First time working cows in the pasture

We just finished hping some neighbors gather some calves from the pasture. At first Josh rode out on Tex because I had to stay with the kids. But, that group of cows jumped a fence and were not able to be caught.
Long story short, the guys worked a few cows in the pen, and then decided to do another group of calves, just as I had hopped onto Tex to just ride around. 5 of us rode out onto the grassy, hilly pasture in this breezy, sunny day on horseback.
We loped out to catch up to the group, and at first I thought it was going to be a mistake to ride Tex. he was hyped up and nervous. I got a little firmer with him for a while. The calves would get close to the pen and then bolt- again and again, and once they split into two groups. We kept having to walk the calves slowly toward the pen, and then lope back out to go get them.
By about the third time we loped back out, Tex realized this was WORK, not play, and he tried to pull the lazy card on me. :) Well I know that trick too well, and didn't put up with it.
About 40 minutes worth was all it took for him to get worn out and realize that he didn't want to run anymore.
At one point I did have to run down a calf and turn him. Tex did fine, but I wasn't sure of my ability to do it. Once we got going, I realized he was going to be fine and I made him speed up an turn the calf.
It was a wonderful experience- one I've been waiting for for three years now. I am soooo proud of Tex and how great he did- how much he neck reined, how he settled down, and how he chased down that one calf. I stinking love my horse. :)

Note to self- adjust the stirrups up after Josh rides my horse before going out to work calves.