Harold's Canadian Cowgirl - featuring...Cows!!

Yeehaw Harold!!! Wow, did we ever have a blast today!! I told my Dad yesterday what we were up to in order to put a smile on Harold's face and we talked about how the cows might handle being worked a bit. I wasn't too sure if he would want me to try...our cows are pretty quiet and are more likely to chase Linus than let Linus chase them! I wanted to pose for a pic while scratching our bull on board Linus but I forgot all about it when I was having so much fun! (The very reason I make lists for everything!)

Unfortunately Dad was running some errands when we got to the farm so he didn't get to see us work and play but I showed him the pictures and we had just finished when he got back so we let the horses graze on the lawn afterwards. Linus was incredible being away from Allie too. I've been working at that and with a job to do he didn't even think about her not being with us. 

I was going to go with my brown cowboy boots, but it was muddy and I actually do wear them on a regular basis with jeans! So, I dug out this flashier pair to try to give Betsy and her flashy red ones a run for their money!! : )  What do you think Betsy?? Oh and its jeans over the boot...lol

Unfortunately Linus ducked his head down but this was my practice run at swinging the rope above his head. I even picked out a red, white and blue one so I could remain patriotic for my American friends : )   Linus passed this test with flying colours..

Here, we encounter our first cow. She is a coming 3 year old and was the only one in this part of the field, having not yet joined the others for sunbathing time. She paid for it and became our first test!! As you can see, I am swinging the rope while riding and we successfully drove her through this scrub bush. Linus wanted to follow through because he got such a charge out of it!!

I know the quality of this picture isn't great. It is overcast and my husband took it quickly before really having a chance to zoom in but I love it. Riding off to meet my herd!!

As you can see, the herd is very troubled by our presence!! Lucy didn't even bother to get up!! And yes, even though they are all black, I can name each and every one of them. I've been on hand to either watch or assist in the majority of them being born and then giving birth themselves. 

Our next victim was Wee-Mac Snowcone. Named so because she was born outside on a freezing cold day and was half frozen when I found her. I brought her up to the barn across my lap on the 4wheeler and warmed her up...she has been an awesome broodcow!! I'm not sure how impressed she was with us, but Linus loved it!

We managed to make a circle with her, so I think we did pretty good in controlling where we wanted her to go. Linus and I both really got into it. It was so much fun and I was laughing most of the time and telling him how awesome he is! I have never done anything like this before and it was so cool! At one point I was a bit overwhelmed to be doing something like this on a horse that I have brought up myself and we completely trusted each other. It was so rewarding!

C'mon Snowcone, we're cutting you away from the herd. Harold wants a cowgirl...he's getting a working one!

Here we come, back from our cattle cutting. Still fresh and ready for more!

We borrowed Dad's western saddle for the day. I know the stirrups are too short but I didn't want to adjust them. With my luck I wouldn't remember what length Dad had them. He is actually taller than me but my legs are longer than his! The saddle was a better fit than the western I just sold so at least I know I made the right choice. It took Linus a couple of minutes to adjust to it but once we got going, he was fine and comfortable. He makes it very clear to me when he isn't so that was good!

A big hug for my big, brave "western boy" as I called him today. I love his expression. He looks like he's enjoying my hug! He's got so much character that there is never a dull moment around him!

So, there you have it Harold. Cowboy hat, plaid shirt, kickass boots, patriotic lariat (hanging on the other side) and you can't see it but I swapped out my regular CASE IH belt buckle for a bronzed one of a western saddle just for you! 

You aren't seeing things. While letting the horses enjoy the remaining grass on the lawn, Linus decided to have a sip from the bird bath (don't tell my Mom he was standing in the flower bed!) I had walked over to stop him from crossing the back deck which he was about to do! Then he turned around and decided working cattle had earned him a drink! What a guy!

My Grandma and Great Aunt were visiting and I found out later that they had been watching from the kitchen window which is to the left and up about 6'. Oh well, they had a good laugh. 

Last year, I didn't tell them otherwise when they kept calling Linus a nice pony. Well, they were blown away by how big he has gotten and how he has filled out. They said he was absolutely gorgeous and I have to agree!!

I hope this video works. It wasn't playing too well on my computer and Linus was going over to my husband as if saying "Look at how much fun we are having!" It was such a hoot today. Linus listened like a pro to all of my cues and I think he really enjoyed such a change in pace! I think we will definitely be doing this again. The cows didn't get worked up (we've been accused of running an Angus Retirement Home) and we had a ball. 

I hope this gives you a good chuckle Harold. We decided to trade in the rifle for the rope and cows and I couldn't have had more fun doing it. My button has not yet arrived (tomorrow probably!!) but you were in my pocket and definitely there with us!

Donna & Linus

Lunenburg, On