a few unsuccess- ful attempts "bronc" was caught and duly saddled and bridled, submitting to the entire operation without a murmur. Then one of the busters got in the saddle and took his time in getting settled securely, when he pony was cuffed and spur ed and sent away, doing a pretty good job of straight buckiEg, The excitement did not last long however us the animal soon gave up the job and came in as meek as a blow horse. Then came some roping. The first man failed to catch his steer and re- tired. Prescott roped and tied steer in 3615 seconds. Shaw was the next man up but had bad luck and succeeded in tying his steer only after one minute and nine seconds had elapsed. The stop watch stopped at 30 seconds in the next round, but it stopped of its own accord and before Hale was though with his steer.
 It was while the watch was be- ing fixed that the real fun began, when it was announced that the one who rode a certain bronco without bridle would be paid for his trouble. One Jim Lear a Mena boy who has served in Uucle Sam's navy, and was dress ed in full sailor costume, ad- vauced aud prepared to take the money. After all was in readi- ness he climbed aboard and hauled in the anchor. About that time squall caught him aud for a moment it was guess whether or not he would ride the storm in safety. Once on the journey a snag was struck and Lear went overheard as his ship turned tnr- tie. But they were soon again right side up and goin,. under full sail. It was rough sailing, but Jimmy brought his craft into port in safety and great applause.
 The first attempts at steer rop- ing went wrong. The would-be rider being "pursuaded" to get of, and on the wrong side. He held onto tbe steer but was un- able to remount and gave t up after sprint across the field in an effort to hold the critter. This man had as hand hold nothing but strap fastened around his mount just behind the fore legs
 The next steer had saddle on his back and the l2-year.old boy who rode him stuck like fly paper.
 Another good exhibition was given when cowboy rode mule. The mule appeared to be little roupher gaited than either the broncos or steers. The rapidity with which he changed the posi- ton of his feet was remarkable Tn fact. at times he seemed to- have his feet everywhere at once, which "agitated" the rider like unto milk shake in course of construction.
 Some more bronco busting ana ropiug ended the program.
 One thlng about the riding that seemed peculiar was that the stirrups were hobbled or tied to- pethe. with a rope beneath the an- ,mal in all cases except when Lear, The sailor, rode. He didn't have the benefit of something substanr t,al to catch his toes in when the nrevailing tendency was upward, as did the other riders. But Lear didn't seem 10 mind.
 The roping contests and other features connected therewlth drew a good crowd each day. Some of the work was good, but ooA-~ aod many cases did mol
 ',., to exoectatiOns.