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Starting At Daylight

Posted on July 16, 2021July 16, 2021

They had overnighted in the holding pen. Bawling for their mothers, calling to their calves, until through sound, sight, and smell, they reunited themselves and lay down… content. Their early morning peace was disturbed by the pickup and horse trailer that arrived and discharged its cargo of three ponies and five horses. Each gathered by its human rider… halters were removed, eyes rubbed, coffee swigged, bits inserted into mouths and throat latches buckled. Yawns were abundant with the shorter cowboys… and the older ones checked cinches, grabbed water bottles, and double checked stirrup length and reins.

Finally ready, the cows were urged from the pen and started to the Mesa Pasture. A gorgeous, smoky sunrise kicked off our morning.

As the lane widened, I went alongside and up towards the lead. Encouraging cows to walk on is easy from the side. They see you and that’s often all it takes. Following directly behind cows, you are in their blind spot and they spend lots of time turning their head, walking side to side, in order to keep you in sight. By their side, and out twenty to thirty feet is prime. Not close enough to stop them, but close enough to let them see you is the sweet spot.

Even though our cows are familiar with the way, you can’t leave them alone at the front and expect them to stay on the proper trail. They’ll find a spot and bail off… searching for green grass, or their “lost” calf, or just BECAUSE. Keeping the front moving is key to having space and incentive for the ones in the middle and back to move. You can ball them up like a band of sheep and move them that way, but it’s much more fun to watch them walk out.

Brandon counts them through the gate and I soon interrupt him to swoosh the ones up the hill and keep some movement going. We did very well… up at the pasture and paired by 10:15. Nothing like starting at daylight to get your work done!

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4 thoughts on “Starting At Daylight”

  1. Joan Wood says:
    July 17, 2021 at 12:07 PM

    Loved the sunrise, but the dust,,, ugh!

    Great to see the youngsters helping.

    I’m always amazed at the finesse of moving cows. Who knew that about 30 feet to the side is best!!! Thanks for sharing. Now, if I ever herd cattle in another life, I’ll know how. (LOL)

    Reply
  2. Joanne says:
    July 17, 2021 at 9:38 AM

    What a wonderful start to your working day. Loved the Mama and daughter holding hands whilst riding along.

    Reply
  3. Marilyn says:
    July 17, 2021 at 9:00 AM

    With a sunrise like that, and views that beckon, “let’s go for a ride” ~ it would be hard to keep my mind on the work!! You all did well, and nature helped capture some wonderful scenes.

    Reply
  4. Susan says:
    July 17, 2021 at 4:45 AM

    So wonderful to see your family out working together! Enjoy the summer!

    Reply

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Carol, Wyoming rancher

Since 2008, I’ve kept this photographic journal of life on a Wyoming ranch.  I share ranch work, my family, crafts and DIY, my English Shepherd, Bravo, and a love for this land.  Enjoy this red dirt country!

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