Gary at the Rodeo

Hi, I'm Gary. I meet Johnny in 1964 when I was in LA with my grandparents doing the tourist thing. My grandfather had found out that there was a junior rodeo in town and asked me if I wanted to go. Of course I said yes. I grew up with horses and my grandfather was a professional trainer and I was riding since I was four. I belonged to the Canadian Jr. rodeo association and had been competing for almost two years at this time. When we arrived at the rodeo my grandfather was having problems entering me in the bucking horse event as they sought I was too young. He somehow proved I was capable at riding so after signing a waiver, I was allowed to enter.
I was sitting on the rail watching the event when all of a sudden I saw Johnny Crawford in the chute ready to come out. Well Johnny came out and lasted all of 4 seconds before being thrown. Of course I thought this was funny and I laughed out loud. Johnny came towards me and I thought I was going to get it from him for laughing at him. All he said was Hi, I'm Johnny Crawford. I thought I was going to die. Here I'm talking to one of my hero's in person. I was a loyal fan of The Rifleman. All we talked about was horses. He told me about his horse Two Bits. It was my turn to compete so I mounted the horse told them I was ready and out we went. I lasted all of 3 seconds, less than Johnny. Johnny didn't laugh at me, he should have, but I guess he was a bigger person then I was. I didn't talk to Johnny after that, as he was busy talking with the other contestants he knew.
It was the thrill of then my young life. It proved to me that even movie stars can be human and down to earth and that is was Johnny is. Of all the years I showed and competed in shows and rodeos I was only hurt once and that was when I showed English jumper class, the horse came up to the jump and stopped, I didn't and went head first into the jump, breaking my left arm. I couldn't believe that of all the times I was thrown from a horse, that was the only time I was hurt.
I heard that Johnny had to put Two Bits down in 1981.That must of hurt him, I know as I put Rowdy down in 1982.Its like losing your best friend. Keep up the good work Johnny.