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The Impact of the Horse – The Natural Horseman
By Steve Stevens
We have had over 6,000 years of history with the horse domesticated and around a hundred with the automobile. What if the horse had not existed? How would the West have been won and our great country explored? We can always go deeper and talk about civilizations being built and conquered. The horse is a symbol to so many of healing, strength, partnership and freedom.
Bhimbetka rock painting showing man riding on horse, India. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bhimbetka_rock_paintng1.jpg
(licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Subject to disclaimers.)
Can you imagine watching a western without a horse? John Wayne comes bolting out of the canyons of Monument Valley on an ox or a cow. Ben-Hur’s chariot pulled by some giant goats. Alexander the Great conquering the world on the back of an emu. You get my point. Eight million horses died in the first World War alone. That’s not counting every other skirmish and battle since the horse has been domesticated.
A winner of a Roman chariot race, from the Red team. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chariot_racing#/media/File:Winner_of_a_Roman_chariot_race.jpg (public domain)
What other animal has given more to the survival of man? I train horses for people, who in general, want to ride around in their pasture or arena, go on a trail ride or do an obstacle challenge. Most of the cattle ranchers I know use four wheelers these days. They certainly don’t go exploring and settling new worlds on the horse anymore. I know the horse has transitioned more for a means of entertainment for the human, but the horse can still be seen being used to search for people in places that can’t be reached by vehicle, used for wellness and healing, and can be found on some ranches gathering cattle and checking fence.
Unfortunately, the human masses don’t think they have the need for our most noble creature like they once did. What I have seen the horse do personally for people is to heal from loss, build confidence where none was before, and give some humans purpose. In the state of the world where many children would rather play on an IPad then go outside and play…In the United States, where the rate of obesity and health issues are growing at an alarming rate.
A bakery delivery wagon in Queensland, Australia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagon#/media/File:Baker%27s-van-r.jpg
(public domain)
Where we are divided over religion and politics more than ever? Maybe we need the horse as much now than ever before. The horse unites people. Gives them hope and treats each human as an equal. They don’t judge us. They could care less if we are rich, handsome, ugly or weak. They just want our comfort and leadership. Maybe, just maybe, if we listened and studied the horse we could grow more as humans and as a society. Every time I ride or am around a horse, I never want to forget what the horse has given to mankind or what their potential is for future generations. Special thanks to a friend who sent me a great video on the horse this morning that inspired me to write this week’s column.
An American soldier demonstrating a gas mask for his horse during World War I. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horses_in_World_War_I#/media/File:Gasmask_for_man_and_horse.jpeg (public domain)
By Emily Gleason
The outdoor, hunting, and fishing industries have long been perceived traditionally as a male-dominated realm. However, as societal norms shift, the experiences of women in these industries have been increasingly coming to the forefront. Being a woman in the outdoor industry today is a complex blend of passion, perseverance, and community, marked by both challenges and triumphs.
Women who hunt or engage in outdoor activities frequently find themselves confronting preconceived notions about their capabilities and interests. Many of us have experienced skepticism or outright disbelief when we express our enthusiasm for hunting or other outdoor activities.
Despite these stereotypes, women are increasingly challenging and redefining what it means to be involved in these activities. Female hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are not only participating but excelling in such skills. They contribute unique perspectives and insights to the hunting community, showcasing that passion for the outdoors knows no gender.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Norman Winter
It’s easy for us to take for granted the multiple forbs that are growing throughout our North Texas and Oklahoma grazing lands. They play an important part in the health of our soils and of our livestock, and we should be aware of how they fit in our grazing environment.
Winecup is one of the forbs that many of us can recognize. There are both annual and perennial species, and of significant numbers in our area is Trailing winecup, which is a perennial.
To learn more, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Hannah Claxton | Editor
The North Texas Fair and Rodeo, held annually in Denton, Texas, has a rich history that dates back to 1928. Originally conceived as a small agricultural fair, it was organized to showcase the region’s farming and ranching heritage while promoting local businesses and community engagement.
The fair quickly gained popularity, and by 1958, it incorporated a rodeo, which became a central feature of the event. The rodeo added an exciting element to the fair, drawing competitors and spectators from across the region to witness events like bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. Over the years, the fair grew in size and scope, expanding to include live entertainment, carnival rides, livestock shows, and various exhibitions celebrating North Texas culture.
Today, the North Texas Fair and Rodeo has become one of the largest and most anticipated events in the region, attracting thousands of visitors each August. It remains true to its roots, continuing to celebrate the region’s agricultural and ranching heritage while incorporating modern elements such as concerts, arts and crafts, and food vendors.
The rodeo, which is now a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event, draws top-tier competitors from across the state- both in the arena and for the accompanying rodeo queen contest.
To learn more about Miss North Texas Fair & Rodeo, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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