Image by Perry Backus | Ravalli Republic | Used by permission
In April of 2018, we welcomed two new Texas longhorn steers – Mr. Piney and Mr. Jiffy. Although they have since found their forever homes, we are now working with two new steers – Mr. Pickett and Mr. Ketchum. From the very beginning, these new additions have been calm and eager learners, adapting quickly to their new surroundings. After just a few months, they have settled into their routine and look forward to being saddled and taken for walks around the property. It’s been a joy to see them thrive, reminding us that with patience and dedication, anything is possible.
This is Brian working to put our Texas longhorn steer’s halter on and taking him out the gate. We then tie Mr. Piney up while we give him his grain, brush him and pick up his feet. We do this every morning and the horse Lily hangs out with him.
Mr. Piney getting some scratches behind the ears.
An exhibition steer out for a walk.
Going for a walk down the road.
On the trail to “C” Mountain in Corvallis, MT.
“That’s my good boy. You ready? You alright? That’s my good boy. Nice job. Good boy. You’re alright. There you go. That’s a good boy. Here we go.”
With a voice as smooth as silk, Brian Schroder lets go with a constant stream of calming chatter as he climbs a small set of steps and throws his chap-covered leg over the saddle cinched to the 1,500-pound, three-year-old longhorn steer that he’s named Mr. Piney.
The steer with 78-inch horns hardly flinches.
A few minutes later and the pair are ambling down the road to the delight of those happening to be driving by.
“He’s used to moving out,” Schroder said. “He’s not going to be a reining horse. We don’t do dressage. He just stretches out in a long walk, and there we go.”
Mr. Piney and Schroder have been turning heads all summer long on their rides down Wilcox Lane northeast of Hamilton, on the trails around the large-white “C” above Corvallis and a few stops in Hamilton.
“We’re headed to Dairy Queen soon,” Schroder said. “I’m going to ride him through the drive-through. I just want to do that. I don’t know why.”
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