November 17, 2019
Savanna Simmons
I (Savanna) have been excited about the mission of Tammy Pate’s Art of the Cowgirl event since I first heard about it more than a year ago. I attended the first event as a gift from my family and was immediately in awe of the caliber of talent and artistry. I first rode with Lee Smith […]
November 1, 2019
Jan Swan Wood
I spent a fall and winter working for an outfit that had absolutely the worst fences I’d ever seen. The perimeter fences were maintained by the neighbors in self defense, so at least all this ranch’s stock stayed on the ranch. But, the division fences were usually hanging a foot or so off the ground […]
October 14, 2019
Savanna Simmons
I visited with Bud Force, co-director, cinematographer, and producer of documentary portrait film “Cowboys” set to premiere Oct. 25 at the Austin Film Festival. I will be attending the film’s premiere at the Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo, and based on just the stills and clips shared on “Cowboys” website and Facebook […]
September 30, 2019
Jan Swan Wood
As I recall, it was early November when this day occurred. Fall works were winding down and we were mostly preg checking cows and moving them to winter pasture. All the calves had been shipped, as had the yearlings. It was cold and windy as we were saddling and loading horses to haul the 40 […]
September 2, 2019
Jan Swan Wood
Many moons ago when my oldest nephew was just a little feller, my sis told me that they were looking for a good sized pony for him to ride on the ranch. They had three kids, so the pony would probably have to be a starter horse for all three. So, I was looking for […]
August 23, 2019
Savanna Simmons
If you’re anywhere near Sheridan, Wyoming, Sept. 7 and 8, 2019, and you have an interest in cow working, dressage, or horsemanship in general, count your lucky stars, then head over to Paul Van Dyke’s arena to catch the East Meets West Clinic, featuring Paul and his sister Betsy, pictured below. From Paul’s website: Paul and […]
July 29, 2019
Jan Swan Wood
I was working for an outfit years ago that had lots of country to cover, lots of heifers and cows to calve, and I was mostly on my own. The cowboss was supposed to help me with a lot of the riding and work, but he wasn’t proving to be very reliable in that way, […]
July 25, 2019
Jolyn Young
I have been perusing horse classified ads lately, and man, let me tell you – the entertainment factor is satisfyingly high. Quality of horse flesh offered for sale varies, but I am thoroughly enjoying the wording of some of these ads. I’ve rounded up a sampling of some of my favorite horse-selling phrases for your […]
July 13, 2019
Savanna Simmons
Plenty of reasons exist for the use of a back cinch, roping being the most prominent of reasons, to my mind, as well as starting a colt, to keep the saddle closer to the colt should he buck, and get him used to and comfortable with the feel as early as possible. An equal amount […]
May 23, 2019
Savanna Simmons
When posing a horse’s profile to shoot for a horse sale, sale ad, stud flyer, or other reason, I find that positioning a horse with the front foot nearest forward, and the hind leg nearest back, and the two off-side legs in closer. This flatters the horse and doesn’t create anything that doesn’t exist, conformation-wise. […]