C. L. Hoskins

1962

"Started at New Mexico A & M, again." "Had some troubles and dropped out." "I didn't want to but needed some money."

1962 (September) to 1964 (April)

"In October three rodeos: Ajo, Roswell and Truth or Consequences Made $1,000 in three months and thought I was real good. Rodeoed until April 1964 with odd jobs between. Got hurt and went to truck."

C.L. was working toward achieving Professional Cowboy statues.

Bareback Riding: Bareback riding, developed in the rodeo arena many years ago consistently produces some of the wildest action in the sport. A bareback rider begins his ride with his feet placed above the break of the horse’s shoulder. If the cowboy’s feet are not in the correct position when the horse hits the ground on its first jump out of the chute, the cowboy has failed to “mark out” the horse properly and is disqualified.

Throughout the eight-second ride, the cowboy must grasp the rigging (a handhold made of leather and rawhide) with only one hand. Optimum spurring action begins with the rider in control, his heels at the horse’s neck. He then pulls his feet, toes turned outward, to the horse's withers until the cowboy’s feet are nearly touching the bareback rigging. A rider is disqualified if he touches his equipment, himself or the animal with his free hand. The rider is judged on his control during the ride and on his spurring technique. The score also based on the rider’s “exposure” to the strength of the horse. In addition, the horses performance accounts for half the potential score.

Bull Riding: Unlike the other rough stock contestants, bull riders are not required to spur. That’s no surprise, as it’s usually impressive enough just to remain seated for 8 seconds on an animal that may weigh more than a ton and is as quick as a cat. Upper body control and strong legs are the remain attributes, along with great balance are essential to riding bulls. The rider tries to remain forward, or “over his hand,” at all times. Leaning back may cause him to be whipped forward when the bull bucks. That’s a good way to lose a few teeth! Judges watch for good body position and other factors, including use of the free arm and for added points, spurring action. Although not required, this spurring of the bull will add points a rider’s score. As in all the riding even half of the score in bull riding is determined by the contestant’s performance and the other based on the animal’s efforts. A bull rider will be disqualified for touching the animal, himself or his equipment with his free hand.

Steer Wrestling: Wrestling a steer requires more than just brute strength. The successful steer wrestler, or bull-dogger, is strong, to be sure, but he also works on the principles of leverage the steer wrestler, mounted on horseback, starts behind a barrier, and begins his chase after the steer has been given a head start. If the bull-dogger leaves the box to soon and breaks the barrier, he receives a 10 second penalty.

The steer wrestler is assisted by a hazer, which is another cowboy on horseback who works from the other side to keep him running in a straight line. When the bull-dogger’s horse pulls even with the steer, he slides down the right side of the horse and reaches for the steer’s horns. After grabbing the horns, he digs his heels into the dirt as the steer slows, the cowboy turns the animal left on its right horn and pushes down with hand in an effort to tip the steer over.

After the catch, the steer wrestler must either bring the steer to a stop or change the direction of the animal’s body, before tipping the steer over or he’s disqualified. The clock stops when the steer is on his side with all four legs pointing the same direction. Many call this the big man’s sport.

* Ajo, Arizona Bull Riding

* T. or C., New Mexico Bareback Riding and Bull Riding

* Roswell, New Mexico Bull Riding and Steer Wrestling

Filled card in Roswell for Professional statues

First, at that point which the amateur individual feels there are ready to turn pro, they must purchase a Permit from the PRCA. With this, they are able to ride in professional rodeos, or in other words, rodeos sanctioned by the PRCA for one year. During this time, the permit member must win a minimum of $1000 in order to be awarded a card by the PRCA, the signature of a professional rodeo cowboy, otherwise known as a "Card Holder."

If the permit holder is unable to win the required amount, they must repurchase a permit the following year and start over again. If the individual is skilled, they may very well fill their permit in just one or two rodeos, but some, unable to keep up at the pro level, may need the entire season to fill their permit. What makes matters difficult for the permit holder is not just that they must win $1000, but that they are only allowed to enter those rodeos which accept permit member entries and even at these shows, card holding members are given priority. So though a permit member may find a show that accepts permits, he may be bumped by a card holder who decides to enter later.

* San Jose, California Bull Riding and Steer Wrestling

* Portland, Oregon Bull Riding and Steer Wrestling

"Visited Doug and Argie in Seattle during the world's fair." To this day, I can feel the emotions of the day C. L. left us. He seemed to be so alone. I wish I could wrap my arms around that moment and tell him how much I cared and how my heart was still with him.

* San Francisco, California Bull Riding and Steer Wrestling

* Other places in California; Santa Maria, San Bernardino,

Santa Barbara, Red Bluff, Woodlake, Salinas, Los Angeles,

San Diego, Bakersfield, Victorville, Palm Springs, San Luis Obispo,

Fresno, Sacramento, Modesto.

I pulled some old arena photos from the internet so I could feel the nature of the places that were not always filled with glory. These were places where C. L. would hang his hat for the events or places that he didn't call home.

* Denver, Colorado

* Dallas, Texas

* Houston, Texas

* Odessa, Texas

* San Angelo, Texas

* El Paso, Texas

* Lubbock, Texas

* Tucson, Arizona

* Phoenix, Arizona

* Cheyenne, Wyoming

* Calgary, Canada

* Albuquerque, New Mexico

* Idaho Falls, Idaho

* Twin Falls, Idaho

* Boise, Idaho

* Las Vegas, Nevada

* Reno, Nevada

Other places. . .

C. L. made about $5,000 in September 1962.

$21,000 in 1963.

$7, 600 in 1964.

Well I'll gladly take ten seconds in the saddle
For a lifetime of watching from the stands.

His stetson was faded and battered and worn
The stubble of his beard showed flex of gray
His limp was severe cause a leg had been torn by a bronc in his rodeo days
He hung round the chutes while we waited to mount
With a vague look of longing in his eyes
He spoke very few words but he made 'em count
He was broken forgotten but wise
He said life's is just like ridin' broncs its a battle
Then he rolled a cigarette with shaky hands
Son I'll gladly take ten seconds in the saddle
For a lifetime of watching from the stands

I noticed the cigarette burns on his vest
And the rembrandt of a dream left in his eyes
The boys said he could have well been the best
Had not fate cheated him of his prize
Oh but I learned a lesson that I never known
From this guy who'd been busted so bad
It's better to ride even if you get throwed
Than to wind up just wishing you had
He said life's is just like...
Yes I'll gladly take ten seconds in the saddle
For a lifetime of watching from the stands Ledoux Chris Lyrics

In 2002 C. L. tried his sport of Rodeoing as a Senior participant. He was sick but "true to the nature of Hoskins" he was enduring to the end.

C. L.'s wife Judy brought this photo when we shared his ashes with the Gulf of Mexico.

The kissing his ashes with "See you later" was shared with family hugs and it was an amazing time on this earth. Prayers were offer to the Heavens for the brief time that we share each other's tenderness. Life is a book with pages that are quickly turned and once printed only the memories remain. Each day is so precious. I appreciate the words from friends and family who have expressed loving memories of this dear soul Charles Leslie Hoskins and invite you to share your thoughts and experiences that you have had with him for us to remember him. For me, he was my brother C. L. who shared his gum with me, his dreams, his joys and his tears. He was my pal. We understood each other with a depth that words can not express. His bright mind took me to places of understanding that only the eternities will explain. We sat together and dreamed what we wanted life to be, we prayed prayers that only the Heavens could understand. We walked the riverbeds and solved problems far beyond our years of youth. I have experienced his generosity and caring. C. L. Hoskins it will be a glad reunion when the clouds roll my way and sweep me home. Hugs from your sister Orangejello, Argie Ella, a name that only you could say in an endearing way. The first time that you called me Orangejello, I was upset. Now it makes me laugh. Friends have told me that they liked your laughter, so I will say goodnight to you with a smile.
GULF OF MEXICO