Riding Herd

Today we gathered and worked two groups of animals on the Cope Ranch.  In both cases, we had to ride herd.  Now, when you are riding herd you are trying to move an animal, or group of animals in a specific direction.  And it’s not always easy. 

Remember, we’re dealing with cattle here.  They’re just strolling along, chewing their grass and having a relaxing time of it.  All of a sudden, they’re being pushed and moved to a new location.  We don’t do this just for the fun of it.  There’s always a reason such as fresh pasture, vaccination, or in this case treating them so the flies don’t drive them crazy.  However, the thing is…the cattle don’t know this.  They get nervous and things get exciting.   Especially when one of those animals breaks away from the group, causing you ride herd.  You quickly find yourself trying to coax them to where they need to be. 

When this happened today, my father-in-law and Glen rode after the runaway steer and Orran and I watched from a four-wheeler.  It was a perfect opportunity to talk to him about how to move cattle and what to do when one gets away.  A little bit of on the job training.

How could you not get philosophical when looking at scenery like this?!

Afterwards, while working another group of animals on top of one of our beautiful Ozark hills, I got a chance to get a little philosophical in my thinking.  Riding herd happens a lot in life.  We might be moving right along, everything going great when something happens.  It’s how we handle that something that determines and demonstrates our character.  Maybe you’ve wrecked a car, lost a family member, or just had a bad day.  Maybe you had a steer stray from the group.  Whatever is going on in your life, it’s time to step up and ride herd.  Hopefully it’s easily done, maybe it is not.  Either way, remember, like Orran was today, there are people watching and learning from your example.  So that one day, they too can ride herd.