August 2023 - Note from the Saddle Bench




 Hello Everyone!

Doesn't seem like it takes but a couple of weeks for another month to pass. The heat wave has finally broken here. It has tried to rain the last two days and has really poured in some spots, it just doesn't cover a lot of country. The far west side of Alpine had 2.5" on Monday but it only sprinkled on the east side of town.

I heard of one ranch weaning their calves already. I think most everyone is waiting on the rain though. It was way drier than this last year and didn't start raining until mid August. We grew a really good grass crop. Hope that happens again this year.

I haven't seen much of the elk this summer. I bet they are as high up the mountains as they can get to try and keep cool.

Tom and Lisa Perrini came by the shop last week. They have Perrini's Steak House in Buffalo Gap near Abilene, Tx. Some of the finest steaks in the world are prepared right there. If you've been, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't you need to go. Don't forget their smoked tenderloins. You can buy them online and have them drop shipped anywhere. They are unbelievably good!

Well, Bloys Camp Meeting starts in a few days. A lot of the ranching community in West Texas will be at the campground outside Fort Davis for worship and visiting. Several old time families have camp kitchens and cook for everyone present. If you want a better idea of what ranching in Far West Texas has been like over the last 140 years, that's the place to find out. Lots of good folks attending from all over.

Our Sul Ross kids keep right on winning big time in the PRCA. Rodeo coach CJ Aragon had three of his former students make the Championship Round at Cheyenne this month. All three placed well in their sections as they were qualifying for the finals, and came away with a championship win on the heeling side of the team roping and a third place finish in the bull riding. We are proud of them all. 

Don't forget the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo coming up on August 11th - 12th. There will be ranch teams competing from several states and some of the best cowboys and horses around. There will also be a kid's ranch rodeo which should be really good watching.

Well, I better close this up. Don't forget to pray for rain and the cattle market to hold. Adios for now!

Gary Dunshee

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