Welcome to the Two Wheeled Texans community! 
Feel free to hang out and lurk as long as you like. However, we would like to encourage you to 
M38A1
Admin
I have a friend of many years who is the ranch manager for a place off RR337 between Medina and Leakey in the heart of the hill country/gateway to the three sisters of RR337, RR335 and RR336. She has been gracious enough to invite me to the ranch several times now while affording me the opportunity to try and create various images without the light pollution of Austin.
She runs the ranch for the owner who lives in a major metropolitan area and rarely spends time at the ranch. Consisting of 150 acres, I followed her around on a single morning with my camera to see what all occurs in a typical day. The following is just one little part of the multitude of things she does - a time slice of sorts for a single morning.
The morning started out cloudy/overcast and did not improve. A stiff wind was present with the flags proudly displayed.
This is Bert. Well, that's what she started to call him. He showed up about mid-September as a pile of skin and bones. He's been on the road quite a while. A traveling dog of sorts estimated to be six years old. Most probably some child's dog, given as a present, then grew up and the child lost interest. He has a sweet disposition and needs a forever home.
This is one of many registered Angus on the ranch. They are of a specific blood line/lineage and are strictly for breeding purposes. I have learned one could not afford the cost of these to consume. They require daily attention for counting, checking status, and feeding. I could also not help myself staring at that wonderful Angus brisket out front.
This is her primary mode of transportation. A four-wheel drive quad complete with panniers full of fencing tools, hoof tools, pliers, wire cutters and brush cutters. These are the tools she most frequently uses.
Running out to locate the Angus, one of several feeders sits idle at the moment. She regularly shoots feral hog each year and processes them in addition to white tail deer and axis deer. The coyotes are also ever-present and are most probably the prime reason for the feral cat population control. That and birds of prey. Yes - mother nature is a cruel beast indeed.
The Angus hear the quad and recognize the sound along with her distinct, loud whistle. They come to the feed pen today. Some days, they are at the feed barn. But today, they are close to the pens. Protein supplements are provided by the bucketful.
One calf is missing - this is not good. We hop on the quad and start scouring every nook and cranny for the small one. At only 150 acres, this could take time. Within a few minutes, she is spotted, favoring her left front leg heavily. Again, not good. She is herded to the others through tall grass, bleating for her mother who left her. We hear her mother in the background.
Watching her gait, a determination is made the shoulder is fine, the elbow is fine and the bones are fine. This leaves only the hoof on first pass as the issue. Is it split? Is it splayed? What is the issue to cause such a noticeable gait issue? With some coaxing, she is placed in a chute and secured where a real assessment can take place. The calf is not pleased. Momma is not pleased with her calf in the chute. Her hoof is packed with mud and small rocks from the recent rains. The hoof is blatantly spread apart. A rock is most likely wedged in between. With a hard probe, the mud and debris is cleaned from the hoof. This is where my friend almost has her arm broken from a kick of the left rear leg. There is no other way to address the issue. I am amazed at the speed in which the kick unfolded. This is risky business for all involved.
The issue is believed to be resolved, the calf released to the company of the others.
The property has two donkeys, Peetie and Issac. They are both males. Issac is your friend. Peetie will just as soon kill you as pay you attention. I keep my distance. But distance is not meant to be had for my friend. Today is round two of their tetanus shots. Spaced two weeks apart, this is two of two.
The showdown begins with the pen gates closed eliminating escape by all three.
...and the syringe is prepared,
...and successfully administered.
The donkeys are released, the Angus are fed and the time comes to move on to check the oak wilt injection syringes. Oak wilt has been found on the property and killed off several majestic examples. Her attempts to curb the disease are working, but there is much work required. Multiple injections on a continued basis are still needed. Three syringes are empty this trip which will be replenished and reinserted. Ball moss is also removed when possible leaving large piles which are then burned.
We board the quad once again and continue our trek towards the back of the property.
The Angus are not pleased we are chasing them once again but this time without food.
Fences are observed for holes from recent heavy rains. Rain gauges are checked and emptied. One point seven-five inches last night. A good night indeed yet more is needed. Water is the life blood for this place. No rain - no grass - no Angus.
The stock ponds/swimming hole is in sad shape. Rain was significant all around the ranch, but not on top of the ranch. Floresville to the South, 15+ inches, Austin to the East, 16+ inches. One point seven-five is literally a drop in the bucket.
We make our way to the back of the property to check the stock tanks, pumps and such. The Angus beat us there and all is good upon inspection.
One of the many feral hogs dispatched on the ranch. A fitting resting place indeed. I make a note to myself as to why the buzzards have not removed the skull. I ponder the question yet forget to ask for a response.
The back of the ranch is secure for the day. We make our way back to the front and check a barn door. A mix of old and new is observed.
And with that, this mornings chores are now complete.
.
She runs the ranch for the owner who lives in a major metropolitan area and rarely spends time at the ranch. Consisting of 150 acres, I followed her around on a single morning with my camera to see what all occurs in a typical day. The following is just one little part of the multitude of things she does - a time slice of sorts for a single morning.
The morning started out cloudy/overcast and did not improve. A stiff wind was present with the flags proudly displayed.
This is Bert. Well, that's what she started to call him. He showed up about mid-September as a pile of skin and bones. He's been on the road quite a while. A traveling dog of sorts estimated to be six years old. Most probably some child's dog, given as a present, then grew up and the child lost interest. He has a sweet disposition and needs a forever home.
This is one of many registered Angus on the ranch. They are of a specific blood line/lineage and are strictly for breeding purposes. I have learned one could not afford the cost of these to consume. They require daily attention for counting, checking status, and feeding. I could also not help myself staring at that wonderful Angus brisket out front.
This is her primary mode of transportation. A four-wheel drive quad complete with panniers full of fencing tools, hoof tools, pliers, wire cutters and brush cutters. These are the tools she most frequently uses.
Running out to locate the Angus, one of several feeders sits idle at the moment. She regularly shoots feral hog each year and processes them in addition to white tail deer and axis deer. The coyotes are also ever-present and are most probably the prime reason for the feral cat population control. That and birds of prey. Yes - mother nature is a cruel beast indeed.
The Angus hear the quad and recognize the sound along with her distinct, loud whistle. They come to the feed pen today. Some days, they are at the feed barn. But today, they are close to the pens. Protein supplements are provided by the bucketful.
One calf is missing - this is not good. We hop on the quad and start scouring every nook and cranny for the small one. At only 150 acres, this could take time. Within a few minutes, she is spotted, favoring her left front leg heavily. Again, not good. She is herded to the others through tall grass, bleating for her mother who left her. We hear her mother in the background.
Watching her gait, a determination is made the shoulder is fine, the elbow is fine and the bones are fine. This leaves only the hoof on first pass as the issue. Is it split? Is it splayed? What is the issue to cause such a noticeable gait issue? With some coaxing, she is placed in a chute and secured where a real assessment can take place. The calf is not pleased. Momma is not pleased with her calf in the chute. Her hoof is packed with mud and small rocks from the recent rains. The hoof is blatantly spread apart. A rock is most likely wedged in between. With a hard probe, the mud and debris is cleaned from the hoof. This is where my friend almost has her arm broken from a kick of the left rear leg. There is no other way to address the issue. I am amazed at the speed in which the kick unfolded. This is risky business for all involved.
The issue is believed to be resolved, the calf released to the company of the others.
The property has two donkeys, Peetie and Issac. They are both males. Issac is your friend. Peetie will just as soon kill you as pay you attention. I keep my distance. But distance is not meant to be had for my friend. Today is round two of their tetanus shots. Spaced two weeks apart, this is two of two.
The showdown begins with the pen gates closed eliminating escape by all three.
...and the syringe is prepared,
...and successfully administered.
The donkeys are released, the Angus are fed and the time comes to move on to check the oak wilt injection syringes. Oak wilt has been found on the property and killed off several majestic examples. Her attempts to curb the disease are working, but there is much work required. Multiple injections on a continued basis are still needed. Three syringes are empty this trip which will be replenished and reinserted. Ball moss is also removed when possible leaving large piles which are then burned.
We board the quad once again and continue our trek towards the back of the property.
The Angus are not pleased we are chasing them once again but this time without food.
Fences are observed for holes from recent heavy rains. Rain gauges are checked and emptied. One point seven-five inches last night. A good night indeed yet more is needed. Water is the life blood for this place. No rain - no grass - no Angus.
The stock ponds/swimming hole is in sad shape. Rain was significant all around the ranch, but not on top of the ranch. Floresville to the South, 15+ inches, Austin to the East, 16+ inches. One point seven-five is literally a drop in the bucket.
We make our way to the back of the property to check the stock tanks, pumps and such. The Angus beat us there and all is good upon inspection.
One of the many feral hogs dispatched on the ranch. A fitting resting place indeed. I make a note to myself as to why the buzzards have not removed the skull. I ponder the question yet forget to ask for a response.
The back of the ranch is secure for the day. We make our way back to the front and check a barn door. A mix of old and new is observed.
And with that, this mornings chores are now complete.
.
