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The Natural Horseman – “A Magical Weekend”

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I was blessed to be invited to be a speaker at a women’s retreat in Hallettsville, Texas, a couple of weeks ago.

Not even three weeks after having had a hysterectomy, I was excited to take a little trip for a special weekend.

The second day I was there, I shared my story and had the opportunity to demonstrate some horsemanship exercises with a few of the women.

When Steve and I teach horsemanship, it’s more than just “learning how to ride.”

We believe that the horse is a true gift from God who can teach us so much about ourselves and show us ways how we can become better people. Horses heal.

Yes, learning how to ride a horse is fun, but that’s the easy part. The harder part (and even more rewarding part) is getting to a place of absolute truth so that you are able to fully connect with the horse.

That is when the magic happens.

The night before I spoke at the retreat, a woman had told me she had been afraid of horses her whole life. The next day for one of the exercises, I asked her to join me in front of everyone. I had a horse with me and was holding onto the lead rope.

I told the woman that I would be right by her side…she hesitated for a moment, and then she walked towards me.

I guided her to stand right next to the horse and I gave her the lead rope.

As I had hoped, she took ahold of the rope. Right then, the horse laid his head onto her chest.

The woman started crying, overwhelmed with emotion. The tears started to flow for many of us as we watched.

What had happened was that she was allowing herself to be vulnerable, she was facing a fear, but most importantly, she was present in the moment. The horse felt comfortable with her and wanted to connect with her.

I knew the second she took the lead rope out of my hand that it was going to be a powerful experience for her. She wasn’t tense; her hand was relaxed. She trusted me, opened herself up to trust the horse and she “let go.”

What the horse did was amazing, but just as amazing was what the woman did. If she had been holding any tension in her body at all (or in her mind) the horse wouldn’t have done what he did. Not only that, he would have moved his head away from her, possibly even stepping away from her.

The woman thanked me and spent several minutes standing there in stillness with the sweet gelding. She didn’t want to let go of him.

The woman thanked me again that evening. And then, the next morning, she told me with a smile, “I am still holding onto the peace the horse gave me.” I could see the peace, and it was beautiful.

Horses inspire us every day and humans inspire us every day. Steve and I feel humbled to be able to witness the beauty and awe-inspiring healing power of the horse on a daily basis.

I had never met that woman before that weekend, and I had never met that horse before.

But both of them left an impression on me that will last forever. Harmony, Truth, Peace.

From our family to yours, we wish you all a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

Lots of Love,

Amanda, Steve, Ryder and Violet

The Stevens family. From left to right, Steve, Violet, Amanda and Ryder. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Stevens)

The Stevens family. From left to right, Steve, Violet, Amanda and Ryder. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Stevens)

 

The Stevens horse, Snowflake posing perfectly with a fall backdrop. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Stevens)

The Stevens horse, Snowflake posing perfectly with a fall backdrop. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Stevens)

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Joe N. “Buzz” Thorp to Receive Ranching Heritage Association Working Cowboy Award

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Joe N. “Buzz” Thorp, a cowboy who has worked on ranches from Tennessee to Montana and New Mexico to Texas, will be the sixth recipient of the Ranching Heritage Association (RHA) Working Cowboy Award presented during the annual National Golden Spur Award Honors on Saturday, October 5, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center in Lubbock, Texas. 

“The RHA Working Cowboy Award is designed to recognize an outstanding individual who makes his living primarily horseback, caring for livestock on a daily basis,” said Jim Bret Campbell, executive director of the Ranching Heritage Association and the National Ranching Heritage Center. “Buzz Thorp represents all of the facets of the working cowboy award. He is a cowboy’s cowboy, a teacher and a true representative of our cow-country values.” 

The Ranching Heritage Association, a nationwide non-profit membership organization supporting historical preservation and educational efforts through the National Ranching Heritage Center, presents the prestigious recognition on an annual basis. The award honors a working cowboy skilled in all aspects of ranch work and respected by the ranch crew and ranching community. 

“Our Board of Directors believes it’s important to recognize those folks who brave all kinds of weather and conditions to ensure that work on a ranch gets done,” Campbell said, noting that award nominations for Thorp described him as a multi-talented working cowboy who has served for decades as a role model for younger cowboys in trade and character. 

“More than a cowboy, Buzz is a cowman and a steward,” stated Rob A. Brown, who grew up working with Buzz on the R.A. Brown Ranch. “He is a horseman and a conservationist with expertise in so many areas that this letter could be filled merely listing them out. In my view, at the most fundamental sense, Buzz is a teacher.” 

Thorp worked for his father, B.F. Thorp, in Throckmorton County in Texas while growing up. He also cowboyed for his uncles and cousins during that time. He worked for the Muleshoe Cattle Company while attending Texas Tech University, where he graduated with a degree in animal husbandry in 1954.  

At age 21, Thorp managed Ridglea Angus Farms in Dickson, Tennessee, before returning to Throckmorton where he worked for the R.A. Brown, McClusky and Birdwell ranches. He also ran his own cows and trained horses. In 1974, Thorp became the cow boss at Spanish Creek Ranch in Gallatin Gateway, Montana. From there, he moved to manage yearlings on Jones Ranch at Wagon Mound, New Mexico. Thorp managed the McKee Ranch in Galisteo, New Mexico, before returning to Texas to manage ranches in Palo Pinto, Throckmorton and Baylor counties, including the Wagon Creek Spade Ranch outfit. Thorp managed that division of the Spade Ranches for 10 out of the 12 years he worked there.

Recognized as an outstanding stockman, horseman and teacher, at age 91, Thorp continues to be in demand to day-work on neighboring ranches, including the R.A. Brown Ranch. A notable horse trainer, Thorp has trained horses that have gone on to successful careers on ranches and in the arena, including for his grandson, Wesley Thorp, who is a two-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association heeling world champion. 

“As his grandson, childhood stories were often told about his days working cattle and training horses,” Wesley said. “He’s [had an influence] on many great ranches such as Haythorn, Swenson and Browns. He is an all-around hand and one great cowboy. The impact he has had on my team roping career is one that will last forever.” 

“In addition to his technical skills, Buzz is also an outstanding leader and mentor,” said Kelli Brown of the R.A. Brown Ranch. “He is always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others, whether they are seasoned ranch hands or newcomers to the industry. His patience and dedication make him an asset to any neighbors and friends. I am thankful that he has mentored numerous generations of our Brown family, including my husband and sons.” 

Thorp’s lifetime of cowboying accomplishments will be honored at the National Golden Spur Award Honors on October 5. Sponsorship packages for the National Golden Spur Award Honors, including table sponsorships, are currently available. Individual tickets for the National Golden Spur Award Honors will go on sale to the public August 8. For event details visit goldenspurhonors.com.  

  

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Farm and Ranch Injuries

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By Barry Whitworth, DVM

In January, I attended the Oklahoma Veterinary Conference. While waiting for one of the sessions to start, a classmate of mine commented how many of the attendees walk with a limp, used a cane, and/or have damaged hands. We all agreed that working with animals is hard on the body. In general, anything associated with farming and ranching is dangerous.

Most farmers and ranchers know that agriculture is a dangerous occupation. According to United States Bureau of Statistics, workers involved in agriculture, forestry, and fishing had the highest occupational fatality rate in 2022. The fatality rate of 23.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers for this group is much higher when compared to the overall occupation fatality rate of 3.7 per 100,000 FTE. Most of the agriculture-related fatalities are associated with transportation, such as tractor overturns, and vehicle crashes, but a fair number involve livestock.

To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

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Jesses Jewelz

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By Jesse Kader

Comfy and keep it western. That’s the name of the game this month. It’s hot and who wants clingy clothing? This jumpsuit is perfectly comfortable and relaxed without forfeiting the fashion. Dress it up or keep it casual. See this and more at www.jessesjewelz.com.

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