Looking from the outside in.
Coming from a family who raised the most normal animals there were, I knew I needed to break the cycle. I was a first year showman, I had a commercial heifer, after her two years were up. I would need a new heifer. So I went hunting, I was visiting my great grandmother who was a subscriber of the “High Plains Journal”. On the front page stood some “fuzzy cows”. So I tore the front page off, handed it to my mom and said think you could find me one. A few craigslist ads later we found ourselves on a trip to Okmulgee, Oklahoma a small town east of the State Capital. In the pouring rain we loaded up a dun 6 month old diva named Branson. She not only started our journey into Scottish Highlands, but soon became the talk of every town she visited. I was a shy kid, but after bringing home Branson, someone had to step up and educate people about them, so I did. My Grandfather told me she wouldn't survive, she wouldn't do anything, and that I needed some Angus, Hereford, or something “normal”. Well a month after we bought her, I took her into the county fair. The attending fair-go-ers were jealous of the wavy hair, lovely eyes, and wonderful personality. Showday finally came around and it blew my mind that she beat the commercials breeds in the ring. I had lots of people to talk to and I couldn't talk after. That was in 2013, Now its 2018 and I currently have 24 who have came from all over the States, even one from Canada.
I titled this note “looking from the outside in” because I never liked the idea of a metaphorical box. I didn't want to look the same as everyone else. With owning Highlands I’ve never had to stand in a box and conform to a animal that everyone has seen, or has in their pasture.
My goal with owning the animals I have is to preserve a breed that has been here since the beginning of mankind and will be long here after I’m gone. I want to help young people just as I was. Whether their goal is with Highlands or some other breed. The highlands are special and quite the loving animals, they also make great therapy animals. I know I’ve used them quite often.
Any Question, Inquiries, or help that you might need don't be afraid to ask, I enjoy helping others with Highlands. Not only does it give me the chance to offer my knowledge but the chance to learn more.
