Flying W Cattle Drive

May 10, 2014

 Matt Goldsmith 

 I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to transport two adventurous photographers on the Flying W Ranch’s Cattle Drive May 10^th, 2014.   While a nice-sized group of people rode horses to round up and drive the longhorn cattle herd from pastures to pens I drove Matt and Sheri Goldsmith around in a 4-wheel drive Kawasaki Mule 4010.   The three of us started out down the road to a gate where we could get into one of the Hoys’ pastures.  This would be the gate that would be opened to run the cattle out on the road and down to the pens.  The plan was for the cowboys and cowgirls to ride across the pastures and meet us near the gate.   While we waited for the horse riders to arrive at the gate Matt and Sheri took pictures of the pastures and the scenery around us as well as shots of the longhorn cattle clustered  just inside the gate. 

 Matt Goldsmith 

After a little while the Goldsmiths ask me if it was safe to go through the gate and amongst the cattle.  I assured them that in spite of the big bad looking horns on the critters, this herd was docile.  I opened the gate, drove us into the pasture and Matt and Sheri began walking around the herd taking more pictures. 

Sheri Goldsmith 

Matt and Sheri taking up close photos

 Matt Goldsmith

Then Matt and Sheri lucked out big time.   I was watching the cattle as the two photographers moved around the herd to make sure that there would be no trouble when I noticed a cow that looked to me to be on the verge of dropping a calf.  I was standing there watching the cow wondering if I should point her out to the Goldsmiths. But I was hesitating to say anything because I didn’t want to say something and then have the birth take several more hours.  I couldn’t decide what to do or say and suddenly the decision was made for me. The cow dropped the calf.  

newborn calf

Sheri Goldsmith 

I immediately pointed out the newborn to the two camera wielders.   Oh boy!  Talk about a thrill!  They got a bunch of photos right up and close of this newborn calf being licked clean by its mother and pushed and prodded to stand up.  We watched the calf stand, wobble and fall back down a few times until it stood and nosing around, found where momma’s milk was available.

stand up baby

Sheri Goldsmith

The cow let the calf nurse for a few moments.  Then she slowly began moving away from the calf so that it would have to walk to follow her.  She was building up her baby’s strength.  Within a day this newborn calf would be running, not wobbling.

pecking order being established

 Matt Goldsmith 

While this wonderful photo shoot was happening, the horseback riders had swung by us and moved on out into the pasture to find the rest of the herd.  

 Matt Goldsmith                                                    

A fairly short time later the cow and the new calf began to move further out into the pasture away from the three of us and the herd standing around the  gate.  So we loaded back into the Kawasaki Mule and drove out into the pastures to look for more photo opportunities.  It was a beautiful day.

 Matt Goldsmith 

After a while the horse riders had brought all stray cattle back to the gate and were holding the herd ready to move down the road a few miles to the pens.   

 Matt Goldsmith

headed out the gate

Sheri Goldsmith 

At this point the new plan was that Matt and Sheri would stand in the middle of the road photographing  the cattle flowing around them as the cowboys drove the cattle toward the pens.  I told you that the Goldsmiths were adventurous.

Matt Goldsmith

I would then pick them up after the cattle and cowboys had all passed us, drive them in the Kawasaki through the herd to get in front of everyone, and let them out to stand in the road again shooting pictures  as the cattle and cowboys continued down the road past us.   

 Matt Goldsmith

I think Matt and Sheri were having a good time.  At one point Sheri was kneeling down in the middle of the road taking pictures as cattle moved around both sides of her.   

   

 Matt Goldsmith 

I noticed Sheldon, the magnificently horned 2000 pound steer, stop walking a short distance in front of Sheri and look at her turning his head this way and that trying to figure out what he was seeing.   I quickly stepped between Sheri and the steer and told her to stand up. I told her that she needed to look like a two-legged animal now. 

Sheldon

Sheri Goldsmith

Sheri quickly stood.  Sheldon immediately relaxed and calmly resumed moving down the road with the rest of the herd.  Later when everybody was back at the lodges for dinner, I heard a couple of the horseback riders comment to Matt and Sheri about how brave they must be to stand among the cattle like they had.  I heard them both respond, “bones said it would be OK.” 

I did and it was.  

 Sheri Goldsmith                     

Back at the lodge it was time to unsaddle the horses

  Matt Goldsmith

Then they have to be loaded back in the trailer for the trip home.

And it was time to enjoy a lovely evening in the exquisite Flint Hills of Kansas.

Matt Goldsmith

I do believe that everyone that participated in this cattle drive had a great time and will have stories to tell.   We welcome folks wanting to ride horses and work a cattle drive. Or if you would rather concentrate on photographing or have disability issues I would be happy to drive you around in the Kawasaki and help you have an exciting Flint Hills experience.  I urge you to check out the Flying W Ranch’s website for more events and opportunities where you, too, can enjoy the unique beauty of the tall grass prairie, good hearted people, fine dining, and with luck maybe a little adventure. 

The ranch's website is:                    www.flinthillsflyingw.com

Or contact Gwen Hoy at                  gwen@flinthillsflyingw.com

Awesome art work of Sheri Goldsmith, a mixed media oil and encaustic wax painter can be seen at her website and at shows and galleries listed on her website:

www.sherigoldsmith.com

Incredible photographs by pediatrician and award winning photographer, Matt Goldsmith may be viewed at his website and at exhibitions lucky enough to display his work:

www.mattgoldsmithphotography.com

All photos used with their permission.