Shayne and Whiskey- a great team!

June 6, 2020, Volume 15, Issue 22

Folks, the moment has arrived. We are done with branding.

I know, I know- its been a long time coming. But, it’s finally here. This week we were able to finish the final 40 head of steers and kick them out to Ferguson Mountain. Branding this year was a learning experience for everyone; while we weren’t able to have our usual crew coming in for roping it was a super awesome chance for our McGinnis Meadows team to do it all on our own.

Tucker- calm and collected in the midst of the branding pen

Our ground crew was spectacular- our ropers were on top of the game. Shayne and Des made sure that everyone stayed safe and focused on the job to be completed and with plenty of laughter and lots of dirt we got the job done.

Happy Birthday, Anna!

It should be pointed out that the head of our ground crew this year was Anna- our very own strong, brave, and encouraging Anna. For nearly every steer that was roped (221 in total) she was one of the first to help pull him to the ground and get his feet secure. She worked tirelessly and made sure everyone on the ground was safe. One of the reasons we want to point her contribution out, especially, is because Friday was her birthday! She is entirely necessary to the successful operation of the ranch and one of the most delightful people to be around. For myself, I always know I will enjoy myself if Anna is around to chat and make jokes with. For her birthday, Emily made her a GIANT skillet cookie cake- it was exceptionally delicious and a great way to end the week.

In other news, as we get further into this month of June, we are preparing for the coming of guest season even more! Just this morning, Brenda and Emily were outside getting the gardens around the lodge and the cabins prepared and beautiful- there’s hanging pots everywhere!

Trouble helping with the garden

Though summer is closer every day, we’ve had the delight of experiencing some really fascinating lighting storms over the past week- it is a sight to behold. Unfortunately, because of the magnitude of the storm, we did lose power for a whole day. But, we made the most of it- we rustled up some board games in the game room and all sat around playing an ancient version of Trivial Pursuit for the evening; this may sound pretty boring- but we had a grand old time!

That’s all for this week, everyone. Next week is bound to bring up more adventures and fun times. See you soon 🙂

Happy trails,

Anna

PS. Demonstrated by our Trump, we present for you: The Progression of a Good Roll

June 1, 2020, Volume 15, Issue 21

Our steers heading up to water on Ferguson

Its been a very busy week around the ranch- well, the same could be said for EVERY week but this week in particular did feel like a load. We got another 56 head of steers branded in a couple of afternoons. While our usual number is 25 per afternoon, on Wednesday we branded 31. We’re that much closer to being done! Of our total number of 221, there are only 40 left to brand.

Wild clematis growing on Ferguson

While our numbers yet to be branded are starting to dwindle, the time has come to weigh our growing buddies and turn them out onto their first mountain: Ferguson. If you have ridden with us at the ranch before, you will likely recall that this is the mountain right behind the lodge. Our first day of weighing we successfully completed 75 head. And on Friday we did the rest that needed weighing: 95. It was a long haul.

There is a technique and trick to getting the steers into the scale successfully and quietly. While one person manages the scale house and the doors onto the scale (Janice is the master at this job) another person or two slowly peel off one steer at a time to take into the scale. Sometime they’re bashful about their weight so we need to encourage them to step up inside. But really, the way I like to think about it is to go almost PAINFULLY slow. Some times all it takes to sort one off is the just get in position and sit still so they make the decision themselves rather than chase them around the pen.

Our regal resident

On Thursday of this week, after a long and hot day of weighing cattle, doing chores, and riding ponies, Emily decided that we needed a cookout! Just one more reason why we love her; she cooked up a feast for us complete with hot dogs, grilled chicken, fresh corn on the cob, potato salad, chopped salad, and baked beans! It was (obviously) delicious. And it was a much needed moment of rest after a day of hard work. We topped off our meal with ice cream sandwiches. SO GOOD.

Thats all for today, folks.

Happy trails,

Anna

Shayne and Des working on roping Nicz’s feet- getting him prepared to shoe

Cooley enjoying a good roll after an afternoon’s ride

May 23, 2020, Volume 15, Issue 20

Another week under our belts and another week closer to summer!

Anna and Emily COVERED in dirt after cleaning the arena

While the rain and chilly weather has still plagued the valley for the past days, we have had to postpone the completion of our branding. But, Lord knows there are plenty of other projects and jobs to be done around the ranch while we wait for the skies to clear.

This week we were able to allocate time towards the beautification of the Kit Arena- otherwise known as Roby’s Arena. We were all in there sweeping the floors, washing the rails, and wiping down the walls to freshen up the whole place; and now its lookin’ good 🙂

Curious boys

We also have been keeping a close eye on our herd of steers; on Friday we moved them all to the West Piece where they have plenty of grass and a nice grove of Aspens to relax beneath. Our crew is getting a lot of great experience and fun out of caring for these beasties- one of the main objectives when moving cattle is to always know how many you have. When moving groups from pasture to pasture, you always have to have an accurate count to ensure none are ever missing or lost (we also have a couple this season who relish the opportunity to escape and break through the fence). So, the other day when we were moving the steers we counted them four times. Usually, as well, there was more than one person counting- for us it was often two or even three people! But we got all our counts and all steers are accounted for.

There is another important practice when moving cattle and Shayne asked me this questions just the other day as we were preparing to head out: he asked, “What is the first thing you do when you move cattle to a new piece?” My response: “Put them on water” (I got it right!).  Another important thing: make sure all of your gates are closed behind you (remember that escapee steer?).

Peek-a-boo

We are one week closer to summer and one week closer to welcoming our friends back to the ranch. Stay safe, everyone! We miss you.  But we’ll get to ride with you again soon.

Happy trails,

Anna

The gang with Brenda and her new B-day present (Anna was taking the photo)

Bald eagle surveying the cattle

Maddie and Ahna picking up sticks

One of our beautiful views- cloudy edition

May 16, 2020, Volume 15, Issue 19

Misty morning steers

Wet wet wet wet wet wet wet. Have I made my point clear enough? It has been raining all week long. Getting in the way of plans to continue branding, our downpour has made us move on to other projects for the time being. On Monday, when the water works began, while out checking on cattle, it actually started to snow! Seriously, Montana? It’s May!

Needless to say, we are all doing our best to stay dry in the midst of the rain.  In fact, when riding out to move or check on cattle, I have taken to wearing two coats! It’s mostly a precaution- because there are few things I dislike more in this world than being wet and cold.

Bald eagles

In other news, of our branded 125 steers, we moved 122 of them to our Joann Wallace piece which is located directly next to the Davis House and the shop. Its so much fun to look out in the morning and see them all standing outside, grazing or perusing the mineral tubs. Sometimes its almost a little weird, because when you come to the window to watch them, they will often watch you right back!

Our horsemanship study continues- we have been working a lot on groundwork lately! It’s been a blast and real learning experience as we get the chance to watch Des demo on her personal horses and our ranch horses. One day, for almost the entirety of our afternoon ride, we spent moving up and down the length of the arena on foot practicing hind and front in our groundwork. It started as a bit of a competition but then turned into much more as we all started to find a rhythm, learn to reach more and more for our horse, and see the positive results. Shayne also demonstrated for us how to use not one but two flags in our groundwork. The key is to stay quiet and remain consistent.

The best view

We are quickly seeing more and more bird species descend onto the ranch! For the past weeks, we have been hosting a number of bald eagles- yesterday while checking on the cattle in Shayne’s pasture, they were perched almost over our heads in the blossoming trees. Their size and majesty is a sight to behold.

As we wait for quarantine to be over, we are constantly hoping the best for our friends and loved ones that are far away. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as we are all striving to return to normalcy.

Happy trails!

Anna

Brenda’s birthday present- a new roping dummy!

Brenda’s reaction to her gift!

Clayton helping with chores

May 9, 2020, Volume 15, Issue 18

Ground crew waiting on a steer

Another week under our belts!

Branding is going smoothly thus far- when the weather is good in the afternoons we pull 25 head out of their pasture in front of Randy’s house and bring them over to Shayne’s outdoor arena for a time all participants will certainly remember. So far we have completed 125 head!

Scott and Yellowhair holding feet

Once the steers have received their brand, vaccination, and new ear tag, we set them free to graze in Shayne’s pasture where they have the chance to peacefully rest amidst plentiful grazing and water.

Efficiency. Teamwork. Precision.

Its been a really great opportunity to be a part of the branding this year- since so many of our usual roping team has been unable to join us during quarantine a few of us have been given the chance to practice our shots and be a part of the ride! While having been on ground crew before, I have never been on horseback during branding, holding feet and setting shots, and let me tell you, its been a blast! Such a learning experience! I am definitely grateful to be surrounded by teachers and friends while thrust into this new environment- whenever I make a mistake, they are there to help me remember my training and keep everything straight.

Shayne and Des after a successful day of branding

And, as always, we love our ground crew during branding! They are doing such a fabulous job on keeping the whole process efficient and smooth.

We have also been working on a lot of projects around the ranch- fore mostly we have been cleaning up the yard- McGinnis Meadows landscaping crew has been deployed with a mission to make the grounds around the lodge and cabins as pristine as possible. As it turns out, this was no small task after a winter of fallen branches, pinecones, and needles. But, with the help of so many hands and a couple days worth of time, the place is lookin’ good 🙂

Maddie and Anna <3

Well, that’s our week! A good week- one where at the end, the Sunday rest is all the more precious.

And, of course we could never forget! We would like to take a moment to wish a very happy birthday to our dear friend, Bernie Ziegner! We’ll miss having you at the ranch with us this year, Bernie; have a blessed day and year and we’ll see you very soon!

Be well, friends, and happy trails!

-Anna

Roby and Magoo

Biscuit sneaking snacks off the feed truck

Ride for the brand

May 3, 2020, Volume 15, Issue 17

Randy, Kevin, Shayne, and Des

Welcome back to another edition of The Highline!

And let me tell you, it has been a glorious week here at the ranch! The weather has finally warmed and sunshine has been abundant. With the arrival of consistently enjoyable weather comes the time we have all been waiting for and highly anticipating: branding!!

Go ground crew!

Every year, we brand our incoming herd of steers with our backward Z and O brand. This is done with style and tradition in mind. Our ropers are horseback to rope the steer’s head, hind feet, and front feet. Once the little fella is on the ground the ground crew makes sure the ropes are secure and bring in the branding irons as quickly as possible. Once this is all done, the ground crew clears out as quickly as possible and the ropes are loosened allowing the steer to quietly get back to his feet and return to his buddies. In addition to branding this year, we are also administering vaccinations to our steers and ear-tagging them. It’s really a grand production! So much fun! With two afternoons of branding under our belts we’ve already completed 50 head. Though this year, we are missing our ground crew boss, Trent Marquis, who usually is here every year to give us pointers and keep us safe on the ground, we are doing our best to achieve efficiency.

Some of our all-women ground crew: Brenda, Emily, Anna, Bonnie, and Janice

In other news, we got a reminder this week of how wiley and wild our steers can be- when Anna and Emily went to feed the cattle one morning it was discovered that one was all on his lonesome on the other side of the fence from all the other steers. And it was quickly determined that he was not going to allow himself to be retrieved quietly. Shayne and some of the wranglers set out to find him and it was with the utmost precision that we were able to get him back with his buddies- if we had moved too fast or pushed on him too much he was liable to run or even charge at our horses!

Bonnie and Brownie

Today is sadly the day that we have to say farewell to our intern, Bonnie. She will be traveling all the way back home to England over the next couple of days. She’s always looking for a good laugh and she has also been invaluable to Brenda for the help she gives doctoring the horses. We hope the best for her in her travels and her work with her horses at home.

With another week in the books, we are thankful for the arrival of May and the further presence of spring in our valley. Be well, Friends! We’ll see you soon.

Happy trails,

Anna

There are more flowers all the time!

The herd <3

April 25, 2020, Volume 15, Issue 16

Handsome Scotch

What a week!

Jeepers. So much has been going on it’s difficult to know where to start. As you all know by now, our steers are officially settled into life on the ranch. Every morning, Anna and Emily go out and give them their 8 bales of hay spread throughout the pasture in front of Randy’s house. They are content all day long to much and snooze- a routine that a lot of us around here would not mind to adopt for a couple of days.

Des and Shayne

Emily and the miserly Trouble

We are also still hard at work preparing our ranch horses for the season- we’ve been riding out with them and working on exercises that will give them strength and endurance for the coming season. Pro tip: always do transitions. Do you have a horse that overflexes? Do lots of transitions. Have a horse that gets strung out? Transitions. Have a horse that can sometimes get ahead of your leg? Again, I tell you transitions! The movement up and down from gates and rates encourages your horse to engage their hind end. The more they are able to carry themselves using their hind, the less they will push and rush, and the more they will be able to find their balance.

Tucker <3

Earlier this week, a bunch of the wranglers got to ride out with Shayne and Des to further learn from them the ins and outs of sorting cattle. It was a blast! At the end, Shayne and Des decided to be very silly versions of themselves and turn the tables on us! They declared that they were now our guests and we had to teach them as if they had no previous ranch experience. Talk about pressure. But it was all so much fun and laughter was never in short supply for the remainder of the afternoon as they dolled out jokes and funny stories for our entertainment as we attempted to ‘teach’ them how to operate their horses.

We are also working on plenty of projects around the ranch. Scott and Kevin are kept plenty busy checking, rechecking, and fixing fences for us! They’re preparing for when the cattle move into various pastures and onto the mountains around the ranch. Anna is honing her skill in the forge, shoeing our multitude of ponies; she is just a delight to have around and the hardest worker you will ever find. And, of course, Emily is keeping us chugging along with her hardy and delicious meals that we look forward to at the end of the day. There is nothing better than having a job well done and sitting down with your friends (for us it is more like family) to a good meal.

Sunny, sleepy ponies

We’re thinking of all of our friends that we are missing having with us during these weeks. Keep your chin up- we are doing the same.

Happy trails,

Anna

Elk in our shop pasture

Lee

New growth! Bring on the wild plants!

Catman and Chalkeye

April 18, 2020, Volume 15, Issue 16

It has been an absolutely wonderful week here at McGinnis Meadows! The highlights: horsemanship (obviously), beautiful weather, and… drumroll please… cattle! Our steers arrived! Lets dig in.

Our new buddies

Starting with horsemanship, we have all been having a marvelous time riding with Shayne and Des in their indoor arena. It has been a great environment to learn and be able to focus on the individual needs of every horse that is ridden. Lately we have all been working on the hind-and-front exercise that is so vital to the balance and education of the horses. Around the perimeter of the arena you will see all of us rolling the hind 180^o and then bringing the front end around 180^o to result in coming out on a straight line. We are learning how important it is to have straightness through every movement. To have a proper soft feel you need straightness. To have a proper leg-yield, you first need straightness. It’s a beautiful transformation when you achieve the feeling of a horse standing up under saddle with straightness and balance.

Bonnie working with Brownie from the fence

In our groundwork department, Janice and Bonnie have been hard at work! Every morning you can find them in the Kit arena going over the fundamentals of proper groundwork. Bonnie says she is having a wonderful time 🙂

These cattle sure love their mineral!

On Wednesday of this week we welcomed the arrival of most anticipated additions to the ranch: the steers. These tiny little guys are settling in nicely to their new pastures. Early on Thursday morning, Shayne and a bunch of the wranglers rode out to sort out any sick cattle so that they can be sure to be doctored and returned to their former health. It was a blast! Once we got them all sorted out, we moved the lot to their pasture in front of Randy’s house where their dinner was set out waiting for them. Since the sickos are now doctored and on the mend, they have also been allowed to join their buddies in the pasture.

Scott and Twizzle had to get their glamour shot

The weather was in our favor yesterday when we went out again to ride through the steers and check on them. We found the ones that had been doctored the day before and were glad to see the amount of improvement in just one day. As we rode through them Shayne also taught us all how to best sort through them to achieve a smooth relay of riders and cattle from one corral to another. It was a delightful afternoon- made only better by the sunshine and fresh air.

Emily and Mighty sorting cattle

I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that we are sincerely hoping that the fine weather will persist. Although we all love the indoor arena, we’re eager to enjoy the world beyond the roll-up-door. I am sure that quite a few of you who read this can commiserate with us on this feeling.

While hoping and praying the best for our friends and our nation, we wish you happy trails.

-Anna C

Sleepy Baby <3

Herb!

Bonnie and Brownie

April 11, 2020, Volume 15, Issue 15

The stunning ranch roans

Anyone that knows me knows how much fun I have when I get to work with the young’uns!  This past week has been full of colts! 

One is a coming 3 year old named Lefty.  I’ve been getting him good with groundwork for the last couple weeks and finally put my first few rides on him.  So much fun! 

Another is a coming 2 year old named Nicz.  He had to get a quick course in good groundwork because he got a cut on his leg that needed doctoring and he was in desperate need of a foot trim!  Nicz didn’t know much about groundwork and he was not too keen on holding up his feet at all.  So, I started with basic groundwork with the lead rope, moved onto flag and tarp and rope, all in good time.  He’s pretty touchy so we went slow.  He got better and better to doctor each day and by mid-week, he had a perfect trim session with Anna! 

Little Hadlee!

We have two yearlings on the ranch now, Rip and Hadlee.  These two are pure and I am enjoying being able to do everything from “scratch” so to speak!  These two colts are brothers (their daddy is Metallic Rebel) but they are like night and day! 

Rip is quite sensitive, like most of the colts I’m used to working.  He’s gotten more accepting of brushes, throwing the lead rope on his back, the flag, seeing the tarp and learning to lead up nicely.  But we go slow and he’s going to have to see these things lots of times before they become “old hat” to him! 

Hadlee is a little different from any colt I’ve worked with thus far.  It seems like I only have to show him something once and he’s got a handle on it.  He’s quite bold and is becoming very independent!

Anna has been busy keeping up with the care of our horses feet each day

The “kids” (lovingly referred to as Kevin, Maddie, Scott and Ahna) have been riding with us each day, and have been camping on the new Lazy U horses.  Each day they run through the basic moves that you might do in a Buck clinic—hind 180/front 180, soft feel, leg yield, stops—and then they progress to roping, riding with flags and working on the cutting flag.  Some of these horses are getting VERY hooked onto that cutting flag!  Be ready to hang on!

Big King loving the opportunity to bask in the warmth!

Temps bumped up into the 60s by mid-week and all of the snow from the winter officially went away!  Of course, that makes both horses and humans quite happy!  But it also made clear that we needed a second deep clean on our new arena winter pasture, as some sticks had come up to the surface from the pasture being used all winter.  So each day, a crew would assemble to deep clean the pasture from top to bottom.  I think they took out something like 10 loads of sticks!

Janice has been personally working with our English intern Bonnie on the refinement of groundwork.  Bonnie has a big interest in it, and Janice will teach her the intricacies of flags, tarps, ropes, work from the fence…you name it! 

Easter goodies

Hard to believe that Easter is upon us already. We wish everyone a safe and peaceful time, and we will catch up with you again next week.

Des

April 4, 2020, Volume 15, Issue 14

Who would have thought we’d get more snow now than we had almost all winter!

Early morning sunrise

While we are eager for green grass and warm temps, it sure is pretty here. The birds are singing each morning so spring can’t be too far off.

It is quiet at the ranch without guests but we are making the most of the time by riding a lot, catching up on projects, and creating new ones!

We now have a new set of stadium seats for guests wanting to watch lunchtime rides, and as I write this the crew is setting up a trailer at the new arena which will house gear, feed, and brand new shelves for stashing our lunches each day.

stadium seating 🙂

Staff has been fortunate to be riding with Shayne and Des most days and we are all learning a lot. The 6 new horses that came in from Lazy U are getting ready for the guest string and have been rotating through staff each day. It is pretty cool to see what each person puts into a horse and how we can all help each other improve. These horses are all so sweet and very fun to ride!

Some of the things Shayne has us working on include walk, trot and cantering over logs in preparation for lead changes; getting our horses really straight (up and down in the shoulders and withers), practicing our roping, and working through our individual trouble spots as we ride. Each day he will ask us what are the two or three things we need to be thinking about. These are different for each of us

The elk are still here, including 3 large bulls

and a good reminder of what we need to be focusing on every second!

Shayne and Des have also been working with their new colt Lefty. She is preparing him with a bit more groundwork and then Shayne works with him from horseback. He is making great progress under their guidance.

That is about it for now. We hope that you are all staying safe and healthy, and we can’t wait to see you again soon.

Happy Trails,

Janice

Shayne working with Lefty

One of the wonders from our kitchen, courtesy of Emily

Des, showing us some roping tips

Kate secretly wants to drive the army truck

Parting shot