6 Days, 20 Horsemen, 40 Colts.

img_9632If that doesn’t get your attention, pronto, then just LOOK at these photos. I have been around horses, and in particular, this type of horsemanship, for 30 years. Yeah. 30. As photographer, I see quite a few things, hired most times for clinic events… I am here to tell you this Horseman’s Re-Union, was spectacular. First off, the colts. Pretty breedy, from Madonna/Twissleman legend. Although this was the first annual event, the dates have already been set for next year…In reality this is an International event. with horsemean hailing from Canada, Switzerland and Australia, as well. Montana, Wyoming, Idaho California…all traveled at great length to make this event a “HAPPENING”.

And it was.

Vendors with bling, silver bits, reatas, Ernie Morris with stories, and books, reatas and art. Merlie Rupp’s daughter brought some fine mecates, twisted by Merlie. There were custom made saddles, and Rodney with his hats. Perfect fit. There were western bird houses, beef jerky, fancy purses. Jewelry. If you have ever desired “it”, it was here, waiting for you.

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The Horsemen, had 6 days, taking on two colts each…luck of the draw…two and three year olds from sires so well known and sought after, Texas Playgun, Athenolena, Barrossab, a gorgeous throughbred, putting some leg and stamina on his youngsters, RP Doolin Leo…Twisselena..to round out the stallions repesented here. These babies were straight outta the pasture. Some halter broke, some not so much. Funny how the draw goes…Ty Van Norman drew full brothers and sisters, a 2-year-old, and 3-year-old. In 6 days, these horsemen had these youngsters, walk, trot, lope, roping off of…(yeah, I said they threw ropes, caught and held even…Joe Wolter, youngster lead the way on that one, alright.) These colts had to learn to pick up all 4 feet, load in a trailer…you could see the grit in these fine babies. They took the pressure. All of ’em did. When they were asked to dig down deep, they came right up to meet the horsemen, mentally, and physically, all the way. A testament to fine breeding, where heart counts as much, maybe more, then experience. Everyone in the crowd was rooting for these youngsters, and they made the transition from pasture babies, to horse that belongs. Horse with a future. A future that both their breeding and good handle by these 20 horseman, will serve them the rest of their lives. The colts came out on the other end, on auction day, in front of a packed house, of anxious bidders, loud speakers, banners, tarps you name it these colts rallied, because they had the best of starts. They believed in themselves, and their horsemen. Even I would have been comfortable loping around on them.

2img_9799The Aussies brought their “A” game. We learned the fine art of camp drafting. Holy cow. 40 seconds from the time the gate opens and you roar outta the pen, after the cow, manuver around posts, trees, whatever the designated “obstacle” is, and it ain’t easy.
The dinner, was fabu. Well how could it not. Baxter Black. Red Steagall. Prime rib, salad, salmon, wine, cheesecake. Did I say wine? Oh, you wine lovers, woulda been in heaven. I have two words for you, that make any event special. And none more so then this.

Dave Stamey.

The Buckaroo Man. And Rowly’s requested song, the chicken song. We also enjoyed J Parson. Great voice, and sense of humor.

Picture in your mind, a full banquet room, with happy people hob knobin’ with Larry Mahan, Martin Black, Craig Cameron, Chris Cox, all of the horsemen melted into the crowd, and enjoyed the evening. Every single horseman there, an avid supporter of this event, gracious enough to answer questions about the good progress made by their colts. Honest enough to say where they thought the colt would need extra help. Where else do you get that? I mean the chance to walk up to one of these horsemen, and have them tell you just what they thought about their colts, unhurried, at the meet and greet, the “sign the poster”, the “hands on” with people…they were all a boon to this venture.

There was both a slient auction, and a wild live auction, with a Nate Wald reata, from Joe Wolter heart, into your hands a treasure…complete with a Dorrance made hondo. Bryan Neubert threw in a double mounted pair of old Flemming spurs, given to him by Ray Hunt. Enough to stop your heart, they were gorgeous. I shoulda bid on those. There were pack trips, and vacations auctioned off, bits, chinks, art work, even the event poster, signed by all horsemen, framed, brought in a whoppin’ $500.00. It was a grand event. Well worth the price of admission.

To watch and see the different ways these talented horsemen, and colts progressed was amazing. Each man, a little different then the next…Aussies with their cracking whips, Antoine with his tarp, Luke with his gunny sack drag..easing these youngsters along to the next level. Oh, no, it wasn’t ALL a piece of cake, some of these colts were a little broncy to start with, and who could blame em…but all were going down the road real nice, after day 6.

Good to catch up with old pals, and make new ones, all of us looking to next years event. And you should too. It was spectacular. Join us, you won’t be sorry.

Please visit Martin Blacks website to keep up on the doings for next year…slated tentatively for the last week in April, but not all the details were available, yet. Below is a list of all the horsemen who participated, with their colts’ brand.

Here is the line up:
Antoine Cloux- J42, K57
Blake Schlosser J18, K31
Bryan Neubert J32, K17
Chris Cox J34 K32
Clayton Anderson J31, K18
Craig Cameron J41, J5
Ed Robertson J28, K1
Jim Neubert J50, K22
Joe Wolter J58, zk63
Ken May J110, K54
Luke Neubert J21, K106
Martin Black J1, K36
Mike Sears J63, K58
Pat Parelli J11, J37
Rob Leach J51, K1/1
Ron Wall J12, K21
Sid Cook J10, K14
Thomas Saunders V J1/3 K7
Ty Van Norman J47, K47
Wade Black J36, K28
(All J horses are three years olds, and the K ponies, are just two year olds.)

 

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Report and Photos by Patti Martin