Pennings

I've always loved rodeos.  I usually try to at least hit one up each summer.

This year I get a bonus.  My Aunt's new boyfriend competes in penning/cutting.  This means is that the horse and rider work together to pick particular calves out of a herd and put them somewhere else.  Sometimes it's into a pen, sometimes it's from one pen to another, etc.

On Saturday the task for the riders was to cut 3 calves of a certain number out of the herd and then drive them down to the other end of the arena and into a pen.  Their particular number was announced when the timer was started.  There were a number of teams who did this in less than 40 seconds.  Later in the year, I'm told, the times get so fast that you'll have to do it in 30 seconds just to place.  Amazing. 

Notice the orange line - it is important that a cow of the wrong number does not cross that line, or you get a "no time" for your run.  Three riders make a team, so often one person would break up the herd and go for a cow of their number while the other two hold back the herd and start looking for the next cow.

I didn't get any video from Saturday, but the configuration of the arena made it a great opportunity for photos.  I got lots I like.

Bringing them down to the pen, just to left of this picture.

Bringing them down to the pen

Father and Son, eying up the herd

Putting them in the pen.  Notice how one person blocks each side while the third pushes them from behind.

Then, on the second day the sorting was a little different.  This time, there were two round pens set up and joined at the middle.  The job of the riders was to cut out the numbered cows one by one, in order, in 1 minute.  The announcer gave you the number to start with.  If a cow of the wrong number gets through to the other side, you get a "no time".  There were a handful of 10 head sorts for the day.  Here, check out the diagram:

Now, watch:



This little girl got a couple runs at the end of the day.  She did a great job!  On her last run she did so well she placed second in her class competing against all the adults.



 

Spectating

Mendel thinks he should get a turn

Show Report: Mendel's First Show

 

 

Hop on over to my Photo 51 Page to get the scoop!

The Monthly Mendel: 6 Months

My tail is down?  Yeah, so?  I'm still cute.

We like to BOUNCE!

Getting Ready... (aka Procrastinating...)

Mendel's first show is this coming weekend!!!  Horray!


I haven't picked out my two show outfits for this weekend... but I will.

I haven't decided which pair of nylons to ruin this weekend... but I will.  (am I the only person who almost NEVER wears nylons more than once before ruining them?)

I haven't packed every available crate I own into my car... but I will.  (out of state friends are coming to show so I'm making their load lighter)

I haven't put together my tack bag... but I will.

Mendel hasn't had a bath yet... but he will.

I haven't trimmed Mendel's feet yet... but I will.  (and I will not mess up because I've been practicing)

I haven't entered the show site into the GPS... but I will.

We haven't done 6 month pictures for the "Monthly Mendel"... but we will.  Tomorrow.

We HAVE been practicing.  Of course, we've been practicing at "show class", but we've especially been practicing our bounce game.  We're still working on the not bouncing ONTO me part, but it's fun either way.  (hoping to get some pics of the bounce game tomorrow) 

Mendel HAS figured out how to use those lovely shoulders his genes gave him.  Yay for sidegait!

We HAVE stocked up on some delicious show treats that can be stuffed into my bra or mouth without activating my gag reflexes.



Tomorrow my bestie is helping me with Mendel grooming, pictures, video, and driving to the show site to stake out prime grooming space at the show.  This is her "adult time" that she hasn't gotten very much of lately with a 1 year old at home.  Do you see what having kids does to you?  Your FUN time consists of being put to work by your dog nut friend.  Poor girl.  I should probably buy her ice cream.  :)

Every day is Mother's Day

I spent Mother's Day at my mom's house just as I always do.

We had lots of fun playing in the yard



This is one of my new favorite pictures.  You simply can't stay mad looking at that big smile.



Bailey loved getting some sun

Then my brother helped me get some nice stacked shots of "the Monk"

My mom was impressed at how well he stood still while doing his "stand pretty"




I spy a very angry Bailey and Lilly who are wondering where THEIR pieces of chicken are... do you?

Mendel was VERY interested in what Grandpa was making on the grill

And, as usual, he was all smiles.

That smiling face, it'll make you feel like every day is Mother's day...