MARGIE ROBERTS - TRICK RIDER - Song Page
© words & music by Annie Wilson
from CD Peace on the Prairie
Album Notes: Undoubtedly one of the most remarkable women of the Flint Hills, Margie Roberts (1916-1982) was an incredible athlete and horsewoman who entertained crowds across the U.S. with her skill and daring feats. (My thanks to her family members Shannan Hauser and Lala Roberts for their help on this song.)
LYRICS:
My name is Margie Roberts and I ride the rodeo
I grew up in the Flint Hills - The horse is what I know
My dad would buy the wild ones; us kids would get ‘em rode
We trained ‘em every day ‘til he’d get another load
While the horses jumped and twisted, I learned to keep my balance
Those childhood days of broncos - helped me hone my talents
Soon the neighbors came to watch us - that’s how it all began
The Flint Hills Rodeo was born - with the wild Roberts clan
Soon I joined a Wild West Show - trick riding was my game
The folks would come to see me - if the show bill had my name
My special trick was standing - leaning forward in my “Dive”
Held up by the wind and speed - I’d race around the side
The rhythm of a horse’s lope - comes more easily
Than walkin’ on the ground - on these legs God gave to me
I’d rather be on horseback - than any other place
Even when I’m on a bronco - there’s a smile on my face
My horse and I would practice - all day in the arena
I’d leap and do the double vault - like a horseback ballerina
Side hang from the saddle - like the Indians used to ride
Or lean clear back behind the tail - and do the backward drag
I’d cross under the belly - while my horse would gallop ‘round
The crowds would gasp and wonder - how I never hit the ground
In western shows and circuses - even Madison Square Garden,
I loved to hear the wild applause - as we’d finish up a hard one
And-I rode in early rodeos - when women rode rough stock,
I’d ride ‘em all and never fall - those bulls and saddle broncs
Nineteen-forty was my glory - at the big one in Cheyenne
I won the Ladies’ Bronc event - the U.S. champion CHORUS
Now my life is on the prairie - far from the crowd’s romance
I raise and train my horses - on a little Flint Hills ranch
My days are sweet and quiet - but I never will let go
Of-those thrilling days and memories when
I rode the rodeo.