Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Generally Best To Progress As Planned

“The show must go on.” Again, that old philosophy was followed when weather threatened cancellation of a cowboy concert for the ranch rodeo anniversary in our old hometown. Coordinators have often been forced to decide whether to cancel, postpone, delay or alter events due to inclement conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

Unique Is The Way It’s Supposed To Be

People watching must be our favorite pastime. So much of life these days seems to be “hurry up and wait.” Unless we’re talking on the cell phone, writing notes to our self or praying, we can’t figure out what else to do.

Rodeo Set For October In China To Help Spread Good American Culture

Improved international relations is the number one intent of “Rodeo China.” While considerable publicity is being given to the first rodeo in China, “Our main objective is to build a new connection between the United States and Chinese citizens, both rural and urban,” according to John McBeth, 1974 world champion rodeo saddle bronc rider from […]

Sunday Really More Than Time To Rest

“He had a full house.” That’s apparently a big deal for card players, but we know nothing about the game. However, from what we can vaguely understand, there is a unique similarity between the terminology and our thought.

World Champion Cowboy John McBeth Remains Closely Tied To Sport Of Rodeo

“An amateur competes against everyone, but a true professional competes against himself. “You need to approach each ride with the idea you are going to spur one inch higher every jump.” World champion saddle bronc rider John McBeth quoted the advice given to him many years ago by a “great rodeo cowboy.”

Childhood Experiences Have Lifelong Influence

Camp leaves a lifetime impression. One of the fondest memories of growing up is the four days we attended county camp at Rock Springs 4-H Center, southwest of Junction City. Those great recollections resurfaced Friday morning during a live radio broadcast from the lobby of the same dining hall we’d eaten at four-and-half decades ago.

Rewards Can Come Most Unexpectedly

“No pain, no gain.” That’s another often repeated philosophy we’ve generally found true. There are some folks who make no special effort, yet reap many advantages as if a blessing from above. It’s always just the opposite with us.

Virus Outbreak Raises Caution Of Horse Industry

The United States Team Roping Championship at Hutchinson was canceled. There was discussion about not having several rodeos, jackpots, barrel races, horse shows and horse sales. However, all of those other events in Kansas were conducted as scheduled, unless the cancellation was not widely reported.