October 21 2017 Galetas and Les Avants

IMG 5845 Sometimes when you visit the local thrift store (Galetas), you find treasures. I just couldn't resist this wool coat with hand sewn leaves. It reminds me of coats my grandmother Poete made for me but are no longer of this world. I will do better with this one (for the next generation) IMG 5846 After Galetas I walkedup to Les Avants where the first (ever) bataille des reines in the region. This candidate was out of the running and being returned to pasture. IMG 5847 This was how the line keeping at least 30 animals in their prime safely tethered. And the guards could relax in lawn furniture IMG 5848 Candidates remaining to be tested. Lovely fall colors against their jet black coats
IMG 5849 A young cow so docile with her human handlers IMG 5850 One of the bigger specimens IMG 5851 When you're an owner of a herd you wear one of these cool jackets IMG 5852 team spirit
IMG 5853 Some teams even have engraved glasses for toasting! IMG 5856 another team logo IMG 5858 the action in the ring takes a little time to begin IMG 5859 Sometimes the cows need a little help motivated to fight!
IMG 5865 But then the human managers let mother nature take over IMG 5866 the two lock horns IMG 5867 sometimes they take a little break and paw the grass with their hooves and snort loudly IMG 5870 while this shows only a few cows, the performance is repeated until there is one clearly dominant winner
IMG 5876 Another perspective on the action in the ring IMG 5860 the winning cow is then paraded around the ring while an assistant carries the prize (a large bell and collar) IMG 5861 this little guy is getting started for many years of cow fighting IMG 5862
IMG 5873 Close up of one of the bells given as prize IMG 5874 Proudly emblazoned with the sheild of Montreux and Vaud IMG 5875 plenty of opportunities for families eating and drinking together IMG 5877 And another generation to get familiar with different species of farm animals
IMG 5878 Original artwork on a banner over the food stands