Etiquette goes a long way in cowboy culture. This branding season, don’t forget these 10 unspoken rules when you show up to the ranch. What would you add to the list?
- Don’t ride in front of the boss
Some outfits take this more seriously than others, but this is always a good first rule when riding out to gather for the day. - Only come if you were invited
Significant others usually come as a package deal, but it’s always proper to only show up to a branding if you got the call and were invited. - Do the job that the ranch owner or boss assigns you
This might be the biggest rule on the list for branding day. Don’t ride into the branding pen and rope until you are asked to do so. Being able to rope calves, whether heading and heeling or heel and drag, is a privilege. Wait your turn to rope when asked. If you are not assigned a job, step into line and get ready to wrestle calves. - No dragging calves to the fire above the hock, limit dragging calves by one leg
Good hands know this rule and follow it. For the safety of the cattle, learn how to handle your rope when you rope above the hock or how to get your rope off one leg. - Learn how to vaccinate properly
One of the most important aspects of branding day is giving vaccines to calves. If you are unsure how to give a vaccine, or where the boss prefers shots to be given, ask. - No dogs allowed
Self-explanatory. This is a rule most follow in general on branding day. - No loping in the pen
Horsemanship is always important, but it’s especially on display during branding day. Respect fellow ropers and the cattle by not loping in the pen. This is also a safety measure for wrestlers and others. - Let your crew do the roping
Roping at your own branding? Proceed with caution. This rule might be controversial, but it is typically uncommon to rope at your own branding. - Learn how to wrestle calves
Wrestling calves may not seem glamorous, but it is one of the most important jobs and requires technique. Different ranches have their preferred methods. Learn how the crew is working that day, whether that means taking the heel rope off with two wrestlers, using nordforks, setting ropes in a head-and-heel branding, or holding a calf while the horse and roper serve as the anchor. - Always be aware of your surroundings
This rule mainly applies to ropers, but the ground crew should always be aware of horses as well. Whether you are running an iron, vaccinating calves, or dragging to the fire, pay attention to what is happening to ensure a safe and productive day.
Missed one of the biggest ones. Always show up early for the gather. Everyone wants to show up and rope, but nobody wants to gather the morning of or days before.
Don’t drag the calf over the ground crew. I have been run over numerous times. You are vaccinating, tipping ears. Yes you are aware of others but you are paying attention to this calf and crew at the moment. Until some hot shot runs over the down calf, holders and anyone close. Some think it’s funny. Some of those jokers never step off their horse for a turn at ground crew. Ah I got a bum knee! Need to get my horse broke. Yup!!!
Great article. Thanks
Watch out for the guy that looks like he just walked off the Yellow Stone stage.
Bring seasoned rope horses to rope and drag to ensure the safety of the ground crew. Nothing worse than an unseasoned horse that gets in a storm, rope goes zipping thru the air nearly taking the ear off a guy on the ground.