This is one of the biggest fields (government allotment) that they run pairs on. There are fences out there across the sage brush sea...just very hard to see (even when you're close to them and know where to look). I don't know how many acres, but some fields can run thousands of acres. It takes time and the more riders there are the easier it is of course.
 |
| Gathering Krumbo Field |
After getting the pairs all gathered, we needed to take them through a neighbor's pairs and bulls to the next field over. We sit at the gate for a good hour waiting for the cows and calves to mother up before pushing them through the gate and pushing them hard to get through the other herd...hoping that we can keep the two herds separated.
It could have gone better. Two of Dan's calves ran back out of the herd and they couldn't be brought back, and three pair and a bull of the other herd insisted on getting into Dan's herd. Once they're in the herd, you just have to take them with you and sort them out at the destination. It's a pain, but it works.
 |
| Takin' a Break = Patience in Motherin' Up |
The wind was cold...and it spit snow on us for a lil' bit. But the sun finally came out in the late afternoon though the wind never did let up.
The slick calves got branded (My Man and I got to rope...best part of the day!!) and all in all it was a great day.
OH...gotta say that Red Dog was startin' to get the idea about moving cows...he was trying...but we still have a long way to go.
And, the scenery was gorgeous!
 |
| Spring Snow on Steens Mountain |
So today, Sunday, My Man and I are doing everything we didn't get done at our place yesterday plus what needs to be done today...better get my arse in gear!
Have a wonderful Sunday and a great week ahead!
A little cold weather can't take the joy out of a day like that. How'd you get the two calves back?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! 90 some degrees here... I almost envy you your cold!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. So 'slicks' are unbranded calves, right?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good day all in all :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a challenge trying to keep the two herds separated! Yikes!!
ReplyDeleteNo spittin' snow here, closer to 100 degrees but we have the wind too.
At least the scenery was beautiful and the food sounds fabulous! :)
Sounds like a long day was had. And I hate wind, but still a good day to play with horses and cows. And the meal sounds fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteI know it is a lot of work, but it still sounds like a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteWow Karen... I envy your days... love your series of shots. I'll be the hour wait for the mothering up is a nice rest. I love the shot of Steens, so now I'm wondering do you live on the west side? All this time I've been thinking you lived on the east side...
ReplyDeleteThat is a long day in the saddle!!
ReplyDeleteIsnt it a great expression! Getting my arse in gear! Love that.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, a good post, they say envy is a sin, but to be honest, when it comes to your countryside, I`ll be a sinner!
How can a day in the saddle not be perfect?
ReplyDeleteThe photography is excellent and I love to hear about your adventures and life.
So much more interesting than mine!
:)
Snow???? Holy cow! Love the pictures, love a day in the saddle. Some day I will ride the ranges like that. Now I'm just a Park Trail Princess and Dressage Arena Queen. =)
ReplyDelete