I spent my birthday money on...

Yes, I still get birthday money.

Don't ask me why but I think only a crazy person would turn down checks that arrive in the mail. As long as they keep showing up, I'll keep using them.

Anyhow, maybe I bought a new pair of these....I've only been wanting them since last May

Or perhaps I spent my money on some new jeans... I've really been needing two or three new pairs. I'm particulary attached to Silver Jeans and would love to have a pair of Big Star, Miss Me or BKE (although they'd break my budget).

I've also been wanting a coral blazer and some cute new summer dresses (check out my Pinterest boards to see what I'm talking about).

So what did I buy with my birthday cash?

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I bought some of this...

to feed to him.

This is my "child" and his name is Doc. He really really wants to mess up those shavings but I had to snap a picture first (with my new favorite app, Instagram! Follow me @brandibuzzard)

Yes, I bought prairie hay, pine shavings, fly spray and feed for my horse because I needed all of those supplies and I'm not very good at splurging on myself. I'm horrible at it really. The Ninja hates that and tried to get me to buy new jeans or some Vera Bradley pieces that I adore. But how could I shirk my responsibilities to feed and care for an animal who has been my A-team rope horse for an entire decade? I can't.

And since I have your attention, I am going to brag on this fabulous steed. This is Buzzard's Zanadoc (Doc) and I at the Hays College Rodeo in 2008.

Look how he burys up - gives me chills.

Pratt College Rodeo in 2007 in the short round. He works so hard and is automatic. Same run every time - breaks hard, runs fast, stops hard. Doesn't get off track, doesn't stray and always gives me the money shot. I love him.

He's carried me a long way - I roped my first calf off him in October 2002 and have rarely roped calves without him. He's been lame off and on; roping is hard on the hocks and legs in general. He's also clumsier than all get out (sound familiar?) and could get hurt in a padded room but he's worth every frustration, cent and minute. We raised him on the Buzzard ranch, out of one of Papaw's mares and he's a nephew to our great Quarter Horse stud Take Care O' Neall. He's laid up right now with a very swollen deep digital flexor tendon and I may never rope off him again (crossing my fingers that the vets are wrong) but he'll never be sold or traded off to another home. I'll feed him, care for him and adore him until the day he dies. I'll continue to boast of him long after he's gone. He's paid his dues and now it's time I pay mine.

This post was supposed to be about responsibility and taking care of livestock but it turned into much more than that. I'll never have another horse like Doc and I hope that every roper who reads this is reminded of that first good horse they had which probably still holds a soft spot in their heart today.

Until next time,

~ Buzzard ~