Influences and thrill-seeking genetics
Mustering and working cattle is a lot of what happens here at Granite Glen. Sure there is other work to be done – building fences, making sure waters are reliable, machinery maintenance. Gathering and sorting cattle is a big part though – and something that almost everyone can take part in. The kids are starting to be allowed to go on little musters, either on their own steeds, or in front of Dad’s saddle. It’s pretty good fun.…
And there is no guessing that it is my Dad’s very favourite job.
As I have shared previously, the sport of campdrafting derives directly from the kind of work we do on a cattle property. We use horses to muster in and then separate cattle in the yards, when they need sorting out. And while my Dad retired from the campdraft arena (where he won his share of competitions) many years ago, he still adores the thrill of a good cut-out. 
The speed, the anticipation, the power of the horse, the sharp turns and the ‘yesssss’ of success in getting the chosen steer through the gate where it needs to be… it was the same adreneline rush that saw his parents, and his mother’s parents, get deeply into the sport of campdrafting. They just loved the buzz and that edge of danger. I often wonder if he had been born in another place and time, if he’d have been a base jumper. Or a chopper pilot. The thrill-seeking part of him is what’s kept Dad young really.
Not bad for an almost-70-year-old…
And if you have been keeping track of us lately, you’ll know the campdrafting bug has already infected my husband. I suspect my father has had more than a little influence on Mr Incredible – who already had his own thrill-seeking genetics (the man was a footy player and mountain climber). So you will understand that I took pause when I noticed this little fella watching Pagi in action at the yards…
He was agog – he did not blink at all during the drafting. . And nearly twisted his little head off trying to not miss a second of the action.
And as they took the cattle back to the paddock, I wondered about the conversations going on.
And if the campdraft bug will infect the fifth generation of my family?
Blinking thrill-seekers.
9 Comments
Debby
“And if the campdraft bug will infect the fifth generation of my family?”
Er. BB? Are you blind woman? It already has!
Cactus Jack Splash
Lovely shots, thanks for sharing
Jayne
Love the photos, and, yep, already bitten lol.
sues2u2
Um, yeah. The "bug" has bitten & then some, BB!
Reddirt Woman
I’d say the little ones have someone pretty special to look up to, and even if it ends up with ’em taking up campdrafting, that’s a heck of a lot better than some of the other things they could get into.
Great photos. Thanks for sharing.
Helen
jeanie
Just remember, Dash, that the apprenticeship is served in the gate – just like your mother and I had to!!
Mom L
Your Dad is amazing – Dash has some great roll-models in all of you!
It’s all I can do to herd my (one) cat!
Nancy in Atlanta
Danielle Michelle
What a great legacy to pass on!
Amanda
Those cattle remind me of the ones in the South where I grew up (Louisiana). Built to take the heat. I miss seeing the big floppy ears and dewlap necks. We mainly have your short compact beef cows here in the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Montana) angus/herefords which can take the cold.
I love you photography.