Growing up in Fort Worth, the stock show and rodeo is a
tradition. To some, it’s a
religion. Every year Santa (i.e.
my mom) gives everyone in the family a rodeo ticket in his/her stocking. We typically go that one evening to the
rodeo and that’s it. However, this
year has been a bit different. A
family friend of ours always invites us to random stock show events over the
course of the three weeks, and this year I went to the llama show for the first
time.
I have never attended the llama show because it always
starts at 8:00 am. Needless to
say, I am not a morning person.
However, I have always had a thing for llamas and alpacas (I send lots
of these pictures
on a regular basis to my friends).
I had no idea what to expect upon entering the arena. In the dirt there were stakes, logs, a
ball pit, hula-hoops, buckets, and more.
I quickly realized that the llama show was, in fact, llamas attempting to
complete an obstacle course.
As the judges announce the categories, that confuse me more
than anything, a little girl comes out and leads her llama (which is easily
twice her size) through the obstacle course. I soon realize that llamas are extremely temperamental
animals. They refuse to cooperate
and will stand still no matter how hard their handlers pull on their
reins. We are all giggling and
amused by the defiant llamas and their visibly frustrated handlers.
However, we all broke out into laughter when this one stubborn
llama was completing his course and one of the props malfunctioned. After begrudgingly walking through a hula-hoop,
the llama was required to put its two front feet on a bucket and stand on
it. While attempting this feat,
the galvanized bucket broke below his feet and everyone was unsure of what to
do. As the handlers and the judges
convened to figure out what to do, the llama entered in to their circle, as if
to take part in their conversation.
We were all overcome with laughter. I think what made this situation so
entertaining and laughter-provoking was the fact that it was unexpected and no
one knew how to handle the situation.
The show had already been amusing as the llamas would not cooperate with
the handlers nor would they complete the obstacles willingly. However, the bucket incident pushed us
over the edge, as there was confusion and a little chaos. And when the llama took on a more
human-like role by entering into the conversation, the shift from what was
expected to the unexpected was even more apparent and the incongruity caused us
to burst out into laughter.
…or maybe we found this moment funnier than it really was
since we had all consumed an adult beverage by the time this occurred (and don’t
worry, we are all 21 and over)…
Luckily, I was able to capture this moment on video, and now it can
bring laughter to others…
Hey Audrey,
ReplyDeleteThe llama show sounds like it would be an extremely intriguing event to watch. After checking out the video on the bottom, I would completely agree that a lot of what caused the laughter was the incongruity of the event. I wouldn't have expected the llama to look so invested in the bucket conversation. Also, just from going to the rodeo and watching other livestock events, I think it is a normal thought to expect the animals to listen to their handlers, which would cause incongruity when they didn't respond well to being told what to do. Plus, the surprise of the llama breaking the bucket actually caused me to laugh from my computer. Even though I knew the llama would break the bucket, it was still humorous because it is not what is supposed to happen (I think) when a llama steps on a bucket.
Audrey,
ReplyDeleteThe fact that the story involves llamas is what gets me laughing. I think they are a goofy animal and their actions just seem funny to me. It's great you caught this on video as well! Hearing the story retold is great, but reliving it through your Youtube video is great! I think it's funnier when the llama goes over and meets with the group as if it wants to know what the heck happened to the bucket also. I do find it funny that you were intoxicated and you mentioned the llama show starts at 8 am, that's quite the morning party! Kudos to you.
Great story; thank you for sharing!
Brandon Cundith
Audrey,
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine being there and witnessing this chaotic llama show, lol. The funniest part of the story when reading it was when you described the llama walking into the circle of people as if the llama were a human, too. Those occurrences where animals act similar to humans are always hysterical. I also believe that adding the video you captured of the whole scene enhanced the experience for me as well anyone else who has read this post. This is definitely one of those "you had to be there" moments in order to fully experience the humor of it all, but adding a visual of the moment made it much more understandable.
Wonderful post, and truly humorous. I loved the video! Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteAudrey,
ReplyDeleteI found your post absolutely hilarious! I too have quite the fascination with llamas. The fact that a llama show even exists I think is incredibly strange, but obviously it is also incredibly amusing. I love how the llama tried to join the circle. I'm so glad you caught it on camera because as I was reading the post I wasn't sure I entirely believed it! Who would've guessed something as simple as a stubborn llama could be so funny!
Mary Grekstas