A show of appreciation
a state of flux and just not knowing for so long what’s happened for them. And the fires are still burning.”
It’s the second time in seven years that a major wildfire has nipped at the edges of his spread. For farmers and ranchers, such fires aren’t just a threat to a few family members and the buildings. They have cattle and horses to be responsible for as well.
Bentall knew of fellow Cariboo cattlemen who had to rounde up the herd with a helicopter escort, in case water had to be dropped to open escape routs for cowboys and livestock alike.
What a real-life rodeo that must have been and Bentall also knows those. He and some neighbours put a group together to compete in the team roping events at some B.C. rodeos. Nothing knocks the polish off of rock ‘n’ roll perceptions like the mud and dust and dung of a livestock ring.
“You don’t want to screw up,” he said, recalling the butterflies in his stomach as he rode into the ring with his mates on horseback. “I’ve performed on stage all my life, pretty much, since I was 20 anyway, and nothing would get me more nervous than being in a rodeo. It was always so thrilling and exciting.”
He had to give it up when a close call rang a bell of realization in his mind. He wasn’t competing in the rough stock events riding broncs and bulls but he nearly sustained a hand injury. When the guitar is the main tool of your trade, that near miss can be an epiphany.
Herds of livestock teach lessons, too, slower though they were. Bentall eventually concluded that some people have a hobby farm but you can’t have a hobby ranch.
‘RANCHING, page 3