Horse Checkin Fence

For those that know Pioneer Woman the photo above is posted in the photography section today! I feel honored! I know I've neglected this blog and I apologize - it has been a difficult year but things are looking up!

Manny, Moe & Jack

A big thank you for all those men that serve our country! Hope everyone had a delightful Memorial Day. How many of you know the origins of Manny, Moe & Jack? What store are Manny, Moe & Jack associated with? Why these names? OneCowgirl prints will be drawn from the correct winners!

Flowers at the Ranch

Patches wants to tell all you men out there that girls like flowers!

Another Adventure in Grassy!

As you may know, I love to ride in Grassy. I was asked the other day if I rode in Grassy to see if spotted any cows. I spotted four pair - the babies were were so cute! I figured since they were unbranded I should move them into the riparian area but since I wasn't given any specific directions I left them alone! Never assume anything! Of course, when I finished riding I was told yes, whatever is in Grassy needs to go in the riparian area!

On the next day I rode out and this time spotted three dry cows - they were very confused over which direction to go - they were on a knoll right above me - I was making noise trying to get my desert rat of horse, Dudley through the water which at times can be challenging. I couldn't figure out why the cows weren't moving away from me. Then lo and behold - I get up the small hill and there is our friend Patches holding them in place! She was scampering back and forth just having a blast. Thankfully, she came when I called her and got behind me so I could move the three cows through the gate into the Riparian Area.

Then I went back and found the four pair and also moved them into the Riparian Area. Finding the four was a bit more challenging but one momma was in the creek and when I startled her she led me back to the other mommas that had their babies down for a nap. While I was moving the pairs I made sure Patches stayed behind with me.

Did I tell you when I call Patches and tell her to stay and she does it!! But unfortunately, she doesn't quite understand "stay or sit" when I tell her from horseback. Any training suggestions?

Please Play with Me

I've got loads of energy!


I've got some really fancy moves! olala!


Smiley Dog Chase Me!! Preeettty Please!


Ok, then I'll go play with OneCowgirl because she gives me treats!

Training Louise

I have been having fun over the past few weeks working with Louise! She is an absolute sweetheart and very smart! She was halter broke when we got her. I've managed to put a saddle on her few times, lunged her, ponyed her and put a bit in her mouth. Though I am told I'm not messing with her feet enough! I think that's a job for Hollywood what do you all think?

Polo Lesson

Just for kicks I had a "polo lesson" a few days ago. My grandfather had a passion for polo. For the lesson I did get to ride this amazing horse that did wonderful flying lead changes (don't tell Dudley!) - I seriously doubt I will get "bitten by the polo bug" though the instructor would like this to happen. While it was fun trotting around hitting a ball with the mallet it is not as easy as it looks. Polo is a game of speed and precision and personally, I would rather walk or do a slow jig on a horse! While I was hunting for a polo picture I came across a recent polo obituary of a player that was injured during polo match and later died and then to top it off his last name is my first name! Definitely a sign that I do not need to take up this sport! And yes, thanks to my grandmother I am somewhat superstitious. Are you supersitious?

Redneck Horse Blanket

Someone sent me this picture recently and it had me chuckling all day long. Personally, I thought it looked a ingenious idea - so, call me a Redneck!

Card Reader Needed!

Yes, I've got some new photos but I can't get them off my camera and need a card reader! Its just taking the time go buy one! I am looking forward to showing you all pictures of the new filly Hollywood was recently given and to tell you about the few things I've been doing with her! Her name is Louise - her running partner is Thelma! Sound familiar?

Wild Cows and Vastness!

I remember the first time I moved cows on a large ranch in Southern New Mexico about 15 years ago. Somehow I got separated from the two cowboys and was off chasing two wild cows - I think they just sent me after the cows to see how I would fare. It was early and I vaguely knew which direction the corrals were in so I went. It didn't take me long to figure out one of the cows was the "ring leader" whatever she did the other followed suit. Of course, the faster I went the faster she went. I remember looking out and being able to see for miles upon miles and not seeing any other human beings, paved roads, cars, civilization. I thought to myself - I bet there are folks that would freak out over this. I told myself be calm, just get the cows to go towards the corral. We must of circled this one mountain two and half times but after a few hours I finally got them to the corral. Of course, lunch had been served and everyone was wondering what had happened to me. I said, "These cows are wild! Whatever that one does the one other one will follow." As everyone was giving me a hard time about only bringing in two cows, two of those cowboys didn't bother to listen to me about the ring leader - what on earth did I know - I'd been chasing them hours! Well one of them threw a rope around the ring leaders horns and she took off like a rocket. He didn't have time dally his rope and she took off away from the pens. Of course, her best friend Bessie was following. I was thinking I worked hard to get those cows here and I hope that was an expensive rope she ran off with! After what seemed like the rest of the afternoon they got her back to the pens.

Neglected Blog! Lo Siento!

Forgive me for not posting for over an entire month - I wish I could say I've been on lovely sabbatical traipsing around Africa on my dream trip but I haven't. All is well and I'll get back to blogging. Big Smiles from OneCowgirl! Thanks for checking in.

Merry Christmas

Dudley is happy he's not having to pose with the Santa hat! This is Veinte we had to put him down almost two years ago but this picture lives on and is taped to the fridge in the tack room so he not far from my thoughts. He was a great horse and is missed but he had a good life. How many great horses do you think an individual owns in a lifetime?

The End of the Earth

I've ridden in Grassy on numerous occasions - perhaps you'll even remember my bull encounter on the Fourth of July. Needless to say, on Saturday I saw parts of Grassy that offered some incredible views. Now, Dudley wasn't very happy about the steep mountains and rocky country.

Meet Patches

She is 1/2 Australian Sheppard and 1/2 border collie and an absolute sweetie.

Little Does She Know......

Hollywood asked me to go pick up his new puppy today. I've seen smiley dogs reaction to two new puppies on the ranch and she's not been happy! I think the world of this sweet dog and I really don't want her to feel threatened or being pushed away like an old dog! I have not been in favor of getting another dog because I think it will be traumatic for Shadow though I am guilty of assisting in insulating the new dog house!

Reflections........

People don't realize that a lot of ranch work does not involve riding. This time of year here your are lucky if you get to work on horseback twice a week. The rest of time is spent checking and cleaning waterers, putting out mineral, checking fences, starting generators, pulling windmills, airing tires and fixing flats, etc.

Cows have Unique Talents!

This is typical sight after you've given the cows a little syrup! The syrup is a vitamin supplement used on ranches which will hopefully make the cows forage for food. The cows actually take just a few licks and then stop. The last thing one wants is a cow waiting to be feed like someone waiting for a government handout. When did this become such an entitlement society?

The Three Amigos

Ringo, Ike and Smokey sunning themselves or perhaps its a line up for the stolen grain robbery. Who done it? I wanted them to perk up for the picture but they were very uncooperative!

Wild Cow Milking

The events at a Ranch Rodeo are as follows: ranch bronc riding, team penning, stray gathering, team branding and wild cow milking. Some rodeos add more events it just depends. While the Wild Cow Milking event produces the most laughs I've never seen this done on a ranch but I'm sure at some time or another it may be necessary. For those that read Pioneer Woman - her brother in law Tom Drummond's Ranch along with SweetWater Cattle rocked and ended up as the champion ranch team. If you have any more questions about the ranch rodeo ask away....

Amarillo by Morning

Are you singing yet? Recently, the 14th Annual Ranch Rodeo for the Working Ranch Cowboy Association was held in Amarillo. No, I wasn't competing but there were a few ladies out there! Twenty four qualifying teams from as far away as Florida competed and there were three teams from New Mexico. In subsequent posts I'll explain the events that are set up to simulate actual ranch work but for now I wanted to commend the WRCA for putting on a fabulous event, for honoring the men and women that have been and are part of our armed services at every event and for recognizing the women of ranching in a lovely exhibit.