SPECIAL EVENTS
During our October ride this year we were fortunate to have Richard Lupardus put on a round pen demonstration. Richard has traveled extensively with some of the best clinicians in the business. Although he was demonstrating on a horse that had been ridden rather than an unbroke colt, he made his point that it doesn't matter how old or how broke a horse is. Most any horse can benefit from the techniques he was showing, making the horse more responsive to the handler. Knowing what you want to accomplish with each step and rewarding the horse quickly by backing off the pressure after each correct response are important. When the repetition and building from the foundation take place then progress is certain.
  
It was October 2003, and when it comes to weather this time of year ya just gotta be prepared for anything. The weather was beautiful early in the week, but when it came time to start the 3rd annual cattle drive...well, it could've been nicer. Never the less, the drive must go on, regardless of the wishes of 80 plus honery longhorn cows and their babies. Yes, the ranch has been converted from beef cows to longhorns and what a variety they provide. No two exactly alike. (Since 2003, the herd has grown to 300 head.)
FRIDAY (pictures pending)
Saturday was at the mercy of Mother Nature, and even though it was not ideal conditions, all that was heard in the cook shack was, "When are we gonna get started?" Spirits were not dampened, only delayed. After an entire morning of showers and thunder boomers, it let up close to lunch. The decision was made to eat lunch and then get after it. The calves would be vaccinated but the castrations would have to wait. (shades in place, this young man was prepared for rain or shine)
Through drizzle and sometimes more, the process got underway. Mommas bawled their concern and discomfort as the babies were herded into the alley to receive their shots. Seventy-plus youngsters got their first dose of medicine and personal contact with humans. They were anxious to get back with their mommas and the woods were they could get out of the rain.
This gal was looking for the back way in to her youngin' when she smiled for the photographer!
Focused on the cows, the riders took care of business and smiled from under dripping brims. While waiting for the babies to be released they stopped to pose for a couple pictures. Weather doesn't have to govern a good time when friends get together with their horses.
Smiles were common when the job was done and the girls were headed back for the hills. Look real close and you can imagine smiles on the "ol girls" as they head down the lane. The best part of the whole deal was that cattle and wranglers alike could now focus on that next meal, but rest assured the wranglers got the better deal.
If you'd like to join in on the next Round Up fun, let us know as soon as you can. We have a limit of 30 riders involved with the cattle activities, but that shouldn't stop the non-riders from enjoying a weekend of camping and good food!
The rates are:
- Riders Price $200 for the weekend, covers everything!
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- Non-rider Price $100, all inclusive.
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If you want to bring a horse just to ride and not be involved with the cattle activities, it will still be considered as a "Riders" price.
If you have any further questions, please call!!
Copyright © 2007 PCTR, Inc.. All Rights Reserved.
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