Moments like these…
Today was a momentous day for the Granite Glen household.
There was a little milestone achieved by a particular member of the family,
which I feel compelled to share with the world
(or at least the 17 or so of you reading this blog post!)
…
You see our son, the indubitable Dash, has been tinkering around the edges of becoming a rider for some time now… you may recall this and this and maybe even this?
Anyway, his cousin Salina is visiting at the moment,
and if anyone knows Salina, they will attest to her horse-mad qualities.
If there is musterin’ a-happenin’, you’ll find Salina saddled up and ready to go.
And where you find Salina on her visits, you will generally find Dash.
This particular visit just happens to coincide with the Granite Glen weaners being ‘taken out’.For beginners, ‘weaners’ are the calves who have been separated from their mothers and ‘taken out’ refers (not to date night but) to their first experience outside the yards as a mob without their mothers. It can be uncertain, the calves can bolt and generally misbehave and everyone needs to be on their toes (or hooves, or paws, as the case may be).
…
After watching the action over recent months from the sidelines, Dash finally girded his lean little loins and hoisted himself atop Lacey for his first big paddock ride. Salina generously agreed to lead Dash for a while until he got his confidence.
But as the weaners milled outside the yard looking to the open paddocks,
… and the tension began to rise among the adult riders holding the inexperienced mob,
I wondered if this might be the wrong day to start our little man in the big league…
Is it just me or does he look tiny in this scene, trotting off solo into the distance?
…and with Pagi and Salina who were holding them on the fence.
When people ask me next time why the heck we chose to give up our comfy city life for an often-trying future in the bush, I shall send them to this very photo…
This moment where he very first started to ‘help’,
Where he listens intently to his grandfather,
When my little man said “See ya Mum!”
But as the weaners milled outside the yard looking to the open paddocks,
… and the tension began to rise among the adult riders holding the inexperienced mob,
I wondered if this might be the wrong day to start our little man in the big league…And as they weaners headed through the gates and down the road, with some breaking ahead of the lead riders, my concerns grew.
…
I quickly let Salina unhook Dash from his lead
so she could canter off to assist the men to hold the mob.
And observing the set features of my suddenly quiet son,
I offered to follow him (in the Prado) til he caught up.
He nodded grimly, turned a reluctant Lacey down the road, and kicked her forwards.
Is it just me or does he look tiny in this scene, trotting off solo into the distance?You can see Salina cantered ahead and within a minute she was out of sight.
Dash trotted gamely along, keeping his old steed jig-jogging along.
She’s pretty ancient, his chestnut mare… almost 30 years old in fact.
She slowed to a shuffle at times…
and was certainly not about to break into a canter for anyone.
Which was fine… except my son has not yet learned to rise in his trot.
And he has a very, very skinny butt.
Muuuuummmm!! he eventually complained,
‘My bottom is going to break soon! ‘
…
Which was fine… except my son has not yet learned to rise in his trot.
And he has a very, very skinny butt.
Muuuuummmm!! he eventually complained,
‘My bottom is going to break soon! ‘
…
Luckily this particular tragedy was averted as we finally caught up with the mob …
…and with Pagi and Salina who were holding them on the fence.
When people ask me next time why the heck we chose to give up our comfy city life for an often-trying future in the bush, I shall send them to this very photo…It says it all for me… this moment.
This moment of independence and friendship and shared cameraderie.
While working cattle.
Doing something real.
And loving it.
He doesn’t know yet how amazing that tiny moment was.
But he will.
…
And there was this moment too…
And there was this moment too…
This moment where he very first started to ‘help’,to learn where the ‘right place’ is when moving a mob of cattle.
…
…
And this moment…
Where he listens intently to his grandfather,learning about how to hold the reins,
or move in to block a beast,
or stay back when required…
(How the heck do I know what the chat was about?
I was 200 metres away!)
…
Or this moment…
When my little man said “See ya Mum!”“I’m right now – you can go.”
My heart darned near popped right out of my chest.
…
It was only when I processed these pics tonight that I saw something else.
It was only when I processed these pics tonight that I saw something else.
Something amazing and butt-saving.
Darned if he didn’t almost get the hang of rising his trot too.
My Dash …the musterin’ man.
18 Comments
Kate
AWESOME!!!! Good on ya Dash! He looks amazing! So big and grownup. I imagine that bunch of crazy young cows is quite intimidating. And i love sweet Lacey. I've ridden many a horse like that. Wouldn't canter if their life depended on it. Love this post! Congratulations Dash!!!
Carol
My son Daniel was five when we took him on a gathering day… supposed to be short and easy… turned into a long, hot, miserable day. I ran out of water and snacks and had a job to do… so he was left with big sister to hold our herd… Later I saw them literally sitting under their horses… the only shade to be found! Finally, when we made it back to the barn, his only miserable little comment… "I think my legs are bleeding…" Now he is an excellent cowboy… but, my, what a start!
Leenie
Isn't it fun to see them grow up. Doesn't it tear you up inside to see them leaving your protection? I guess bouncing in a saddle for a while is an incentive to work on rising in the trot. He's holding his reins good too. Like the way you Aussies call a wild crowd of unruly cattle a "mob" much more apt than "herd."
d/iowa
what a great post! i love it. congrats to dash! fantastic pics.
ps- your 'weaners' are different than our 'wieners' LOL!
Pony Girl
Oh, so cool! I bet he was just thrilled! It is great you have a little old mare like Saline to take such great care of your precious boy! 🙂
I agree, this kind of thing is so much more valuable to kids….then video games, for example! Fresh air, a little work, teamwork….a living animal to be responsible for!
word verification: fulness! 🙂
Reddirt Woman
All Right Dash! You get an "Atta Boy!" from this old Okie. You looked right good on Saline.
Enjoy, mom, they grow faster than you even realize.
Thank you for sharing and telling the story in such a great way.
Helen
nightsmusic
Such a proud moment. Makes you want to cry, doesn't it? 😉 Yours are just starting out. I can't get mine to move out! O_o
Cherish the moments. One day you wake up and realize it was time for them to fly the nest about two years ago 😉
Anonymous
May I applaud you on the use of head protection! Way to go! Lee 🙂
Kelly
What an interesting and informative post! Looking at that "mob" of weaners makes me glad we only have twenty-something cows (and one Bully)! Ours got into the hay this week and had to be shooed into another pasture by hand (no horses for us). Of course Bully just stood there and stared at us like, "yeah, right", but did eventually move along.
traceelements
"My bottom is going to break soon"… that's a classic.
Have we all told you how awesome your photos are BB?! Awesome post.
Woman in a Window
I tell you, I saw it before you even told it and I was thinking, Holy freaken unbelievable independence. A beautiful thing.
Anonymous
Excellant job Dash man!!!!! Soon you will your Dad's right hand man around the place, eh!
Um, good job Babe honey lettin that little man "grow" a few inches……..
signed
Theresa in ALberta
Mom L
Awww, BB, I'm smiling as I sit here admiring your very little big man! It takes me back to Diane's childhood and her little milestones. Dash is certain to grow up to be a fine man. I know how proud you and Mr. I are of those kids!
Nancy in Atlanta
Debby
My bottom will break. Made me laugh out loud. Of course. It already has a crack.
It is breathtaking to watch them become men and women. You will remember these golden days for all of your life.
I also love the picture of your father advising the kids. Those children will remember these golden days all of their lives.
Cactus Jack Splash
Amazing series of photos. It is wonderful watching them grow up isn't it, also a bit heart wrenching.
Jayne
Yay for Dash!
Oh, I remember how back jarring that trotting can be without rising in the saddle, good on him for learning it in the end 🙂
Helz
Invaluable Independence captured… Tailing out the Weaners… One handy little offsider in the making there… Just Luv the " See ya Mum! "
Wrensong Farm
Hey! I make #18!! 🙂
Dash does look so small on that big horse off all by himself….I could only imagine how I would feel especially when the tension started rising with everyone. He handled it all bravely (Lacey seems like the perfect horse for quickly building confidence)
I can't imagine a more perfect place for you to raise your children. Enjoyed the family interaction pics and loved how Dash dismissed you that he was "right now" 🙂