Sortin’ and Ropin’ Cows at the Cowgirl Co-op ~ Versitility Ranch Work Clinic

Another Ropin’ Day At the Cowgirl Co-op

What a great weekend at the Cowgirl Co-op! The talented sortin’, ropin’ cowboys came back and assisted THE Cowgirl (my cowgirl partner Shannon) with a fabulous cow teachin’ time in the ranch’s back pasture.  Remember? These were the cute cowboys from last year that fluttered my heart and gave such an educational cow clinic. We just had to bring Mark Milbourn and Preston Johnson along with their cows back for another whoop’em up time! We weren’t  disappointed!

Getting ready to start the day. The cows are ready (well…as ready as cows can be) and cute cowboy #1, Preston, is rounding up the cowgirls to start the clinic. It just might be harder to round up a herd of excited cowgirls than a herd of rangy cows!

The cow ponies are standing ready and waiting to do their duty.

As in all good clinics, everyone lines up for some good instruction first. This is where the cute cowboys excell! They gave great initial advice on how to work with cows,  just as they are worked on a real ranch. These guys are the genuine thing. They live and work as cow cowboys but can also teach what they know by heart.  And they teach it in a fun, spirited way where everything  becomes  another educational moment. They say they learned “cow smart”on the range and “people smart” at the dude ranches they worked at!

It couldn’t have been a prettier day either!

Learn’n cow.

Let’s get some action going and rope one of these critters! OK, so you got one roped …. now what do you do?

 Sometimes, according to cute cowboy #2, Mark,  you just let the cow think about it for awhile. Versitility ranch work is smooth and easy going so you don’t stress the cows so much.  A calm cow is just plain easier to deal with.  So the cows learn to be worked  just as the cowgirls  learn to work them.

Heather is going to give it a try as Mark gives some last minute suggestions.

Heading into the herd. Don’t the cows just look ready to play this game?

I choose you! Keep your eyes on the eyes of the cow you want to sort.

And they’re off!

Got’cha now!

Hmmm, you slipped right on by. Have you played this game before???

Yee haw, haw, haw. I’m off and runing. Catch me if you can!

THE Cowgirl and cute cowboy #1 sit and watch.  You think they’ll figure out that this cow sortin’ thing is harder than it looks, THE Cowgirl wants to know? Oh just wait here a minute it’s about to get alot wilder, Preston replies.

You know it looked so easy when the cowboys sorted those cows!  Did they slip some ringer wild cows in here when the cowgirls weren’t looking??!! Come back here!

Get along little doggie, I’ll show you the way…

Now here’s a cowgirl with some experience! I think the cow’s already figured that out!

Don’t even think about slippin’ by !

OK, I’m done with you….now git on back to the herd. Little doggie be gone!

Speaking of “doggies” how about a lunch break and some hot dogs!? This versitility ranch work can make a cowboy and cowgirl mighty hungry!

Did you ever wonder what goes through the mind of the cow during these ropin’ clinics?

Come get me little cowgirl! I’m easy and sleazy and I’ll slip right by you.  Score  so far?  Cows 20 – Cowgirls 2

Cow’s eye view of  an oncoming cowgirl!

 What can I say … it’s a job and they feed us reeeeeal well! It’s a whole lot better being a clinic cow than a beef cow. And the cute cowboys really like us. eat your heart out cowgirls.

 A man and his cow. Or is that a cow and his man? It begs the question … if cowboys work with cows then do boycows work with cowboys? Yeah, I know, just get back to the clinic.

 Good job, cowgirls! You’re really getting the hang of this!

Watchin’ and learnin’ the fine art of cow.

So now you got the first rope on the beast. Get ready to throw a loop and catch  his back legs.

Hold that cow. Now on the real ranch, you’re ready to doctor, brand or de-nut the little critter. WHAT!!?? Remember I’m JUST the clinic cow!

Still want to play or are you tired of the catch-the-cow-game?

Last minute cow talk as Smoki gets ready to head into the herd.

I’m choosing my cow! Get ready little doggie, Smoki’s gonna get you!

Smokin’ ropin’!!! Got’cha that time!

Too much fun, I’ve got to catch me another one!

Yee haw, got’em smokin’! Look how nice that little appy is taking to cow work!

You’re doing great cowgirls! I can just sit here now and  let you cow around to your hearts content!

All fun must come to an end. Time to round’m up and head’m home.  What a great time was had by all! Our two cute cowboys once again taught us the ropes, educated us on cow sense and made us feel like real versitile ranch cowgirls for the day.  One of the attendees said it all… “I learned more from these real cowboys and had more fun, then in a lot of the clinics I’ve taken with the “famous guys” . Thanks cowboys Mark Milbourn and Preston Johnson, you did a great job! And you’re cute on top of it all!

Join us cowgirls and bring your cowboys to the next versitile ranch clinic at the Cowgirl Co-op on Aug 20 and 21, 2011. Our own partner, THE Cowgirl will  teach the clinic and watch out …..will it ever be fun and educational!

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