Bo Knows Rodeo Happy 30th Birthday to an all 'round talented horse A 30th birthday celebration was recently held at Blue Creek Arena for JP’s Hobo. Bo, as he is called by family and friends, is one special horse. He has been owned by Frank McDonnell for 26 years, and during this time has earned himself quite a reputation. Bo went with Frank to UT Martin to compete in calf roping, team roping and bull dogging on the rodeo team. Bo became so popular among the competitors, several other people rode him in their events, too. After college Bo was used by Frank and other professional rodeo competitors in pro rodeos all over the country. He has competed in the NCA, IFR, ACA, NARC rodeo finals and has traveled to 46 of the 50 states. Bo has even swam in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. At the ripe old age of 24, Frank decided it was time to retire Bo and let him live a life of leisure. It wasn’t long before Bo quit eating and wasn’t acting like himself. After visits to the vet, trying different food and supplements, someone suggested that he be put back to work. Frank started roping on him again and he started eating the same day, and has been just fine ever since. When Frank’s daughter, Meredith McDonnell, was old enough, she wanted to learn how to barrel race and goat tie and compete in the high school rodeo. Frank used Bo to help teach her how. She became comfortable on him and wanted to use him for the rodeos. Frank thought it would be too hard on him, but gave it a try. It worked out great, because Meredith qualified her freshman year for the 2009 National Finals High School Rodeo Championships in Farmington, New Mexico. She is having another successful year this year. Bo has been used in the summer kid’s camp at the arena and has helped to teach many kids how to ride and rope. He was recently awarded the Professional’s Choice Elite Equine of the Month and was featured in the monthly High School Rodeo Magazine. We just want to wish Bo a Happy 30th Birthday. We all hope you live forever.