He’s hanging up his horns folks.
After four years of service, the Fort Worth Herd’s James, a 1,734-pound, carrot-top longhorn, has made his last cattle drive.
James will be spending his retirement at Hall of Fame rodeo announcer Bob Tallman’s ranch in Poolville.
James, was raised in Missouri and donated to the Fort Worth Herd in 2012 to replace Sancho, one of the original longhorns from the Herd’s founding in 1999. During his tenure as a Herd member, James participated in more than 2,400 cattle drives and reached over 46,000 school children through educational programs.
“James was one of our most mature longhorns,” said Kristin Jaworski, trail boss for the Fort Worth Herd. “He was a great mentor for new steers joining the Herd and always a favorite among students and visitors.”
The Fort Worth Herd is the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive, conducted at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Stockyards National Historic District.
Tallman, known locally as the voice of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, took a special interest in James.
“The Fort Worth Herd does amazing and important work to educate the public about the history of cattle drives and western heritage,” said Tallman, a member of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. “It’s truly an honor to provide a home to a Herd retiree who has helped educate and entertain visitors from all over the world.”
James will be replaced by Gypsy Boy, who was donated to the Fort Worth Herd by 10-year-old Ashlyn Holson, a fan of the Fort Worth Herd and avid collector of the Fort Worth Herd trading cards. Holson was responsible for caring for and showing Gypsy Boy and made the decision to make the donation.
The Fort Worth Herd twice-daily cattle drive can be seen daily at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on East Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards National Historic District.
FortWorth.com