Cow Country

[daytime dave]

Better than the traffic jams I see here.

[RanchRoper]

Sometimes have to stop for a herd of elk crossing the road too.

[daytime dave]

I saw my first elk this fall in the Rockies. What majestic animals. Those old bulls are really something.

[RanchRoper]

Here's a recent photo my wife took of the Crowsnest River right near our home. This is looking south. I ride in those hills quite often.

[Deadwood Dutch]

Beautiful country!

[JEBar]

Here's a recent photo my wife took of the Crowsnest River right near our home. This is looking south. I ride in those hills quite often.

beautiful ..... just curious, once the weather breaks and you are able to get back into the saddle, how long does it take to get your horse back into working condition ?

[RanchRoper]

Once the icy ground is done, hopefully in a week or two, I'll start getting them going again. This is the first winter season I've not used them moving cows, but it was so bad a winter for bitter cold and deep snow that the rancher I work with fed cows at the home place. I'll start them slowly with 30 minute rides either in the round pen or just out in the open. If I can get a few rides on them each week they'll start to drop some fat and muscle up. Calving time and sorting times are good because there's lots of slow walking around but still covering lots of ground. Legs are the big issue, have to avoid bowed tendons from over stressing them. So we just go easy. once I'm out in the open I'll trot lots as that's what really shapes them up. If I post at a long trot we can cover lots of miles and it's not too strenuous for them. But that's later in April. Easy does it for awhile. Then by May we're good to go for brandings and long days in the saddle. Can't wait!

[JEBar]

well understood .... many folks might not be aware of the fact that just like humans, its best to work them to where they are really ready to go to work

[RanchRoper]

Yes they can pull muscles if they are out of shape. Depending on the injury, could be out for the season.
The town nearby has an indoor arena and you can ride for $20 for an hour. It's ok once in awhile but riding in circles gets boring for horse and rider. I'd rather be outside.

[JEBar]

also well understood