Elvis is back (in the paddock)…
I cannot help but see flashes of human traits and personalities in the many animals living here at Granite Glen. Sure, I suffer from a slightly over-active imagination, but I swear anyone can see it!
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For instance, Rob Roy has serious small man syndrome but is so handsome and appealing (in a rotund, Danny Devito kinda way) that we forgive him his occasional walk on the naughty side. Middy the beautiful-wild-standoffish-but-occasionally-loving-with-her-claws-out black cat is our Angelina Jolie (thankfully for our food bill, our version is unable to give birth or adopt). The list goes on.
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Our bulls are also characters. A few weeks ago, we put the bulls out here at Granite Glen. It’s one of our ritual jobs. For part of the year, all the bulls live together in the bull paddock – it’s a bit of a raucous paddock that one, with so much testosterone in one place. Imagine a bovine boys weekend – lots of bellowing and tall stories and bravado – now imagine that it goes on for about nine months. Noisy and a bit messy. That’s the bull paddock. Filled with characters…
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The particular bull in this story – we’ll call him Big Red for the purposes of this post – is one such beast. Hello Big Red, you great hunk of bovine Red brangus bull-flesh!
Most bulls, when they get taken from the mayhem and dropped back to their paddocks (courtesy of the cattle truck) march immediately down the ramp in their appointed area and go in search of their cows. But Big Red is a little different to most bulls. He is definitely one of the alpha males in the bull paddock – big, strong and gorgeous. He walks with purpose and carries himself with a certain confidence (some might even call it arrogance) – although he is reasonably quiet (and certainly doesn’t threaten humans) you always get the feeling he’s just putting up with your presence.
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This particular Big Red anecdote came from Mr Incredible, after he took him back this season to the same paddock (and mostly the same group of cows) that he has been with for the last few years. Big Red’s harem, if you like. His girls.
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Mr I had chosen the spot to park the truck and unload, seeing some cows far off on a distant hillside. He let down the ramp quickly and stepped back, expecting a thundering set of hooves to come down as Big Red was released from the truck’s back compartment. Nothing. He looked up to see the bull standing stock still at the top of the ramp, looking out over Mr I’s head to the mob of cows.
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As he watched, Big Red bellowed once. And stayed put.
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Mr I turned to see the cows look up from their grazing and immediately start moving down the slope towards the truck. Within a couple of minutes, dozens of cantering cows and trailing calves had appeared from gullies and hills – all approaching the truck. Still the bull did not move. The mob slowed as they got close and stopped. Waiting.
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Only then, did Big Red step forward. Slowly, purposefully, his gaze unwavering on the females ahead of him. He did not look sideways at Mr I at the bottom of the ramp, he just walked off and into the mob. Through the mob. And, almost as one, they turned with him. Following him away from the truck. Big Red paused for a second as they left, looking over his shoulder at my husband. He swears the bull had a dismissive look on his face.
That will be all, thankyou driver.
So, who does this bull remind you of?
One person springs to mind for me…
All hail. The King is Alive.
*Then the girls go wild and throw their panties*
“Big Red has entered the building.”
Or paddock.
Whatever…
14 Comments
Mom L
I’ve already fallen in love with your horses and the beautiful CS1 and 2. Now I think I’m in love with Big Red! He’s magnificent – and what a regal attitude!
Nancy in Atlanta
Pony Girl
What a well-written post and story, BB! Too funny, that bull is pretty darn cool. I loved that he called, they came, and followed. Just fits his “personality” as you described it! He is a handsome fella, I have to admit! 😉
Bush Babe
THanks PG and Nancy…
Just read this post to Mr Incredible and he corrected the end part of the story – the ‘last look’ which I had forgotten about! Confirmed my Elvis theory completely!!
Deb
Hi ~
Just recently found your blog and am enjoying reading your posts 🙂
Big Red is an extremely handsome fellow – no wondering why his Harem came when he called and followed when he moved 🙂
I keep a small farm in Maine, USA. A few beef and dairy cows, sheep, etc. Would love to have a fellow like Big Red around 🙂
I hope to visit often – your horses are gorgeous and I’m envious. My old pony passed away two years ago and I won’t have another. He is sorely missed.
Debby
This story made me laugh. When I read it to Tim, he said, “See how it’s supposed to be? When I bellow, you drop what you’re doing and come…” It must be a happy world that my husband lives in…
Hal Johnson
Do I see a little curl in Big Red’s upper lip? I wonder if he sings “Love Me Tender” in bovine language?
Cactus Jack Splash
This was just a great post! Big Red is something, makes me almost want to have a cattle farm.
Mary Paddock
What handsome fellow! Not hard to see the resemblance at all. 🙂
I live in a rural area with lots of small farms. I’ve always loved the look of a bull in the middle of a field, my favorite being the Angus.
Gem
Excellent and very funny post. I will never be able to look at another bull now without thinking of Elvis – thank you BB!
jeanie
Hey Mary – these cattle are Angus with attitude (or Brahman content, anyway!!)
Very cute – I am sure Mr I would have like to use it to illustrate the same point, Debby – however, Bushbabe has a thing about being referred to as a cow.
He is THE MAN (or THE BULL), isn’t he?
Kate
Wow, he is just gorgeous! And huge. I really am amazed every time i see pics of your bulls. They are massive. And the King is certainly alive!
Reddirt Woman
In that last photo I swear his eyes are starting to crinkle into a full blown “You know I’m great” lopsided grin.
Too cool for school…
Thanks,
Helen
Jayne
LOL
He’s a stunner!
Bet the girls are happy to have him back to themselves 😛
Lydia
Wow, he is a huge guy, no wonder the girls like him so much. It is amazing the personalities each animal has — he is definitely one of a kind!
My experiences with bulls have been varied and not always pleasant, so glad that such a big guy is so gentle.