The annual two day cattle drive to summer range remains a special memory for me. It was a time when my family and friends would gather together and herd three hundred and fifty cow, calf pairs up to summer range. Our group of cowboys consisted of seven riders, four seasoned cattle dogs, and mother, who followed behind with a pickup truck teeming with camping gear and food.
The cattle drive could begin after the calves where branded, and paired up with their mothers. Morning would find us mounted up, and slowly gathering the pairs from the field. After a last ride through the surrounding bush looking for strays, we'd push them out the back gate and start up the trail. The progress was very slow to start with, mothers would become frantic and begin running from one calf to the next, searching for their calf. While the calves were also running frantically and bawling, certain their mothers remained in the field. Finally mothers and calves would settle down, and the cattle drive could begin in earnest. It was an impressive sight watching three hundred and fifty head of cattle line out, and start moving up the trail. The day wore on hot and dusty causing the cowboys, cow dogs and cattle to make slow progress while we followed the sinuous trail, as it climbed higher and higher towards natural meadows, lush with grass.
After a long, satisfying day in the saddle, we finally reached the half way mark and made our camp for the night. The cattle were turned onto a huge, natural meadow, where the exhausted creatures could finally rest and feed. The saddle horses were tended to next, and tethered or hobbled for the night in the nearby meadow. Finally we could return to camp were mom had a roaring fire going, and dinner almost ready. Now the tired cowboys and cow dogs could eat, then lay back and relax, while we socialized before bed. Before long sleep would overcome us and we'd turn in for the night. With a light tarp for a tent, we could watch the stars illuminate the evening sky, as we drifted off to sleep. Cow dogs would snuggle close and provide extra warmth from the cool evening air, and serve as protection from any unwanted wild visitors passing through during the night.
Daybreak arrived and the fire was rekindled, soon everyone was up and breakfast was devoured. The horses were saddled and camp was dismantled. Finally, we gathered the cattle from the meadow, and the last leg of the journey was again underway. Another long, dusty day lay ahead, but we were all smiles as we eagerly anticipated the day. We enjoyed every moment of this journey, with its long, dusty trail. The sound of bawling cattle, barking cow dogs, and shouts of encouragement from riders, caused the day to evaporate into the wind.
Meadows appeared in the distance, signifying the two day cattle drive had finally reached the end of the trail. Another successful drive completed, all three hundred and fifty cow, calf pairs had safely reached the summer range. Now the exhausted cowboys, cow dogs, and cow horses could relax, then enjoy the long ride home. While entertaining inviting thoughts of many long, pleasurable rides back up to this beautiful summer range, to move the cattle to fresh meadows, check for predators, and doctor any sick critters.
On the first Friday of every month, a huge tack and horse auction was held in Saint Paul, Alberta. This was a big event for the small northern prairie town, and people would gather from miles around regardless of the weather conditions or the time of year. During each of these auctions, the big old barn was transformed into an active and entertaining meeting place.
I eagerly looked forward to these social outings as well, and attended as many as possible. Since I was deeply involved with farming and passionate about animals; I enjoyed the opportunity to study the horses, visit the locals, and watch the sale. My habit before each auction began was to walk through the alleys, and observe the vast assortment of horses, donkeys and ponies. My thoughts always drifted back to the lives many of these poor critters must have endured. A beautiful palomino filly stood out in a small group of horses; she was standing quietly, but seemed to be wondering what this strange place was all about.
This gorgeous little filly captured my attention, and I was drawn to her pen. She had a soft and gentle look in her eyes, and they seemed to be filled with trust, as she confidently stepped towards me. I began to study her conformation slowly and carefully, she was very thin and badly marked up from her trailer ride. However, she was physically sound and extremely smooth and graceful when she walked. She was a beautiful filly, and a pleasure to be around. She showed great potential to become a wonderful saddle horse and loyal companion. I was thrilled to find her, and decided to bid on the little filly as she came through the auction ring. So with great anticipation, I waited for the sale to begin.
At last the auction began, and halfway through the sale the little palomino filly was led into the ring by a young child. After a brief introduction revealing her history, the bidding began. The competition was tough, but at three hundred and sixty five dollars, the bidding finally ended and the little palomino filly was mine. With a feeling of pride and eagerness, I returned with my trailer to bring this little "Angel" home. Often, I fondly reflect on the early days with my palomino filly, Angel, who turned out to be a wonderful horse, and a great companion.
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