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In the winter months, they give the horses a short break, sending them away to pasture in Dillon and Sheridan, Montana, but by early March, the horses return. And similar to human athletes, equine athletes must be conditioned after a break. The process includes introducing additional exercises, changing feed and vitamin regimens, grooming, and fitting horseshoes and hoof care. Come spring, the boys also check their equipment: saddles, boots, hats, blankets and buckets are all in need of cleaning, oiling or repair. A trampoline and swing set sit next to the practice arena in the Ramirez’s lawn. There, the brothers practice their groundwork--skills related to rodeo that can be perfected without an animal. “The fun part comes when you get to put it all together on the back of a horse,” James said. Luke is just beginning to rope, and knows he has a lot to learn. “If you don’t practice groundwork, you will get injured,” he says. Sitting on his horse one sunny afternoon in Big Sky, Luke says, “horses are large animals with minds of their own and if you are not ready, you can lose a finger roping or get bucked off.” He giggles when a gust blows his hat from his head, running after it. Gripping the reigns, his horsemanship skills show, even at his young age. Where the boys’ dedication shows most is the amount of time spent on the road. The night before an event, hours are spent preparing the horses and trailer for travel. Feed and tack are packed, along with various vet supplies, roping gear, goat tying gear, piggin’ strings, gloves, groceries, as well as leg wraps and blankets for the horses. “We work to make sure they are as comfortable as possible,” Ed said, explaining that travel is tiresome on the 38 Mountain
James leading his horse Dyna.
horses. During long drives, they stop and exercise the horses along the way. “We get to see the whole state,” Luke says.
But equine athletes are expensive, and require 24-hour, seven day a week care. The better they’re cared for, the better they’ll perform.
Kristen laughs. “When we show up [at events] with three of our dogs and all of our gear, we look like gypsies,” she says.
“We just like the horses so much,” Ed said, a twinkle in his eye. “Most kids sleep with a teddy bear, but my boys sleep with a rope.”
“One morning we woke up [in the parking lot] next to world champion Tuf Cooper,” James said, beaming. The boys got his autograph, and other kids circled his camper all morning.
This year, both James and Luke are hungry for rodeo association titles. James is working toward a trip to nationals in New Mexico, and Luke is looking for an all around award from the Southwest Youth Rodeo Association.
For the Ramirez brothers, rodeo is more than just horsemanship. The associations hold them accountable for their actions and choices. Cowboy attire, which includes a collared button down, cowboy boots, hats and jeans, must be worn at all times during competition weekends.
Where they go from here is up to them, Kristen said. “We want them to do something they can do all their lives.”
There are other sacrifices. On years when summer gas prices are high, Christmas gifts are fewer.
“It’s a cowboy lifestyle,” James says.
Luke wants to “go pro, and go to college and do rodeo.” The boys giggle and kick at each other.
Luke laughs. “It’s hard to dribble a ball with cowboy boots on,” he says.
“We do what it takes,” Kristen said. The boys work odd jobs shoveling snow, building fences, watering plants and helping with the family business. “With basketball you put the ball away and you’re done,” James says.
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Abbie Digel is the editor of Mountain Outlaw magazine. An east coast transplant to Montana, writing this story was literally, her first rodeo. The Outlaw Partners is a sponsor of the Ramirez brothers and their rodeo pursuits.