Tcmag february 2014 lela reynolds by Cate Crismani

magazine

february 2014

Our February Buckle Bunny the fabulously incomparable,

Lela Reynolds

20 Answers with RT Fitch Vivo Los Monero Mustangs The Legendary Karamati, Stallion of India

www.rosenthalestatewines.com

Photo courtesy of Bristol MacDonald

www.bristolmacdonaldequinephotography.com

FEATURES 8 Herd roun’ tHe waterin’ trougH 10 Viva Los Monero Mustangs..Sherry Kysely 22 20Answers...Who is RT Fitch? 28 The legendary Karamati...by Sumaer Sira & Gina McKnight 32 “Poker alice”...Buckaroo JoHn Brand 34 Februaray Buckle Bunny...Lela Reynolds 54 wHen i am an old Horsewoman… Patty Barnhart5 6 Good Reads...Carol Upton 57 New age disappointment...jeff hildebrandt

Publisher

Equine Angle Marketing & Publicity California, USA

Editor in Chief ~ Director “Calamity” Cate Crismani

Contributing “Wriders”

Jeff Hildebrandt * Sherry Kysely * Patty Barnhart Sumaer Sira * Gina McKnight * Buckaroo John Brand

Buckle Bunny Cover/Pictorial Photographer April Visel www.aprilvisel.com Contributing Photographers

Christopher Ameruoso * Terry Fitch Mario James * Sherry Kysely Sumaer Sira * Manu Sharma * Katia Louise Artwork on page 53 by Zorka Velickovic

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“Calamity” Cate Crismani 818.642.4764

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herd roun’ the waterin’ trough From the desk of Calamity Cate Howdy Amigos, have you noticed there are more and more articles in print and online from major sources reporting about the plight of our wild horses and horse slaughter for human consumption issue? Well, there are. And it only goes to prove that rounding up the wild ones and slaughtering both wilds and domestic horses for meat is unacceptable here in the United States and some foreign countries. Know why? Because it is deplorable! This issue of tCmag is chock full of great horses and the people they love doing the things they love to do to promote horses, the welfare and protection of horses and the love of the mighty animal. The equine slaughter issue in the United States was laid to rest, once again. And slaughter houses, once again, have been unable to open due to USDA defunding to inspect the plants for health, humane and safety regulations. You do know there is nothing humane about slaughter? But I’ve heard rumors that this stay of execution is only for ONE YEAR! We need to stay on top of this issue as it will go underground and we will loose! Our horses will loose! I can’t think of a better time than NOW to get involved and make your voice heard for our horses. Stay in touch with us, Subscribe, like us on Facebook and LinkedIn at Cate Crismani and trueCOWBOYmagazine. Tweet me at calamitycate. My gratitude to all the good folks fighting the good fight everyday, not just for our horses, who are the target, but for all animals and against the ones are animals thought they could trust...their breeders, trainers and owners! Besos Calamity Cate

www.buckarooleather.com

VivA Los Monero Mustangs ...Sherry kysely If you ask Sherry Kysely, she’ll tell you that horses connect us to the land, to survival and ultimately to our own human roots. She’ll explain that the history of mankind has developed in tandem with equine evolution. She’ll also confess that horses have taken up space in her heart as far back as she can remember. Consistently exposed to horses through books, art, Western movies and her imagination. Kysely was smitten at a very early age. Reminiscing about her childhood spent in Billings Montana has Sherry recalling the neighbor’s horses. She would stand at the fence and find herself staring at the horses and in the nighttime dreaming about them. Passionate about horses, Sherry has had many unforgettable and idiosyncratic equine soul mates grace her life whether it be her first horse, an Appaloosa with one spot who pretended he was her shadow or her daughter ,Caitlin’s, POA pony that could untie even the toughest knots on the hitching post., to her husband, Tom’s, stout grey Kentucky Mountain horse that really doesn’t understand why he cannot hop in the truck to go everywhere they do and to her sturdy bay Paso Fino that really has such an expressive face and loves sweet potatoes, are in her present day life. Sherry has been central in a drove of gentle giants for decades. She credits personal inspiration and aspiration on many levels to the connections between artist, human and equine confident. Currently, Sherry marries her artistic propensities and love of the sight of mustangs through her cameras and lenses, with her devotion to the breed as well as the land where they are the most indigenous, the Southwest. She and her husband, Tom, are avid explorers of the region and are thrilled to have, in a very serendipitous manner, discovered the Monero Mustangs at Yellow Hills Ranch in Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico. The Mustangs had long been on Kysely’s “bucket list” in terms of places to photograph as well as horses whose images she’d one day capture. As she and her husband took in the magnificence of the living legends of the Spanish Mustangs, Kysely knew she was experiencing something words would never aptly describe.

On five thousand acre protected land oversee Mustang devotee, Sa Claypool, Sherry Kyse beloved “bucket lis subjects have been self and meticulously mana Sherry is certain th Claypool’s noble effor provided the inspiratio her photography proje well as her continued d to give back to this imp non-profit organizati through her art.

When Kysely describ friendship with Clayp it is clear her respect Claypool’s commitme the Mustangs is unwav But ask Sherry what experience in the South was really like and she’ you it was a haunting extraordinary journey made a racket in her c and filled her heart to brim. Side by side with husband Tom, Sherry w absolute awe by the w horses, mainly for the they travel in tight kn powerful herds who m with the kind of power freedom provides.

es of en by andi ely’s st” flessly aged. hat rts of on for ect as desire portant ion

bes her pool t for ent to vering. that hwest ’ll tell g and y that chest o the h her was in wild way nit, move r only .

At the same time, as their sense of purpose almost seems to mimic a human family’s quest for survival and achievement. At times, she was high on the mustangs’ seemingly untouched existence outside of domestic environments and the beauty of their untethered identity, while in other moments she was saddened by today’s’ mustangs obvious dependence on man for survival. All things connected and intertwined Kysely has and almost spiritual respect for the relationship between man and horse where the Monero Mustangs are concerned. She explains return visits to the ranch as intimate gifts to the heart and soul. Like refresher courses in recognizing the largeness of our world and the incredible pull to give back, Sherry and Tom are consistently grateful for Sandi Claypool’s work Mustangs outside of Claypool’s preserve, particularly in existence on government lands that ranchers are not keen to share, live a cruel life of slaughter and outright disrespect. Non-profits struggle to stay afloat and Kysely finds herself driven to bring awareness to the plight of the Mustang. Sherry’s photography talent has long been nurtured by mares and geldings, foals and stallions, and their unique personalities throughout her personal and professional life. Clearly, she recognizes her gift and the importance of using it toward the greater good of her beloved horse subjects. History is beauty, Sherry will say, and the Mustang is an icon. With each picture taken, Kysely feels an intense connection between the horse heart and her own and is resolute in her desire to document and, thus, leave behind a little of both beating hearts, the intimate and noble equine thrum and her own. Sherry Kysely is giving back through her photography at the Wild Horse Festival at the Santa Fe Equestrian Center. The Mustangs are being celebrated at the festival on May 19th and 20th of 2012 www.sherrykysely.zenfolio.com and www.sherrykysely.com Like her on Facebook: Sherry Kysely. Copyright 2012 Sherry Kysely. All rights reserved.

20 Ans

Who is RT To be an animal advocate, you have to have some tough skin. To be an outspoken animal advocate you have to have that and some pretty big cajones. Well, it seems our 20A subject, RT Fitch, possesses both attributes. Fitch has risen to the top of the heap,endearingly for the most part, and aggressively for the balance. Not one to hold his tongue, Fitch has been known to confront the wild horse issues, BLM reps, government officials and D.C. politicians, anti-horse advocates and slaughter proponents head on, bare fisted, sharp-tongued and armed with ‘propaganda-busting’ facts. Fitch’s bombarding blogs have become so popular that they’ve gained 1 million readers: www.rtfitchauthor.com Even when called on the carpet for things he allegedly may or may not have said, he holds his ground. Fitch can certainly dish it out, but, most certainly, he can take it too! One thing we do know, RT Fitch is making waves, and changes, for our wild mustangs and our constitutional rights.

1A\

trueCOWBOYmagazine: Who is RT Fitch? RT Fitch: Well, let me get a handle on that question. RT Fitch is a normal, red-blooded slightly middle aged male. I am a Veteran of two armed conflicts and a regular guy with a job. I am no different than any other tax paying individual except for the fact that I’ve had enough and have become an angry person. I am frustrated and perplexed by our elected politicians who are mismanaging our country and stomping on our First Amendment rights particularly when it comes to the mismanagement of our public lands and our wild horses and burros who inhabit those lands.

swers

T FITCH? They are clearly destroying it and our national icon, the wild mustangs. We, as Americans, need to stand up and force the Government to do what they have been elected to do which is govern for the people and the wishes of the American people.

tCm: When did you become a wild horse advocate and why? RT: Terry, my wife, and I have been involved in the betterment of equine welfare way back in the mid to late ‘90’s. We got involved in horse rescue in Brazil and brought that involvement, and a rescued horse, back to the USA. Our epiphany, came in September of 2009, Labor Day weekend when we intended to have a family reunion. At the same time we had established a relationship with Ginger Kathrens of the Cloud Foundation. Cloud’s herd was to be rounded up for the first time and it looked like it was going to be called off but, then, it wasn’t. Instead of the family reunion, we met with Ginger in Montana and she brought home how high the abuse and lack of humane caring on the part of the BLM is of the wild ones. On that roundup, which we attended, I asked one BLM representative ‘Why are you doing this?’ His flippant response, coupled with a grin, was “Because we can.” I’ll never forget his smug demeanor and grin. That was the flame that ignited our fire and set us on the path we are on now. We’re not going to give up on our wild horses or the issues with our Government’s mismanagement. We’re here for the long haul. My blog has become a daily outreach to the public to teach them about the wild horses and now the inhumane slaughter issue.

tCm: Isn’t there a law in place to protect these wild horses? RT: There most certainly is. One that was passed into law in 1971, The Wild Free-Roaming Horse &Burro Act. Over the course of the years, the very agency tasked with protecting the wild ones, the BLM, has actually become the most contentious to them with a bent to eliminate the wild horses. They bow to their major cattle interests, extraction interests and private interests. Two amendments and continued misinterpretation of the law by the BLM has made them the most formidable enemy of the wild horses.

tCm: So, you have been to a “gather”? RT: We’ve been to several. They are cold, heartless stampedes. I must take a stand on the word, “gather”. It is a public relations spin by the BLM because its pretty like “gathering” daisies, harmless. Not the case here with what I call stampedes. At the stampedes it is the helicopter contractor who runs the show, the Cattoors or Sun J. They are pretty aggressive folks and they set up the traps and determine who can be in attendance, if anyone at all. These animals are chased by whirling helicopters, they are terrified, running at unsustainable speeds including babies and pregnant mares that can’t possible keep up with the herd. They are covered in sweat, gasping for air and some horses have even been clipped with helicopter blades. They are run into traps and cramped pens. These stampedes are aggressive and inhumane. I was drained after watching this first hand. The BLM reps there are very nonchalant about all of it.

tCm: Have you ever felt physically threatened at these stampedes by BLM staff there? RT: The one time I did feel threatened was during the Twin Peaks round up that I attended in August 2010. One of the BLM law enforcement people gave us the rap that we should bend to the rules with his hand on his pistol. I returned the next day with a video camera and asked him to repeat his previous statement and he would not. At this particular roundup, there were twenty police cars there to protect the BLM from three advocates; myself, my wife and the VP of WHFF, Laura Leigh. I feel they are more threatened by us then we are by them. I’ve actually met some decent BLM ex-military staff that are very disillusioned by all of this but are also at the lower end of the food chain and ineffective to make change from within.

tCm: All this seems like a violation of our First Amendment rights, our freedom to be on our public land and the rights in place for the horses. Whats up with that? RT: Without a doubt, it has become a fight for our First Amendment rights and that is the biggest battle we pursue in court at the cost of thousands of dollars. Laura Leigh is the plaintiff on what we call our “First Amendment Case” due to the fact that she was denied access to view the roundup in 2010. The judge said it’s a mote point as the roundup was over. But we believed although the round up was over, the issue was not. And we pursued it all the way to the 9th Circuit Court proving a violation of our First Amendment rights and that Judge concurred with us and in our favor. The BLM is actively fighting our case against transparency as they have a lot to hide as horses are being killed and abused during these stampedes. It has been proven that wild horses are slipping out the back door to Mexico for slaughter. That’s why we are moved to the far ends of the roundups where we can’t document anything. The BLM has a lot to hide.

tCm: What is the Wild Horse Freedom Federation? RT: The WHFF is in existence primarily for one reason: fighting the corruption in the BLM. We have a legal team that is researching kinks and dents in the BLM in an effort to put them in a legal tailspin because we, and thousands of others, believe the BLM is violating laws and mismanaging our public lands including the wild horses on it. WHFF supplies our legal team with the funds and with grants to legally battle this agency for the betterment of these herds, our public lands, and to establish transparency. We are in existence exclusively to challenge the Federal and State Governments are these pressing issue and violations of our First Amendment rights and freedoms. We have a strong legal team spearheaded by Bruce Wagmen, a prominent and premiere wild animal advocate attorney.

go to page 44

www.wildhorsefreedomfederation.org

www.returntofreedom.org

The Legendary Karam

by Sum Introduction by Photos by Sumaer Sira & Manu Shar

The famous Marwari horses of India are known for their gently curving ears, noble ancestry, and kind disposition. Marwari, meaning war horse, are reclaiming notoriety in the world of horses. One of the most intriguing and beautiful Marwari stallions left this world in 2012. Sought after for his athletic physic, inherent good nature, and stunning conformation, the legendary stallion Karamati will always be remember. A pure Punjabi breed horse, Karamati exemplified the tale of invasions of conquests of India. He was a mixture of the worlds best horse breeds; the height of a European horse, the strength of a Thoroughbred, the features and attitude of the indigenous Marwari. Karamatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story is best told by Sumaer Sira, a native of Patiala, Punjab, India, and one of Karamatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closest friends... I will like to throw some light on the background of the lineage of the Great Karamati. First, as you know, Punjab, my home State, was a battleground for centuries. You talk about Tribal Armies of North West, Afghans, Mangols, Mugals, Persians, and Alexander; everyone has fought fierce battles in Punjab. They all came on horses, yes different kinds and breeds of horses. Many horses stayed back, intercrossing for centuries with the local breed made our present day horses as one of the best and unique war horse. Punjabi breed of horses are bigger in size and strength then their peer in other parts of the Indian subcontinent.

mati, Stallion of India

maer Sira Gina McKnight rma ~ Artwork by Zorka Velickovic

Nihangs (a sect of Sikh warriors who travel on horses in the group of hundreds) are known for their valor and love for horses all over India. As they are scattered all over Punjab and other parts of India, their headquarters is in Malwa Belt of Punjab. I was appointed as a Professor at the same place where the headquarters of Nihangs is, the place is basically a small town called Talwandi Sabo. It was there where I saw Karamati for the first time. I still remember that it was dusk. Karamati, tied to a big Bayan tree and his head held high. His mane falling on his forehead, he was looking at me as if he was trying to recognize me, know me, and was calling me. Yes, he fascinated me, the biggest horse of the Dal (Nihang group). I asked the guy accompanying me who was a Nihang who was that horse. And over the big bowl of tea (Tidd Fookni, belly burning…that’s what they call it) he told me the story of Karamati. Karamati was the son of Neela Farangi (Blue British). That Neela Farangi, Karamati’s sire, was (Gaddi Wala Ghora) the one on whose back the Guru use to ride while the Nihangs use to celebrate their festivals. The stallion Neela Farangi used to lead the procession of thousands of Nihangs on horseback. In actual nobody used to ride the Neela Farangi as it is thought that Guru Ji (Lord) is ridding the horse). So Neela Farangi was a sacred horse of Nihang Dal. And after him now his son, Karamati, got the crown to be called Gaddi wla Ghora (One which leads the procession). Yes, he deserved this position. He walked like that; looked like that. go to page 52

www.bristolmacdonaldequinephotography.com

Bristol MacDonald

“Poker alice”...A

By Buckaroo "Praise the Lord and place your bets. I'll take your money with no regrets.” No this quote is not from the famous poker player Johnny Chan but from Alice Ivers Tubbs, better known as “Poker Alice”. Alice was born in Devonshire, England in 1851. When Alice was a young girl, her father, a schoolmaster, moved the family to Virginia. While living in Virginia Alice had a formal education at a boarding school. Then, as a teenager, her family moved to Leadville, Colorado. While she lived in Leadville, Alice met Frank Duffield. Frank worked as a mining engineer with steady employment and, when Alice was 20, they married. Her life would soon change along with her name. Like most men, Frank enjoyed the popular past time of the old west mining towns; gambling. Alice, not wanting to stay at home alone, went with him to the gambling halls. At first Alice just watched and studied her husband and the card game. In no time Alice was sitting at the poker table skillfully playing poker opposite her husband. Women were an uncommon sight at poker tables back then and she quickly became known as “Poker Alice”. Then tragedy struck when Frank was killed in a mining explosion. With no means of support, “Poker Alice” realized she would have to use her new gambling skills to support herself so she took to the poker tables to earn a living. Her beauty, sophistication and style made her a welcomed and popular player at all the gambling halls. The miners loved her charm and wit, and she loved their money! Poker Alice went from mining town to mining town puffing on a large black cigar and winning thousands. At one point, she claimed to have one $250,000.

A woman ahead of her times

o John Brand Poker Alice did not shy away from trouble either and always carried a .38 revolver. On one occasion when a drunken miner threatened her with a knife, Alice pulled out her .38 and put a bullet in the miner's arm. Her poker playing skills were becoming widely known throughout the west and she began to travel playing poker wherever she was. Eventually, Alice went to New Mexico where she won $6,000 at the Gold Dust Gambling House. She went on to New York for a while and finally ended up in Deadwood, South Dakota. Poker Alice would eventually remarry in Deadwood to Warren G. Tubbs, a painter. They met in a gambling hall, of course. After the couple married, they moved to a ranch in Sturgis. Alice became a wife, mother and rancher far away from the gambling halls and the poker tables. She focused on caring for her family and her husband who had been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Alice stayed by Warren’s side caring for her ailing husband until he finally succumbed to pneumonia in the winter of 1910. Once again, Alice went back to the poker tables to support herself and her family. She was in and out of gambling halls and even owned a saloon. She eventually would wind up in jail (a few different times) for breaking up a fight with her .38 revolver. Alice underwent a gall bladder operation in Rapid City and died of complications on February 27, 1930. At age 79, Alice Ivers Tubbs, “Poker Alice”, had anted up for the last time. For more stories of the Old West and to buy some really fine leather horse tack visit: www.buckarooleather.com

Our February Buckle Bunny, the Incomparable

Lela Reynolds Like fine wine that gets better with age, our February Buckle Bunny Lela Reynolds is a rare vintage and no stranger to our readers. Lela first graced our pages in 2009. On demand since, Lela is also our BBOY 2014. “I am so thrilled to be part of trueCOWBOY magazine’s mission to save our wild and domestic horses”, smiles Lela, “and being voted Buckle Bunny of the Year by its readers is such an honor for me.”

After a short spin in Arizona, Lela decided California was the place to be; swimming pools, movie stars! Lela continues to pursue her acting career and has also taken on modeling assignments that flood her email and phones. Understandably. Lela not only possess’ American beauty but is gentile, compassionate and down to earth. “You have to be earthy to be around horses. You’ve got to like dirt, flies, hard work and manure”, laughs Lela, “You definitely have to love your horse. My beautiful Arabian, Tag, has become such a companion in my life that any decisions about my life include his welfare as well.” “So much is going on in the horse advocate global world”, she says, “Its great to see so many people involved in this mission. There is so much work to do to save our horses. We are their voice and we must speak loudly.” Attracting attention to this cause is easy when you have a cover girl as special and beautiful as Lela. Voted 2014 BBOY may be an honor for her but having her grace our pages yet again is an honor for us! For your viewing pleasure, Buckle Bunny of the Year, Lela Reynolds.

Shot on location at Evergreen Arabians, Los Olivos, California Photographer: April Visel www.aprilvisel.com MakeUp & Hair: Kelsey Massarella, Michael Kellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Salon & Spa, kelseypaige@me.com Styling: Lela Reynolds Jewelry courtesy of: Anne Desario, Bijou de Bijoux, laperlenoire26@sbcglobal.net Creative Direction: April Visel & Lela Reynolds Like us on Facebook at trueCOWBOYmagazine

Saddle up, Subscribe! Help Support Our Mission to Save Our Wild Mustangs & Burro

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from page 25 ~ 20A ~ RT Fitch

tCm: Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paying the cost of all the lawsuits? My wife and I have sold off a lot of our stock and equities to hire lawyers to help us stop the BLM. We are not rich by far but we feel its something we must do as regular working people and American citizens. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sad statement that we have to spend our money to fight our government. We do accept donations as we are a 501(c) 3 and there are some individuals who also help fund our efforts.

tCm: Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the horses migrate naturally if one area was corrupted, the land pillaged and water poisoned from fraking and drilling? RT: I am not a scientist, but in observing how horses behave in the wild, I would say yes. They move constantly and do not overgraze. If the water if no good, they move on. Like I said, I am not a scientist, but an observer. Horses are going to go where there is the least resistance. These roundups are completely unnecessary. In removing the wild horses, the BLM is removing a motive for the public to be on the public land to see and photograph the wild ones horses for recreation allowing the Government to lease the land out to corporations and with way less transparency.

10A

tCm: What is “welfare ranching”? RT: Welfare ranching is a joke. We have ten western states where the wild horses reside and the BLM grants private individuals, ranchers, to graze private cattle on it for $1.35 cow/calf pair per month. We as taxpayers subsidize this grazing at the expense of our wild horses. Recently, the BLM has commissioned a scientific team to investigate the land use but are not including grazing as that may harm their ranching interests because cattle grazing destroys the land as they eat everything down to the roots of the forage leaving nothing behind to re-grow there. That $1.35 is a substantial income of millions a year paid to the BLM when you consider the millions of cows grazing on public lands.

11A

tCm: These horses, in both short and long term holding pens, are fed and housed with taxpayer dollars as well. Doesn’t that seem like a slippery slope to you.? The constant reiteration by the advocates that the horses are being sustained at ‘huge tax payers expense’ could come back to haunt them, no? RT: Well, yes, and that’s what did happen in 2008. The Government declared that they couldn’t afford to care for and feed the horses anymore and the only solution was to slaughter and euthanize them. That created a huge public outcry. The BLM has gelded the stallions, separated them from their mares and families to live their lives in a male herd or a female herd, very unnatural…the wild horses have lost both their freedom and families. Those horses go to, what I call, death camps… they exist there until they die. .

12A tCm: Although you are a wild horse advocate out to protect and

save them, what happens to the other wild animals in the same areas like wolves, elk, deer and all the others? Are they removed as well? RT: There not removed but most certainly terrorized. We have seen them scattered and terrorized by the helicopters. Nor are the private cattle standing and grazing right there. As the horses are moved off, ranchers with private cattle are moved on. We’ve seen it first hand. Less than three percent of those domestic range cattle ever go to the American plates but are sold overseas; all that prime beef goes overseas. We never see it here in the states.

13A

tCm: Another volatile issue has raised its ugly head recently and that is the one of slaughtering horses for human consumption and opening up slaughter houses for that purpose here in the USA. Who’s idea is this one and what drives that evil? RT: This is such a misguided concept. Three stateside slaughter houses were shut down in 2007 when the USDA inspection funding budget was defunded. All three were own by foreign interests. They did make money for the communities or the local people. They were only making money for mercenaries in our political and private sectors. Horses are not recognized by the USDA as “food” animals. The wormers, and pain killers we use on our domestics are not for human consumption and could be carcinogenic. Not to mention the fact that horses are, and have always been, companion animals. This slaughter campaign is spearheaded by Wyoming Representative, Sue Wallis. Needless to say I’ve had a few run ins with her. Imagine that!

14A

tCm: Do you ever wonder what is wrong with people? RT: Definitely, without a doubt. A lot of what goes on with the treatment of animals, and people, does not compute in my mind. An animal as a piece of property doesn’t compute. Whenever Terry and I adopt horses they become members of our family. I do wonder where are people coming from that many times I am embarrassed to be a human being. I really want to stress that…I am embarrassed. I apologize to all the animals for the cruelty we humans have inflicted on them. If this planet were a living cell, it would be diagnosed with a volatile, contagious virus called “humans”.

15A

tCm: Why do you think we have to fight our own government for our personal and constitutional freedoms and those of the living creatures in the USA? RT: Because, I believe, the level of corruption is so high, the government, as a whole, has a lot to hide from the public and keep us in the dark intentionally. Without transparency into their actions, there can be no resolve to the problems perpetuated by them. go to page 60

www.wildhorserescue.org

www.horseworship.com 888.60.HORSE

www.thecloudfoundation.org

www.equinewelfarealliance.org

From page 29

Few years passed by when the head of the Nihang Dal, Baba Santa Singh, died and left behind him the battle, the bloodshed, the bloody war of succession. Few got bullets, she the one surviving, whose four close relatives died in the gun battle, succeeded the post of Head Nihang Dal. This bloody feud had its impact on horses and thousands of other Nihangs. Many got uprooted. Hundreds went absconding, many behind bars…! Horses were the first to get affected. And this was the time I saw Karamati the second time. Tears in his eyes, limping from his front leg, structure of barebones. May his soul rest in peace. I went to meet the Dal head at some function at Anandpur in Punjab. Amid high security, he met me after a day long wait in 42° C hot weather, and not even a drop to drink. I offered him money, he accepted. Looking at me he uttered, “What you want?" His jaws dropped when I asked for a horse, as he never expected money for a horse. Horses were headache for him. He promised me that I will get Karamati when Dal traces him and finds where Karamati is, in which part of India. Here it is pertinent to say that Nihangs travel all across India on horse back. Finally I got Karamati after two months of my meeting with Nihang Head. He was in bad shape. I still have that picture of him I clicked when he reached my farm in bad state. Now was the time to nourish him, feed him, treat him. Karamati was home finally, but my happiness was short lived when I got a call from Nihangs that they require Karamati at some religious procession at Talwandi Sabo. I was comfortable with his going there as he belonged to the Guru (Lord). I arranged everything from medicine to fodder and transportation to send him there on the promise that he will be back with me in one week’s time. It was April when I sent him, and it was November when I was still waiting for his return as the Nihangs wanted more money. I paid three more times to again transport him back to my farm in November, but this was not Karamati I got. It was a skeleton. He was dying of wounds on his back and fore left leg.

Yes we cried. I felt his pain. After six months I sent him to Gujarat State for his treatment in the best Veterinarian Hospital of India, but his condition worsened when he came back from there after few months. I was at Toronto, Canada, when I got the call that he has fallen and not eating anything. I was knowing that he was dying. I tried to save him, adore him, but failed. Just like a helpless father, I waited for the bad news and it came two days later. We had religious ceremonies at my farm later in November 2012 for the wellness of his soul. This is materialistic world, everything changes. Now people don't have time for their companion of ages. They hold us on their back, and we could not pay back what they deserved. Long live Karamati.

For more information about Marwari, visit http://marwarihorsesociety.com/ and http://horsemarwari.com/

When I am an Old Horsewoman By Patty Barnhart When I am an old horsewoman I shall wear turquoise and diamonds, And a straw hat that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suit me And I shall spend my social security on white wine and carrots, And sit in my alleyway of my barn And listen to my horses breathe. I will sneak out in the middle of a summer night And ride the old bay gelding, Across the moonstruck meadow If my old bones will allow And when people come to call, I will smile and nod As I walk past the gardens to the barn and show instead the flowers growing inside stalls fresh-lined with straw.

I will shovel and sweat and wear hay in my hair as if it were a jewel And I will be an embarrassment to all Who will not yet have found the peace in being free to have a horse as a best friend A friend who waits at midnight hour With muzzle and nicker and patient eyes For the kind of woman I will be When I am old.

Good reads Reviewed by Carol Upton www.dreamsaloud.ca

“Horse campers enjoy the role their horses play. The horse is not only a means of getting campers into the wilderness, but also a partner in an adventure. Part of the excitement is our awareness that the partnership of man and horse goes back to the earliest times” ~ George B. Hatley This practical guide is a “must read” if you are headed into the backcountry on horseback. Hatley draws on his years of experience as a rancher/outfitter to cover everything you need to know, from trip planning to horse gear, safe camp set-up, and striking the next day. Getting into the wilderness on horseback promises an unparalleled adventure, one that folks in our hurry-up world often crave, but guidance and organization are needed to do it safely. Hatley says that horses are capable of doing much more work than people realize. He believes that, properly conditioned and outfitted, both saddle and packhorses are capable of being used in either capacity. One chapter includes sections on horse disposition, size, trail training, common horse sense and rider conditioning. Excellent and often dramatic photos by Lewis Portnoy draw the reader into planning their own wilderness adventure. This book is definitely the place to start. George B. Hatley has a passion for both the Pacific Northwest’s Palouse country and the horses named for it. He is nicknamed “Mr. Appaloosa” and is a legend revered among Appaloosa enthusiasts. Now in his nineties, George has slowed down at last, but his sage advice endures.

New Age Disappointment by Jeff Hildebrandt

Long blond hair, black Western hat, tight leather pants. No ounce of fat. High heeled boots, concho belt, imagine how he must have felt when she just stopped and looked around then asked if she could please sit down. He tipped his hat and said, “you bet”. She smiled and said “We haven’t met. Hello, my name is Bambi, I’m a new-age kind of gal who’s looking for a partner, a buddy and a pal.” Then she commenced to bare her soul. He was picturing something else! http://cowboyupamerica.blogspot.com/

Mercantile Madness trueCOWBOYmarket for your every day shopping! Beautifully handcrafted, keep sake jewelry made from your horses hair by owner/designer, Yvette Eddy. What better way to memorialize your dear friend than by wearing a custom piece of jewelry made from their tail. Along with creating long lasting memories, our jewelry also makes a great gift for the holidays and any occasion. Whatever the reason, a horse lovers soul is forever intertwined with the love of your equine counterpart. Embellished with sterling silver charms and end pieces, you will enjoy this special jewelry for years to come. Let us create a custom piece of jewelry for you or a gift for your friends. Order early for the holidays at

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The materials that go into the making of Buckaroo Leather Tack and the cr aftsmanship employed in its making are elements of the highest importance. It represents an organization proud of its establishment in 1979, and ever since catering to horsemen and women with two generations of experience and knowledge applied in the making of riding equipment to the most exacting standards. Beautiful Hand crafted Old West styling scalloped Spur straps. Hand tooled Hermann Oak Bridle leather. Medium oiled for a rich Golden Honey color. Available in floral carving or basket stamping. Style SS709. Order yours today for the holidays!

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from page 46 20A ~ RT Fitch

16A

tCm: Where is the compassion for life, be it animals or humans? RT: I often wonder myself. I think people are in such fear and stress about day to day life, keeping their homes, their jobs and their health, that they bury there heads in the sand to the bigger issues that are the very reason they are in fear and stress which are the very issues that our government has created and continues to create without regard for the American public.

17A

tCm: Do you think we are approaching the “end of days” as evidence by the elimination of the last symbol of our freedom, the wild mustangs? RT: I am of the opinion that the horses have an inherent, true spiritual nature. They are well aware of what’s happening to them and are using themselves as the sacrificial lamb in the hope that we will become more in tune with our heritage and spiritual light. Native Americans do dances prior to hunts and then another afterwards to thank the animals for feeding us their own flesh. If we head down the path we are heading right now, the horses are just one example of the end of life as we know it. If they die out, we are soon to follow.

18A

tCm: How is it you’ve risen to the top as the prominent ‘voice for the horse’? RT: Don’t really know. It was a position I willingly took on as this issue is one that is dear to my heart, my understanding of freedom and our constitutional rights. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of good people out there who are strong voices and leaders in this battle. But I think that maybe I resonate the emotions, the anger, that most people are reluctant, or maybe afraid, to voice themselves.

19A

tCm: Do you ever exhale? RT: Not on purpose. Terry and I attempt to grab a moment here and there. They are few and far between. But that’s okay.

20A

tCm: When the time comes, how do you want your tombstone read? RT: I’ve got to think about that and try not to cuss… ‘Beneath this stone lies a grizzled old Blogger who liked to brew his very own lager But sooner than later his last post was sent there ain't no ISP where he now has went’