Ice and Horses

This is a post from last year's ice storm in February. Considering that another ice storm is in our forecast for next week, I thought it might be interesting to see. Our youngest daughter took these shots, and I thought they turned out so pretty. 

Dunny - aka Revielles Enoch

Joe - aka Josiah Lass

A few more of the crew - Moe (peeking from the edge), Belle, Dunny, and Larry

Joe feeling a little frisky.

What about you? Are you experiencing a hard, cold winter? Share with me in the comments below! 

Flint Hills Wild Horses

On a recent trip to the Flint Hills we were fortunate to see a couple herds of wild mustangs. 

These were seen on our drive NE of Rosalia on Ivanpah-Salyard Road.

 The wild horses pasture on this ranch, also known as long-term holding facitilies, when older mustangs are shipped to large, privately-owned pastures to live out their days. The BLM does this as a way to control the heavily populated mustang herds in the West as well as manage the forage for them there. 

It seems like a great way to live out their days. Green pasture. Blue sky.

 This drive reminded me of a Colorado mountain plateau, without the altitude. So peaceful and beautiful.

 The horses grazed undisturbed while our cameras zoomed in as close as possible.

This fellow gazed at us while we quickly captured his snapshot.

God Made a Farmer - Super Bowl Commercial

I didn't get to watch all of the Super Bowl this year, but I did manage to see this one commercial that absolutely blew me away with its simple, beautiful tribute to the farming/ranching community sponsored by Dodge Ram Trucks. Check it out below and let me know what you think. Did you have a favorite commercial during the Super Bowl? If so, please share in the comments below.

Miss Rodeo America 2012

My interest in Miss Rodeo America began during my research for Seeds of Summer, my book about a former Miss Rodeo Kansas queen. Even though this writing project is over, I like to keep up on the current MRA news. I hope you'll find this interesting. 

Mackenzie Carr of Vernonia, Oregon reigns as Miss Rodeo America 2012. She received the crown on December 10, 2011 at the conclusion of the week-long pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Mackenzie will travel more than 100,000 miles during her reign representing Miss Rodeo America, Inc. and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association.

"Miss Rodeo America is a spokeswoman for western heritage, embodying and exemplifying the qualities of self-reliance, bravery, and true grit to the utmost capability." Carr said.

"I am so blessed to be the first Oregonian to have the prestigious honor and privilege of serving as Miss Rodeo America."

Mackenzie graduated from Lower Columbia College with an Associate of Arts degree in Speech Communications and will later transfer back to Oregon State University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management Engineering with a minor in Speech Communications. She will be taking time out from her studies at Oregon State University to reign as the "First Lady of Professional Rodeo." She will be able to use the $26,000 in scholarships she was awarded as Miss Rodeo America from the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation to help further her educational goals.

When Mackenzie isn't promoting the sport of rodeo either in or out of the arena, she enjoys cooking, singing and playing the piano. She also loves to dig it up and slam it down on the volleyball court, riding, training horses and giving riding lessons to young children. She is excited about the prospect of spending 2012 traveling across the country being a role model for people of all ages, remaining a cowgirl to the core and promoting the Miss Rodeo America organization as well as our great sponsors! Click here to learn more about Mackenzie and the Miss Rodeo America organization.

Kansas Flint Hills & Wild Horses

I recently had the opportunity to drive through the Kansas Flint Hills. I always enjoy my road trips into the heart of the hills and this day was no different. 

Blue skies, 

fair temperatures, 

and lots of scenic treasures. 

Even a wild horse or two . . .

These horses were seen grazing on the Vestring Ranch near Cassoday, KS.

Because my current research for Blades of Autumn deals with the long-term pasturing of wild horses, I find the subject very interesting. 

Plus I love horses . . .  

This guy was very curious about the lady at the fence, but turned away before my camera could focus in on a fantastic picture. Oh well . . . maybe next time???

Wild Horses

I've been doing quite a bit of research lately for my third book, Blades of Autumn, which yes, I am still writing. The research involves long-term pasturing of wild horses, which seems to be a hot topic in America today. Fortunately, there is much information to be found on the Internet--I just have to wade through it all in order to get what I need for my story.

What is long-term pasturing and why is it such a hot topic? Long-term pasturing, formerly known as long-term holding facilities, is when older mustangs are shipped to large, privately-owned pastures to live out their days. The BLM does this as a way to control the heavily populated mustang herds in the West as well as manage the forage for them there. Who pays for this--the government, ie. tax-payers. Some believe this is an inhumane way to treat the mustangs (fencing them in), while others believe it's not cost-effective (from what I can tell, it seems to be less expensive than other options, which btw, also costs tax-payer money.)

Interestingly enough, their are long-term pasturing facilities in the Flint Hills. Here is a recent story that ran in the Wichita Eagle about such a place. While there, be sure to check out all the photos that went with the story. 

So readers, how do you feel about the Wild Horses?

What Sort of Boot Are You?

Stetson Antique Brown Cross Inlay Western Boot

Recently my daughters and I were shopping for school clothes--and strangely enough, they each wanted a pair of cowboy boots. I've always had a fondness for a great pair of boots, so I thought it might be fun to compare a few on here to see what sort of boots you like.

Are you a get-er-done kind of girl?

Then you might like the Justin bay Apache AQHA Remuda

(note the popular square toe)

Or maybe you like a bit more color like these Nocona Turquoise Ranch Boots

Perhaps you prefer the wildly popular Ariat chocolate croc print Gem Baby Jazz

If you're like my middle daughter, you want to be just a little "different". If that's the case, these Tony Lama Buckaroo Boots would look great on you!

Or maybe you're looking for something to step-out in. Wouldn't these Old Gringo ultra vintage Monarca boots look great with a dress or skirt! (Suggested retail $499)

Not your style? How about a little crystal? Kippys Swarovski Crystal Western Boot

(Suggested retail - $799.00 )

And for the lady with lots of style and also lots of dough,
I recommend the Liberty Tattoo You Western Boot

(Suggested Retail $1599)

Horses ~ Bonnie's Offspring

A while back, I blogged about one of our favorite horses - Bonnie. She was a terrific mare and everyone in our family loved her dearly. She passed away several years ago. Before she died, however, she blessed us with a couple of offspring.

One of them is Joe, now a 7 year old gelding that my youngest daughter enjoys riding. But she also had a foal we named Martha. We sold Martha years ago, but now have the option of buying her back. Not sure yet what we're going to do, but my husband has been riding her to test her out. Martha is now 5. Stay tuned . . .

Stacy Westfall's ride - Amazing

For some reason, my earlier post of Stacy's ride was deleted. Let's try it again. Stacy does a tremendous job here. Enjoy.

Horses - What is a Quarter Horse?

I've had several people ask me this, so I decided to write a post on the definition of a Quarter Horse.

There are many breeds of horses, one of them being a Quarter Horse (the first all-American breed). The English brought the Thoroughbred from England and the Spanards brought to America their Spanish blood horses. These two combined with the native horses already in existance here created a quick, compact, massively muscled horse we now call the Quarter Horse.

Because of their sprinting ability, the English settlers liked to race them in quarter mile stretches, thus their name. But their ability became truly known in the "West" as cow ponies, due to their speed, their balance and agility, and their instinct to work cattle.

This is the horse I write about in my books. If you have more questions about the Quarter Horse, let me know. I'll try to cover the various colors of a horse in a future post.

Miss Rodeo America 2009

As part of my research for Seeds of Summer, the second book of the Seasons of the Tallgrass series, I have been keeping tabs on Miss Rodeo America. Amy Wilson, Miss Rodeo America 2008, (Kansas native) helped me with several questions I had for my main character, who is also a rodeo queen. But like all good things, this too must pass, and Amy Wilson's reign came to an end. Here is information on Miss Rodeo America 2009. Best wishes to you, Amy, and also to you, Maegan!

The results are in, the points tallied, and the next Miss Rodeo America has been crowned. The 2009 leading lady of professional rodeo is Maegan Ridley, of Alta Loma, Calif.
Ridley served as Miss Rodeo California 2008, and during the next year, she will travel over 100,000 miles representing Miss Rodeo America, Inc. and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. She will begin making appearances at rodeo across the country in January.

“As Miss Rodeo America I will show everyone why my heroes have always been cowboys,” Ridley said. “ What an honor it will be to prove the American cowboy is alive and well.”
Aside from her rodeo interests, Ridley is pursuing an Associate of Science Degree in Anatomy and Physiology with focus on Speech Language Pathology. Her further educational goals are to obtain a Master of Speech Language Pathology with concentration on rehabilitation. Ridley will be able to put to good use, the $10,000 educational scholarship she will receive at the completion of her reign.

Ridley was also awarded a wardrobe of Wrangler Jeans, Justin Boots, Bailey Hats , fully tooled Court’s Saddle with custom Miss Rodeo America conchos and an official Miss Rodeo America trophy buckle from Montana Silversmiths. Accompanying the perpetual Miss Rodeo America tiara made by Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations she was given a wardrobe of matching jewelry. These items, along with a multitude of other valuable and exquisite prizes will be presented to her throughout the year.

Contestants were judged in the major categories of horsemanship, personality, and appearance, competing in the areas of public speaking, personal interviews, modeling, photogenic and rodeo/equine knowledge. Contestants were eligible for $38,500 in scholarships at the 2009 Miss Rodeo America Pageant. In addition to the $10,000 Miss Rodeo America scholarship, Ridley was also awarded the Appearance category, including $1,500 scholarship and a Montana Silversmiths Buckle Purse.

Ridley is looking forward to seeing all aspects or rodeo while traveling across the country as Miss Rodeo America 2009. “Life doesn’t always stand tied at the hitching post, sometimes you have to get a lope after it,” Ridley said in reference to her hard work and preparation for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

Riding at Sunset

Here is a movie my daughter made of my husband riding one of our horses this fall. The evening colors are gorgeous and speak so well of the Kansas prairie. I hope you enjoy it.

"...where morning dawns and evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy." Ps. 65:8b

Sixcess Lassie

"Bonnie"

6/1/95 - 5/14/04

Flying over a Field

a poem written by my middle daughter

As I fly in a field I hear the birds singing on hanging branches.
As I ride in the saddle I smell the flowers,
hearing them swish and sway like they were dancing in the field.
It is Spring and I hear the birds flap their wings.
They sound like soft flutes.

The sounds of Spring--

the birds singing, the flowers dancing,

and always the soft whisper of hooves on the grass and the dirt.

As I fly through the flock of flowers I feel peaceful,

for I have determined hooves under me and they will never fail me.

Miss Rodeo America

My current book that I'm writing has a main character who is a former Miss Rodeo Kansas queen. This has been a fun project to research, especially when I learned that the 2008 Miss Rodeo America (MRA) is from Kansas! How cool is that? Amy and her advisors have been very helpful in answering the many questions I have about MRA. I wanted to thank them for their time and assistance and also share with you a few tidbits I've learned. You may visit the MRA site http://www.missrodeo.com/ for even more information.

Kansas cowgirl Amy Wilson is the 2008 Miss Rodeo America. She captured the coveted crown at the conclusion of a weeklong competition featuring 27 contestants from across the country at the 53rd Annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant, held at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas in December. Amy is the first cowgirl from Kansas to win the title since Diana Putnam Friend held the title of Miss Rodeo America 1980.

A statuesque beauty at 5’8”, Miss Wilson has blonde hair, blue eyes and an all-American smile. She is the 21-year-old daughter of Lonnie and Lori Wilson, and the sister of five siblings including Kayla, Brenda, Sally, Dana and Brent. They are residents of Colby, KS.

Saul Henry

Saul Henry, otherwise known as "Larry" has been both a blessing and a bane for our family. A blessing to my two oldest daughters, and my husband's greatest source of woe. Let's just say, their temperaments don't get along well together.

Larry was born into this world in 2001, and since then has won many awards at the county fair, including top place in the reining competition when my oldest rode him bridleless. At fifteen hands, this bay gelding has grown tall and strong, with lots of speed and sometimes a will of his own. He is now my middle daughter's favorite horse.

The Hearts of Horses

Since most of my writing includes a horse or two, I thought it might be nice to include a section about horses. Here is a book that is wonderfully written, especially when you get to her horse-breaking scenes.

The Hearts of Horses by Molly Gloss

I've never met Molly, but I can tell you that this woman knows her horses. You can learn more about this author at http://www.mollygloss.com/ or order her book from Amazon. If you decide to read it, please share your thoughts.

First Love ~ Western Art

Here are some pictures, just for fun. See any similarities?

"First Love"