Cowboy Tools

Heard an interesting story today.

There was a legendary (in my mind he was) old cowboy that used to live in this area. Some folks were riding down by the South Camp. They were going to cross the creek but it was really high and some one had strung barbwire across it not too far down stream from where everyone used to cross their horses. When someone hesitated, one of the fellows says: "What's the matter with you guys, rode by, and jumped his horse into the creek.

It was so high and fast it started dragging horse and rider downstream towards that barb wire fence that was now submerged up to the top wire. Horses caught in wire, never a good thing (probably going to panic) and things were pretty tense. No one was sure what to do.

When out of the corner of the story teller's eye,  up rode this old cowboy swinging his rope. It settled, first throw, around the horse's neck that was struggling in the creek. The old guy dallied up to his horn and his horse was able to pull the other one out of the creek. A disaster was avoided.

That got me thinking about tools, cowboy tools.

Lets start with the modern: a sturdy old stock trailer and a flat deck pickup (that's seen better days);

the most important: a cowy, dependable horse (especially one you can crack a whip on);

a stock whip (sure helps with cranky bulls);

a saddle you can spend all day in (tapederos, optional but handy for flapping in cattle faces while sorting, looking a little bigger and thus more intimidating to bulls, keeping feet warm and dry.); a leg rope or two (for tying up cattle legs); 45-60 feet of lariat; a place to carry medicine (cantle pack or banana bag);

a fence stretcher; fencing pliers (I can never find thus no picture);

a knife that will cut through rope (or leather) like butter (I like pretty things);

leather gloves;

boots; hat;

or two and sometimes with strings and various coloured silk scarves; there's a hoofpick hanging there too;

a good hired hand (also known as a cow dog or collie);

or in lieu of an expert , a wife that can rope (she doesn't have to be really good at it);

 and a place to start and end the day.

A well earned morning off today due to social obligations but I better to get to work now. Oh ya! We found out congradulations are due; sounds like we have another grandchild on the way. We're pretty excited to have a new little cowboy or cowgirl in the family.

Dad said to say: "Love you Sweetie" :)