Colorado. The Spanish Peaks are a key landmark to aid exploration. The Plateau is beautiful but unforgiving.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. There are two ways to get around this beautiful tlandscape. The other is by horse. Walking is not an option.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. House companions have a crucial role in controlling pests in the home and on animal feeds
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. Early starts and long distances between ranches create long working days. For those unaccustomed to the commute it is a new challenge.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. The landscape is part of a chain that feeds the USA. It looks and is beautiful and is well respected and cared for by the people who live on it and depend on it.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. In the Coral events can be fast and unpredictable. There is no substitute for the experience of people like Mtr Strohl.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. ‘Another day in paradise’ was a common call as riders prepared to go out into the plains. Their equipment was often personalised giving a touch of reassurance for the day ahead.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. Great care and attention is lavished on traditional skills of leather and metal work to keep the look of The West alive.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. One article of clothing will do more to save your life everyday than all the ingested knowledge of preditory animals and insects.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. Four wheel drive vehicles are as much trusted as four feet and quickly become as embeded into the landscape as their owners.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. Reliable and instictive, the Cowboy’s partner has the luxury in modern times of the trailer to get to a place of work.
Photograph © Simon Carter
All ranches layout their equipment in a universal way in order that if necesary, horses can be swapped in an instant.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. Physical fitness and stamina are two requisites for work in the corral. Speed and agility in the saddle are two more. It takes time to wear in the tools of your trade.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. Modern communications are a given in this vast landscape. Early settlers were also quick to adapt new methods and means to survive.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. A tight team communicates by nods and whistles when dividing herds. Speed is essential to keep the flow of work moving forward and the precious animals calm.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. ‘Freightrain’ you might think is a funny name for a horse. Wait until you see him in action, then either with you or against you, he is formidable to say the least.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. Working dogs are valuable colleagues keeping an eye out for all kinds of other animals, friend or foe. After a long day in the corral it is good to feel a cooling breeze.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. Cowboys often live very solitary lives on the High Plains living in remote locations within riding distance of roaming cattle.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. Reliance on modern fuels is balanced by wood burners during the freezing winter months.
Photograph © Simon Carter
Colorado. The High Plains are deceptive. What looks like a pleasant landscape to visitors is full of hazards for the unwary. The cowboys have learnt this terrain the hard way and treat it with respect.
Photograph © Simon Carter