I think about him often. But here, riding is where I remember Johnny most. He was so quiet: in voice, in horsemanship, in stockmanship. Ride into that herd quiet, cut out the cow and calf pair, let your horse be quiet too, turn the pair, and follow them out so they think it’s all their idea. You can be quick if you need to, especially to turn back those cows that don’t have their calves, but slow and steady and quiet is the key.
The grandkids are getting there. Holding the herd can be a BORING job as the adults do most of the cutting, but if a cow thinks she has her calf and takes off for FREEDOM (and there are those cows who never have their calves until the very end… those dreaded repeat offenders), it can be on the grandkids to turn them back to the holding herd until they find their calves or their calves grow bold enough to follow them.
Full speed isn’t necessarily required. Keeping an eye on the right cow is a talent. Not messing up the pairs already in FREEDOM is appreciated. Stay in the middle. “Be at one with the horse, Spock…” This video is just that… turning back the errant cows while others are cutting pairs out.
Like I said, the grandkids are getting it… and I’m happy to see Johnny’s Legacy at work.
What a wonderful video showing how well the GKs are working and learning with the adults. Quite a few momma cows have that ‘don’t mess with me attitude’ which must make for an interesting time. Well done for getting them all sorted.
Carol! Thank you so much! takes a lot of time and patience for sorting pairs!
Thanks for pointing out “ Glen” he is looking good!
Again so beautiful great job y’all!
I wish I was there!
The ‘ayes’ have it for this wonderful video! So nice to watch the youngsters learn and practice their skills as riders and doing cow work. Shows a lot of concentration and patience; and how both the cows, calves, horses, dogs, kids, parents, you and Vernon are always watching! So, the ‘eyes’ have it!
Wonderful capture!!