I'm a city girl, gone country in the quickest amount of time imaginable. Traffic control on the streets seemed to have plenty of challenges. Never did I realize how complicated I would find traffic control among Cows. Learning the ropes has taken skill, skill I hadn't, in the least amount, developed. I started with 4 cows my first week and found it dreadfully frustrating, but heroically have graduated on to 300-400 Cows, all on my own. After a few simple lessons from Tyler on body positioning, I have mastered the art of cattle herding, well almost. I still can't whistle like a cowboy!
What a beautiful land to experience the adventures of being a Cowgirl, without a horse to ride. Ian Mitchell-Innes has 3,459 acres and 4,000 head of cattle. The land I get to enjoy every day is spread throughout the hills of Elandslaagte, South Africa.
Nguni are the pride cattle amongst the Zulu People. William Mitchell-Innes, Ian's son, has the largest Nguni herd in South Africa. I never thought I would call a Cow beautiful, but Nguni cattle are beautiful!
Every day out on the farm brings new adventures and sudden surprises. From wildlife to flash floods, the excitement always runs high - unless it's extremely hot out. I experienced my first branding and castrating "episode." After hours of hearing small calves bawl, I finally was able to focus on work and help my husband take care of each calf as we branded and castrated. The poor creatures - all apart of the cowboy lifestyle.
Preparing for Tyler's favorite thing: Branding
For weeks I couldn't except the awful fact that Cows die, as well as their babies. After a few trickles of tears and I tried to save helpless young ones, I was able to except the fact of this often occurrence on the farm. Many Cows die from getting stuck in the mud, attacked by ticks, and a disease called Blackwater. Tyler is working with the Umuntu (meaning a person in Zulu), drag a Cow out of the mud.
Meercats. I have never experienced so much wildlife during one vacation, if you can call this a vacation. They are curious little creatures and a handful of fun!
What a beautiful land to experience the adventures of being a Cowgirl, without a horse to ride. Ian Mitchell-Innes has 3,459 acres and 4,000 head of cattle. The land I get to enjoy every day is spread throughout the hills of Elandslaagte, South Africa.
Nguni are the pride cattle amongst the Zulu People. William Mitchell-Innes, Ian's son, has the largest Nguni herd in South Africa. I never thought I would call a Cow beautiful, but Nguni cattle are beautiful!
Every day out on the farm brings new adventures and sudden surprises. From wildlife to flash floods, the excitement always runs high - unless it's extremely hot out. I experienced my first branding and castrating "episode." After hours of hearing small calves bawl, I finally was able to focus on work and help my husband take care of each calf as we branded and castrated. The poor creatures - all apart of the cowboy lifestyle.
Preparing for Tyler's favorite thing: Branding
For weeks I couldn't except the awful fact that Cows die, as well as their babies. After a few trickles of tears and I tried to save helpless young ones, I was able to except the fact of this often occurrence on the farm. Many Cows die from getting stuck in the mud, attacked by ticks, and a disease called Blackwater. Tyler is working with the Umuntu (meaning a person in Zulu), drag a Cow out of the mud.
Meercats. I have never experienced so much wildlife during one vacation, if you can call this a vacation. They are curious little creatures and a handful of fun!
K you're married! congrats girl!
ReplyDeletethis is ashley wick by the way :) now ashley huffaker!
I love your new blog! lets be friends
The meercats are so cute! what an experience you're having!! :)
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