Demonstrating how to turn the cow
along the fence
I was invited Saturday to a ranch horse versatility show in Beaver Utah (which is not on U.S. 89, but not everyone can be so lucky). I have been to rodeos in major league baseball arenas, and photographed some small-town rodeos, which are about as similar to the events at the Triple Sage Ranch as a Ruth's Chris steak dinner resembles a backyard barbecue. Both are going to involve a contribution from a cow, both can be good (especially if R is grilling) but they won't be the same.
Rodeo packaged for television is all about speed at the risk of one's neck. I haven't met a working cowboy yet who wouldn't rather get the job done without serious injury to self or stock. So we won't be seeing television events designed to show whether a horse has "cow sense," or can drag a 100 lb load through sagebrush without freaking out, or willingly steps sideways while a mounted rider opens a pasture gate. No one was taking tickets, but there was an announcer, some cows to move around, and an obstacle course.
This competition was low-key, with more riders than spectators, and maybe more cows that either class of human. The judge was keeping score, but no scores were announced until the end of the day. When a cow got away from one of the youngest riders and his time ran out, everyone applauded when he chased it down anyway. They made the day all about the riders and their families. The little kids played under a tree, or climbed in the lap of a saddled-up parent to get a better look. And there weren't any stadium nachos either, lunch was sloppy joes and hot dogs. I can't think of too many more pleasant ways to spend a Saturday.
I posted more photos of the event. Thanks to the Allreds for a great time, and to Reed of Reed Thomas Quarterhorses for inviting me to tag along.
