ALVIN, Texas – As a youth, Gary Davis wanted a horse, but that wasn't feasible for an on-the-move military family. As an adult, the president/CEO of Chocolate Bayou Community Federal Credit Union saw that dream materialize. And today, Davis escapes the rigors of credit union work by saddling up his horse and heading out to do a little calf roping. The Davis family lives on acreage in the country, and following his father's death, Davis moved his father's horse to Texas for his kids to ride. When his son wanted to learn to rope, they bought a new horse with "cow" in it. That, Gary explained, is one with cutting stock, a quarter horse trained to work with cattle. "As my son was practicing, I was in the background watching, taking in the nuances. When he had slack time and was off the horse, I was on the horse trying my hand at it," Davis said. "Brad had more athletic ability, but I was older and learned to use what was between my ears." Davis' son, now 22, competed in high school and collegiate rodeos, until he had to devote more time to studies. Gary continues to hone his skills a couple of nights a week, weather permitting, at the arena on their home property and in local "jackpot" calf ropings. Rodeo calf roping is timed from the moment the calf leaves the gate to the moment the calf is on the ground with four legs tied. The national champion's time is 6.5 seconds. Davis generally clocks "high 7s or low 8s." "You don't realize these guys are athletes. Their hands are lightning fast. The horse is traveling at 30 miles per hour and you have to hit the ground and rope and tie in the blink of an eye," he said. "It's more difficult than steer roping. Steers are bigger targets, and calves are `dirtier,' which means they can run in any direction." "But it's fun," Davis admitted. "It's my way of relaxing." – [email protected]