Good point Bud. Now, following my BBM experience, I've become a big bull riding fan and watch it all the time. And, I've always been curious about the origins of the 8 second rule. I mean... why not an even 10 seconds or a "lucky" 7 seconds? 8 just seems so random somehow. Do you happen to know more about what the number 8 means in this regard?
THE NUMBER 17 = 1 + 7 = 8 or Eight Seconds Not sure about the actual origins of the 8 second rule in rodeoing, I do know that my own "Mr Showoff", DL, who has tried Bronc riding, has never held on over for over 7 seconds. And he is foolishly determined to go over that line.
The 8 seconds as the reference to Ennis's mail box number does seem to me to be the
simplest and most logical reason for the numbers 1 and 7 to appear on the mail box. I do think that it wasn't put there randomly, and that it must have significance to Ennis, especially given that Ennis backs up and gives the number an appraisal.
The mythology of "8 seconds" runs throughout C&W music, pick an artist and you will find a song that references the 8 second rule. I think to Jack Twist, 8 Seconds meant success in life, achievement in something that he could be proud of, and certainly Ennis knew this. In fact Ennis and Jack discussed the 8 second rule in one of their camp fire suppers while on the mountain. So when Ennis saw the numbers 1 and 7 on his mail box, this would bring back bittersweet memories of Jack.