Cowboy way of life continues in San Benito County
Despite the thick marine layer hanging across the sky, tradition
was alive last Saturday morning at the Gilroy Ranch as friends and
family of Jeff Bourdet gathered for the annual spring cattle
branding and barbecue. The guests included those of all ages, from
5-year-old Tucker Bourdet to many older family members and friends.
Over the years, the event has become more than just a family
affair.
Cowboy way of life continues in San Benito County
Despite the thick marine layer hanging across the sky, tradition was alive last Saturday morning at the Gilroy Ranch as friends and family of Jeff Bourdet gathered for the annual spring cattle branding and barbecue. The guests included those of all ages, from 5-year-old Tucker Bourdet to many older family members and friends. Over the years, the event has become more than just a family affair.
While waiting for the herd to be wrangled up, adults socialized and caught up on life as children tossed around a football and explored the ranch. Excitement mounted as cowboys on horseback drove 50 head of cattle, and 40 of their calves, across vibrant green pastures. The sound of hooves thundered through the hills as the herd was driven into the pen where the calves would later be inaugurated into official ranch life. This rite of passage involved more than just receiving their identifying symbol. It is the time when they are tagged, vaccinated and castrated.
As the cowboys began to rope the calves for branding the sun finally broke through the fog, providing everyone with a more than perfect day to enjoy together. After the cattle were returned to the pastures, family and friends sat down for a barbecue, the culmination of a hard day’s work.
