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Traditional cattle drive preps park for CFD 2012

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jason Wiese
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  A cattle drive down the Interstate 25 frontage road from Horse Creek Road to Frontier Park, July 15, kicked off the events of Cheyenne Frontier Days, and supplied the cattle needed for the rodeo.

Horses pulled wagons full of local leadership and their families in front of approximately 450 head of cattle, as outriders rode behind to goad the cattle approximately four miles down the highway, said Frank Thompson, CFD arena director.

The cattle will be used in rodeo events such as steer roping, team roping, and steer wrestling, he said.

Breakfast was served to participants and guests of the cattle drive before a team of horse riders rounded up the cattle, which were in a pasture on Iron Mountain Road. Once gathered, the riders ushered the cattle toward I-25 and down the frontage road to Frontier Park.

Although directing so many large animals can be a difficult task, the cattle drivers avoided any major errors and the turnout of spectators was good, said Thompson.

"It went really well - basically without a hitch," he said.

The CFD Dandies, a horse-riding precision drill team and good-will ambassadors for CFD, also participated in the drive, said Cianna Schofield, one of the 2012 Dandies.

"This was my first year doing it, and I thought it was fun," she said. "We blocked roads so the cows couldn't go down them."

While the Dandies blocked cattle so they did not leave the set path, local law enforcement redirected traffic from entering the path.

"We have the sheriffs that come out and help us, and the highway patrol are along the interstate slowing traffic," Thompson said. "There are a lot of people involved in making this whole thing work."

Col. Christopher Coffelt, 90th Missile Wing commander, participated in the cattle drive as an outrider, while his family rode in the wagons up front.

"My family and I were very honored to be invited to participate in this exciting Cheyenne tradition," Coffelt said. "The men and women of the Mighty Ninety sincerely appreciate the great friendship and support we receive from our local community, and are eager to do our part to support and celebrate the 116th Daddy of 'em All!"