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On 23 June 2007, the fairgrounds in Teeswater resounded with the sound of horses and cattle.  The Western Ontario Cattle Team Penning Association held a competition in cooperation with the activities of the 2008 International Plowing Match (IPM) Special Events Committee.  150 teams of three people each attempted to get three 700-800 pound calves, all with the same number, into a small pen.  There were over 100 calves divided into four groups and after eight runs the calves were retired for a minimum of one hour rest before their next run.  A judge watched to make sure that neither the cattle nor the horses were either tired or abused.  Any roughing of the cattle and the team would be disqualified. In fact, the cattle were hosed down frequently and the horses were well rested before the next class.  Food, but particularly water, was readily available for all the animals and the people.  

When a class was called, the 30 head of cattle were moved into a large pen. One member of the team cut a calf, with a designated number, from the herd, a second member of the team backed up the first, and the third member looked for the next calf.  Each attempt was timed and if the calves were not penned in the given time of between 90 to 60 seconds depending on the class, the team is deemed to have not finished.  The time keeper's word is law.  

This family sport is fast growing because it appeals to people from 7 to 70. The 23 June event was part of a circuit and the top 20 teams can compete at the Calgary Stampede.  The team of Bob Kennedy, Sandra Kennedy, and Dave Dazell won $10,000 with their fourth place finish in Calgary last year. As the afternoon wore on, the calves, the horses, and the people showed the effects of the heat and the action.  

During the Team Penning, the Westernaires from Mildmay added just the right touch.  A beer tent and a barbeque with Big Bruce Burgers added an ambiance reminiscent of the trail rides that one sees on movies or television.  

Following the "Cowboy Games," Special Events held a beef barbeque in the Teeswater Community Centre.  Many people enjoyed the meal and stayed to dance to the Country 93 Dance that began at 9:00 p.m. in the Teeswater Arena.  Organizing three separate events in three separate venues is a difficult task, but the IPM Special Events Committee in conjunction with the Lounge Committee managed successfully.