Our Opinion: This ain't their first rodeo

In the 21st century, technology has dramatically changed the way we do business, in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Not necessarily the daily life of a rancher. As those competing in this weekend's annual Texas Ranch Roundup, the old way works just fine. And "just fine" is just about the most generous event Wichita Falls has going. The Texas Ranch Roundup, starting tonight and going through Saturday at Kay Yeager Coliseum, is characterized as the "original" event that replicates big cattle roundups of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The event, which benefits the North Texas Rehabilitation Center of Wichita Falls, the West Texas Rehab Center in Abilene, and West Texas Boys Ranch in San Angelo, pits working ranches against each other in such long-lasting skills as bronc riding, calf doctoring, team branding, team penning and wild cow milking. Crews from ranches also create real chuck wagon meals fit to be judged. On Sunday, there's cowboy church, a time to worship and reflect on all our blessings. We are blessed that these ranchers call Wichita Falls home for the weekend. The Texas Ranch Roundup is considered the first of hundreds of similar events, and its criteria still sets the bar for others that occur all over North America. Not just anybody can compete. The ranchers must be owners, full-time hands or immediate family members from historic Texas cattle ranches...more