Visitors to Oklahoma City’s historic Stockyards City got an up-close look at one of the most recognizable symbols of the American West during the annual Stockyards Stampede, where Texas Longhorn cattle were among the featured attractions.
Oklahoma Farm Report intern Haden Snelson spoke with Wes Sander of Woodward, Oklahoma, who, along with his son Cody, brought the Longhorns to the event. Sander discussed the careful selection process behind the cattle, their distinctive characteristics and the importance of introducing the animals to new generations.
Sander explained that the Longhorns are carefully selected over several generations to ensure they have the right temperament for traveling and interacting with large crowds.
“They’re handpicked through the years,” Sander said. “This is probably the fifth generation of Longhorn steers that we’ve done this with.”
According to Sander, not every animal is suited for public appearances. The cattle must be gentle, visually appealing and comfortable around people. They must also be able to handle transportation and the demands of traveling to events across the country.
“We only bring the very best and the gentlest,” Sander said.
Sander said selecting the right animals requires closely monitoring their behavior and removing those that do not meet the expectations of the traveling herd.
Beyond temperament, Sander said the distinctive appearance of Texas Longhorns is another important consideration. Their impressive horns and wide variety of colors make them particularly appealing to spectators.
“The color, and you know, they’re all beautiful in their own way,” Sander said.
While the Longhorns attract attention from visitors of all ages, Sander said some of his favorite moments come from watching children experience the cattle for the first time.
“One of the things I really like is watching the children,” Sander said.
He explained that many children have never encountered Longhorn cattle in person. Although they may have seen Longhorns in Western movies, witnessing them firsthand offers a different experience.
For Sander, bringing the Longhorns to events like the Stockyards Stampede is an opportunity to share the animals with the public and give visitors a firsthand look at a breed closely associated with the history and traditions of the American West.
