I remember my first rodeo. I was so excited it seemed like daddy was driving slow,
we pulled up to the gate, I couldn't sit still long enough to wait.
I got out of the truck to pay my fees, and I could feel my nerves trembling in my knees.
I got my horse saddled and ready to go, it was finally my turn to put on a show,
I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, and I did all I could to give it my best.
When I was finished I could hear momma yelling loud, and daddy gave me a smile
and told me he was proud,
All of the people I met, I will never forget,
because over the years they became close to me, kind of like a really big family.
This association has been the high light, of my Friday and Saturday nights,
it's a good place for kids to be, instead of running wild in the streets.
I feel like I am at home because from here my confidence has grown. I love how
everything is so familiar, and how even when I don't win, I never feel like a failure.
Every weekend it's the same scene, I look around and I can see,
Steven in the announcer's stand, Doc's got the judging flag in his hand,
Darren is in the arena setting up poles, Patrick drives the tractor and fills in the holes,
Jennifer is always running around, but she always finds time to turn
my frown upside down, Cynthia is counting up everyone's money,
While I'm in the bleachers because goat tying is last,
I laugh to myself because I think it's funny, how fast these eight years have passed,
As I think of the years that have come and gone,
I realize how far I've come, and it's all because I've chased my dreams,
it's just really hard to believe, this is my last year, to ever compete here.
So many memories have been made, some that I know will never fade,
I will never forget this, and I know I will definitely miss,
all of the people and all of my friends,
from the Arkansas Teenage Rodeo Association.
Thank you,
Holly Adkisson
