about noon
Once a man knew his mount , extra attention was shown each horse . There were witches ' bridles to be removed from their manes , extra long tails were thinned out to the proper length , and all hoofs trimmed short . The horses were fast shedding their winter coats , matting the saddle blankets with falling hair , and unless carefully watched , galled backs would result . The branding-irons had been altered en route , and about noon a vaquero came down the river and reported that the second round-up of the day would meet just over the county line in Dimmit . He belonged at Los Lobos , and reported the morning rodeo as containing over five hundred beeves , which would be ready for delivery at our pleasure . We made him remain for dinner , after which Flood and I saddled up and returned with him . We reached the round-up just as the cutting-out finished .