Summer on the Ranch

Every day on the ranch brings a different set of challenges. A different circumstance; a new set of chores. There is never really a set schedule. The only thing set in stone, is that each day will be different and sometimes the same. Circular logic, I know.

What we can count on is gorgeous weather. Awesome horses. Cows that escape into pastures-namely the alfalfa pasture- where they shouldn’t be; and machinery breakdowns.

It’s haying season here- we’ll put up around 2000-3000 round bales this summer. We start haying in June- or at least thinking about it- getting mowing machines ready; making sure the baler is in good working order. But despite the boys’ best efforts something always goes awry. The baler may pick up a rock, or a bearing just wears out. One of the mowers breaks. On a non-haying note, two weeks ago it was the four wheeler- which got stuck in fourth gear (we still haven’t taken it to the shop). This week the dump rake broke, which forced Zach to borrow a rake from the neighbor as ours is kaput until we get it to a welder’s shop (which won’t happen until next year).

Last week a dozen cows and their calves were out in our alfalfa field. This week a dozen more. The best part about all of this- is that I’m fortunate enough to get to be the one to put them back. Which means I’m the one horseback; the cowgirl that gets to ride across a pasture putting cows back where they belong. How much better can life get, if you’re me, than to saddle a pretty horse (lately it’s been Wayne’s stud horse Nukie) and move cows through a pasture?

Since the four-wheeler is dead for the moment, I’m the one that gets to saddle a pretty gray mare (Sonora) and ride through two pastures to bring the geldings in. And actually, as much as I hate it that Zach is in the hayfield this week, I like it that I get “saddled” with that job. There’s not much in this world that’s more fun (at least to me) than to long-trot out across a pasture on a good horse, in search of, well, more good horses!