Just got back from another awesome week at The Yamsi Ranch http://www.yamsiflyfishing.com/ (John and Jerri Hyde) in Chiloquin! They hosted the annual Ranch Roping Clinic. The Clinician was Scott Grosskopf of Montana. http://www.buckaroobusinesses.net/ Each year Scott gives a 3 day Ranch Roping clinic. There is a horsemanship day, then the students learn how to 'build' a loop with a rope and learn the techniques of throwing fancy loops on 'dummies', then the students get to try it on live steers! The basic idea of ranch roping is learning how to throw loops on cattle out on the range for the purpose of medical treatment...usually there is a cowboy to throw the head loop, one to throw the heel loop and the third cowboy would dis-mount and doctor the animal if needs be. He does teach how to catch a cow to doctor it, even if you are alone. The approach is always quiet, and the cowboys are taught proper technique so as not to harm the animals. On the 4th day, there is a competition for Novice and Open ropers and cowboys generally come from all over. It is a timed events, and bonus points are given for fancy head loops and fancy heel loops. There are always fine horses to see, and many good kind people to meet and talk to. They have a Cowboy Church in the morning on Sunday before the Roping competition, given by Leroy and Reda Cowart of Slash Lazy U Ministries. Yamsi Ranch is host to fly fishing clinics as well as "Ride the West" - which is a horse and mule trail ride and camp out.

.... each time I'm up there I always have 'birding' opportunities too!!! This time John showed me a male and female Crossbill. I didn't have good enough lighting to take a picture, but they are sure a beautiful and interesting bird to see!Scott Grosskopf moving the head loop to the front feet of a steer.

A Cowboy connects with a head loop to a large steer.

A mama duck and her ducklings. This seemed late in the season, but this pond is at higher altitude and it wasn't until I was almost at the edge of the pond that she moved out away from me. I think she scared me, more than I scared her!


This is my favorite part of the drive up to Yamsi Ranch. It is about milepost 13 up the Williamson River Road. There are some beautiful views (morning is the best!) of the mountain range and of course forest for as far as the eye can see.

John attempting to rope a pony for the farrier to work on.

Tools of the trade...

Cowboy finery...

John mounted on a beautiful black quarter horse, bred on their ranch. Yamsi Ranch breeds quarters horses, raises natural beef and they also do some really fine silver smithing!

Callie and her mom Jerri Hyde sharing a moment while Callie saddles up a mount. This is also one of horses bred on their ranch! Jerri does the horse breeding...look how beautiful that palomino horse is!!!!!!!!