Ranch branding – kid style

Spring means branding and vaccinating time for calves before they get turned out with their mamas to summer pastures. We were fortunate to have some very patient friends who offered to let our kids join their kids to learn the ropes of  branding over the weekend. It was meant to be a learning experience for all them (and a test of patience for the adults!)

The kids each took turns in the catch pen; two in at a time roping until they caught one. You could almost see the gears smoking in their minds as they tried to remember what to do once they had a calf on the end of their rope – dally (thumbs up), steer the horse (but not too fast) (but not too slow), take the corner wide, keep the rope taut…and BIG smiles as they drug one to the crew. It will be a few years before this crew hires out, but you’ve got to start somewhere.

All in all, awesome way to spend a Saturday afternoon!