Kenney chronicles in photos the team roping fundraiser for the Rodeo Committee 051819

Photos by Frank Kenney

On Saturday, May 18, 2019, Frank Kenney photographed .a team roping fun raiser for the Rodeo Committee. Dr. Kevin Brown, a local vet won it .He was "In A Zone" as they say in sports phrasing, according to Kenney. Brown is a long time roper. He's the one in the black cowboy hat.

The Working Horse of Southwest New Mexico
An exhibit titled The Working Horse of Southwest New Mexico with photos by Frank Kenney will hang in 1st New Mexico Bank, 1980 Highway 180 East, Silver City, NM, from June 5, 2019 through June 15, 2019 to celebrate the 1st New Mexico Bank Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo. It will be viewable during bank hours.

"In the 40 plus years I’ve lived in southwest New Mexico, none of the jobs I’ve ever had came close to the demands and risks placed on the Agricultural Producer," Kenney said. "Perhaps most critical to the safe, quiet handling of cattle is a well-trained horse. And most of these “working” horses are also used in team roping and barrel racing competitions (at least at our local arenas).

"My wife Judith and I have printed and mounted 40 photographs taken last summer, 2018," Kenney continued. "They are 18”x12” images of local team roping and barrel racing events in Hidalgo, Grant and Catron Counties. I also photographed practice sessions of the NMSU Rodeo team in Las Cruces in September 2018."

All photographs in this exhibit are “straight”- full frame with no enhancements. They are for sale and should be considered “1/3” (one of only three prints of each). All proceeds will be donated to our Southwest Horsemen’s Association-Rodeo Committee, and Denise Baird’s Rope for Hope efforts in Cliff.

Everything was shot with a Canon XTi with either the 28-135mm or the 70-300mm Canon lens.

"To the Rancher I say thank you for your trust, generosity and patience," Kenney said. "These qualities are a continual inspiration to me.

"To the viewer I say thanks for letting me share glimpses of this arcane but critical life style I so admire.

"And mostly, thanks to the folks at First New Mexico Bank for their encouragement and support."
Frank Kenney, June 2019