Eclipse unseating the rider brought a cheer from the crown and a long string of quickly spoken statistics from the announcers about the bull, the breed, and the newest stock contractor on the block. It was a fair amount of praise and excitement expressed for the future. Santiago was pleased. The score and the publicity was what he'd wanted.<br/><br/>After she'd spoken her piece, he paused, but only long enough think thoughtfully through her words before speaking. Anyone involved with the rodeo circuit who had their eyes open knew it had it's own underbelly of good old boy politics and familial bonds, and while the sport itself had its roots in Latin America, the United States had turned it up a notch until most people just assumed it was an American West tradition from the start. It was hard for any south of the border contestant or contractor to make it. You had to be the best to make it and even then you still met with invisible walls of prejudices. One only needed to talk to the cowboys from Brasil to know that.<br/><br/>Whether or not she was subtly hinting at shoring him up, or blocking him out based on her proposal, he couldn't be sure, but the eluded perks of a venture from a buyer he knew little about didn't stack up against good business sense and an eluded threat was unwelcome on any level.<br/><br/>He nodded to her politely, giving his answer before the announcers finished their round of introductions for the next rider. "I've heard the same. Old traditions can make for tough markets. But Eclipse isn't for sale. He has the rest of the season to work and then I'll need him for breeding. If you're still looking at that time, I'd be happy to have you down to look at the calves." There was nothing out of the ordinary or impolite about his answer; just sound business.