Cowboy Poetry: Thatch Elmer

Photo provided by Brad Elmer

Cowboy poet and rodeo competitor Thatch Elmer poses atop a bucking chute during roping practice

tradin’

By Thatch Elmer

From as long as I remember I have had a love for things handmade. But as a broke young cowboy all I had was things to trade So I gathered all my tack up to start my new career. And I put it all on Facebook with the title “cowboy gear” I traded bits and saddles, spurs and reins & ropes. Business started booming and I was full of hope But I had a paint horse sitting around a fancy lookin mare. She didn’t  t the using string so I would send her anywhere I stumbled on a horse one day that was up for sale or trade. so I talked up my old paint horse until the swap was made. I met em in a parking lot. And we jumped the horses out. He showed us a shapely gelding.  at was tall and tough and stout I decided I would make the trade and with a handshake sealed the deed. Looks like soaking saddle blankets is all this colt will need  e mare jumped right on their trailer. But for the gelding t’was a battle. I sure hope that he turns around and is fancy under saddle We got him home and in the pen and fed him full of hay. We put him in a sna e and we sent him on his way. He humped and he stalled and he jumped to the side. But without all the foolishness he’s a pretty darn good ride So I’ll keep him going and I’ll keep him around. He might make a good one that you’ll hear all about But for now he’s in training with no intention for a trade. For now he is the damn best swap that I have ever made.