It's been so long. I was never really a rancher... I was a farmer.. BUT... I did own cattle a few times.. and raised them as a 'business'. I've done it all.. that is... all that is required of a rancher.
Even when I was NOT in the business I helped MANY times with friends and relatives who were.
My last cattle roundup was... ohh geez... I guess... 10 years ago? Today my partners on my mountain ranch got back into the cattle business this last year... had too, (I won't go into that)... but I didn't.. AND.. have yet to help them out... BUT... I will... and soon. Been away too long.
I don't own a horse these days... but I have access to many. What I'm getting at is: This spring I will be riding a roundup for the first time in 10 years, maybe more. We will saddle up at the corrals, lower part of my ranch, then ride to the top... about 3.000' elevation climb.. then driving the cattle back down to the corrals. The day will start about 2 hours before sunup. For about an hour it will be that slow coming of dawn and DEAD quiet.. the occasional deer being risen from it's nightly bed... the jays calling occasionally... the distant sound of another horse a canyon away... and mostly...
that oneness that comes over horse and rider when the world is still, quiet, and all that matters is that moment.
I am SO sorry for all those, most, who have never experienced that. - JamesJM
