[Feel free to write about other rodeo events]

Ben’s personal goal, at this point in his life, was to ride life hard and long. He had been spending most of the winter preparing for the spring rodeo. On his small piece of property, he had a small barn that housed hay and feed for Cheeky, and also had an enchanted fake bull to practice on. Ben had put Emmylou on it a couple of times. It was more for his enjoyment, making it bounce her around in a skimpy top.

He’d also taken on the job of helping set up the first spring rodeo near Hogsmeade. They had planned it to start the weekend of the Hogwarts Hogsmeade trip and go for a solid week. He participated one week out of every other month for the W-BRCA, and one to two weeks of every month from late spring to early fall for the BRBC. Board meetings filled in time now and then, but he spent the rest of his time working on his small piece of land, and all the moving parts on it. It would always be a work in progress.

His chaps, boots, and gloves were oiled, hat was dusted off, and his outfit was steamed and pressed. Ben’s flask was filled with bourbon, tucked away inside his vest pocket. It was a good luck charm, and one that could be shared amongst all participants. His buckle and metal buttons were shined, and he’d had a trim. Ben had done everything to prepare for his presentation. It was important to keep up appearances and be overdone and stars and stripes for the crowd.

No one would think he was British with his get-up.

The stands were decently filled, and the sun was just starting to set. It was the perfect time to saddle up and ride it out. He leaned on the metal fence surrounding the arena, watching the Thestral display. Not enough people could see the majestic beauty of those creatures. And not just anyone could own one, either. There was a reason he owned an Irish Draught filly, and not a magical beast. They weren’t as hard to keep up, and while it could eat him out of house and home, it was nothing compared to Abraxans or Aethonans.

Turning at his name, Ben tipped his head in acknowledgement, pushing off the fence and straightening his vest. Gloves were tucked in his back jeans pocket, and his chew in the other. Ben turned his head and spit, moving the tobacco against his cheek as he continued walking towards the bucking chute that the Aethonan was housed that he was going to ride.

Pushing his hat back a bit, Ben whistled softly as he stared into the pen. The beautiful chestnut beast was already pushing against the enclosure, threatening to bite if a hand got too close. “Shh… it’s ok boy. You’re a beauty, ain’t ya?” He grinned and cracked his knuckles. This was going to be quite a ride, that was for sure. “You’ve got my back, right, Rich?” Ben laughed and patted the rodeo clown on the back after the man shook his head, “Not against Ol’ Carlisle.”

Ben checked all the buckles to make sure things were snug. He started to climb the enclosure, swinging himself one leg at a time into the pen with Carlisle. “Easy, fella, we’ve got a delicious dinner for you after this.” Once he sat himself on the saddle, the winged horse immediately attempted to push him off, squirming around. Ben held on to the strap that was slung around with one hand while the other pulled his gloves out. “Did you piss this one off especially for me?” The boys around the pen laughed and started cat calling Ben.

Once he was ready and the thumbs up was given, there was no other option. He was going to ride. His heart thumped hard and fast against his chest as the adrenaline pumped through. Ben’s leather gloves crackled as he gripped the rein; it felt like the thin piece of cotton might break away from the horse’s leather halter, even though he knew it wasn’t as fragile as it appeared.

The last thing he heard was the buzzer. The chute was opened and the winged horse took off, bucking and turning, gaining flight as wings flapped. People had asked before how it felt to be on top of a bucking animal that could easily kill you. The easiest explanation that Ben had come to was that you spin so hard, you start to believe you’re making the earth turn. And then it all comes to a grinding halt.

He felt the lack of horse to hold on to before he realized he had been bucked. The world tumbled around him as he careened through the air, hat flying off.

This was when the clowns came into the mix. Two of them steered and coaxed the angry Aethonan on brooms back to the stables while another two attempted to slow the impact of the rider. Ben still landed with a thud, but it was something he could stand up and shake off. The infectious grin was on his face, and as he scooped his hat off the dirt, he lifted it up into the air and gave the crowd one last look before he jogged to the fence, pulling himself up and over.

Now that was worth a stiff drink and a good screw.