We've had a lot of activity at the ranch lately, as it's time to ship some of the one-year old calves. They weigh about 800 pounds now. Wow! I am always amazed by how fast they grow. And a little grateful we don't grow that fast. I sure enjoy having little kids around for multiple years!
We headed down to see some of the activity surrounding moving the calves, and the kids were fascinated with the horses. Who wouldn't be? Seeing a bona fide cowboy galloping is the quintessential image of the West.
As we were wandering about, I noticed some metal artwork that captured the Wild West flavor. Hanging on the scale building was a cowboy roping.
I took two photos because it stretched around the corner and one part was in the shade and another part in the sun. But then I tried to capture the whole thing.
I'm not sure who put it up, but it sure is clever. And what cowboy wouldn't like to be able to lasso all those cows that are just out of sight!
Next we were very lucky to have Tierannie share her horse with us. Desert Girl took the first ride. She wasn't too certain about being up on a horse, but she really wanted to do it. It was interesting reading all the expressions going across her face.
She held on tight and enjoyed being up so high.
His most exciting part was when he got to hold the reins. Tierannie gave him a two-minute rundown on how to ride a horse, and Matthew declared that now he was a cowboy because he knew how to control a horse.
My little cowboy. He even was wearing his cowboy boots for the occasion.
As soon as he got down (all by himself, just like a real cowboy!) he declared he wanted his own horse. I guess he and his friend Ava now have something more to talk about!
every kid should have a horse. It teaches a lot of good life lessons
ReplyDeleteThe first horse ride I ever went on was very near there. When I was 5 we visited my uncle and aunt (they lived at the Strawberry Creek state highway maintenance station) - my cousins had a white mare named "Snow", and my cousin Judi took me for a ride with her through the sagebrush up and down the creek. What a thrill!
ReplyDeleteA year later I started English riding lessons and going over small fences.