Cowboys

The Pitchfork Ranch has a rich history, with its roots dating back to 1883 on the vast plains of Texas. The sprawling ranch spans over 180,000 acres (72,000 Ha) and is where they breed their saddle horses and 5,000 head of cattle.

I arrived in time for their spring round-up. A five-week-long ritual that involves a crew of 15 cowboys and their 150 remuda horses. Each cowboy rotates through their own set of 10 horses. Evenings are spent eating from a chuck wagon and sleeping in teepees around the campfire.

During the five weeks of living on the range, the cowboys branded around 3,800 calves. We traveled the expansive terrain using trailers and horseback,  the most practical way of navigating the winding canyons and dense mesquite woods.

“I’ve been working at Pitchfork for 18 years, close to a third of my life,” says David Ross, the Remuda boss and consummate cowboy. “I try to stay traditional as much as I can. I like the old style; you ask me how I feel about my solitary life. Well, the answer is horses. That’s my life.”