A spring branding in Wyoming is one of my favorite things in life. It’s been 15 years since we first moved to a cattle ranch. Even though we no longer live on the ranch, I still enjoy heading to a branding in the cool morning, with the sun just coming up over the horizon. Bumping over a two-track, between clumps of Indian Paintbrush and wild Lupine, splashing through last night’s rain puddles. I enjoy watching the cowboys gather the cattle, the scent of crushed sage, and the sound of birds singing.
Beautiful wildflowers in the pasture: wild iris and yellow lupine.
Scared up a moose with my truck, on the way to the branding.
I have rode out with the crew, but more often, I stay behind with the babies. That’s ok too. Like I tell my girls; guess who the cowboys like to see the most? The cook! 🙂 Never despise the hidden places in life. Seasons in your life will change; learn to enjoy each one.
Photos of a spring branding in Wyoming
This spring, I was thankful to be invited to a branding held by some good friends. I took my baby and my camera, and enjoyed the day from behind the lens. Here are a few of the photos I made:
My Instagram followers said this looked like a ‘Man from Snowy River’ scene. 😉
Riding out to gather the herd.
Lone cowboy heading towards the back corner of the pasture
Almost to the branding trap.
Waiting while the cows settle.
The herd is in the branding trap. The crew makes a living fence across the open end of the trap.
Sorting the momma cows away from the calves. This makes it easier to rope and brand the calves. They leave some of the cows in with the calves, to keep them calm.
This cowboy has his loop ready for some roping.
He has a ‘heel trap’ set up, to catch two heels.
Caught by two heels – now dragging to the fire, to get branded.
The ranch manager swinging a loop. Can you see he’s left-handed? Pretty neat to watch!
Dragging one to the fire, with the ground crew ready to help. The cow may or may not be it’s mother. Momma cows get worried about every calf, even ones that are not their own!
One of the cow dogs resting in a bit of shade.
Cattle branding irons
Putting on a brand, and getting ready to vaccinate.
Fresh brands on these calves.
Kicking’ up a little dust.
Such a lovely scene.
Well-worn hat, protecting from the elements.
Cattle branding irons.
Want me to photograph your branding or just a day in the life on your ranch? Contact me and we’ll see if we can work out a deal!
If you enjoyed this photo essay of a branding in Wyoming, save it to Pinterest or share on Facebook!
You might enjoy these posts:
The Ranch Cook
Leave a Reply