A high kick, too close, and the danger of a harsh word
Steers are funny animals. And they are usually a little bigger and stronger than they seem.
We were moving some from a pasture across the road. It’s normally an easy endeavor. This time was a little different.
First, with kids waiting to help, and a plane to catch, they were nowhere to be found and didn’t come to my call. I took a bucket of cubes and found them in the furthest possible corner, so there was a good ways to walk leading them. Plenty of time for these overgrown teenagers to get impatient.
Daisy was back keeping on the stragglers while a few were right in my back pocket. And they were excited about getting some cubes. Excited and rowdy by the time we came into sight of the gate. That’s when one couldn’t contain his energy. I heard a swoosh and glanced over in time to see a hind hoof mere feet from my head. Good grief! Too close!
These aren’t mean animals. But sometimes they can get rambunctious. And they’re big. This calf probably 850 pounds. And strong. The job got done with the only incidents being prickly pear stickers in my leg from watching over my shoulder instead of watching where I was going and an upset boy who I told to ease up slow in a anxious voice that sounded like I was mad. I wasn’t. And I hate it when I do that.
I’m reminded that a simple job can turn bad when working with cattle.
And that our relationships with those we love can be bruised from a harsh word.
Neither can be taken for granted. That’s what I need to remember.