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The Natural Horseman – I grew up dreaming of being a Cowboy
By Steve Stevens
I have wanted to be a cowboy ever since I can remember, maybe for different reasons than others. Yeah, sure I wanted to be the toughest hand, the top hand out there. But more importantly, I looked up to my noble peers with gallant hats because it stood for something. The cowboy I wanted to be was the man who always did right, no matter the consequences, for his fellow man and his fellow animals. I wanted to know I gave the day an honest effort.
I wanted to be a man with no quit and someone who showed respect to all. I wanted to be one with a Cowboy’s most loyal partner- the horse. It is hard to live up to all of these qualities and I have faulted often. But these ethics represent the person I always want to be and that is the line which I strive to reach everyday. Doing the right thing for the horse, for the human and for yourself can be quite challenging in today’s world, where everything is based on a right-now philosophy and many times winning seems to be the only important thing.
The last two weeks have been quite a whirlwind. We got to compete during two amazing cowboy experiences. The first was the Abilene Western Heritage Classic and the second was the Van Hargis Horsemans Heritage Classic in Hallettsville.
We took the time this weekend during the competition to go down to Goliad, Texas, a trip worth taking for anyone that appreciates history and especially Texas history.
My wife and I sauntered through the quaint town and got a bite to eat. Then we went over to the Presidio La Bahia where so many men had fallen in the Texas Revolution. It’s quite humbling when a few hours before you are in a competition, riding a horse for accolades basically for your own ego. Then you are walking through the stone walls where so many gave their lives for an opportunity of a better life. The trip was short but beautiful and a blessing to spend with my wonderful wife. It was quiet and peaceful.
We finished the weekend, trying to show off our horse at the colt starting, placing third. I am proud to say that my colt sold for the most in the auction held afterwards with proceeds going to the Golden Crescent CASA charity in Victoria, Texas.
The mission statement of CASA is to utilize trained volunteers, appointed by the court, to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children and assist them in nurturing, permanent homes. Their website is http://www.goldencrescentcasa.org.
Van Hargis put on his first weekend event to give back to the community and to spread the word of South Texas ranching and the cowboy way. We are back home now with many horses to ride and a lifetime to work on and practice those cowboy ethics. In the great words of my hero, Willie Nelson, “My heroes have always been Cowboys.” Check out Van Hargis website and try to make it to next year’s event. http://www.vanhargis.com
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- Steve and his colt, Rascal in Abilene. (Photo by Amanda Stevens)
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- Steve and his colt, Rascal in Abilene. (Photo by Amanda Stevens)
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- Steve and his filly, Lil Miss in Hallettsville. (Photo by Amanda Stevens)
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- Steve and his filly, Lil Miss in Hallettsville. (Photo by Amanda Stevens)
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- Steve and his filly, Lil Miss in Hallettsville. (Photo by Amanda Stevens)
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- Pictured is the Presidio La Bahia. (Photo by Amanda Stevens)
By Hannah Claxton | Editor
The North Texas area is located within USDA Hardiness zones seven and eight. The zones are categorized by predicted low temperatures for winter and timing of the first and last frosts.
Zone seven usually has winter low temps between 0 and 10 degrees F with the average date of the first frost falling between Oct. 29 and Nov. 15 and the average date of the last frost falling between March 22 and April 3.
Overall, these two zones have similar climates and growing conditions, making the options for timing and variety within a garden very similar.
In these zones, cool-season crops should go in the ground in March, meaning that soil preparation should start now.
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 Heather Lloyd
Vaccinations are a critical component of maintaining the health and well-being of horses, especially in environments where they are exposed to other animals, such as in the sport, show and performance arenas. Horses, like all animals, are susceptible to various infectious diseases that can spread quickly and cause serious harm.
A routine vaccination schedule helps prevent the spread of these diseases by preparing the horse’s immune system.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Having herds on a controlled breeding schedule means that we have a predictable calving schedule, and while it’s only over a couple of months, for us it does fall right after the start of the year. I lobby annually to call ours the “Winter calving season”, but I am outvoted and my husband still refers to it as Spring. Unlike producers in our Northern States, we don’t have to contend with brutally harsh winter weather, and on those rare times we do, thankfully it is not for extended periods. Regardless of whether you have a Spring or a Fall calving schedule, the health of a newborn calf begins with the mother’s health, and the mother’s health is largely dependent on the producer.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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