Breeding the perfect 8 second buck
From the rodeo lifestyle - barrels to bulls, it’s all in a day’s work for Caitlin Ford. Living on a property South of Blayney, her and husband Mick are one of few Bucking bull breeders in the Central West.
Unlike many competitors Caitlin admits competing in the rodeo circuit on horseback wasn’t something she took seriously. It was the training of the horses her Mother had rehabilitated and her passion for bucking bulls that took her focus. “I always tried my hardest to be a jack of all trades when it came to different disciplines and horsemanship,” Caitlin explained, “Though with the bulls, I just loved watching them buck, learning about their genetics and what makes them tick in general.”
Caitlin dove into the breeding aspect of rodeo bulls when she met her husband Mick Ford, previously a competitive bull rider, Mick has been in the breeding side of things since 2006. The pair began their journey of breeding of bucking bulls together full time in 2013 under their business, CMF Cattle Co. Now, with eight competitive bulls and over 25 cows and calves the duo certainly have their work cut out for them.
“Our days are filled with general feeding chores, checking water supplies, and checking each individual beast for injury or illness,” said Caitlin.
“Many of these days are also meeting our stocks needs from vaccinating, ear tagging, tipping horns all the way to body work adjustments that they may need physically to stay fit and healthy. There are a lot of maintenance jobs like fixing fences and the upkeep of our arena footing. A lot of our days are also put into working and handling our young stock and preparing them for events. We do spend a lot of time just being out in the paddock with the stock, being present, watching them interact with each other and learning each bulls’ different characteristics. You never have the same two same days.”
Caitlin describes the lifestyle as a whole lot of work and a whole lot more love.
“It is a full-time job, there are no days off or holidays and you have to be ready to deal with any situation 24 hours a day. We are constantly working to meet each individual bulls’ needs mentally, physically and nutritionally.”
So, what makes a bull buck? “You can’t make a bull buck, they either want to or they don’t, and we respect that in our young stock. Genetics plays a big role in how a bull will perform when asked. We bring our young bulls in around 12 months old and start to dry work them through the yards, in and out of the arena, having them used to being touched and handled in the chute. We have to make sure they are in the right headspace to handle having put the ‘dummy’ on their backs.”
The dummy itself is a small steel box with a boot latch inside that releases at the click of a button, usually no heavier than 10 kilos.
“The dummy is attached to the flank rope that encourages the bull to kick. Once the bull does the desired manoeuvre we click the dummy off straight away, the bull learns that when he bucks a certain way, the dummy will release.
This prepares the bull physically and mentally until they are ready for their first rider, it helps build on their confidence while performing. It really comes down to whether the bull wants to or not, if a bull doesn’t want to do something, believe me, we cannot make them.
The relationship we build with these bulls through this process is really incredible. A big part of our program is building on their trust to ensure they are in the best possible headspace to perform when asked. We want our stock to look to us for guidance and direction.”
It’s evident through every word that this is a lifestyle Caitlin proudly lives and breathes.
“Watching the bulls perform well is like watching your kid kicking goals at a soccer game. Our bull’s efforts never go unnoticed or unrewarded. When you spend every day with these creatures you become very attached and when I can walk out into a big open paddock full of bucking bulls and give them a scratch on the head... well that’s pretty darn special to me.”
The Fords have travelled thousands of kilometres following the rodeo circuit, their mature aged bulls have been to many PBR (Australian Professional Bullriders) events, with the younger bulls travelling to futurity events through the ABBIA (American Bucking Bull Incorporated Australia) and The BBA (Bucking Bulls Australia.) The futurity events are great to get younger bulls out for experience and to showcase your breeding program.
Evidently, COVID has had its impact on rodeo events around the country, in turn, the Ford family have taken every extra moment to care for their beats and get them ready for the next event which will be August 22, held in Scone.
“The bulls have enjoyed a nice long spell over the winter months and are now fit, fresh and ready to perform. We are excited to get back on the road again and our next venue is one of my favourites to haul our bulls to.”
“Rocking up to each event its event that we all have one thing in common, passion. We all work hard all year round to get our stock ready to go to these events and here you get to witness the hard work, love and dedication others put into their stock, it is really inspiring stuff, It’s where friends turn into family.”
In a male dominated industry Caitlin believes more and more women are being recognised for their hard work and dedication.
“It’s really inspiring and powerful stuff and I’m really proud to be involved in this industry. I’ve always been treated as an equal to the fella standing next to me,” Caitlin smiled. “It’s great being at an event and seeing women in the back yards with the bulls or standing up on the back of the chutes with me putting the dummy on their bulls.
I believe women can have a special connection with bulls, our nurturing side comes out naturally and we tend to carry more empathy.
Regardless of gender, in this industry you have to be brave, quick footed and have a good eye for reading a beast.
If any women or young girls want to get involved in the industry my advice would be to come to an event, check it out and talk to us.”
Caitlin added, “We are an approachable bunch and love talking bulls! Whether its experienced industry women that I admire or someone new starting out, I love to celebrate women in the bull industry.”
** Cue Beyoncé – Who Run the World** GIRLS!