Equine
Dream, Believe, Achieve — Embrace Victory
By Jessica Crabtree
Embracing her inner talent, Kristin Smith recognized everyone in her family had a unique ability. She even had a grandfather who whittled wood, the like that ended up on presidential tables. Having that in her blood, Smith’s trade was also made by the work of her hands. Raised in Pennsylvania in a rural setting on 150 acres, Smith and her brother grew interested in horses. With an initial introduction into pleasure horses, the family soon found roping was their passion. “No one else in my school rode horses, and we didn’t do sports once my parents bought us horses. In the summers we traveled back and forth to Texas a few times a year for new prospects,” Smith explained.
With a deep foundation in rodeo, Smith youth rodeoed and high school rodeoed, competing in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, team roping and breakaway roping, continuing as a young woman. Always having a flair for the out-of-the-ordinary, Smith was not afraid to express herself through her clothes, purses and personality. In 2005 Smith combined her passion and talent creating Kowgirl Glitz, with one-of-a-kind purses embellished with emu feathers and later blue-jean jackets adorned with cowhide and crystals. That same year the young woman purchased a laser machine. For the next three years Smith traveled across the country selling her Kowgirl Glitz items and rodeoing. “I remember taking my products wherever the rodeo was and hanging the purses or jackets on a panel, and between runs, selling them.”
The laser, a machine, simply burns the preferred design sent to the laser from the computer, made in a program, and within minutes the design appears on the leather. The same can be done on any surface or material. Smith has used the laser in the past on various sizes and forms of leather, cowhide, stamps and more.
To read more pick up a copy of the October 2018 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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