Happy Trails with Dawni O’Bryan: If Only Life had a Night Latch

Sometimes in rodeo and in life, the biggest challenge is to just stay in the saddle. Getting bucked off will result in a “No Score” in the bronc riding and getting bucked off in life will result in a “No Joy.” Often, we need a little help to keep the balance, to stay hooked, and complete the ride. In comes the term “night latch.” A night latch is usually made of leather or nylon and similar to a large dog collar. It wraps around the gullet of a western saddle and is used to hang on to when riding colts, ranch broncs, or any horse that acts contrary. It provides more balance and stability than holding on to the saddle horn.

The term ‘night latch’ stems from cowboys who would be on late-night watch of the cattle during a cattle drive. The herd would settle in for the night, but a couple cowboys would have to stay mounted on their horse to keep watch for predators, cattle thieves, or a stampede. During the wee hours of the watch, they would get sleepy and actually fall off their horses. So, they found that if they put their hand in a night latch, if they started to doze off, the strap would catch their hands as they started to tip and wake them to regain their balance.

At the ranch bronc riding event at the Holly Fair, the night latch was used on every ride. The beautiful Saturday afternoon drew quite a crowd at the upgraded Holly Saddle Club arena. The new Powder River bucking chutes had horses from the Dorenkamp and Harris string firing out of there and area cowboys trying to make the eight-second whistle. Winning the long go round was Dakota Canfield of McClave with a score of 86 points, coming in second was Kyle Hampton of Walsh with a score of 82, third was Alex Ramos of Holly, with 80 points, and fourth was Walker Neugebauer, also of Holly, with a score of 76 points. These top four made it back to the short round where they got to get on another bucking horse to ride for the championship title. Canfield came out with a great ride in the short round for a 91 score. But it was Ramos that tallied 93 points for the top honor. The judges were Ross Harmon and Terry DeVaughn. The announcer, Dayne Eaton, ignited enthusiasm in the crowd and aptly named some of the broncs as they came out. “Kamala Harris” fired out of chute three. Gold sponsors for the event were Syracuse Commission Company, Claude and Kammie Cathcart, TBK Bank, and Baxter Commodities.

On Friday, I attended a great tribute to a cowboy that lost his fight with cancer. The funeral of Greg Cline of Holly brought out story after story of this bareback rider turned team roper. This two-time state champion wrestler was a pretty sticky bareback rider and as tough as they come. In his later years, he enjoyed team roping with his many friends and having that connection to the rodeo world. Below is a poem that was written by his son, Cody Cline.

One Last Ride

He knew when he got on her, she was the toughest bronc alive
Many had tried to ride her, but few had survived.
He set his hand, gritted his teeth, and gave his head a nod.
And when the gate flew open and she reared out, he knew he was in the hands of God.
She bucked and kicked and grunted like no other he’d been on before.
But he held on and spurred like hell, although he knew what was in store.
He tried his hardest and never gave up until he heard that whistle sound.
Just his fingertips in the riggin’ and no pickup men around,
He had no choice but to let go and face the big Judge in the sky.
And those of us who watched him ride know the score is high.
And as we say goodbye, our hearts are heavy, yet still filled with pride.
For we all know as we watch him go, he had made his final ride. CC 9/27/24

May your family, friends, and the folks you hold dear, be your night latch to help keep you in the saddle of life.

Happy Trails.