Even thou long cattle drives have almost been entirely replaced by roads, and horses and covered wagons by pickup trucks and trailers, real, honest-to-goodness cowboys and cowgirls are not going away anytime soon.
They are still getting up before the sun even thinks about rising to do their day’s chores, care for their animals, and to keep the western traditions alive.
They don’t have to deal with all the hustle and bustle.
The life of the cowboy persists despite most people’s assumption that its been relegated to western films. It endures because it is not just a job that rewards a lot of hard work, it is a guide for living that is learned from an early age and seared into them like their brand on their calves hide. The calling teaches cowboys and/or cowgirls how to be self-sufficient, hard working, and appreciative for the things they have and the things they can do for others.
This is Why:
It is a rewarding lifestyle. Living the life of the American cowboy is very rewarding. Everyone has different reasons depending on what they do with their time but they all come back to their love for the lifestyle.
It is a great mentor-ship. Cowboys are great teachers from braiding rawhide to leather work, to sewing wild rags to repairing machinery. Learning the trade is something that is pass on to the little ones just started out.
It has old traditions. Even thou technology has taken over, old traditions have been improved.. but has not changed them. Technology hasn’t changed the spirits of the cowboy, it just helps keep in touch. Technology has crept into the cowboy lifestyle in many way, but cowboys still prefer to minimize the reliance on all modernity. Ranches still utilize cattle drives to move cattle from place to place. They use technology to share their stories, to educate, and to communicate.
The life also requires a particular spirit of determination and courage — a drive to be the very best at something many people don’t even realize still exists.
The “posse” of cowboys are strong. They stick together. They have the same spirit of never giving up, of hard work, spirit and a love for animals and a desire to make a difference. Their courage of life is unique. They are not afraid to go for their dreams. They are tough. They have determination and courage. They have a drive in them to be the very best at something many people don’t even realize still is around.
Cowboys are not going away anytime soon, I see at least one a day!!
Shine On, Shine On was the subject of a blog post that I did a while back.
Here is the link to my first Shine On, Shine On post! I have decided that there are a lot of people that help me “Shine” and I am going to feature them on my Shine On, Shine On series.
This year I decided to start a new spin on my Shine On series and add a little more of agricultural spin. I am excited to be bringing you these interviews. My goal is to share these fine ladies stories with you all. Help me welcome my this Shine On Lady, Tayler.
From historic homesteaders to contemporary cattle ranchers, women have been the cornerstone of America’s agriculture heritage. In fact, the 2012 Census of Agriculture notes that nearly 1 million women are working America’s lands. That is nearly a third of our nation’s farmers. Women are also scientists, economists, foresters, veterinarians, and conservationists. Women are in the boardrooms and the corner offices of international enterprises, and are the owners and operators of small businesses. Women are property owners and managers. Women are policymakers and standard bearers. Women are involved in every aspect of agriculture.
Shine On~Women In Agriculture featuring: Tayler Teichert
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your career path. I am a ranch raised girl and ranching has been my career of choice for the past 8 years since I graduated from high school. I recently accepted a position working in a gold and silver mine in Nevada. I struggled with this decision. I asked myself if I was being untrue to my passions and dreams, if I was making a giant mistake, and if I could handle not being on a horse every day? Well I am slowly discovering that I can still be involved in ranching while working for my future. On all my days off I can day work and help friends brand. After work I can ride colts or go team roping, I’m discovering a new level of freedom that comes from thinking outside the box. My passion and my dreams haven’t changed but the way I’m going about reaching them has.
Tell us about your role and what does your “typical day” looks like. Days at work (the mine) differ from the days I get to day work. When I work on ranches I do whatever is needed, weather that be changing a tire, doctoring a calf, riding a colt, dragging meadows, helping brand… no chore on the ranch is off limits. Days at the mine I get up really early and feed my horses, pack a lunch, and make my commute. I’m usually home by 4:30 and then I either practice with my ranch rodeo team, rope the dummy, ride my colts, or a combination of all of the above.
Who is/was your biggest influencer or mentor? What did you learn from them? I don’t mean to sound mushy but definitely my boyfriend, Kent. He has taught me so many fundamentals about roping and horsemanship it is mind blowing. I learned how to get out of my head when competing and that it doesn’t matter where you are it is just roping, and the fundamentals are the same. My father taught me to think like a cow and be able to read them and know what they are going to do before they do it. He also taught me how to work hard and smart. My mother taught me how to have compassion for others and animals. I look up to a lot of different people and I believe you can learn something from everyone you come in contact with.
How do you define personal success? How are you working to get there? I’ve struggled with this for a while; I feel so behind other people my age because I don’t have it all figured out. I’m realizing most people, no matter their age, don’t have it all figured out and that is okay. Personal success for me is being happy in the here and now. If I accept where I am in my life and try to make the best of it that is success. I try not to wish my life away, because all these years of struggling are what make life worth living. Looking back on our trials and seeing how we overcome them.
How do you think a women’s role(s) in farming/ranching/agriculture has changed over the last decade? I don’t think it has, I feel like women have always been a major part of ranching and agriculture… whether that be through them furnishing meals, raising bottle calves, or helping move cows, women have always been a giant help to make the operation run smoothly. I think a lot of people see more women in the industry now because of social media and ranch rodeos where women have the chance to tell their story and show their abilities but this generation of women isn’t the first to put in a long day in the branding pen and hustle to the kitchen to cook for the crew.
Learning from our mistakes is an important part of life. Would you mind helping others and share a mistake that you have made and what it taught you in the process? Well this is a tough question because I have a lot of mistakes to choose from. But one I would like to touch on was when I was putting more effort into my image than my abilities. For years I was so caught up in looking the part and wanting people to believe I was handy while in all reality I was putting more effort into my appearance than actually practicing my skills. After moving around a lot and seeing so many different styles and ways of doing things I started seeing all the ways I lacked and that motivated me to improve.
How would you define “women in agriculture” or “women in your career”?” Women in this industry a very capable, hardworking, driven, and talented workers. I think if women want to be seen as one of the crew or as an equal to men we need to stop making the fact that we are a girl in a male dominated industry a topic all the time. If we put in the work and don’t cause drama most crews will just view you as another hand.
What in your opinion, is the most important topic in the agriculture world right now? I believe losing our permits to graze on public lands is a giant issue. If ranches lost their permits numbers would have to cut in half or even more. Most ranches in the west have a little home place that is private land where they may winter their cows or put up hay or something but the majority of the year the cattle spend out on The Forest Service or The BLM. If this continues more ranchers will have to sell out or drop numbers causing them not to need as many employees and more cowboys would be out of work. Plus there would be a shortage of beef in the US.
What is in your daily toolbox? Planner? Phone? Computer? Special item(s)? Why do you carry it with you? I usually have my phone because bosses request that I have it on me so they can relay messages. And I usually have snacks, a pocket knife, and chapstick.
In closing, do you have any advice, quotes for young women, or anyone that is starting their career in agriculture? Yeah I’ve got a few things to say. If you want to be involved in this industry do it for the right reasons, be willing to put in the work and be teachable. If you’re the smartest person in the room you’re probably in the wrong room. Don’t be afraid to look stupid or unhandy if there is a chance to improve. And don’t burn yourself out, a bow that is always strung will lose it’s spring.
Is there anything you would like to add? Don’t be afraid to try a different career for a while, maybe you’ll find something else you love. Or maybe you’ll discover how much you love ranching and you will know that is you calling in life.
Tayler~Thank you for taking time out of your day to answer a few questions. I am lucky to have you as one of my friends.
Here are a few more reasons that you help me Shine On:
🌟I love your attitude. Your good attitude on everything you do does not go unnoticed. “
🌟 Your smile is contagious.
🌟You make me want to be a better cowgirl.
🌟Your a hard worker and it shows.
🌟Your beautiful inside and out.
🌟I admire your roping abilities!!! 🙂
🌟I know there is nothing that you can not do and that makes those around you, including me, want to try harder each day.
🌟Strong women stand together when things get rough, hold each other up when they need support, and laugh together when there’s no reason to.
When I think of you, this quote comes to mind:
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, and become more, you are a leader. -Chris LeDoux
My message to you, dear friend is Shine On!!
Thank you for just being YOU!~Naomi
Tayler and myself at the 2017 WSRRA National Finals. Thank you lady for all your fun laughs.
Thank you for having the desire to climb on ranch broncs in front of a crowd week in and week out. Like so many others – I LOVE RANCH BRONC RIDING.
You see, the world of rodeo is looking at YOU and YOU are changing the rodeo scene.
You are breathing new life into the west. I mean, ranch bronc riding isn’t a new event. Cowboys and cowgirls have been riding ranch broncs long before any of us were around. But now, you are in the arena spotlight.
And, I think that is awesome.
But with this spotlight comes a few responsibilities. I mean, did you really think I was going to stop there? No, of course not. But hear me out because while the world is watching, including my sons, you need to remember a few things:
The west was won on hand shakes and words. So if you enter a rodeo you better be there. If for some reason you cannot make it, make sure to call the producer and let them know.
Be a good example. Yep, I know that’s what your mom said, but I’m here to tell you the same thing. There are people watching your every action. So please tip your hat. Use ma’am and sir. Open doors for the ladies. Watch your mouth. Respect your elders because the next generation is watching. And you know what – we need the next generation of kids to want to ride ranch broncs.
Be kind to the judges. I know. I’ve been on the floor of the arena adding your scores up to show the announcer, and I don’t always agree with their scoring either. But guess what – life isn’t always fair. Scores are one person’s opinion for that 8 seconds. If you don’t like the score, be understanding, use it as motivation for next time, and move on. Really – try it. P.S. Make sure you thank the judges.
Be on time. That is it.
Be respectful. Show respect to those around you – the bronc, the stock contractor, the other contestants, and everyone.
Be humble. We can all work on this.
Be tough, but play fair.
So as I finish this letter, I want to leave you with this:
As you live the Cowboy way, please remember that you may not get the draw that you want or the score you deserve, but you are a HERO in someone’s eyes. While the world is changing around us, you help reassure all of us that COWBOYS/COWGIRLS still exist.
Sincerely,
Your favorite fan.
I want you all to know that this open letter is not only for those that currently ride ranch broncs, but also for those that have a desire to ride ranch broncs.
Yampa River Ranch Rodeo Photo Gallery from the Circle L!
I loved this flag that waved at the fairgrounds.
Last weekend I made a 680 mile, round trip to Craig, Colorado, as a WSRRA ranch rodeo representative. I had a lot of good laughs and the scenic view was amazing. I have to confess, I took a lot more photos then these, but…………
I forgot to put a card in my camera. So I am sharing what I got.
JD Brock. Iron Man Champ
Black in White. Bucking horses are impressive.
Wayne Larsen
Dyllon Nipper
I don’t know about you, but I really like this photo. I like it because this is so important, measuring your rein.
Matt Robertson~ Iron Man Champ
Justin Quint
Hunter Blazier
Dyllon
Dyllon Nipper
Justin, I just had to share this one.
Shirl Rosengreen
Cowboys
Rachel Larsen.. Women’s Steer Stopping
Rachel.. Good Looping!
Justin Quint
Justin Quint
Key Ring -93
Matt Robertson
Buffy and Clay
Storm Watch
Cody Braucher
Thanks for stopping by!! IF you would like one of these photos, please email me at loomis489@yaho.com.
I thought I would share some photos from the Mulloy family branding. I have a couple things to say about this branding. 1. I appreciate this family so much. Thanks for letting our family help you. 2. I have to give credit to Steve Peterson for taking a lot of these photos. Thanks Steve!
Dean McLaughlin
Charles Mulloy.
Mike McLaughlin
Cassie Mulloy, holding legs!
Wylie Anderson
Dan and Tim
Andrew Terrell
My Cowboy
Dean McLaughlin
Jill Daharsh
I am sure that Steve took this photo.
Howard Daharsh
The future…..Love them all.
Cade Mulloy
Circle L
Success is in your hands.
Dean McLaughlin
Coote Mulloy
I will leave you all with a quote from John Wayne.
Tomorrow is the most important thing in life.
Comes into us at midnight very clean.
It’s perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands.
It hopes we’ve learnt something from yesterday.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and checking out the photos.
As most of you know, Spring is my favorite time of year. I love the fresh air, the colorful trees, the color of the grass growing on the hills but what I really love is helping all our neighbors. Today I am sharing with you some of my favorite shots taken at the McBride gathering.
I hope they bring a smile to your face and good thoughts to your head.
All you really need in life is a good horse, a good rope and willing mind.
Kason, Tom and Cord. Another part of Neighborhood Gatherings that I love is the examples of our friends.
Blond Hair and Silver
Cowboy Gear! (I was just playing around with this photo. I thought it was pretty cool.)
Chaps and Boots….The necessities of life.
Learning how to follow his Dads Boots. My Cowboy and Cade
Cary… Building a Loop!
Dillon..This was Dillon’s first branding. He did so well.
T~T~T… Terryn, Tenly and Taggert. At only 2 weeks old, Taggert was the youngest helping hand.
Bradly and Tom~ Big Loops make me smile.
UMMMM!! (Can you guess what I was thinking?)
Reata and Lindsie. Girls just want to have FUN!
Blue Fox….
I am going to close today with this photo. Happy Tuesday from the Circle L!
It isWednesday, July 23 which means in 3 days, Bridgeport, Nebraska fair grounds is going to be full of cowboys and cowgirls. You see, I am the producer of the 7th Annual Double A Feeds WSRRA Ranch Rodeo and Hubbard Ranch Bronc Riding. I am proud of my event.
I am inviting each and everyone of you to come to Bridgeport. I plan this ranch rodeo with all my might. I start the year prior. I try to improve it every year. This year is my 7th Ranch Rodeo.
This year I have added 4 women’s teams. They will be competing for a Championship Buckle. I am especially excited to add women’s teams to my rodeo. Being a Cowgirl myself, I know that this is a good addition to my Ranch Rodeo.
I have also added more Bronc Riders! Twenty to be exact. Hubbard Bronc Riding is a WSRRA tour stop. Which means that Hubbard Feeds has added $2000.00 to the prize money and that WSRRA Bronc Riders get double points. Come watch some good old fashion bronc rides.
I take ten men’s teams. This year I have cowboys from Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. I know that these teams will not disappoint you. If you want to watch some handy cowboys please join us on July 26.
I would like to take this time and thank all of those that help me make my event successful. Being a ranch rodeo producer is sometimes a challenge, but it is something that I like to do. I could not put on a ranch rodeo without help. I have a lot of special people that help me. I believe that it is my place to produce a rodeo. I put my heart into it.
My goal is that when July 26, 2014 comes to an end, I will have not regrets. I want to see smiling faces. I want to see the stands full. I want to reward the hard working teams with a buckle and I want to send my first ever Women’s Ranch Rodeo team to the WSRRA Finals. I will also send a men’s Ranch Rodeo team to the WSRRA Finals. I want to God to be proud.
With that, I am inviting each of you again to come to the 7th Annual Double A Feeds WSRRA Ranch Rodeo & Hubbard Ranch Bronc Riding.
Please see an article in Rodeo News about the Ranch Rodeo.
I would like to thank the following people: Darrell Kraupie, Sue Chaulk, Terryn Drieling, Cassie Mulloy, Santiago Ramos, AJ Bowman, Cody Loomis, Ty McBride, Tyrell Oliverius, Cade Loomis, Cassie Leithead, Doug Bowman, Greg Devrous, Dr. Dean Cline, Dean Anderson, Tom Drieling, Glen Amateis, Marc Page and all the WSRRA officials and Kylie Finneman.
I would like the following businesses: Bunkhouse Trailer Sales, Wolf Auto, Buckaroo Business, Twisted X Boots, Equibrand, Hatch Tack, Audra Lockhart, King Ropes, Cactus Ropes, Cactus Saddlery, Hubbard Feeds, Fast Back Ropes, Bridgeport EMS, Bridgeport Vol. Fire Dept.,Morrill County Fair Board, Morrill County Fair Foundation, Rick Newkirk and Ozark Saddle King.
And THANK YOU TO ALL MY TEAMS & BRONC RIDERS. I could not be a producer with out all of you.
This is my 2013 Ranch Rodeo Team!! I love each of these girls.
THERE ARE STILL COWBOYS AMONG US YOU JUST CAN’T SEE THEM FROM THE ROAD.
So my blog today is about our Neighborhood Gathering. I love this time of year and I love neighborhood gatherings. Neighborhood gatherings consist of hard work, laughs, hugs, good talks, and good food. I thought I would share a few pictures of our neighborhood gathering with you.
You can find camp fire Coffee. It is just better. “I like Big Cups and can not lie,” said Terryn.
Neighborhood Gatherings take willing people. It takes people that care for the calves, it takes experts, and it takes willingness. It takes love, care, and compassion.
A Cowboy learning the ropes. I am so proud of this kid. Roping comes very easy to him. I am thankful that he is a hard worker.
Our neighborhood gathering is an example of TEAM WORK!
Ranch Kids being Ranch Kids. A little dirt is good for the Soul.
A cowgirl that LOVES her horse!
It is safe to say that these two have a bond that they only understand. This picture is a worth more to me than any amount of money.
Circle L Ranch is surrounded by great neighbors.
Cade is a 4th generation Cowboy.
Ranch Kids just being ranch kids.
Reata and HER horse.
Neighborhood Gatherings wouldn’t be Sucessful without kitchen help.
Campfire Cooking! It always taste better.
The next Generation of Young Leaders. I am super proud of these two.
Cousins~ Life is just better when you have cousins by your side. Cade, Cassie and Kason
Life is quite Simple. Ranch wives are the greatest therapists. These ladies are very special to me.
Mama and Becky
All you need in life is a Marshmellow and a bull hole to dangle your feet. Life is good.
“Little Miss Boss” Trying to fill her dad boots.
These two fine Cowboys make me a better person everyday. They truely are making traditions stay Alive. Happy Father’s Day Cody and Tom.
Neighborhood Gatherings are where traditions are kept. Cassie bringing in a calf.
Long Ropes and Smiles are what you will find at our Neighborhood Gathering.
Good Horses and Good Cowboys is what makes neighborhood gatherings successful.
These little guys well being is what neighborhood gatherings are all about.
“Wanna Be a Cowgirl? Be Different, Be Proud and work your butt off.”
Being a cowgirl to me is a lot more than just the clothes that I put on every day.It is about the way that I live my life.It is about the choices that I make.It is about putting effort in everything I do.It is about raising my children to be gentlemen, or a lady, to be respectful, to be kind, and to put others first. It is about meeting all our animal’s needs and taking care of the land that we have. It is about being thankful for what we have.
Being a cowgirl to me is more about being an example and putting my heart in everything that I do.It takes an everyday effort to work hard, to have a good attitude, and to be different.It also takes patience and love. It is something that I work hard on every day.
Every day is rewarding when you have a Cowgirl Spirit.
Reata & Sloapy. Our 3 year old Cowgirl
The determination of this little cowgirl makes me want to be a better Mom! She is a very indepentant and she loves her horse. These series of pictures show exactly what I mean. She worked at tying Sloapy up until she had it.
Reata tying her horse up.
A little try never hurt anyone!
A patient horse can teach so many leasons.
“Mom, I can do it!”
Boots, Class & A Lil Sass that’s what little Cowgirls are made of.
Look at this knot. A little girl with little hands and a determined heart made a knot!
“I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should just go ahead and be one.” ~Calamity Jane
So I am writing a story about my version of Zumba.All of you are aware of Zumba, right? It’s a dance fitness workout.
Well the other day while my sister-in-law and I were pairing out on foot I decided that we were doing a Cowgirl Zumbu class.Let me explain.
The weather: Partly cloudy, very windy and a little bit chilly.I had on a winter coat.And my sister-in-law had on a vest and sweatshirt.We were sorting pairs from the corral to the pasture.
We were running, jogging, swinging our arms, jumping up and down.Ok so can you see the picture?I am pretty sure that we looked like we were in the Cowgirl Zumba class.I mean by the time that we got all the heifers to the pasture; we had used every muscle in our body and every sweat gland.
I was thinking, every day I do chores.I make sure that I meet all of our animals needs for the day.It takes a workout.I am proud of my Cowgirl Zumba class and if I want to add more to my workout I wear overallwinter pants and Bogs snow boots.
How do I maintain my health so I can do the chores, take care of my children, manage a feed store, and be a wife?I eat Beef every day and do Cowgirl Zumba!!
