HORSEHAIR?!

What little girl doesn’t love horses? I was 5 years old, Goldilocks, a Shetland Pony, was my first. Goldi loved to nip us to keep us in line. 1969 my mother acquired a 300+ acre ranch in McCoy, Colorado. It was an original homestead from 1888 and ranched by Charlie McCoy, a true cowboy. So you might say I grew up on the Real McCoy. We moved to ‘The Ranch’ shortly thereafter which sparked my love for freedom, nature and adventure.

In the early 1970’s my mom adopted #9 of 13 wild mustangs from WHOA! (Wild Horse Organized Assistance) created by Wild Horse Annie. Liberty Bell, was a gorgeous 6 month old bay who loved pushing the kitchen door open to come in for a treat. Nothing like having a wild mustang roaming the dining room. In winter she smashed the ice on the ponds with her front hooves making sure all of the horses had fresh water. Tough, strong and always running fast and hard through the fields Libby inspired my love for all wild horses and survival. WHOA article from 1975

Years later Libby gave birth to a gorgeous Tobiano Pinto filly named, Betsy Ross.

Bailey, was a stunning, shiny chestnut American Quarter Horse, who loved me unconditionally. We would ride miles and miles with only a piece of bailing twine as a bridle. He knew just how fast to run to keep me happy and safe. My mom’s go to horse, Tashunka, was a gentle giant, black and white (most likely part Gypsy Vanner). So gentle I often rode him with at least one of our dogs on his back. My legs were so short they would stick out to the side. Tash was always up for adventure but when wanted to go home, he turned and there was no one who could change his mind. Cinnamon, a strawberry roan Appaloosa Pony, was my brother’s ride of choice. Her red coat and spotted bottom was beautiful and her feisty attitude kept us on our toes. The list goes on. We loved each and every horse as family.

The rule on The Ranch was “if you can’t saddle up yourself, you don’t ride.” As the smallest person in the family I could barely lift my saddle but I could strap on my bareback pad. My older brother saddled my horse if we were going on a long family ride or herding cattle. 

Now you understand...

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