Don't forget to watch Jamie Oliver at the TX Ranch filmed as part of his "Jamie's American Road Trip Series" on Channel 4 this week.

Jamie wants to see if the cowboys that he loved as a kid still exist in the USA. Travelling first to Cody, Wyoming – the home of Rodeo – Jamie’s in for one of his toughest rides yet.

Taking in the traditions of the pioneer settlers, camp-fire cooking, simple recipes and hard graft are the order of the day. First stop is Cassie’s Bar to meet the young men taking part in the Rodeo. One of America’s most popular sports, rodeo is also one of the most dangerous.

After trying a pitchfork fondue (hunks of steak cooked on a pitchfork over a camp-fire), Jamie comes face-to-face with the dangers of riding a bucking bronco on rodeo night.

After seeing what they go through, Jamie knows the boys are going to need some real cowboy food and he’s laid on a post-show feast of slow-cooked beef and home-baked beans using traditional Dutch ovens.

Keen to sample real cowboy life for himself, Jamie travels upstate to work as a ranch-hand and camp cook at a local working ranch, taking in branding, castrating and roping of cattle. It’s muddy, dirty work and Jamie’s still got to cook for everyone at camp after a hard day in the saddle.

Rancher Hip Tillett teaches Jamie some local specialities, including ‘Rocky Mountain Oysters’ using the calves’ testicles they removed earlier.

And riding the arduous five hours up into the mountains to round up stray cattle, and sleeping under the stars, Jamie’s got to use all his resources to earn his spurs as a cowboy.

For more information on the TX Ranch click here

32 horses attended the SQH TX Challenge Show (2) today 23rd August 2009 with 117 entries over the day, 51 in trail alone competing under the eagle eye of Judge Alan Payne, a great day was had by all.  Although these shows are hotly contested by competitors with almost all classes sponsored with class prizes, the atmosphere is easy going and relaxed and everyone has great fun and enjoys themselves.

SQH/TX CHALLENGE SHOW 1

31ST MAY 2009,  HORSE CREEK FARM,  JUDGE: LUCY ADAMS

The SQH/TX Challenge series of shows (31st May, 23rd August and 11th October 2009) got off to a great start on Sunday 31st May.  With the gorgeous weather shining on the extremely successful Westernscene Western Camp which ran through  the 28th-30th.   The camp was jam packed full of clinics, demos and social activities, with everyone having an enjoyable time.  Sunday 31st saw camp attendees as well as the additional competitors hauling in for the day to take part in the SQH/TX Challenge (Show 1).  

Today, we had a very special visitor to Sovereign Quarter Horses.  As mentioned previously, Jamie Oliver will be visiting the TX Ranch to film for his new series.  Our lucky winners of the 2008 TX SQH Challenge will also be at the ranch at the same time - how's that for a great prize!

Jamie of course when visiting the ranch will be riding, so came up today for a lesson to prepare himself for the visit.  David and Sovereign Hobby Doc tested out his cowboy legs, and David was very pleased to report Jamie will cope admirably riding the TX Ranch's great horses.

For photos of Jamie and Hobby Click here to go to Jamie's website and blog.

Don't forget the first SQH/TX Challenge Show is being held this Sunday, 31st May, the Highpoint Winner of the three shows being held May, August and October will win a holiday to the TX Ranch and follow in Jamie's footsteps, or should that be hoofprints?!