Galisteo is a small town (population 265) five miles south of our home in New Mexico. The 1896 settlement was where the Spanish setup their operations when they returned to New Mexico after the 1860 Indian Revolt.
For the past 39 years Galisteo resident Rudy Sena, his extended family and volunteers have put on a typical two day small town rodeo with the usual events. I like these small rodeos better than the big Hollywood style ones – you know most of the people attending, you are close to the action, and it is very casual and fun. This year I rode in the parade before the rodeo.
A week ago today, on the last day of the rodeo, there was a tragic accident. After a successful bronc ride a competitor was fatally struck in the head by his horse’s hoof as he attempted to dismount. You know that rodeos can be dangerous and injuries are not uncommon given the animals and speed, but death is rare and strongly felt by everyone. My wife Kathy and I saw the accident and your heart just comes to a stop and time is suspended.
Kenny McOsker, a bronc rider from Edgewood, New Mexico died doing what he loved. “How many people can say that?” his father, Martin McOsker of Albuquerque, said.
Besides his parents and grandparents, McOsker is survived by his wife, Tay, who is expecting their fourth child; 14-year-old daughter Bailey; 6-year-old son Kole; and 17-month old son Zeb.
McOsker was an only child who grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from Sandia High School. He graduated from The University of New Mexico with a degree in construction engineering and was working for a civil engineering firm in Corrales.
His father said McOsker fell in love with rodeo when he was a sophomore in college. Friends introduced him to bronc riding. “He got hooked,” Martin McOsker said. Kenny McOsker was a member of the New Mexico Rodeo Association and traveled the rodeo circuit around the West.
Kevin Cox, his best friend, will take some of his ashes and scatter them at rodeo grounds around the West. His epitaph will read, “Better 8 seconds in the arena than a lifetime in the stands.” His father said, “It’s a quote from (singer) Chris LeDoux, who was kind of Kenny’s hero.”
A memorial fund in Kenny McCosker’s name has been established at Wells Fargo Bank to benefit his family.
The video below has pictures from last year’s 2009 Galisteo Rodeo and my wife did a blog entry for that same rodeo you can read HERE
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE
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I ran KEATING’S RODEO SCHOOL in Peralta for 25 years. Kenny was one of my “students”
and at an early time he demonstrated unusual telent and a “bear down: attitude. I live in Denison, Texas (for the past 8 yrs) and this news hit me hard. It was a little over a year ago that rodeo legend PAUL EMBERTY died in Los Lunas ( Meadow Lake) The good ones are leaving us and they will be missed. Lou Keating
I would appreciate it if someone would send me the mailing address of the family so I can send a card. Thanks Lou Keating
Lou
We were just talking about you,wondering where you were. You can go to either mine Martin McOsker or Tays Tay Mcosker face book page.
Marty
Hey Lou, I was working on the address for yah. Kenny was a good friend of mine. We were fraternity brothers in college. In fact I remember when he started riding. We shared almost all the same engineering classes together. Hell I just talked to him not more than month before his accident, needless to say I am heartbroken for him and his family. Anyways, I have contacted Kenny’s wife and should get back to me shortly. In the mean time you can reach me @ jared.hopkins@nc3d.com
here is the address:
102 Lexco Rd Edgewood, NM 87015