September 12, 2009

The Cowboy Way

When a horse has cow sense, he is said to be “cowy.”  Basically, this means he has an instinct to anticipate and react to a cow's moves, and is smart enough to go after the animal that his rider points him toward. 
cuttin horse Boss is “cowy.”  He doesn’t like sheep and is terrified of goats (and bears), but he really likes chasing cows. 
A lot of the public lands we ride on are used for cattle grazing.  Sometimes the animals scatter as we ride past, and Steve and Boss take the liberty of rounding them up just a little. 
 cowboy game I would have better pictures if my quad-pod (Mischief) would stand still for my photo shoots!
For more camera critters, click here.

23 comments:

  1. Cowy? Are you sure that's a word? I like that last shot of Steve and Boss.

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  2. Terrified of goats? That's just funny!

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  3. Gee I learn so much from you, Janie. I've never heard of the word, "cowy" before... I can understand though--it makes sense. Glad Boss is 'cowy'.. What about Mischief?????

    I'd be afraid of goats and bears too.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  4. Another very interesting post Janie, and Boss is a gorgeous horse.

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  5. I didn't know this, and I live in a 'cowy' area! Beautiful horse:)

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  6. Those ponies don't make good tripods even though they have an extra leg. Somehow they understand cows but not cameras. Fun pics despite the challenges. Thanks

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  7. a good cow horse is worth his weight in hay!

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  8. I can easily imagine Steve and Boss at a round up. Maybe they're both "cowy."

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  9. Betsy: Mischief is not cowy. He doesn't have any interest in cows. On the other hand, though, he's not scared of goats. That's a plus!

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  10. Great photos and I enjoyed the story about Boss. Sounds like he works hard.

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  12. Isn't that funny that horses can have such a strong instinct to herd cattle, like a border collie with sheep? I have heard of a horse "having cow" as short for having cow sense, but I hadn't heard the term cowy before. It's great that Boss gets the chance to round up cattle since he enjoys it. He looks like he's built to be good at that kind of work too.

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  13. Are you sure Mischief doesn't want to get in on the fun? I think your pictures of Boss (and Steve) at work are great.

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  14. Wow, a real cow bow... nice captures... great shots!

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  15. wow how i love to ride a horse.

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  16. I suspect it would be hard to capture photos astride Mischief (apt name perhaps?) I love visiting and learn something new each time. Never heard the term 'cowy' before. Wonderful photos ;--)
    Hugs and blessings,

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  17. nice post with great photos and very informative lines

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  18. Thanx for the lesson - I had no idea there was a term for it - cowy - cool!

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