Longhorn cattle made their way down the streets of an authentic, historic Texan town. This event occurs every day of the year with only a few exceptions for snow in the winter. It is the only place in the United States where one can view this historic Texan event on a daily basis. In today’s 100+ degree sultry weather the cattle seemed to move along the path a bit slower, ready to get back to their shaded pens.
Stockyard Cattle Drive, Ft. Worth, Texas
The crack of the whip signaled the start of the drive. Drovers on horseback dressed in authentic costumes of cotton shirts, leather vests and chaps, and of course boots and hats round up the cattle and drove the herd from one end of town to the other. This is life in the Stockyards. The crowd is filled with bright-eyed children taking pictures on a longhorn, teens, young men and women of all ages, race, and nationality, a place where millions of people travel every year.
Our day was enjoyed with close friends of the family. It was an educational trip as well, a field trip down Texas history lane.
What do YOU want?
Do you know the difference between a bull and a steer, a heifer and a cow?
How long does a Longhorn’s horns really grow? That depends on whether it is a bull or a steer…seriously!
Experiencing life in 3D is much better than reading about it in a book (although Elizabeth loves to read)! Children (and adults) retain more information when all of the senses are involved in the learning process. Smelling the cattle and the…er…ethanol they produced, seeing the colors of the various animals, the length of their horns, and listening as the drover call the shots and the whip, hearing the mooing longhorn and occasional horse whinny while feeling its breath on her shoulder all led to lessons learned about Texas history and the cattle drives that continue.
The Maze is Amazing!
Bob and Patty VDP.
Waiting for the cattle drive gave us time to walk around. Bob, Patty and Elizabeth tried their wits in the Amazing Maze. It was more difficult than expected. Elizabeth finished the maze in 10 minutes. The record is 4.
Elizabeth has no trouble making friends!
The petting pen also provided entertainment. Elizabeth talked to a baby camel and fed the alpaca, goat, llama, cow and others. Children (and adults) crowded the pen.
Howdy Partner!
“Eat Beef. The West wasn’t won on salad.”
And of course, who can pass up a steak dinner at the end of a cattle drive! Well, we had the steak burger, but it was still delicious! If you’d like to comment on Texas, road schooling, or this blog, please feel free to leave us a message!