Equine
Starting from the Bottom
By Corsi Crumpler
Contrary to popular belief, being a cowboy has little to do with hats and boots and a lot more to do with heart and soul. Cowboys come from all over, in the form of all walks of life. Terrell Ryan Houston is living proof that there is much more to being a cowboy than what meets the eye.
Houston was born and in the vast suburbs of Oklahoma City, and was raised on the north side of town by a loving mother, whom he greatly admires.
“I was raised in a house full of women,” Houston says. “I’m my mother’s only boy and the baby.”
Aside from growing up around women in his family, Houston took an interest in the stories he had heard of his great-grandfather, who was a rodeo cowboy in years past. Although he never got the chance to meet his great-grandfather, Houston naturally took a liking to horses and ranching.
Upon graduating high school, education was on the to-do list, but not among his passions. Houston later attended Langston University and Oklahoma State University before realizing that his heart simply was not in it. While he wanted to make his mother proud and complete his education, as his sister did, Houston was avid about pursuing a life in Texas that would fulfill his passion for horses and the outdoors. The life of a lawyer, doctor or policeman didn’t suit him, so as soon as he was able to, he moved to Texas.
“I knew that my dreams of becoming a cowboy and a world champion would start here,” Houston says. “All I ever wanted in life was a house on a lot of land and a small pond with cattle and horses.”
Being that Houston has heard so many wonderful stories of his great-grandfather and his rodeo days, it was rodeo that first sparked his interest. However, he would be introduced to the sport of cutting by way of his riding coach, Sarah Webb. Still unsure about the sport, Houston decided to enroll in a cutting clinic that was offered by Chubby Tuner, otherwise known as “Mr. NCHA.” If the National Cutting Horse Association had a face, it would be Chubby’s.
To read more pick up a copy of the October 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By: Krista Lucas Wynn | Copy Editor
The name, “Daddy of ’em All,” instantly brings to mind the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration. Cowboys and cowgirls from all across the country dream of competing on the iconic Cheyenne arena dirt.
Every July, pro rodeo contestants travel to Cheyenne, Wyom. to vie for the title of champion of the Cheyenne Frontier Days. The rodeo is steeped in western tradition and celebrated the 125th year this summer. With nearly two weeks of rodeo action, fans watched bareback riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and steer roping.
Steer roper, Tuff Hardman, knew winning “the Dad” was a tall order, but with a good horse and a few prayers he left no doubt who the best steer roper at Cheyenne was when it was all said and done. After two rounds, Hardman qualified back for the finals tied for ninth place with a time of 30.8 seconds.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Utilizing the horse to human connection.
By: Hannah Claxton | Editor
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
“My boys have been riding since they were 18 months old, and for the first 17 years they had a leader and sidewalker. When we moved here, and Mandy started teaching them, she just said, ‘Let’s see what they can do,’ and they ride independently now,” Danielle Frank explained, whose two sons, Adison and Aiden, ride with Stable Strides Farm. “Mandy is amazing beucase she doesn’t place any limits on them, she always wants to see what they can do.”
It is her dedication to never setting limits that earned Cleveland a spot as a national finalist for the NSBA 2024 Dianne Eppers Cowgirls Reaching-Out-to-Community Award. The award was established by the NSBA Foundation to recognize cowgirls across the industry for their selfless contributions to the equestrian community.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of the NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
(Photos Courtesy of Hannah Claxton)
By Krista Lucas Wynn
The month of August is smack dab in the middle of summer. When in the thick of the hot summer days, it is important to keep horses, livestock and yourself cool, whether leisurely riding, competing or traveling. Texas temperatures, along with the humidity, can be extremely draining on equine athletes and riders alike.
The 100-plus degree days should come as no surprise. It happens routinely every year, and in true Texas summer fashion, it does not cool off much at night either. Horses cannot get much relief from the conditions, unless provided by a responsible owner. Sweating day in and day out can be detrimental to horse health.
It is vital to have fresh, cool water in front of horses at all times. Stalled horses should have at least two buckets in front of them. Electrolytes can help replace any lost hydration after riding. Fans are an important item to have on hand as well. They keep air moving, and now that it is dry and dusty, air movement is even more important.
To read more, pick up a copy of the August issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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