By Karen S. Carter
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 1:44 pm

Sorting a cattle from the herd takes skill from the rider and the horse.

It is almost cattle sorting time at the Pacific County Fairgrounds in Menlo. This is the 6th annual cattle sorting practice and riders from all over Washington attend this event. If cows and horsemanship are your thing, then this is the event to come to. It is fun and open to the public for participation or spectating.

The show begins Saturday, August 14 and runs through Sunday, August 15 with a 10:00 a.m. start time. Haul-in of horses and cattle begins on Friday after 11:00 a.m. and continues daily.

"Cattle sorting originated on cattle ranches," said Val Rowe, event organizer. "The ranch hands would sort out the cows, steers, and calves for doctoring, branding and moving herds to different pastures."

Modern day sorting is now considered a sport. Two 50 ft round pens are put together to make a figure 8 with a 10-12 foot opening in between the circles to make an entry from one side to the other. This is guarded by one individual on horseback. The sorter on horseback works the side of the pens where ten cows await. Each cow is labeled with numbers from 0 to 9. Once a number is called, the sorter cuts that cow from the herd and moves it into the guarded side of the pen. The goal is to move each head of cattle from the herd into the guarded area in numerical order. They have 60 seconds to do this. The riders switch positions as each cow is sorted.

Watching the event reminds a bystander of a miniature rodeo, so stop by for the event to watch the action.

For participants
Daily Sorting fees:

• 5 go's $30
• $10 cattle fee
• Extra gos $5 ea
• Daily Stalling $20 with shavings included and water available at the barn.
• Pens are permitted for $12 per night, but only if the horse barn is full. Bring your own pen.

Daily Camping fees:

• Water & Electricity $25
• Dry camp $15

Concession stands are open for breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Linda's Fish N' Chips will deliver to the fairgrounds on Friday. Let the people in charge know if you are interested in this service when you reserve your camping space and stall.

This event offers participants lots of cattle time and mentorship for learners. If you do not have a partner to participate in the cattle sorting with you, they will find someone to ride with you. If you are under 18 years of age, helmets are required.

For more information about the cattle sorting or to reserve your space, call or text Val Rowe at 360-942-7422.

This event is hosted by the Pacific County Friends of the Fair 501(c)(3) (FOF) and all event proceeds go back into the fairgrounds as upkeep for the barns and buildings. FOF mission is to raise funds and recruit volunteers to help with maintaining and preserving the Pacific County Fairgrounds. FOF also promotes the fairgrounds for community and family oriented activities to the benefit of youth, Americans with disabilities, and veterans.