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Buffalo Roundup (9-30-2016)

Buffalo Roundup (9-30-2016)

October 1, 2016

Dear WinkWorld Readers,

Recently, we have focused on linguistics and language acquisition from Ruthie Wienk, and now we will jump right into the Buffalo Roundup 2016.  Diversity is the name of our game.  More information on this Round Up is posted at the end of this WinkWorld.  I saved the best for the last.

This year I did not ride.  I have been to “the top of the mountain,” and just decided to leave well enough alone.  Thank you to Sherry Bunting for sharing these photos; her information is also at the bottom of this WinkWorld.

In the photo below, Wink is carrying the South Dakota flag.  Pretty cool to have the Speaker ride and carry the State flag.

dean-back-to-camera

Each year 1200 to 1500 buffalo are brought into the pens for branding and their shots, and older sick animals are removed from the herd.  In the photo below, you can see a few of the mounds of prairie dogs; it is very easy for a horse to step in a hole and break its leg. During my whole life, I have been taught to never run your horse in a prairie dog town.  However, during the Roundup, that rule apparently does not apply.

dean-in-front-of-buffalo

 

The young woman is the SD Rodeo Queen.

3-flags

 

buffalo-2016-joan

It is thrilling to ride in the Roundup, and it is also thrilling to observe the entire panorama of action.

all-buffalo

buffalo-flag-in-backgroup

I was thrilled that we were able to stay at Windbreak House, the home of famed SD author, Linda Hasselstrom.  Windbreak House is now a very busy writing retreat.  You will find it on Facebook and click here for more.

Here is the Buffalo Roundup 2015 from WinkWorld.

Here is Buffalo Roundup 2015 from Sherry Bunting.

Agmoos.com is Sherry Bunting’s blog which focuses on rural people and places.

The official website of the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup.

I saved the best for last: a YouTube from the 2015 Roundup.  At about 10 seconds, you will see a fleeting  FAST rider shooting across behind the buffalo and in front of all of the riders.  That was me: I had just seen Wink, after I couldn’t keep up with him during the Roundup.  I was in a hurry to get over to him so we could finish together. Some of my finest work….

 

 

 

10 Comments

  • Nansie Ike

    Thank you for sharing this amazing and spectacular event with us! It allows people like me to dream…

    • Joan Wink

      Hello dear Nancie, your life is fascinating, too? Tell us one thing about your life in Pakistan?

  • Looks wonderful, and dangerous! Joan, how sensible of you to know that one should stop while one still could have done it! I hope Wink also realises that at some point… especially after his accident. He cannot be a macho man, being married to you! You are a marvellous couple! And, of course, Dawn has combined all your good sides, and more. Now I’ll forward the pictures and video to our grandchildren, and especially to my beloved Uki. Love you all, Tove

    • Joan Wink

      Love you right back, Tove. As always, thanks for all of your generous thoughts and comments. Hello Uki! Love, Joan

  • Sandy & Tom Wittmayer

    We were there and enjoyed it immensely!!!

    • Joan Wink

      Tom and Sandy, sorry we didn’t get to see you. Yes, I find it just fascinating and thrilling.

  • Janet Towell

    Thanks for sharing this thrilling adventure with us, Joan. You are an amazing woman!!

    • Joan Wink

      Hey, Janet, glad you liked this story. Thank you for your kind words. Watching all of those buffalo come roaring up the valley is absolutely amazing for me.

  • Kathy Grow

    Our first time there, and it really was special. I will not forget the sight of the buffalo beginning to come over the ridge, followed by clouds of dust promising more! And then there was the snap of the whips. Wow. Didn’t know, however, until talking to our mutual friend, Linda, yesterday, that Dean was carrying the flag! We saw him, but just didn’t know it. ;>) Sorry our paths could not have crossed while we were there.

    • Joan Wink

      Sorry to miss you two, too. Glad you could make it. I find the whole experience absolutely amazing.

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