My buddy Jeremy called me up and said it was time to go branding. I said, bring it. Unfortunately, he got hung up in Texas and couldn't make it, so I stood in his place.
The Vignaroli Ranch northeast of Buffalo is where we worked. Good crew. Fun time.
With plans to ride out at 7:30, I had to catch my horse bright and early.
Then switch may saddle to Chief and get the buck out of him.
Then out to the ranch. Beautiful morning for a round up.
They all came together and the push was on.
Keep the stragglers going, but don't forsake the main herd for a couple calves that get by. We'll pick them up later.
In the corral they go. I'd say around 300 head.
Then they cut the cows out. I was put on calf patrol, and snagged one with my rope that slipped through. The highlight of my season so far.
Nice calves. They were eager to be worked.
But first, coffee and rolls.
Let's ranch.
Pretty smooth operation. Good all-round hands.
Nice iron set up. The handles on some of these branding irons are pipes with holes drilled around the stem to keep the handle cooler. Nifty idea.
Ole Dillion gave us a roping clinic.
Good work, son.
We were done by noon.
And headed back to the ranch.
For some dinner with Miss Jean.
Can't beat it with a stick. Nothing feels better than having rope running across my lap, dallied to my saddle horn, with a calf on the end of it, heading for the fire. If I can experience it even only once a year, I'm a happy camper. Hopefully, this is the beginning of many brandings that I'll get to jump in on this year. If so, we are off to a good start. We'll see what the spring brings. On to the next on.
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