I have been a lucky man, I am almost 70 and have rode horses since 12. Bought my first horse at 16 with my own money. Macadou (from high chaparral) "Mac" . Had him for 27 years when he broke his leg, had to put him down. A big pendix bred quarter horse stood 16 hands, had some speed, stout enuf to jerk a bull down. I did everything you on him, roped, picked up, reenacted and was in some movies with him (background extras). My favorite partner though was Biscuit. He was a little 13.5 hand Mexican. He was as quick and agile as a cat. I swear if he'd had opposable thumbs he would have saddled himself come and got me so we could go on an adventure. He was always looking for an adventure and if you were walking out in the pasture he'd be right there in your hip pocket. Mac and Biscuit are both buried on the farm near several other great horses. I've had more than my share of good horses
Great story, George. It reminds me of a Chris LeDoux song where he wrote that God must be a cowboy at heart because he made a horse to be a friend. Once in a while, a guy gets the chance to saddle up a really good one. I'm glad you had Mac and Biscuit. They sound like great horses.
@@FrontierLife I committed a horrible crime to Mac. He knew when I got off the school bus and be stood near the gate ready to go ride. One day I was on the back side of the place on a tractor. My sister rode our other horse down led Mac and tied him to a tree then came and told me it was supper time. She rode off and I looped the lead rope over mac's head and did the little Joe Cartwright mount. Mac took off at full speed before my butt hit his back. He wanted to be with his buddy. I was barely hanging on when I hit a tree dislocated my hip.
Accidentally hit send. Anyway my sister caught Mac brought him back and I got my hip back in and rode Mac back to the house. I was scared and hurt and when I got back to house I whipped Mac. After that he was still a great horse but he never fully trusted me again. One of the biggest regrets of my life. I lost mac's trust cause I was a stupid scared kid.
One of the best cowboy and his horses stories I read was of a fellow talking about how one of his co-workers was so popular with the work horses that they literally surrounded him when it was time to do some chores and begged to be picked. So, while their lives (men and horses both) could be dreadfully hard there was still kindness, care and compassion going on, too.
My two best horses passed at 32 and 31 years old. They hated each other, both were leaders, and if we raced them down an open stretch they ran the whole way nose to nose with pinned ears. The only time I heard them bellow was at each other in a fit of rage. But they both took good care of everything they ever needed to; pulling trees, pulling sleds, catching loose cows, long trail rides into the night, crossing murky waters, up ice hills... I miss them so much.
MY FAMIL AND I ARE HORSE CRAZY, BACK IN DAY, PA GOT TOO OLD TO RIDE ,SO WE JUST BECAME THEIR SERVANTS !! THEY LIVED A LONG TIME, AND COULD GET RIGHT BOSSY !! never went on horse trip that something exciting did not happen , sometimes it is so funny when someone gets bucked off , esp if brother!!!
Horses enjoy working. Without them you’re going nowhere fast. That’s why so many cowboys were gentle and tender to their horses and kept them in top condition letting them rest and uncinching the saddle and walking them to camp after being on the trail all day
You bet. Horses do love a job. And you're also correct that cowboys could be very attentive to their horses. That's why I enjoy the Andy Adams description so much. Thanks for checking it out!
@@FrontierLife that’s also why stealing someone’s horse was punishable by death back then…a man without his horse in the middle of nowhere ain’t lasting long
Over the years, I have owned or ridden quite a few different horses, most were average, a few were incredible, and one was a one in a million gelding, he was my brothers and his name was Tamarack(we called him Mr. T long before the actor/celebrity was known of) Tamarack was quick, fast and had incredible stamina and endurance, he also had a very mischievous sense of humour, and is by far the finest horse I ever rode.
Thanks for the comment, Nathan. Sounds like a heck of a horse. It's nice when one of those comes along. If you enjoy horse related stuff, you may enjoy my other channel. It's all about horses, colts, and horse-related tack. Thanks again, and glad you enjoyed the video. www.youtube.com/@unhobbled2524
I’ve thought it so I might as well say it, I know it wasn’t apart of His plan but it would have been nice if the west had meandered on forever with the campfire as its sole source of heat and the noble horse it’s only travel, I’ve had a lot of horses, breeding some of the finest mountain horses in my opinion, I love riding up the mountains into the Tamarack, now everything is fence and cross fenced into 5 acre parcels owned by 50 people you don’t know and weren’t there yesterday looking at the biped atop the quadruped like a cow lookin at a new gate…
@@bobbieolsen7264 Yep. It's hard to find quiet places for sure. If you are into camping with horses, you might enjoy my other channel. It's all horse related and I'm going to include some camping type videos as the weather warms up. Thanks for the comment. www.youtube.com/@unhobbled2524
Cool stories everyone. I think I sat on a horse once, and when I was a Kid I went to see ( don't know if they were the actual actors, probably not ) Planet of the Apes, they were all there, so cool. But whilst trying to get Urko's autograph his horse kicked me. I was scared of them after that. But love listening to you guys, it must have been well cool living your lives. Happy new year to you all and your families. Greetings from SUNNY ENGLAND.
I have a wonderful black with a white face 15.2 and strongly built , I have ridden him over 1000 miles , he is always sure footed , very clever with a sense of humour and he hums when he happy. He’s 20 now , and he and I will never part.
As an old timer who had a life long love affair with motorcycles, I've often thought about the man of yesteryear who had a good horse or mule and the open unfenced West to roam, he may have had one up on me...
I’ve always liked horses and it’s great to know what the Cowboys thought of them back in the 1800s thank you for telling us all what they thought of the horses.
One of the best horses I ever had was a little bay arab from old Cali/Pacific NW breeding lines. He was the horse I never wanted. He was an 8 year old stallion that I gelded at 10 and lost him to colic at 34. He would out trail most horses and I showed him quite a bit locally but he was happy pushing cows or competing in gymkhanas with the kids. I have so many pictures of him and the kids, more than any other horse I owned at the time. My favorite is one where my 2 yr old daughter was pushing his belly for him to move over to the trailer fender so she could climb up and get on. He was ever the obliging horse.
Our arab was a "good lesson horse" according to the trainer. He would get away with anything he could, but was careful not to hurt you much. I loved that beast.
My best horse was a huge 16.1 hand red roan heritage Appaloosa gelding named Red. He was fierce, bomb proof, loyal, mischievous, and smart. All of my friends had pretty-headed little quarter horses with papers and I had this slab of a boy that someone neglected enough to let a halter grow into his nose before I got him. All my friends called him ugly, but I thought he looked like a old west painting of an Indian pony, with his sparse Mohawk mane and his spotted coat and his wild eyes. One time, we were out trail riding alone and went down this gravel logging road that we often frequented and the neighbor's pitbulls got out (one of which later killed a three year old girl) and started attacking us, jumping up trying to bite my legs. Most horses would have spooked, but Red spun around and chased them, grabbing one by the neck and flinging it into the ditch. He was also known to kill coyotes that came into the pasture when the mares had foals. He could go for miles and miles on the trail and always had his eye on me. He was truly a partner and a friend.
By the time my dad was born his brother's(my uncles) were established saddle bronc riders and horsemen in the early fifties. They all rode in the calgary stampede rodeos and other rodeos in the late 30's and 40's and was lucky enough to listen to their stories. My dad would talk about how well trained their horses were when he would ride them to the old trading post for flour and pop, he also added that my grampa practically lived on a horse. My family were horsemen and that makes me proud. Thanks for the video
An heir to the Winston 8 Ranch (East TX) backed up to my SW Louisiana roping pen one day and unloaded 4 beautiful geldings. I asked, "What 'cha doing." He said, "I'm giving you these 4-year-olds for letting me duck and goose hunt on your rice farm. They're yours. They're all out of registered running Quarter Horses, but not fast enough for me to keep on the track. They should you make fine ranch ponies." I had a Cajun cowboy trainer from Lake Arthur, LA. Break 'em all. For his work, he'd keep two of the ponies. I'd get the pretty palomino plus one more. I wanted the fancy looking gelding for my wife. When the Cajun delivered my two, he said, "That pretty palomino you picked for you wife is by far the fastest and most athletic of the four, but here's the bad news. He can buck a good as anything you've seen in the NFR. Whatever you do, don't show him any "prosperity."" And don't let your wife ride him. By that my Cajun friend meant, Ride him every day. Keep him working. The Bayou trainer said, "Don't turn him out or give him any time off. Don't just stall him, feed him, and let him get fat! I'm telling you that palomino can buck!" I rode that horse hard for 2 years. A lot of pasture work and team roping every day or so. He never once tried to pitch. He was one of the best rope horses around. Then I got busy with my job and gave the palomino time off. One Sunday, I spurred him up to catch some heels when he pinned his ears and crow-hopped. Without thinking, I spurred harder. He squealed and broke in two. We have a balcony over our roping boxes. People standing on the balcony said they had to look up as I sky rocketed to the moon. I thought I'd never hit the ground. After back surgery, I gave that pretty palomino to a Rodeo Bucking String. His first jump out of the chute sent a young bronc rider to the rafters. I'm 74. When I get a touch of sciatica, I think of that pony from the Winston 8 Ranch and smile. He sure could buck.
Welp. He was an intelligent horse that needed a "job" for the physical & mental stimulation. Though I don't imagine you'd like a job where there was something strapped to you that made you uncomfortable enough to cause you to literally try to fight it off of you - over & over again.... + your "pay" was limited to food & water.
It’s interesting how horsemen like Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman have influenced the modern horse and rider relationships for the benefit of both. Thirty five years ago, I spoke to an elderly cowboy who was then in his 80’s, he told me when he was young, a lot of cowponys still had traces of Spanish mustang blood in them and didn’t have the higher genetic bloodlines in them. He said most were smaller in stature and it sometimes took a while to catch a steer and rope off of them.
Those guys certainly have started a revolution of sorts. However, I've found it interesting how people of the past have always been "gentle" breaking horses. Not everyone, of course, but some people. In his book "The Mustangs" J. Frank Dobie says that President Grant was one guy who had a reputation for kindness with horses. Thanks for the comment.
I learned to ride on some of the last surviving Spanish Barbs of the Wilbur-Cruce line here in Arizona. They can be pretty mean and hard-headed. They'll fight among themselves just for the hell of it, biting and kicking each other. Most of them are stocky with thick legs and running about 12 hands. They'll give you a chase before you can get a lead on them, but once bridled and saddled they ride well.
@@kodiakkeith Thanks for sharing. I think I just read an article in the Western Horseman about a ranch down there still raising those types of horses. Interesting article, but I can't find it at the moment.
There are less than 1000 old blood probably closer to 800 horses left. My horses pedigrees go back to mostly tribal horses of the late 1800s early 1900s trying to preserve what was left of the old Spanish cow pony because like these stories shared the pony is truly the beloved horse of the old west.
I love Ben k green’s books, some of his methods were harsh but he described using positive reinforcement, and what today we call “liberty riding”. In his book, wild cow tales, he describes how native cattle were considerably hardier, or more primitive, before the industry focused on so-called improved breeds to produce bigger yearling steers for a quicker turn-around on a calf crop. He called the resulting product ‘baby beef’, since the meat was less dense with less tallow. Anyway, I bet those native cows were a lot harder to catch! Also, I hear people describe horse stock today as easier to handle, or more domesticated, and I know it’s true that fewer people keep semi-feral herds, or get their ponies from them.
When I was 15 I acquired a nice broke older red dun overo gelding. Named Jack, he did a little bit of everything, loved cows, he was an old roping horse. He was my match, he was great with little kids, but stubborn with older people, his joints locked up back in 2020 and passed away. Was the best horse I ever ridden. In 2016 I did acquire a foal whom I am still training. He is a quick learner and loves to do anything to please me. I do wish I had more time for him. As I used too. He will be 7 years old this year. He does have a bit of stubbornness in him if he is in a mood. I hope he will be a great show horse someday. I haven't had the time to put him under more training. Someday we will go professional. I hope I can free up my schedule this spring just to work with him.
I have 4 horses and they all have their own personalities, weaknesses, and strengths. I sometimes wish I could combine them into one horse…… Oh, if wishes were dollars…..
Growing up as a military brat I don't know why but always thought I should have been a pioneer woman. Fast forward to my first riding lesson in SoCal at 52(!), moved to Utah to be able to afford a horse. Joined Back Country Horsemen and purchased my (only) heart horse who's turning 21 Jan 31st. I've trailed thousands of miles into the back country of our beautiful intermountain West. Today, at 70, I am proud of all my broken bones and bruises. "Slider", overo paint gelding, is the child I never had. I am blessed to be able to call myself a horsewoman and proud owner of this handsome horse. Just a City Slicker from San Diego, but a horsewoman. Thank you for your stories! Greetings from Utah.
I liked this story, and it reminded me of a time in my life many years ago. 30 years ago I worked the fall works at Lida, Nevada. The JV-Bar. They gave me a horse to ride named Mastercard. He was a good horse but once he got onto a calf he wouldn't stop running until it was roped or ran over. They warned me and I didn't care. I was game. We were gathering spring calves out on the range and I got after a yearling heftier that had never been branded. She ran like a deer and out ran us. There was a dry creek bed and the heifer made a quick left and ran down into the creek bed and was gone. Those wild cattle could run like deer. There was no stopping my horse and the only option I had was to try and jump the dry creek bed. Well, he jumped and stretched out for the opposite bank. And made it. But the bank crumbled under his front feet and we went down pretty hard. Mastercard flipped ass over tea kettle and I got crumpled up underneath him. I tore my groin muscle and bruised up my shoulder. It could have been a lot worse. When the horse jumped up my spur and my boot was all tangled up in my rope and rapped around the horn. But Mastercard just stood there and turned his head and looked at me as if he was asking me if I was going to get up of lay there all day. I took a few days off and then went back to work.
The groin injury turned out to be not as serious as the shoulder injury. The shoulder ended up bothering me off and on up until 2014 when I had surgery on it. I had some x-rays done and the doc told me that some old scar tissue was pinching the nerves. After the surgery its almost back to 100%.
God blessed us with horses. They are sentient beings with individualities and they need to be thanked as they are our friends they served as soldiers in wars and are officers. They built houses and advanced man in many ways like no other animal
The world certainly wouldn't be the same without them. It's actually something I talked about in my book Pony Boy. It's a book about the Pony Express, and at one point the rider realizes just how pitiful he would have been in the huge geography of the West without a horse. www.frontierlife.net/shop/book-two-history-of-the-west-with-sam-payne-pony-boy
I've spent a little time almost every day on the same horse for twelve years now. There were a few summers we literally lived together traveling dirt and gravel roads and trails, camping no matter the weather. I will miss her terribly when she's gone (unless I go first of course). Anyway, thank you for the video. I enjoyed it very much.
It was interesting not only to learn that not only were the spurs painful (as was obvious) but could actually be dangerous for the rider themselves, and how they thought of their horses. Thanks for sharing
Hey, Cate. Thanks for the comment. Yes, spurs can be dangerous to the rider and can cause pain to the horse. However, I'd like to point out that spurs don't have to be painful. I ride with spurs every time I ride (which is nearly every day). Over the years, I've learned that spurs are a signal tool. The lightest touch can get the results you want. In fact, I hope to never even use them on a ride. My process to signal a change to the horse is seat, calf, touch the spur, then roll the rowel if necessary. In the end, spurs are like bits; they are only as severe as the rider makes them. Thanks again for checking this out and for your comment.
I was referring to the spurs available back then lol. I don’t use and never will use spurs, but I am completely fine with them if used properly as an extension of your body, similar to a lunge whip. I just wanted to point out that I never thought about how dangerous spurs could be, especially back then. It just never crossed my mind- but it’s an interesting fact to have learned, so thank you.
You got that right. It's actually something I talked about in my book about the Pony Express I titled Pony Boy. At one point the character realizes just how small and helpless he would be in the huge geography without his horse. Thanks for the comment, Mike. www.frontierlife.net/shop/book-two-history-of-the-west-with-sam-payne-pony-boy
I'm a First Nations Navajo and Hope. I've been riding since before I could walk. Got my first pony when I was 2 (Shetland Black and White Pinto Gelding called Vinnie). He was 11 when we got him. We had him till he died at 32. He was still teaching kids to ride up to the day before he died of old age. He was a wonderful little pony. You could do anything with him. Anyone could ride him. And he'd give anything a go. Mounted games ,no worries he was fast as hell and he could bend and twist with the best of them , trained at harness for fun when he turned 25. No issues at all he was fantastic in harness. Disabled riders. No even a bat of a eyelid. Still miss that little guy and he's been gone nearly 30 yrs. Had QH's and OTTB that I've rescued. Ridden a horse that was born blind and everyone said she would never be any use to anyone. She was the best damn little worker we had on the ranch. She may have been blind but it didn't stop her trying to do everything the other horses were doing. She was a good healer. We trained her to barrel race. We would just say "ok barrel coming time to turn" and make the right moves in the saddle and on the reins and around she'd go. People never believed us when we said she was blind. They had to go look at her eyes. (her eyes were very small and all white. Not a genetic condition just something went wrong when she was growing in her mama. Mother had other foals that were fine.. and the blind Marr had 6 foals and all of them were fine and she was a fantastic mother.). Her name was Red Ruby Catt. (Metallic Cat X Ruby Doll Twist by Doc O Lena). Beautiful dark chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail. Baldy face and two hind socks. We still have her even though she's now 24 and spends her days looking after the weanlings and yearlings. And is due to foal in April to Docs Gun Runner (Hollywood Dun Dunnit X Docs Annie Gunns by Gunner). So the baby will be part Paint. I'll be keeping this baby as it's likely to be her last. She still gets ridden when she's not to big to saddle. She won't retire and we have tried. I love my horses and I can't imagine my life without them
I love the stories you put in the video! Reading all the amazing comments about stories of riders, cowboys, and their horses made me realize how little I know about that lifestyle. That culture is amazingly rich and beautiful. Thank you everyone for sharing ❤️
Our old fashioned beef ranch had at least 100 broke green/broke horses at all times. That way depending on the day, they had the right horses for the jobs. We also had rough and border collies, as well as other working animals. Sadly I didn’t realize how lucky I was.
I don't think they did much if any preliminary training like most people do now. As a result lots of injuries and I'm sure deaths and near death experiences. However they did the best they could with what they knew. They certainly loved their horse's, they were their life line 🤠🐎
I agree. As the one source said, they were the most important "tool" a cowboy had. I touched on this in my book Pony Boy. At one point the rider realizes just how helpless he would have been in the huge geography of the West. If you're interested in horse books, you might enjoy it. Thanks for the comment. www.frontierlife.net/shop/book-two-history-of-the-west-with-sam-payne-pony-boy
I have had the great pleasure of owning one of the best horses. I cared for him and he took care of me in the saddle. Abused and shy - he made me work to gain his trust and I worked hard at it. Hundreds of miles in the saddle we knew each other well. Like anything good - it doesn’t last. Cancer took him years ago but I have the memories. I miss my Joe-Joe♥️
When I checked on my horse ,I’d peek through the window blinds ,he was grazing & every time he would raise & turn his head and look over . It wasquite a distance . Telepathic ,even after his passing he’d check in & give me “hey Mom”
I love my horsey Snickers. Never will I sell him or give him away. He's been with me over 16 years. Got him when I was 12 years old and never looked back. We've been galloping trails ever since!
I love horses so much. Wish I could have one, or even be friends with one. There used to be a horse in a field that I passed once a week, and I started buying him an apple and stopping to give it to him and talk to him on my way home. That was special.
Out here on the rez were fortunate enough to keep our horse culture. You’ll still see rez kids riding bare back in basketball trunks with no shoes. We still have games where we rush sage brush and trample jack rabbits with our mustangs. (Of course we eat and keep the pelt). Probably why Navajo nation is breeding good professional ropers and bull riders.
My first horse was an Appaloosa off the Nez Perce Rez. Picked a one pound coffee can full of ticks off of him. Lordy, loved that boy. Came home from school one day, no horse. My dad sold him. 😢
God given horses. Mine were: •Beau Brandon, a Morgan stallion. •Little Sam/Samuel Domingo, a 13.5 hands sorrel, half Quarter horse, half Welsh pony. He taught me to ride and "deal with" whatever your horse decides to put you through! •Easter's Windsong, a Gorgeous Morgan mare for Beau. •Leia Celebrite, Beau and Windy's (and my) first foal. What a special intelligent, loving filly she was. She would win a 4-H Grand Championship at the local fair, and I would later take her onto my highschool campus and iNTo my favorite teacher's classroom to literally shake hands with him! and •Jackie Bright Hope, Leia's younger sister. She was too independent. A good mare, but could never be tied. She'd always break the rope or halter. She'd stand, as long as she waSNt tied!. Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful horses in my life. 🙏
I left an earlier comment, but I was wondering if this is an excerpt from a larger documentary and if so how can I find it and what’s the name of it? PS the best horse I ever rode was a Spanish Palomino he was a retired circus horse when I would pull the reins to the left or right instead of turning he would prance either one way or the other
I’ve ridden for basically my whole life, I have a horse named Scarlet. She’s a 14 something hand mare, originally trained for western but she’s found her place in low level english dressage. She’s lame, has been all her life, but she’s healing.
Yep. I was just reading a source this morning and the guy was talking about how impressed he was with the Mexicans roping. I don't think he had ever seen it before.
My best ever horse was a Morgan the best cuttin and roping horse I ever owned,we’ve had a lot of horses come through our ranch,after seeing him perform,was offered lots of money for him,I rode him all over the Bob Marshall country,we put bears on his back to pack out never even flinched or spooked,in the backcountry on a elk hunt woke up to a bad bad snowstorm,a whiteout,that Morgan broke trail,never quittin,all the other camps followed our trail out,there was a story in the local paper about this,he was a local legend,there was nothing this horse couldn’t do,cuttin,ropin,gaming,harness,,I retired him to a life of leisure,after 42 yrs.together,it was time ,I cried like a newborn burying him,we put up a monument to him,our memories together,til we meet again ,RIP Buff
I haven’t rode a horse since I was a kid. Im still young and looking to get back into it. Maybe even buy some property out west once I’m done with my current job. Never been one to take to the city too much. I have a feeling it’s never too late, but I have some catching up to do after hearing these!
I was blessed that my grandpa got me a horse and I rode it for several years, idk how many hands but he was pure white, well more off white but we called him king and he was the best. Many years I rode him and even tho I never went far, it was always fun riding and taking care of him. During my 8th grade school year he had gotten out and got hit by a truck. I wasn't living with my grandparents when I was at school, and I wish I had the balls to stand up to my dad and tell him no and just lived with my grandparents but he said I didn't love him if I didn't go with him. Now I'm 29, turn 30 on the 21st this January, and I've done Noth with my life and am miserable. I was purely happy on the Porterville farm, no matter how hard the work, it was always worth it. I Wana just disappear into the forest or something, but could I even make it work? I'm just so scared about failure, not to mention my damn struggle with heroin addiction. I guess I'm just weak minded. I'll probably just die alone like every other homeless guy. I don't Wana just keep surviving like I am, I Wana LIVE like I did when I was younger, and make my ancestors proud. Instead they probably spit on me. Why can't I stay clean, I've tried so hard, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I just don't know what to do anymore. I just live on autopilot it seems now. And I only spill my emotions out to complete strangers cuz everyone I know is drug addict and all they care about is drugs. I was definitely at that point, now I despise having to put this crap in my veins just to stay normal. I despise myself. I hate oxnard, CA. I hate myself even more
I'm sorry about your situation sir. I want to help. My best advice is to give over your burdens to Jesus and seek Him. Talk to Him and read the Word and begin a personal relationship for Him to be your Lord and Savior. All you have to do is confess your wrongs to Him and strive to turn from doing them again by asking for His help and believe in your heart that He died for you and accept Him as your Lord and Savior in your heart. Try a rehab or support group in a church too. I hope you accept this offer to become part of the adopted family of God and everyone else reading this too!
I know as a man the last thing a man wants is pity. I won't be giving you any of that. The best thing for you to do right now is to take a knee and bow your head. Humble yourself before the Lord almighty and meaning it in your heart repent of your sins, confess that you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior, and do something about it. I don't know how clean you can get but do your best and go to a church. Ask for a Bible and anything that could help you whether that be a job, a shelter, some food, or just some prayer. Read your Bible. If you happen to go to a bad church you won't know unless you read your Bible. Read your Bible and begin your reltaionship with God. I would recommend reading the book of John. Learn about the savior you want to ask to come into your life. I will pray for you sir. The Lord works in mysterious ways and we don't know our paths, but I know if you seek the Lord you will find him. My father is an ex heroine addict and has been sober for 25 years. He prayed to Jesus Christ to forgive him and take away his desire to do drugs. It was a long painful process but eventually his desire for the drugs went away. "I can do all things through christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13. I will pray for you brother.
the days now we just kill off the horses. I wish we had as many today that can own a horse just to keep them around . In my years I had five . It was my way of preserving life. What i like stay alive while I am alive. But once I am gone what I care about is gone. I kinda wish those likes can still be even once I am gone. Like my brother died and then his planted hollyhocks was yellowed by city water died. gone never get to flower. I wish we all cared about the life here horses and bison all of it can stay. i wish.
@@FrontierLife ya ok I am a dreamer wanted our western history horses preserved. But I can not. I can not be immortal . so dream hope the USA see day light and Maybe God to make a new mold of me have the birth of more like me. dream on . I liked they saved some Bison some wild horse. If Elk can live so must all.
And took the thing you absolutely needed for survival. I remember hearing Louis LaAmor speak one time and he said that a man who stole dozens of horses at a time was treated better than a man who stole a single horse. The man who stole a single horse was often hung. The difference was when he stole a single horse he was often stealing a man's ability to survive. I'm not 100% about how accurate this is, but it's stuck with me over the years.
@@FrontierLife was wondering if this was a excerpt from a larger documentary and if so what is the title and are where can I find it thank you very much
@@ernestoherrera2755 No, sorry. This is just one I made for a book of mine called Trail to Cheyenne. Here is a link if you are interested. Thanks for checking it out. www.frontierlife.net/shop/book-3-history-of-the-west-with-sam-payne-trail-to-cheyenne
How often do we have to hand back a good horse? Maybe we rode it for an hour, or a week, months or for years, but one day, the owner wants it back, or it is the end of a job. I too, in Australia, have been a drover, rode the boss's top horse, and had to hand it back.
The times are lost to most, but these Cowboys and cowgirls still love on today. Ranchers, horse and stick breeders and rodeo men and women keep the traditions and spirit alive. I was proud to own my house for a few years long ago, I reminder when I was a lad in grade five or six, back in the early sixties, a couple of my friends and I went to ride some horses before school. One friend knew the owner( or his dad did) but we got to them and without and harnesses we took our shoe laces out of our shoes and fashioned harnesses. We lost track of time and got to school late that morning, and all hell had broken lose trying to find us. We told our story and we were threatened with life in prison is set ever did that again.....we never did
haha. Thanks for sharing your story, Steve. Kids and horses have no problem getting into trouble. Sounds like fun. You also mention the times still living on. If you're interested, I actually have a channel that's all about horses and tack. You might find it interesting. Thanks again for watching. www.youtube.com/@unhobbled2524
My quarter horse, Midnight Lace, was an absolute treasure. Something about her made a special bond with me and my sister, because nobody else could ride her. We rode with the California Rangers and did drill team among other things. She was quick as lightning and could turn on a dime which made barrel racing a hoot. She didn’t spook easy, so I had a great time learning how to lasso on her. One time one of the older officers wanted to ride her, and we were friends, so I said ok, just be careful because she had super sensitive flanks and you had click to make her go, and squeeze each time to go faster, but definitely never to kick her, because it wouldn’t end well for ya. You better believe that officer gave her a little kick first thing and next we knew, Lacy was on the other side of the ring, and the officer was on the ground wondering what had happened. That was the last time anyone ever kicked her, but also the last time anyone else asked to ride her. 😂 She seemed wild to them, but to us, she was perfect. I guess because we were down at the ranch taking care of her every day, she was just our friend and a good horse. Turned out I didn’t realize at the time that me and my sister were pretty wild too, so it was also just partly game recognizing game and Lacy and us just had an understanding. 💞Those are some of the best memories and some of the hardest work and discipline of my life and I hope I get to pass it on someday. 🫶🏼🐴🐎
Interestingly enough, on a cattle drive, I'm not sure they carried a whole lot of saddle bags. I do know that one reason cowboys wore vests was so they could access things they may need on a drive like tobacco, tally book, watch, or little things like that. Generally, they stored their bedroll in the wagon and most of their possessions were rolled in the bedroll. Thanks for the comment and checking out the video
I get it. I've had some damn good horses in my life and I haven't forgotten about a one of them. Midnite Star was the best of them all. That little black arabian stallion would and could do anything I ever asked of him and he was a hell of a cutting horse on top of everything else. He was always eager to begin the day's work and met me at the gate to impatiently assist me to get his halter on while his gate stood open No matter what was going on outside it he wouldn't move a muscle until it was on even if there was a mare in season.
That first story is why no one- baby spurs or dress spurs- should wear spurs if they do not have absolute gorilla glue (ass and ) lower leg and fluid balance so as not to spur incase of a spooky jerk.
Well what exactly do you want us to do about it now? Dig up their bones and jail them? They did what they could with the knowledge they had, which wasnt a lot. Most people didnt even know how to read back then.
@@ironwolf1556 idk your backround around horses but all these cowboys are doing is flooding these horses promoting abusive practices when training just drowning out the actual problom there are people who still train like this which is appalling and if you support abusive controling training methods then you dont know what your talking about
@@geministrial950 so what that doesnt make it ok there are people who still train like this which is far from ok idk your background around horses but this is not training this is abuse and wrong doesnt have a age put onto it
@@georgia_blueland you'd cry a river then if you knew how the indians did it. They would sneak up and lasso a wild horse drag it to the ground and beat it senseless then stand it up and ride it yanking lasso or mane in the direction they wanted to go and if the horse acted up they would just beat it more.
Please do not glorify humans hurting animals who were ill-trained, in pain, or overworked. It makes you look like an ignoramus. Showing them who is boss has been one of the worst things said about a horse.
You do realize all of these are from centuries ago, right? It was an entirely different world. It doesnt make it okay, but what are you gonna do about it now? Dig up their skeletons and sure them for animal abuse? Whats important is how we treat our horses now.
@@darryladams519 That ship has sailed. We are in the beginning of an entirely new age that will be more significant than all others before it. This idea of “socialism” or “Fascism” will soon be extinct. No one human will be able to maintain power, it will require governing bodies. Russia, China, and any country that opens themselves up to technology will fall in line. North Korea will likely be one of the last. They are very isolated.
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Wyatt Earp's Nephew, Virgil Earp, Talks About the Wild West - Enhanced Video and Audio [60 fps]](/img/1.gif)
I have been a lucky man, I am almost 70 and have rode horses since 12. Bought my first horse at 16 with my own money. Macadou (from high chaparral) "Mac" . Had him for 27 years when he broke his leg, had to put him down. A big pendix bred quarter horse stood 16 hands, had some speed, stout enuf to jerk a bull down. I did everything you on him, roped, picked up, reenacted and was in some movies with him (background extras). My favorite partner though was Biscuit. He was a little 13.5 hand Mexican. He was as quick and agile as a cat. I swear if he'd had opposable thumbs he would have saddled himself come and got me so we could go on an adventure. He was always looking for an adventure and if you were walking out in the pasture he'd be right there in your hip pocket. Mac and Biscuit are both buried on the farm near several other great horses. I've had more than my share of good horses
Great story, George. It reminds me of a Chris LeDoux song where he wrote that God must be a cowboy at heart because he made a horse to be a friend. Once in a while, a guy gets the chance to saddle up a really good one. I'm glad you had Mac and Biscuit. They sound like great horses.
@@FrontierLife I committed a horrible crime to Mac. He knew when I got off the school bus and be stood near the gate ready to go ride. One day I was on the back side of the place on a tractor. My sister rode our other horse down led Mac and tied him to a tree then came and told me it was supper time.
She rode off and I looped the lead rope over mac's head and did the little Joe Cartwright mount. Mac took off at full speed before my butt hit his back. He wanted to be with his buddy. I was barely hanging on when I hit a tree dislocated my hip.
Accidentally hit send. Anyway my sister caught Mac brought him back and I got my hip back in and rode Mac back to the house. I was scared and hurt and when I got back to house I whipped Mac. After that he was still a great horse but he never fully trusted me again. One of the biggest regrets of my life. I lost mac's trust cause I was a stupid scared kid.
Sometimes God gives you “saddle partners” in the form of a horse… I sure miss mine… Buck, Andy, Faye…. Good horses all.
@@paulwillard5924 You got that right.
One of the best cowboy and his horses stories I read was of a fellow talking about how one of his co-workers was so popular with the work horses that they literally surrounded him when it was time to do some chores and begged to be picked. So, while their lives (men and horses both) could be dreadfully hard there was still kindness, care and compassion going on, too.
You got that right. Thanks for sharing.
My two best horses passed at 32 and 31 years old. They hated each other, both were leaders, and if we raced them down an open stretch they ran the whole way nose to nose with pinned ears. The only time I heard them bellow was at each other in a fit of rage. But they both took good care of everything they ever needed to; pulling trees, pulling sleds, catching loose cows, long trail rides into the night, crossing murky waters, up ice hills... I miss them so much.
Thanks for sharing!
MY FAMIL AND I ARE HORSE CRAZY, BACK IN DAY, PA GOT TOO OLD TO RIDE ,SO WE JUST BECAME THEIR SERVANTS !! THEY LIVED A LONG TIME, AND COULD GET RIGHT BOSSY !! never went on horse trip that something exciting did not happen , sometimes it is so funny when someone gets bucked off , esp if brother!!!
Horses enjoy working. Without them you’re going nowhere fast. That’s why so many cowboys were gentle and tender to their horses and kept them in top condition letting them rest and uncinching the saddle and walking them to camp after being on the trail all day
You bet. Horses do love a job. And you're also correct that cowboys could be very attentive to their horses. That's why I enjoy the Andy Adams description so much. Thanks for checking it out!
@@FrontierLife these are really touching stories
@@wordzmyth I'm glad you enjoyed them. Hopefully it has helped some people better understand our history as well.
@@FrontierLife that’s also why stealing someone’s horse was punishable by death back then…a man without his horse in the middle of nowhere ain’t lasting long
@@SWWonders You bet.
Over the years, I have owned or ridden quite a few different horses, most were average, a few were incredible, and one was a one in a million gelding, he was my brothers and his name was Tamarack(we called him Mr. T long before the actor/celebrity was known of) Tamarack was quick, fast and had incredible stamina and endurance, he also had a very mischievous sense of humour, and is by far the finest horse I ever rode.
Thanks for the comment, Nathan. Sounds like a heck of a horse. It's nice when one of those comes along. If you enjoy horse related stuff, you may enjoy my other channel. It's all about horses, colts, and horse-related tack. Thanks again, and glad you enjoyed the video.
www.youtube.com/@unhobbled2524
I’ve thought it so I might as well say it, I know it wasn’t apart of His plan but it would have been nice if the west had meandered on forever with the campfire as its sole source of heat and the noble horse it’s only travel, I’ve had a lot of horses, breeding some of the finest mountain horses in my opinion, I love riding up the mountains into the Tamarack, now everything is fence and cross fenced into 5 acre parcels owned by 50 people you don’t know and weren’t there yesterday looking at the biped atop the quadruped like a cow lookin at a new gate…
@@bobbieolsen7264 Yep. It's hard to find quiet places for sure. If you are into camping with horses, you might enjoy my other channel. It's all horse related and I'm going to include some camping type videos as the weather warms up. Thanks for the comment.
www.youtube.com/@unhobbled2524
Cool stories everyone. I think I sat on a horse once, and when I was a Kid I went to see ( don't know if they were the actual actors, probably not ) Planet of the Apes, they were all there, so cool. But whilst trying to get Urko's autograph his horse kicked me. I was scared of them after that. But love listening to you guys, it must have been well cool living your lives. Happy new year to you all and your families. Greetings from SUNNY ENGLAND.
@@darrenrobertw Happy New year from southern B.C. Canada.
I have a wonderful black with a white face 15.2 and strongly built , I have ridden him over 1000 miles , he is always sure footed , very clever with a sense of humour and he hums when he happy. He’s 20 now , and he and I will never part.
You've sure got to hold on to friends like that. Thanks for the comment.
Love what you say about him. Lucky horse he has you . 🧡🌱🌿
As an old timer who had a life long love affair with motorcycles, I've often thought about the man of yesteryear who had a good horse or mule and the open unfenced West to roam, he may have had one up on me...
It would have been pretty free, that's for sure. Thanks Mark.
I’ve always liked horses and it’s great to know what the Cowboys thought of them back in the 1800s thank you for telling us all what they thought of the horses.
You bet, Luke! Glad you enjoyed it.
One of the best horses I ever had was a little bay arab from old Cali/Pacific NW breeding lines. He was the horse I never wanted. He was an 8 year old stallion that I gelded at 10 and lost him to colic at 34. He would out trail most horses and I showed him quite a bit locally but he was happy pushing cows or competing in gymkhanas with the kids. I have so many pictures of him and the kids, more than any other horse I owned at the time. My favorite is one where my 2 yr old daughter was pushing his belly for him to move over to the trailer fender so she could climb up and get on. He was ever the obliging horse.
Our arab was a "good lesson horse" according to the trainer. He would get away with anything he could, but was careful not to hurt you much. I loved that beast.
My best horse was a huge 16.1 hand red roan heritage Appaloosa gelding named Red. He was fierce, bomb proof, loyal, mischievous, and smart. All of my friends had pretty-headed little quarter horses with papers and I had this slab of a boy that someone neglected enough to let a halter grow into his nose before I got him. All my friends called him ugly, but I thought he looked like a old west painting of an Indian pony, with his sparse Mohawk mane and his spotted coat and his wild eyes.
One time, we were out trail riding alone and went down this gravel logging road that we often frequented and the neighbor's pitbulls got out (one of which later killed a three year old girl) and started attacking us, jumping up trying to bite my legs. Most horses would have spooked, but Red spun around and chased them, grabbing one by the neck and flinging it into the ditch. He was also known to kill coyotes that came into the pasture when the mares had foals.
He could go for miles and miles on the trail and always had his eye on me. He was truly a partner and a friend.
By the time my dad was born his brother's(my uncles) were established saddle bronc riders and horsemen in the early fifties. They all rode in the calgary stampede rodeos and other rodeos in the late 30's and 40's and was lucky enough to listen to their stories. My dad would talk about how well trained their horses were when he would ride them to the old trading post for flour and pop, he also added that my grampa practically lived on a horse. My family were horsemen and that makes me proud. Thanks for the video
You bet, and thanks for taking the time to check it out.
An heir to the Winston 8 Ranch (East TX) backed up to my SW Louisiana roping pen one day and unloaded 4 beautiful geldings. I asked, "What 'cha doing." He said, "I'm giving you these 4-year-olds for letting me duck and goose hunt on your rice farm. They're yours. They're all out of registered running Quarter Horses, but not fast enough for me to keep on the track. They should you make fine ranch ponies."
I had a Cajun cowboy trainer from Lake Arthur, LA. Break 'em all. For his work, he'd keep two of the ponies. I'd get the pretty palomino plus one more. I wanted the fancy looking gelding for my wife. When the Cajun delivered my two, he said, "That pretty palomino you picked for you wife is by far the fastest and most athletic of the four, but here's the bad news. He can buck a good as anything you've seen in the NFR. Whatever you do, don't show him any "prosperity."" And don't let your wife ride him. By that my Cajun friend meant, Ride him every day. Keep him working. The Bayou trainer said, "Don't turn him out or give him any time off. Don't just stall him, feed him, and let him get fat! I'm telling you that palomino can buck!"
I rode that horse hard for 2 years. A lot of pasture work and team roping every day or so. He never once tried to pitch. He was one of the best rope horses around. Then I got busy with my job and gave the palomino time off. One Sunday, I spurred him up to catch some heels when he pinned his ears and crow-hopped. Without thinking, I spurred harder. He squealed and broke in two.
We have a balcony over our roping boxes. People standing on the balcony said they had to look up as I sky rocketed to the moon. I thought I'd never hit the ground. After back surgery, I gave that pretty palomino to a Rodeo Bucking String. His first jump out of the chute sent a young bronc rider to the rafters. I'm 74. When I get a touch of sciatica, I think of that pony from the Winston 8 Ranch and smile. He sure could buck.
haha. Quite a story. That's about how it goes isn't it? The pretty ones are the ones that get you in trouble. Thanks for sharing!
That's one heck of a story with a great ending 😂
Wow, he sounded like an amazing horse!!
Welp. He was an intelligent horse that needed a "job" for the physical & mental stimulation. Though I don't imagine you'd like a job where there was something strapped to you that made you uncomfortable enough to cause you to literally try to fight it off of you - over & over again.... + your "pay" was limited to food & water.
lol... Thats alot of responsibility to dump on someone.
It’s interesting how horsemen like Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman have influenced the modern horse and rider relationships for the benefit of both.
Thirty five years ago, I spoke to an elderly cowboy who was then in his 80’s, he told me when he was young, a lot of cowponys still had traces of Spanish mustang blood in them and didn’t have the higher genetic bloodlines in them.
He said most were smaller in stature and it sometimes took a while to catch a steer and rope off of them.
Those guys certainly have started a revolution of sorts. However, I've found it interesting how people of the past have always been "gentle" breaking horses. Not everyone, of course, but some people. In his book "The Mustangs" J. Frank Dobie says that President Grant was one guy who had a reputation for kindness with horses. Thanks for the comment.
I learned to ride on some of the last surviving Spanish Barbs of the Wilbur-Cruce line here in Arizona. They can be pretty mean and hard-headed. They'll fight among themselves just for the hell of it, biting and kicking each other. Most of them are stocky with thick legs and running about 12 hands. They'll give you a chase before you can get a lead on them, but once bridled and saddled they ride well.
@@kodiakkeith Thanks for sharing. I think I just read an article in the Western Horseman about a ranch down there still raising those types of horses. Interesting article, but I can't find it at the moment.
There are less than 1000 old blood probably closer to 800 horses left. My horses pedigrees go back to mostly tribal horses of the late 1800s early 1900s trying to preserve what was left of the old Spanish cow pony because like these stories shared the pony is truly the beloved horse of the old west.
I love Ben k green’s books, some of his methods were harsh but he described using positive reinforcement, and what today we call “liberty riding”. In his book, wild cow tales, he describes how native cattle were considerably hardier, or more primitive, before the industry focused on so-called improved breeds to produce bigger yearling steers for a quicker turn-around on a calf crop. He called the resulting product ‘baby beef’, since the meat was less dense with less tallow. Anyway, I bet those native cows were a lot harder to catch! Also, I hear people describe horse stock today as easier to handle, or more domesticated, and I know it’s true that fewer people keep semi-feral herds, or get their ponies from them.
When I was 15 I acquired a nice broke older red dun overo gelding. Named Jack, he did a little bit of everything, loved cows, he was an old roping horse. He was my match, he was great with little kids, but stubborn with older people, his joints locked up back in 2020 and passed away. Was the best horse I ever ridden. In 2016 I did acquire a foal whom I am still training. He is a quick learner and loves to do anything to please me. I do wish I had more time for him. As I used too. He will be 7 years old this year. He does have a bit of stubbornness in him if he is in a mood. I hope he will be a great show horse someday. I haven't had the time to put him under more training. Someday we will go professional. I hope I can free up my schedule this spring just to work with him.
I wish you good luck with your horse, and hope you get the time to ride it more.
I have 4 horses and they all have their own personalities, weaknesses, and strengths.
I sometimes wish I could combine them into one horse……
Oh, if wishes were dollars…..
Growing up as a military brat I don't know why but always thought I should have been a pioneer woman. Fast forward to my first riding lesson in SoCal at 52(!), moved to Utah to be able to afford a horse. Joined Back Country Horsemen and purchased my (only) heart horse who's turning 21 Jan 31st. I've trailed thousands of miles into the back country of our beautiful intermountain West. Today, at 70, I am proud of all my broken bones and bruises. "Slider", overo paint gelding, is the child I never had. I am blessed to be able to call myself a horsewoman and proud owner of this handsome horse. Just a City Slicker from San Diego, but a horsewoman. Thank you for your stories! Greetings from Utah.
Thanks for sharing Caren! I'm glad you got to enjoy so horses and so many beautiful places on horseback.
I liked this story, and it reminded me of a time in my life many years ago.
30 years ago I worked the fall works at Lida, Nevada. The JV-Bar. They gave me a horse to ride named Mastercard. He was a good horse but once he got onto a calf he wouldn't stop running until it was roped or ran over. They warned me and I didn't care. I was game. We were gathering spring calves out on the range and I got after a yearling heftier that had never been branded. She ran like a deer and out ran us. There was a dry creek bed and the heifer made a quick left and ran down into the creek bed and was gone. Those wild cattle could run like deer. There was no stopping my horse and the only option I had was to try and jump the dry creek bed. Well, he jumped and stretched out for the opposite bank. And made it. But the bank crumbled under his front feet and we went down pretty hard. Mastercard flipped ass over tea kettle and I got crumpled up underneath him. I tore my groin muscle and bruised up my shoulder. It could have been a lot worse. When the horse jumped up my spur and my boot was all tangled up in my rope and rapped around the horn. But Mastercard just stood there and turned his head and looked at me as if he was asking me if I was going to get up of lay there all day. I took a few days off and then went back to work.
What a story. Sounds like quite a horse wreck. Thanks for sharing Danish, and I hope you enjoyed the video.
@@FrontierLife I love hearing these old cowboy stories. Thanks for sharing.
New sub. here.
Nothing sucks quite like a torn groin muscle. Can't even sit down or lay comfortably to heal.
The groin injury turned out to be not as serious as the shoulder injury. The shoulder ended up bothering me off and on up until 2014 when I had surgery on it. I had some x-rays done and the doc told me that some old scar tissue was pinching the nerves. After the surgery its almost back to 100%.
God blessed us with horses. They are sentient beings with individualities and they need to be thanked as they are our friends they served as soldiers in wars and are officers. They built houses and advanced man in many ways like no other animal
The world certainly wouldn't be the same without them. It's actually something I talked about in my book Pony Boy. It's a book about the Pony Express, and at one point the rider realizes just how pitiful he would have been in the huge geography of the West without a horse.
www.frontierlife.net/shop/book-two-history-of-the-west-with-sam-payne-pony-boy
Amen... Ive been pretty close to several. Hard lettin go when life caught up and took them.
I've spent a little time almost every day on the same horse for twelve years now. There were a few summers we literally lived together traveling dirt and gravel roads and trails, camping no matter the weather. I will miss her terribly when she's gone (unless I go first of course). Anyway, thank you for the video. I enjoyed it very much.
It was interesting not only to learn that not only were the spurs painful (as was obvious) but could actually be dangerous for the rider themselves, and how they thought of their horses. Thanks for sharing
Hey, Cate. Thanks for the comment. Yes, spurs can be dangerous to the rider and can cause pain to the horse. However, I'd like to point out that spurs don't have to be painful. I ride with spurs every time I ride (which is nearly every day). Over the years, I've learned that spurs are a signal tool. The lightest touch can get the results you want. In fact, I hope to never even use them on a ride. My process to signal a change to the horse is seat, calf, touch the spur, then roll the rowel if necessary. In the end, spurs are like bits; they are only as severe as the rider makes them. Thanks again for checking this out and for your comment.
I was referring to the spurs available back then lol. I don’t use and never will use spurs, but I am completely fine with them if used properly as an extension of your body, similar to a lunge whip. I just wanted to point out that I never thought about how dangerous spurs could be, especially back then. It just never crossed my mind- but it’s an interesting fact to have learned, so thank you.
@@catetemple311 you bet. I get ya. Thanks again, and have a Happy New Year!
@@catetemple311 Lol, it's like that old piece of cowboy wisdom; 'Don't squat with yer spurs on.' 😂
@@FrontierLife then why use em at all? cause they look cool? 😂
It's so beautiful to hear people talking horses a hundred years ago the same way I am today
Just have to say the horse is the reason man is this far!
Respect them or we will forget how far we have came!!
You got that right. It's actually something I talked about in my book about the Pony Express I titled Pony Boy. At one point the character realizes just how small and helpless he would be in the huge geography without his horse. Thanks for the comment, Mike. www.frontierlife.net/shop/book-two-history-of-the-west-with-sam-payne-pony-boy
I hope I get to ride again one day but nothing is like the bond between a person and a horse.
I'm a First Nations Navajo and Hope.
I've been riding since before I could walk. Got my first pony when I was 2 (Shetland Black and White Pinto Gelding called Vinnie). He was 11 when we got him. We had him till he died at 32. He was still teaching kids to ride up to the day before he died of old age. He was a wonderful little pony. You could do anything with him. Anyone could ride him. And he'd give anything a go. Mounted games ,no worries he was fast as hell and he could bend and twist with the best of them , trained at harness for fun when he turned 25. No issues at all he was fantastic in harness. Disabled riders. No even a bat of a eyelid. Still miss that little guy and he's been gone nearly 30 yrs.
Had QH's and OTTB that I've rescued. Ridden a horse that was born blind and everyone said she would never be any use to anyone. She was the best damn little worker we had on the ranch. She may have been blind but it didn't stop her trying to do everything the other horses were doing. She was a good healer. We trained her to barrel race. We would just say "ok barrel coming time to turn" and make the right moves in the saddle and on the reins and around she'd go. People never believed us when we said she was blind. They had to go look at her eyes. (her eyes were very small and all white. Not a genetic condition just something went wrong when she was growing in her mama. Mother had other foals that were fine.. and the blind Marr had 6 foals and all of them were fine and she was a fantastic mother.). Her name was Red Ruby Catt. (Metallic Cat X Ruby Doll Twist by Doc O Lena). Beautiful dark chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail. Baldy face and two hind socks.
We still have her even though she's now 24 and spends her days looking after the weanlings and yearlings. And is due to foal in April to Docs Gun Runner (Hollywood Dun Dunnit X Docs Annie Gunns by Gunner). So the baby will be part Paint. I'll be keeping this baby as it's likely to be her last. She still gets ridden when she's not to big to saddle. She won't retire and we have tried.
I love my horses and I can't imagine my life without them
Saying farewell is the hardest thing of all, so love 'em while they're here!
Thank you for this! I wish I grew up in more this style, I barrel race but its just ain't the same
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love the stories you put in the video! Reading all the amazing comments about stories of riders, cowboys, and their horses made me realize how little I know about that lifestyle. That culture is amazingly rich and beautiful. Thank you everyone for sharing ❤️
You bet. Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.
Our old fashioned beef ranch had at least 100 broke green/broke horses at all times. That way depending on the day, they had the right horses for the jobs.
We also had rough and border collies, as well as other working animals. Sadly I didn’t realize how lucky I was.
Good fun stuff! Happy New Year! Thanks for sharin.
Happy New Year to you as well Mountain Man. Hope you're doing well!
This was pleasantly wholesome, appreciate the upload an research
You bet. Thanks for taking the time to check it out.
The art is magnificient.
when I saw that video title I so hoped that it'd be read by a voice with an accent like this. I'm so happy right now
Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
I don't think they did much if any preliminary training like most people do now. As a result lots of injuries and I'm sure deaths and near death experiences. However they did the best they could with what they knew. They certainly loved their horse's, they were their life line 🤠🐎
I agree. As the one source said, they were the most important "tool" a cowboy had. I touched on this in my book Pony Boy. At one point the rider realizes just how helpless he would have been in the huge geography of the West. If you're interested in horse books, you might enjoy it. Thanks for the comment. www.frontierlife.net/shop/book-two-history-of-the-west-with-sam-payne-pony-boy
Just got a new subscriber! Love the completion of a bunch primary sources just cover one topic is such a great idea. Cant wait to binge the rest
Welcome aboard! Hope you enjoy the channel.
A great video showing the value and relation people would’ve has between thier house
I have had the great pleasure of owning one of the best horses. I cared for him and he took care of me in the saddle. Abused and shy - he made me work to gain his trust and I worked hard at it. Hundreds of miles in the saddle we knew each other well. Like anything good - it doesn’t last. Cancer took him years ago but I have the memories. I miss my Joe-Joe♥️
Excellent video and content keep it up
Thank you. I appreciate the support
When I checked on my horse ,I’d peek through the window blinds ,he was grazing & every time he would raise & turn his head and look over . It wasquite a distance . Telepathic ,even after his passing he’d check in & give me “hey Mom”
I love my horsey Snickers. Never will I sell him or give him away. He's been with me over 16 years. Got him when I was 12 years old and never looked back. We've been galloping trails ever since!
Got a pony named Snickers at my folk's place. He's a galloper too! Thanks for the comment.
I love horses so much. Wish I could have one, or even be friends with one. There used to be a horse in a field that I passed once a week, and I started buying him an apple and stopping to give it to him and talk to him on my way home. That was special.
They are awesome. I have four right now and enjoy all the work, sweat, and fun I get because of them.
@@FrontierLife You’re a lucky man. Need a wife? 😏
@@janicesmith2475 haha. One is enough :)
@@FrontierLife lol
Love this! These stories remind me of the stories Will James wrote about in his books! ❤😊
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it, and glad it reminds of the legendary Will James
Out here on the rez were fortunate enough to keep our horse culture. You’ll still see rez kids riding bare back in basketball trunks with no shoes. We still have games where we rush sage brush and trample jack rabbits with our mustangs. (Of course we eat and keep the pelt). Probably why Navajo nation is breeding good professional ropers and bull riders.
My first horse was an Appaloosa off the Nez Perce Rez. Picked a one pound coffee can full of ticks off of him.
Lordy, loved that boy. Came home from school one day, no horse. My dad sold him. 😢
I just love these echoes from the past!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it
This was lovely.
Glad you enjoyed it!
God given horses.
Mine were:
•Beau Brandon, a Morgan stallion.
•Little Sam/Samuel Domingo, a 13.5 hands sorrel, half Quarter horse, half Welsh pony. He taught me to ride and "deal with" whatever your horse decides to put you through!
•Easter's Windsong, a Gorgeous Morgan mare for Beau.
•Leia Celebrite, Beau and Windy's (and my) first foal. What a special intelligent, loving filly she was. She would win a 4-H Grand Championship at the local fair, and I would later take her onto my highschool campus and iNTo my favorite teacher's classroom to literally shake hands with him!
and
•Jackie Bright Hope, Leia's younger sister. She was too independent. A good mare, but could never be tied. She'd always break the rope or halter. She'd stand, as long as she waSNt tied!.
Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful horses in my life. 🙏
Thanks for the comment. Just out of curiosity, was Jackie Bright Hope a quarterhorse? I've ridden some Jackie B horses. They're good athletes.
@@FrontierLife
She was Morgan.
(Cantankerous Lil Sam was half Quarter Horse)
I have a vintage Blake Miller scale circa 1920....a saddle that a travelling cowboy used.The
first one made my heart melt ❤
I left an earlier comment, but I was wondering if this is an excerpt from a larger documentary and if so how can I find it and what’s the name of it? PS the best horse I ever rode was a Spanish Palomino he was a retired circus horse when I would pull the reins to the left or right instead of turning he would prance either one way or the other
I’ve ridden for basically my whole life, I have a horse named Scarlet. She’s a 14 something hand mare, originally trained for western but she’s found her place in low level english dressage. She’s lame, has been all her life, but she’s healing.
I wish I could give this more thumbs up!! I've had some good ponies, hope to keep having more!
Thanks, Jebediah! Glad you enjoyed it, sir.
The Spanish Vaquero is the foundation of the cowboy
Yep. I was just reading a source this morning and the guy was talking about how impressed he was with the Mexicans roping. I don't think he had ever seen it before.
You might be referring to mexican charros. They were more prevalent than spanish riders in the working plains
nice, interesting, thank you for sharing
I love this
Thanks, David. Glad you enjoyed it!
My best ever horse was a Morgan the best cuttin and roping horse I ever owned,we’ve had a lot of horses come through our ranch,after seeing him perform,was offered lots of money for him,I rode him all over the Bob Marshall country,we put bears on his back to pack out never even flinched or spooked,in the backcountry on a elk hunt woke up to a bad bad snowstorm,a whiteout,that Morgan broke trail,never quittin,all the other camps followed our trail out,there was a story in the local paper about this,he was a local legend,there was nothing this horse couldn’t do,cuttin,ropin,gaming,harness,,I retired him to a life of leisure,after 42 yrs.together,it was time ,I cried like a newborn burying him,we put up a monument to him,our memories together,til we meet again ,RIP Buff
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a heck of a horse. I'd love to go to the Bob sometime. Been close, but never in it.
not many cowboys still in the saddle today. got one uncle still riding and packin in the back country at 90 years old.
Not many in lots of places, but I've got a few friends that still making a living in the saddle. Sounds like your uncle is a tough old bird.
Fantastic. Thanks 🇺🇸🇺🇸
You bet. Thanks for checking it out.
"Jim Key "was featured in Jerry Skinner. An Excellent Documentary on him. That Art of his Training, must have been lost thru time.
I've read my kids a book on Jim Key. What an interesting story. Thanks for adding him to the conversation, Carvin.
"That was the price i payed for little billy" daggum i could shed a tear
I haven’t rode a horse since I was a kid. Im still young and looking to get back into it. Maybe even buy some property out west once I’m done with my current job. Never been one to take to the city too much. I have a feeling it’s never too late, but I have some catching up to do after hearing these!
I was blessed that my grandpa got me a horse and I rode it for several years, idk how many hands but he was pure white, well more off white but we called him king and he was the best. Many years I rode him and even tho I never went far, it was always fun riding and taking care of him. During my 8th grade school year he had gotten out and got hit by a truck. I wasn't living with my grandparents when I was at school, and I wish I had the balls to stand up to my dad and tell him no and just lived with my grandparents but he said I didn't love him if I didn't go with him. Now I'm 29, turn 30 on the 21st this January, and I've done Noth with my life and am miserable. I was purely happy on the Porterville farm, no matter how hard the work, it was always worth it. I Wana just disappear into the forest or something, but could I even make it work? I'm just so scared about failure, not to mention my damn struggle with heroin addiction. I guess I'm just weak minded. I'll probably just die alone like every other homeless guy. I don't Wana just keep surviving like I am, I Wana LIVE like I did when I was younger, and make my ancestors proud. Instead they probably spit on me. Why can't I stay clean, I've tried so hard, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I just don't know what to do anymore. I just live on autopilot it seems now. And I only spill my emotions out to complete strangers cuz everyone I know is drug addict and all they care about is drugs. I was definitely at that point, now I despise having to put this crap in my veins just to stay normal. I despise myself. I hate oxnard, CA. I hate myself even more
I'm sorry about your situation sir. I want to help. My best advice is to give over your burdens to Jesus and seek Him. Talk to Him and read the Word and begin a personal relationship for Him to be your Lord and Savior. All you have to do is confess your wrongs to Him and strive to turn from doing them again by asking for His help and believe in your heart that He died for you and accept Him as your Lord and Savior in your heart. Try a rehab or support group in a church too. I hope you accept this offer to become part of the adopted family of God and everyone else reading this too!
I know as a man the last thing a man wants is pity. I won't be giving you any of that. The best thing for you to do right now is to take a knee and bow your head. Humble yourself before the Lord almighty and meaning it in your heart repent of your sins, confess that you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior, and do something about it. I don't know how clean you can get but do your best and go to a church. Ask for a Bible and anything that could help you whether that be a job, a shelter, some food, or just some prayer. Read your Bible. If you happen to go to a bad church you won't know unless you read your Bible. Read your Bible and begin your reltaionship with God. I would recommend reading the book of John. Learn about the savior you want to ask to come into your life. I will pray for you sir. The Lord works in mysterious ways and we don't know our paths, but I know if you seek the Lord you will find him. My father is an ex heroine addict and has been sober for 25 years. He prayed to Jesus Christ to forgive him and take away his desire to do drugs. It was a long painful process but eventually his desire for the drugs went away. "I can do all things through christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13. I will pray for you brother.
Very entertaining!!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Great stories.
Thanks, Randy. Glad you enjoyed them!
the days now we just kill off the horses. I wish we had as many today that can own a horse just to keep them around . In my years I had five . It was my way of preserving life. What i like stay alive while I am alive. But once I am gone what I care about is gone. I kinda wish those likes can still be even once I am gone. Like my brother died and then his planted hollyhocks was yellowed by city water died. gone never get to flower. I wish we all cared about the life here horses and bison all of it can stay. i wish.
Hey, Karen. Thanks for the comment.
@@FrontierLife ya ok I am a dreamer wanted our western history horses preserved. But I can not. I can not be immortal . so dream hope the USA see day light and Maybe God to make a new mold of me have the birth of more like me. dream on . I liked they saved some Bison some wild horse. If Elk can live so must all.
Knowing how to do groundwork and a lot of it is a wise choice before you even attempt to get on and unbroken horse.
Great channel 👍 🇺🇸
Thanks for the comment Stephen, and I'm glad you like the channel. 👍
I loved this thank you
You bet. Thanks for checking it out.
He had the nerve and he had the blood, there never was a hoss like the Tennessee Stud!
Oh, that strawberry roan. That sunfishin' critter is worth leaving alone. There's nary a buster from Texas to Nome that can ride that strawberry roan.
@@FrontierLife
Hahahaaa! Nice!
I don't know that one, but I like it!
It's easy to understand why horse thieves were hung. It's like someone stoled a member of your family.
And took the thing you absolutely needed for survival. I remember hearing Louis LaAmor speak one time and he said that a man who stole dozens of horses at a time was treated better than a man who stole a single horse. The man who stole a single horse was often hung. The difference was when he stole a single horse he was often stealing a man's ability to survive. I'm not 100% about how accurate this is, but it's stuck with me over the years.
Love that story 👍
Thanks, Robert. Glad you enjoyed it.
My family comes from Bandera Texas the cowboy capital of the world! So I have always had a affinity for horses thanks for the video
You bet. Thanks for checking it out!
The vaqueros of Spain and Mexico were the real "cowboys"
@@vaquero7x The first in the Texas region for sure.
@@FrontierLife was wondering if this was a excerpt from a larger documentary and if so what is the title and are where can I find it thank you very much
@@ernestoherrera2755 No, sorry. This is just one I made for a book of mine called Trail to Cheyenne. Here is a link if you are interested. Thanks for checking it out. www.frontierlife.net/shop/book-3-history-of-the-west-with-sam-payne-trail-to-cheyenne
Good ole talkin bout horses and cowboys.
Thanks, Patricia. Hope you enjoyed it.
How often do we have to hand back a good horse? Maybe we rode it for an hour, or a week, months or for years, but one day, the owner wants it back, or it is the end of a job. I too, in Australia, have been a drover, rode the boss's top horse, and had to hand it back.
The times are lost to most, but these Cowboys and cowgirls still love on today. Ranchers, horse and stick breeders and rodeo men and women keep the traditions and spirit alive. I was proud to own my house for a few years long ago, I reminder when I was a lad in grade five or six, back in the early sixties, a couple of my friends and I went to ride some horses before school. One friend knew the owner( or his dad did) but we got to them and without and harnesses we took our shoe laces out of our shoes and fashioned harnesses. We lost track of time and got to school late that morning, and all hell had broken lose trying to find us. We told our story and we were threatened with life in prison is set ever did that again.....we never did
haha. Thanks for sharing your story, Steve. Kids and horses have no problem getting into trouble. Sounds like fun.
You also mention the times still living on. If you're interested, I actually have a channel that's all about horses and tack. You might find it interesting. Thanks again for watching.
www.youtube.com/@unhobbled2524
The same can be said of a good son.
My quarter horse, Midnight Lace, was an absolute treasure. Something about her made a special bond with me and my sister, because nobody else could ride her. We rode with the California Rangers and did drill team among other things. She was quick as lightning and could turn on a dime which made barrel racing a hoot. She didn’t spook easy, so I had a great time learning how to lasso on her. One time one of the older officers wanted to ride her, and we were friends, so I said ok, just be careful because she had super sensitive flanks and you had click to make her go, and squeeze each time to go faster, but definitely never to kick her, because it wouldn’t end well for ya. You better believe that officer gave her a little kick first thing and next we knew, Lacy was on the other side of the ring, and the officer was on the ground wondering what had happened. That was the last time anyone ever kicked her, but also the last time anyone else asked to ride her. 😂 She seemed wild to them, but to us, she was perfect. I guess because we were down at the ranch taking care of her every day, she was just our friend and a good horse. Turned out I didn’t realize at the time that me and my sister were pretty wild too, so it was also just partly game recognizing game and Lacy and us just had an understanding. 💞Those are some of the best memories and some of the hardest work and discipline of my life and I hope I get to pass it on someday. 🫶🏼🐴🐎
It's funny to me that these Cowboys had their Daily riders.
What would a cowboy carry in his saddle bags? When on a drive.
Interestingly enough, on a cattle drive, I'm not sure they carried a whole lot of saddle bags. I do know that one reason cowboys wore vests was so they could access things they may need on a drive like tobacco, tally book, watch, or little things like that. Generally, they stored their bedroll in the wagon and most of their possessions were rolled in the bedroll. Thanks for the comment and checking out the video
I get it. I've had some damn good horses in my life and I haven't forgotten about a one of them. Midnite Star was the best of them all. That little black arabian stallion would and could do anything I ever asked of him and he was a hell of a cutting horse on top of everything else. He was always eager to begin the day's work and met me at the gate to impatiently assist me to get his halter on while his gate stood open No matter what was going on outside it he wouldn't move a muscle until it was on even if there was a mare in season.
💕
first story sounds terrifying 😭
i never rode a horse before but i weigh 600 llbs
Fer SURE A COWBOY WAY THERE
Spurs are cruel. The only type that should be used at all are dummy spurs if nothing else works. And they should be used only by a good rider.
😃
Xochitl was my best horse.
My favorite story was the last..😪
I know I wanted too much. It a dreamer . You know?
That first story is why no one- baby spurs or dress spurs- should wear spurs if they do not have absolute gorilla glue (ass and ) lower leg and fluid balance so as not to spur incase of a spooky jerk.
Interesting that all the great ones were ponies....
spurs.
If it weren't for dogs, guns, and horses, we wouldn't *have* a country.
You got that right. I'm a proud owner of all three.
Let’s go Brandon
cowboys back then should of been considered horse abusers like yall didnt know what you were doing just flooding horses
I think these cowboys knew more about horses than most folks, due to the fact that they worked with each other as a team everyday
Well what exactly do you want us to do about it now? Dig up their bones and jail them? They did what they could with the knowledge they had, which wasnt a lot. Most people didnt even know how to read back then.
@@ironwolf1556 idk your backround around horses but all these cowboys are doing is flooding these horses promoting abusive practices when training just drowning out the actual problom there are people who still train like this which is appalling and if you support abusive controling training methods then you dont know what your talking about
@@geministrial950 so what that doesnt make it ok there are people who still train like this which is far from ok idk your background around horses but this is not training this is abuse and wrong doesnt have a age put onto it
@@georgia_blueland you'd cry a river then if you knew how the indians did it. They would sneak up and lasso a wild horse drag it to the ground and beat it senseless then stand it up and ride it yanking lasso or mane in the direction they wanted to go and if the horse acted up they would just beat it more.
Please do not glorify humans hurting animals who were ill-trained, in pain, or overworked. It makes you look like an ignoramus. Showing them who is boss has been one of the worst things said about a horse.
He's not glorifying anything, this is history.
@@41tl facts
You do realize all of these are from centuries ago, right? It was an entirely different world. It doesnt make it okay, but what are you gonna do about it now? Dig up their skeletons and sure them for animal abuse? Whats important is how we treat our horses now.
^This guy gets it.
it’s either that or get kicked in the head
Cool channel. Just subscribed. Thankyou. Happy new year 🎉
Thanks, Darren. I'm glad you like the channel and I appreciate the support. Happy New Year to you as well!
@@FrontierLife thankyou for your wishes. I'm very happy to be aboard.
I am sorry folks but that hook is called a chap guard, it has nothing to do with the back cinch!!!!
LETS GO BRANDON!!!
Stop that nonsense please
@@smcarpen When the socialist party stops their nonsense.
LETS GO BRANDON
LETS GO BRANDON!!!! Saying stop that nonsense shut up you little bastard
@@darryladams519 That ship has sailed. We are in the beginning of an entirely new age that will be more significant than all others before it. This idea of “socialism” or “Fascism” will soon be extinct. No one human will be able to maintain power, it will require governing bodies. Russia, China, and any country that opens themselves up to technology will fall in line. North Korea will likely be one of the last. They are very isolated.
Imagine bringing politics into a random video. Your usless