the inner dream: To be a cowgirl

These individuals are authentic cowboys. While I am not a cowgirl myself, I have always harbored a desire to be one. Fortunately, these gentlemen have graciously offered to teach me. Who am I, you ask? Well, let me explain. Growing up in Europe, I developed a deep fascination for horses as a young child. This led me to pursue horse riding lessons. However, as life often does, it presented obstacles that caused me to distance myself from these majestic creatures. Despite this, my dream of becoming a cowgirl persisted. Now that I find myself in the United States, I am eager to give it a try. Can anyone here provide me with guidance on how to fulfill my aspiration of becoming a cowgirl? Furthermore , I pose a significant question. In a world where it seems like everyone wants to be a cowboy, I have noticed that even millionaires share this desire. What does it truly entail to become one? When I initially started this journey, I naively believed it would be a straightforward endeavor. I even made a personal commitment to reward myself with an authentic cowgirl hat once I achieved this status. However, I soon came to realize that as a European attempting to become a cowgirl, the process is far more intricate and challenging than I had initially anticipated. There is immense pressure involved in this endeavor. Consequently, I sought guidance from an authentic cowboy instructor named Jon. Jon's occupation is quite distinctive as he travels extensively throughout the nation, imparting the art of cowboyism. One particular horse, Royce, will be our companion for today's ride. Specifically, Jon instructs individuals on how to effectively communicate and collaborate with horses. The most common blunder people make is being excessively kind and affectionate, resulting in dangerous situations where the horse gains dominance. Despite his tough exterior, Jon's approach emphasizes responsible horsemanship. . . .

People are drawn to the allure of being a cowgirl or cowboy for various reasons. The idea of riding on horseback and immersing oneself in the countryside is certainly appealing. I was curious about Jon's personal journey, transitioning from an employee to a cowboy. I wanted to know about the challenges he faced during this transition. Undoubtedly, the learning curve was significant. When you are responsible for the well-being of several live animals, it becomes a massive commitment. One must prioritize this commitment wholeheartedly. The level of dedication required to pursue this path must be unwavering. Today is the day I finally get to experience a cattle drive and put my acquired knowledge to the test. This will provide a glimpse into the daily life of a cowboy. One observation I've made is that even in the summertime, the day begins well before sunrise. I woke up early this morning, preparing to embark on our journey to gather the cattle. The chilly morning air added to the anticipation. Jon and his team are moving the cattle from one pasture to another, a significant event for the ranch. Before we can mount our horses, we need to drive to the current location of the cows. It is there that we will meet the rest of Jon's team. I was intrigued about the purpose of a cattle drive and what it entails. Essentially, a cattle drive involves transporting cattle from one pasture to another. In our case, we will start from our headquarters and drive the cattle to their new location.

We have a strategic plan for moving the cattle from one pasture to another. There are essentially two methods: transporting them in trucks and trailers or driving them on horseback. In this kind of rocky terrain, it would be difficult to load a large number of cattle onto trucks, so driving them on horseback is the most effective approach. The cows beyond the fence belong ranch, so we need to find a way to bring them back to our side. Currently, we are trotting up the hill, approaching the cows at an angle to avoid startling them. We aim to be gentle, subtle, and stealthy.

Jon has entrusted me with the task of moving this cow. I will do my utmost to gently guide her in the right direction, towards the other first cows. This is the first time I've ever moved a cow. Now, my responsibilities have increased to three cows. It is crucial to approach this work with great care, as we are responsible for the well-being of living animals. Our priority is to ensure their safety and happiness while also directing them to the desired location. Oh, fantastic! They are just about to pass through the gate. It seems our mission has been successful. Although it may sound simple, moving cows through a gate requires time, effort, and a specific approach to motivate them. It is not as straightforward as it may seem. And there they go, walking through the gate. It was not a challenging experience for them. Each subsequent cow will become easier to move as the process becomes more familiar. The challenges decrease while the ease of movement increases. This all depends on the attitude and pace at which we operate throughout the day. It is not instant gratification, which we have grown accustomed to. I appreciate the fact that the outcomes of our decisions, both good and bad, require patience and observation.

The task was completed in due course, as it consistently is. Jon's team successfully rounded up all 600 cows, collaborated, and smoothly relocated them from one field to another. These individuals, along with their horses and dogs, engage in this routine on a daily basis. This is the life they have opted for, and I witnessed them on an exceptionally favorable day. Now I realize that cowboying is a calling and I don't think I'll be buying a cat for my own.