I am fortunate to have grown up with my grandfather as a cattle rancher in Florida. Granddaddy ran about 2000 head on the rolling hills and grassland near Ocala, Florida. We went to Florida every year for Christmas with Grandmother and Granddaddy. Granddaddy's branding was always the day after Christmas, when he had plenty of sons-in-law to help.
At our Winchester Ranch Branding and almost every day, we see real cowboys. It has been fun for us to get to know them and see them in action. Western cowboys work hard, as grass doesn't grow as quickly as rocks in southeast Arizona! We really appreciate all the cowboys and girls that help us each year at our Branding. This year was particularly special, as Colter was able to "be in charge," just 10 weeks after breaking his leg.
Watching all these guys and girls round up the cows, rope in the corral, throw the calves down, brand, give shots, and be mindful of all the children participating in the Branding, was like watching an intricate dance. Beautiful!
