Story by Frank Holmes

Photography by Darrell Dodds

The Cowan family puts their horse, many of them descendants of Sun Frost, to good use on their South Dakota ranch.

Story by Jennifer Denison

Photography by Lisa Norman

Lisa Norman, wife of longtime Haythorn Land & Cattle Co. cowboy Denley Norman, lives in a Western artist and photographer’s dreamland. Each day, she’s immersed in horses, cattle, cowboys and the scenic Sandhills of Nebraska. The simple beauty that surrounds her inspires her to document the ranching lifestyle through photographs and art.

You can see some of Lisa’s work in the new book Haythorn Land & Cattle Co.: A Horseman’s Heritage, featured in the March 2007 Western Horseman article “Chronicle of Cowboy Life.” Or, scroll through this slide show for an exclusive peek at her portfolio. For more information on Lisa and her work, visit imageswest.com.

Story and Photography by Guy de Galard

A six-day ride from hacienda to hacienda provides hands-on opportunities to work alongside Mexican charros.

Story by Kyle Partain

Our reined-cow-horse experts offer additional tips for would-be contestants.

Story by Jennifer Denison

Photography by Ross Hecox

Before you sample the spirits in California, read through our cowboy’s guide to wine tasting.

Wine tasting is part art and part science. It’ll develop your appreciation for the beverage and all that goes into making it, as well as awaken your senses. If you’re just venturing into the world of wines, as I was on a recent trip to California’s wine country, here are some tips this cowgirl learned to get you started.

To read about my horseback adventure through California’s wine country, see “A Toast to the Coast,” in the February 2008 Western Horseman.

Story by Jennifer Zehnder

Photography by John Brasseaux

Whether you’re starting out in cutting, want to improve your current skills, or have loved the sport from afar and want to give it a try, Liberty Ranch’s weeklong cutting clinic promises an intense, hands-on experience for physically fit riders 18 and older.

Owners Jerry and Marlene Mosley host only seven of these unique clinics per year, from April through October. Your tuition includes transportation to and from the airport, lodging, linens, meals, access to seasoned horses of all levels, and cutting instruction in a class size of no more than five students. Jackpot and/or NCHA show opportunities are available following most clinics; additional fees apply.

For more information, contact Liberty Ranch at (866) 535-9990, or visit libertyranch-ok.com.

Story by Jennifer Denison

Photography by Darrell Dodds

A cow is one of the best horse-training tools Idaho clinician and horseman Martin Black has found. He uses the natural behaviors of cattle and horses to teach his horses discipline, speed control and direction.
Cattle and horses are both herd animals that go to their mothers or the herd for security. Both animals also have comfort zones around them that, if entered by another animal, engages their self-preservation mode. Their first defense is flight, and if that’s not an option, they fight. Cattle and horses also respond to pressure and relief—both physically and emotionally.
Using these simple principles, described in detail in the February 2008 Western Horseman article “Cow Control,” the second in a six-part series, you can enhance communication with your horse and the cattle you work. Here, Black shows a few examples not published in the magazine.

Story and Photography by Ross Hecox

The MacGregor Ranch\\\'s draft horses teach children about ranching methods of the past.

Story and Photography by Ross Hecox

Learn to tie the buckaroo square knot, the flat knot and the sliding knot.

Story by Jennifer Denison

Photography by Darrell Dodds

When working cattle, whether in an open pasture or in a pen, horsemanship clinician and Great Basin buckaroo Martin Black strategically positions his horse’s front and/or hind ends to influence a cow’s movement. Before you can do the same on your horse, you must first understand how your position in the saddle affects your horse’s balance and movement. Your horse also must know how to perform a few foundation maneuvers, such as backing up, and moving his forehand and hindquarters at least five steps in each direction. Here is an exercise Martin uses to assess his students’ balance, as well as basic drills and instructions to perform the foundation maneuvers. For more information on Martin, visit martinblack.net.

Story by Ross Hecox

Photography by David Stoecklein

Ride along with cowboys Lonnie Barg and Randy Lundergreen, as they feed cattle from a sleigh at Idaho\\\'s Picabo Livestock Co.

Story By Jennifer Zehnder

Roy Duvall outlasted several generations in one of rodeo\\\'s most punishing events.

Story by A.J. Mangum

Photography by John Brasseaux

Southeastern Arizona’s Price Canyon Ranch offers guests the chance to work cattle on horseback, and explore the historic canyonlands of the Chiricahua Mountains.

Photographs by David Stoecklein

Photographer David Stoecklein documents winter work on this storied buckaroo outfit.

Story and Photography by Jennifer Denison

Tripp Townsend, owner and manager of Sandhill Cattle Company, a small feedlot operation in Earth, Texas, led his ranch-rodeo team, consisting of his 11-year-old daughter, Autumn; Efrain Corrales; Tyler Rice; and Jesse Valdez to their second Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo win this past November in Amarillo, Texas. In addition to winning the overall championship, the Sandhill team also won the team-doctoring and ranch bronc-riding events.

For the Sandhill crew, ranch rodeo is a family event that just happens to correspond to their everyday lifestyle. Each of the six years the team has qualified for the WRCA world championships, they’ve almost always had one of the team members’ children on their team roster, including Townsend’s daughters Summer and Autumn, and Jesse’s son, Spur. The youngsters start out wielding the branding iron in the team-branding event.

“The kids help us all day long on weekends and during school breaks, so it’s only natural they’re part of the team,” Townsend says.

Both Townsend daughters also exhibit their horses in 4-H and hope to start showing in ranch-horse versatility competition.

“We practice on our horses while we’re doing our work,” Townsend says. “It’s hard to practice other disciplines, such as barrel racing and jumping, doing ranch work, but for what they want to do with their horses, working cattle in the wheat field is perfect practice.”

In the December issue of Western Horseman, Townsend explained how he and his ranch hands use everyday ranch work to prepare their horses for competition. Here, we give you a glimpse of Townsend’s kids working their horses on the ranch.