Dear Reader,
So it’s happened; you have your first opportunity to work cows, but you have a feeling that you are going to be the only girl on the cow crew. I am used to being the only girl when working cows away from home. Since the time I was eight years old, I have dayworked with my dad, and I was usually the only girl. The ranching world is generally open to working women and I was always cheered on by the men I worked with to become a better hand. Most of the men I worked with growing up became like uncles to me and when their daughters were old enough, they came to work too. But even with a welcoming and encouraging cow crew, being the only girl on the crew can present some challenges.
5 Ways to Survive Being the Only Girl on the Crew (and get asked back).
1) The first order of business is finding where to do your business. If you are lucky, you may be able to use the bathroom in the house or the shop if one happens to be nearby. If not, you should locate the nearest tree or ask if you can use someone’s closed in trailer. If you are out gathering cattle, be sure to stuff your pockets with toilet paper in case a suitable place presents itself while you are by yourself. The key is to take every opportunity as it comes and to be quick.
2) Engage in the conversation. Don’t be afraid to throw out a joke or answer with a witty remark. Sometimes it may be intimidating to jump into a conversation with a bunch of joking men (and by no means run your mouth!), but it can help break the ice if you bring something to the conversation. Cowboys are notorious for being witty and sarcastic and most of it is meant in jest, so don’t take things to heart. Just remember two rules: 1) When the Bossman is giving instructions or someone is teaching you something, shut up and listen. 2) If someone falls off their horse, only laugh after you make sure they are Ok.
3) Don’t be afraid to ask for help or for something to be explained. While working you may just have to figure something out on your own sometimes. Most people on the cow crew would rather you ask to have something explained again than for something to go wrong, especially when it comes to medicine or how they want the cows sorted. Also, if you are struggling to do something physically tell somebody. In an emergency situation you may just have to find some superhuman strength, but it is better to have someone who is capable of doing the job, than to risk someone getting hurt.
4) Be fast and dig deep. In the cowpens the goal is to be as quick, but as smooth and safe as possible for the sake of the crew and the cows. To accomplish this goal a certain amount of hustle is required and appreciated. If you are sent to fetch something, there should be a spring in your step. If there is a situation that needs your help, there should be no heart left to give when you are done. There is nothing that will get you on the bad side of the crew than if you shirk a job. So, show up ready to work with a happy attitude.
5) The most important thing to remember when working on the cow crew, regardless if you are the only girl or not, is to be yourself. Don’t try to put on airs or act like you are on Yellowstone, because your facade will not hold up while trying to handle cows; there is no lying about skill when handling cattle. Be honest in what you know and don’t know. On the flip side, don’t belittle yourself and your abilities. Own what you know you can do, but show it don’t say it. This will get you further along than anything you can say with your mouth. Everyone’s different personalities are what makes for a good day.
These are my observations and experiences of working cows for sixteen years. I am sure there are hundreds of other little details that I could mention, but the best way to learn about working cows is by first hand experience. Just remember to be polite, smile, work hard and remember that the person that is judging how you do things because “you’re a girl” is probably only you.
Sincerely,
The Rancher’s Daughter
From the Rancher's Daughter's Desk 