Expect to spend a lot of time on horseback. In addition to riding, experiences may include roping, horse care, corral work, shoeing, breaking colts, and operation of equipment such as tractors. Some farming or hay for feed production is also done at some placements, as well as fencing, irrigation and ditch maintenance. This physically demanding placement is offered primarily in western North and South Dakota as well as Montana. Placements are generally 8-12 months in length.
Skills learned may include:
- Participants are exposed to calving during the months of February, March and April
- Late spring is the time to brand calves and breed cows
- During the summer months, fence maintenance, haying, herd health management and pasture management take place
- Once fall has arrived and calves are being weaned, the care and feeding of beef cattle, and maintenance work and herd management are taking place
*Actual skills learned will vary by host and previous experience