The Calgary Stampede Cattle Drive ...

Cowgirls for the day

For Mum's last day in Canada, it was only fitting that she was involved in a cowboy event.  We were lucky enough to be invited to the annual Calgary Stampede Cattle Drive, which is hosted by the family I work for.  The morning began with a big cowboy breakfast before everyone was allocated a horse to ride (Mum was given a quiet ranch horse while I rode a not-so-quiet but still well behaved polo pony).

Cowboy boots and autumn flowers

When everyone was kitted up, we headed out into the paddocks to round up the cows and drive them out onto the driveway and then we were on our way.  It took about 5 hours (note: 5 hours of riding always equals a sore butt and legs for the next few days) for us to move the cows from one ranch to the next.  The cows moved slowly for most of the way because it was hot and they continually stopped to drink the water by the roadside.  Along the way, the lovely Calgary Stampede ladies provided everyone with drinks and snacks to keep us energised and moving.  Many of the visiting cowboys (Chet from Wyoming, Chuck from South Dakota, Buck from Montana etc.) took advantage of the 'beer stops' to stock their saddle bags with 'travellers'.  Needless to say, there were several inebriated cowboys at the end of the 5 hours.

Mum gets the hang of riding like a cowgirl

Moving the cows through the paddocks towards the driveway

Once the cows were safely in the paddock that will be their home for the winter, all the riders were driven back to the other ranch for a big feast.  Needless to say, everyone enjoyed a hearty lunch and several drinks after such a long time riding.  A full on cowboy experience was the perfect way to end Mum's Canadian adventure.

... and onto the driveway

Hot and thirsty cattle stop for a drink along the way

Mother and calf

A lone cow

Cowgirl on a polo pony?!