Summary: Rodeo Roundup – The theme this month revolves around a roundup, cattle drive, or rodeo. Use “Mustang Sally”, “Cotton-eyed Joe” for your OC inspiration.
Rating: G, Word Count: 2159
In late spring, Joe and Adam were on a trip to Wyoming to catch mustangs, break them, and bring them back to the ranch, but some of them were going to be brought back unbroken to be used in a rodeo. The brothers worked together in breaking the horses. Joe chortled when Adam got bucked off a big black horse and walked off, sore, tired, planning to ride him again the next day. The same thing happened the next day. On the third day, he was hurt. Joe told him he was getting too old for bronc busting. He was trying to get him fired up and out of his cot. Mustang Sally waited for Joe to leave.
“You’ve never learned how to break a horse.”
“I’ve been breaking horses since I was 16.”
“And sometimes they break you.”
Adam was quiet. He couldn’t deny it.
“You’ve lost some of the best horses because you let them win like that big black out there is winning. Each time you walked away, his soul grew stronger.”
“His soul?”
“Yes. He thinks he’s in charge now. You will never ride him unless you change his mind. Do you like apples?”
Not knowing what to make of the change in subject, Adam nodded.
“Let’s go eat some by the corral. You can’t ride yet, but a walk will do you good,” They did, and the big black edged closer and closer.” Put out your hand. Make him take that apple from your hand. He wants it. Like most, they like sweet things.”
The next day Mustang Sally had him break the apple in half. He had the horse take half from his hand, patted the horse’s neck, and then gave him the other half. Each day, more was expected of the horse until Adam was leading him around the corral with a lead rope and then had him in a halter.
“Now he’s accepting you as his leader. He’s still nervous around people though. Lead him over there to where the men are gathered for lunch. I gave them apples for him.”
When the black had his fill of those apples, Adam turned him, and the men stepped aside so he could leave with his horse. Mustang Sally smiled. Now the horse saw Adam as the leader here.
Meanwhile Joe decided the black was perfect for the rodeo and decided Adam would ride him when it was time to put a saddle on the big black. Unaware of the work Adam was doing with the horse, he couldn’t wait for the exciting moment. Joe was there for the fun betting against Adam and hoping for a big payday. When Adam climbed into the saddle, the big black swung his head back as if to ask if that seemed natural. Then he bucked once as Adam urged him forward. He made a few circuits of the corral at high speed before stopping suddenly, and Adam leaned down to pull two apples from his shirt. He fed them to the big black before dismounting. The crowd was stunned not sure how to respond to the unusual ride. There was some applause and others sought out Joe. A shocked Joe had to pay up and was left with only a dollar.
“What the heck happened? Did you break that horse when I wasn’t in camp?”
“No, Joe, Mustang Sally helped, and we got to be friends, and I learned about his soul.”
As Adam walked away, Hoss walked up to Joe who was still upset.
“Hoss, you’re right. Our older brother is sneaky.”
“Hey Joe, you be careful there.”
“It’s okay, Hoss. I know what I’m doin’.”
“Yeah, famous last words.”
“Ha-ha. Oh ye of little faith, Adam. You watch I’m gonna tame this beast in time for the roundup.”
“Joe, you know nobody’s been able to accomplish that this week. Pa said to take him back where we found him. He’s too young anyway.”
“I can do this Adam. Just be quiet, both of you.”
“Easy boy. I’ve got a treat for you. That’s a good boy. You like that? I’ve got lots more.”
“Uh, Joe. Watch where….”
“Shhh!”
“Joe, you need to….”
“Quiet! It’s okay, they’re gonna GO away. It’s just you and me, little fella. How ‘bout a little scratch behind the……HEY! OW! ARGH!!!……..Uh, a little help here, fellas?”
-o-o-o-
“Feelin’ better Joe?”
“Not much. Oh boy that itches. Why didn’t you warn me about that patch of poison ivy?”
“We tried to Joe but you were too intent on trying to tame that wild yearling. How’s your hand, by the way?”
“Oh Doc said no stitches, thank goodness. Is he gone?”
“Left hours ago, Joe.”
“No, not the Doc, the horse.”
“Oh, yeah. Pa took him back to the Bakers. Hard to believe something that young could cause so much trouble.”
“Yeah, tell me about it. Say Adam, would you be able to read to me for a bit? It might get my mind off these bandages, and the itching.”
“Yeah sure. At least Doc said your eyes’ll be okay once all the other swelling goes down.”
“You know Joe. You look kinda cute with them little cotton balls fastened to yer eyes. Say Adam, how’s ‘bout we call him ‘cotton-eyed Joe’.”
“That’s a good one, Hoss.”
“Why you!!!! Let me at him, Adam. Let go! Where are you Hoss!! You’re gonna pay for that as soon as I can find you! Ow, who put that table there. My shins, I think they’re broken. PA!!”
A Gal Named Sal
“Hey, here he comes now.” Hoss smacked Joe’s arm with the back of his hand when he spied Adam walking in their direction .
Joe swallowed hard and tugged on his jacket. “Hey, Adam. Come to have a look at the new stock?”
“Thought I’d better check up on you two before Pa gets back.” Joe bristled as Adam surveyed the corrals and then fixed his gaze on the hand that was working with a feisty sorrel. “That our new hire? Looks pretty young to be training new stock.”
“Uh — yeah — just hired on today.” Joe tried to sound more confident than he felt.
Adam gave the hired hand more intense scrutiny. “Wa — it a minute. That’s no boy. That’s a woman!” He turned to face his brothers. “All right, you two. What have you done this time? You know that Pa would never allow a female ranch hand. It’s too disruptive to the men.”
“Aww now, Adam.” Hoss swung a big arm in the petite woman’s direction. “Sal just wants a chance to prove herself. Look, you can tell from here that she knows what she’s doin’!”
“Sal? I assume that’s short for Sally?” Adam’s eyes squinted with his question.
“Well, she goes by Mustang Sally, to be more exact.” Joe folded his arms in front of him.
“Mustang Sally.” Adam muttered, his face grimacing. “So just where is ‘Mustang Sally’ going to sleep at night, or for that matter, bathe?”
Joe held up his hands. “We’ve got that all figured out.”
“Oh, you do, do you?” Adam countered.
“Yeah.” Hoss chimed in. “Done taken care of it. Sal kin have the little room in the barn.”
Adam crossed his arms tight against his chest and took turns glaring at his brothers. Joe pointed toward the corral indicating that Adam should have another look. Mustang Sally was handling herself and the challenging horse as well as Adam had seen any man do the job.
Adam flung his hands down to his side. “Ohhhh — all right! I am certain that I will rue the day that I didn’t put a stop to this, but we’ll give it a try.”
A surprised grin spread across Joe’s face. “You won’t be sorry, Adam.” He gave his oldest brother an enthusiastic nod.
“Yeah, I jest have a good feelin’ about Sal –.”
Adam lifted his hand and extended his index finger. “One complaint — one — mind you, and you two will give her whatever pay she’s got coming and send her on her way. Understood?”
Joe opened his mouth to protest, but Adam waved him off and walked away in a huff. Joe’s head wagged back and forth as he silently gave his brother a piece of his mind.
Hoss jammed his hands into his pockets. “Maybe Adam’s right, Joe. I know Sal is real good with horses and all, but this may turn out ta be more trouble than it’s worth — stir up a hornet’s nest and that don’t even take Pa inta ‘ccount.”
Joe stabbed a finger in Sally’s direction. “Just look at her, brother! We haven’t had somebody that good here in a long time!”
“You’re preachin’ ta the choir, Joe. I jest hope she’s up to the rest of it once all the men figure out she’s a gal!. Some of ‘em prob’ly won’t care as long as she keeps her distance, but others — well, that could be tough. Hope it don’t get ugly for her.”
Joe’s shoulders drooped as his cocky certainty suddenly took a hit.
The cattle bellowed as they were driven the last mile to their new home. The cowboys, tired and dusty, were ready to be done with the drive. Adam Cartwright watched the cows and kept an eye on his younger brothers. They had all been ready to be done with the cattle, get the money and have a good time in the town they’d be staying in. Adam was ready to get out of the saddle for a while. He shifted his weight to find a more comfortable position but found none. He continued with the rest of the cattle and cowhands.
They arrived at the town, delivered the cattle and were paid. Adam paid the men and they did as they pleased with their money. The brothers were to buy horses while in town. Adam went to the livery stable and spoke to the man about the horses.
“I’ll pick them up tomorrow,” Adam said and left to find his brothers.
“Adam, look at this!” Joe called out pointing at a poster.
Adam joined Hoss and Joe to see what it was that interested Joe.
“A bronc busting contest, huh? Well, that will be interesting to see,” Adam said.
“I think I’ll give it a try,” Joe replied.
Adam looked at his brother and smiled. “I couldn’t stop you even if I tried.”
Joe smiled and went to sign up.
The contest took place the next day. Adam and Hoss joined the throngs of people watching the contest to see who would win. There were many good riders out there but there was one who was better than the rest.
“We should hire him in to bust our broncs at home,” Adam said to Hoss.
“Yeah, he’d be great. Look at him go,” Hoss said in excitement.
They continued watching. The young man was amazing and stayed on longer than anyone. Joe was up next. Joe did well for himself, but he was no match for the young man before him.
After the contest was over and the winner announced, Joe joined his brothers and they went to congratulate the winner.
“I’m Adam Cartwright and these are my brothers Hoss and Joe. We’d like to hire you as a bronc buster at the
Ponderosa near Virginia City. What’s your name?”
The man turned around and took off his slouch hat and shook his head revealing long red curly hair. He was a she!
The brothers tried to not show their surprise, but it was still shown.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you fellas. I’m Mustang Sally.” She held her hand out to Adam and he shook it still in shock. Sally laughed seeing their faces.
“I take it your offer is taken off the table since I am a woman.”
Adam regained his senses. “Of course not. I think you’d be a great asset to the Ponderosa.”
“Well, I’d like to say yes but I’ve got to help my pa at his ranch. He can’t spare me since my brother passed earlier this year.”
“I understand. We’d like to take you to dinner though as a way of congratulating the winner,” Adam asked.
“That would be nice. Thank you. I’ll meet you at the restaurant after I clean up.” Adam nodded and the brothers left.
“A girl! A girl won the competition. Wonder what Pa will say to that when we tell him,” Hoss said chuckling.
“Mustang Sally. She’s a beautiful woman,” Joe said wistfully.
“Joe, don’t get any ideas. Besides, she beat you! How does it feel to be beaten by a woman?” Adam teased. Joe smiled and shrugged.
