It’s easy to develop a relationship with a friendly, in-your-pocket horse. But garnering a partnership with a standoffish horse is well worth the patience and time. I appreciate a simple, sociable horse—the perfect horse. Most of the horses we ride are raised to be gentle, accepting animals that spend their lives getting seasoned and accustomed … Read more
A horse that can ground-tie is a convenient, valuable asset on any ranch. I hate when I can’t find something that I swear I just set down for a second. It’s like the universe is working against me, having a joke at my expense. I find myself often saying, “I swear, it was just here!” … Read more
It’s hard to hide a horseman. Or a cowboy, rancher, trainer or any equine enthusiast, for that matter.
Here lately, I’m learning that getting “life” in a horse does not mean boosting its acceleration. Becoming a better, more well-rounded horseman has been my goal during the past several years. I came to Texas four years ago wanting to learn as much as I could about working cattle horseback. I’ve made it a priority … Read more
Waking up at sunrise to ride and tackle a growing to-do list is gratifying when it’s for a new home. I understand that getting up early is something to be celebrated in cowboy world. In Texas, it’s just a matter of common sense. We’ve got to try to beat the heat. Wake up early, drink … Read more
Mystery and old wives’ tales surround the chestnut, the odd little growth on the inside of most horses’ legs. The horse is truly a creature of mystery. If I ever had the chance, there are so many questions I would like to ask him. Why do you carry us humans upon your back? What do … Read more
Cowboys have a sophisticated lingo all their own. It takes time and care to get it right.
Learning a new rope trick takes practice, humor and humility. Most of us have heard the old saying “Practice, practice, practice makes perfect.” And although I have yet to see perfection reached in any one human, I think that for the most part, that saying can be considered sound advice. However, I think that a … Read more
The horses on the Parker Ranch are a specialized and important part of the ranch, both in preserving cowboy functionality and paniolo tradition. I’ve written before about the beauty, functionality and traditions of the Parker Ranch, a working cattle operation in Waimea, Hawaii (located on the Big Island). Luck should have it that I … Read more