HOME ON THE RANGE

Anyone who has ever talked to Brock Reville at the counter of his Port Perry optical business probably didn’t realize that lurking behind that quiet facade is a true cowboy.
Brock is quiet and professional, with a keen sense of humour, but deep down he is an extreme enthusiast in the fast growing sport of ‘Team Cattle Penning’.
Before sharing Brock’s interest, it is important to understand the sport. Unlike rodeo, cattle penning has no risks to the cattle or the riders. This fast paced, exciting event gives a team of three riders 90 seconds to separate three specifically numbered cattle from a herd of twenty-one.
After the necessary cattle have been separated they must be driven into a small pen located at the opposite end of the arena. And, to make things more difficult, no more than four cattle are allowed across the foul line at one time.
Teamwork is of the essence; individuals must work together like a finely tuned machine to achieve the desired result – the fastest time with the most cattle penned.
Brock Reville was not always a cowboy. “I started riding five years ago when my daughter expressed a desire to get involved in equestrian sports.” Brock took lessons with her and the rest is history.
Born in Montreal, but raised in Muskoka, Brock grew up in the hospitality industry. His parents owned the Pinelands Lodge in Muskoka where Brock worked every summer and weekend. “I did everything from grass cutting to dishwashing,” he said, with a smile on his face.
“Finally I was promoted to sports director where I was introduced to a small herd of walking ponies, which we had for children to use,” he reminisced about his youth. “I had never been on a horse and walking these ponies was as close as I had come.”
Brock attended Georgian College and graduated as an optician. He obtained a part time job with his roommate’s family who owned the Eye Shoppe in Port Perry.
“I loved the town as soon as I was here,” said Brock. In 1984 an opportunity to purchase the business arose and Brock jumped at the chance.
“My riding lessons were all on English saddles and when a friend introduced me to cattle penning I had to switch to ‘the dark side’ and ride western,” he said laughingly.
Brock has a beautiful 135 acre property on Scugog Island overlooking the lake. He now has 75 head of cattle, all used for the sport. The season starts in May and runs until October. Various venues are used for competitions, including Brock’s ranch.
“I enjoy it because of the skill and teamwork,” Brock explains. “I also like the fact that there is little chance of injury. There are no lassos, such as in rodeos, where cows may be injured and riders damage their hands. I need my fingers for my day job,” he chuckled.
Anyone wishing take part in, or to learn more about the fast growing sport of Team Cattle Penning, can contact Brock at 905-925-3957.
By Jonathan van Bilsen
Focus on Scugog