It's shearing time again

We are lucky to have mellow rams this year. Shearing is hard enough when you haven't been trained; aren't as limber as you used to be; and your cat-like reflexes are slowing down. Even with mellow rams, we still have to go through the pre-shear routine. It's all part of their fun.

First, there is the run around in circles to make us dizzy and wear us out. This involves ducking and dodging the head rope. They are too woolly at this point to use a crook. Finally, one takes pity on us, if you can call it that. The ram will run into the head rope and drag us into the barn where the shearing stand is set up. It's like water skiing on dry land complete with dust rooster tails.

Even though the ram is kind enough to drag us to the stand, that is where phase two of the pre-shear routine begins. The ram suddenly develops lead feet. We are obliged to lift and drag the woolly one onto the stand. Once in the stand, we must do the pedicure. Legs may only be lifted so high and we must not tickle the hooves.

Finally, the shearing can begin. The trick with this year's rams seems to be to keep them awake while we are shearing them. Or, if the ram happens to be really mellow and not needing the head stall, to avoid him stealing your hat when you are working near his head.

Shearing seems to be great entertainment for the rest of the flock and the guard mustang, Ruby. They come up to the barn door to voice their opinions while we are working. Even the barn cat, Gabby, has to add his two cents worth. If Gabby isn't careful, one of these days his tail will be a little shorter.