The Buffalo Man
BY MONIQUE NOBLE
Cowboy Picnic
BY MIKE EDGAR
Alberta’s Youth Sensation: Tyree Swales BY JENN WEBSTER
Horsemanship • Culture • Style
WHEN IT’S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE Dealing with one of the most difficult aspects of horse ownership.
RESPECTED RANCHERS The elders who are paving the way for modern agriculture.
MAR/APR 2021
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FUTURE
Horsemanship • Culture • Style
Vol. 28 No. 2 MARCH/APRIL 2021 EDITORIAL editorial@westernhorsereview.com
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Contributors
BAR XP PHOTO Mike Edgar Leslie Hardy have-dog.com Jerry King Karen Coe Fine Art Debbie MacRae Lee McLean Monique Noble Tara McKenzie Fotos Twisted Tree Photography Piper Whelan Wildrose Imagery Zoe Kendall Photography
Some of our favorite equestrian memes to result from the pandemic.
Published six times a year by: WESTERN PERFORMANCE PUBLISHING INC. Suite 814, 3545 - 32 Ave. NE, Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6M6 (403) 250-1128 editorial@westernhorsereview.com www.westernhorsereview.com Western Horse Review is a proud member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association www.albertamagazines.com, abiding by the standards of the Canadian Society of Magazine Publishers
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Watch WHR’s latest skijor video!
Check out Chef Edgar’s amazing Johnny Cakes recipe.
Frozen Semen available through Moore Equine
403-226-2585
MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 5
contents MARCH/APRIL 2021
Out West 8
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
10
LEAD LINE
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OUT WEST
14 16 16
OUT WEST
Albertan, Briana Carr helps Team Canada bring home a silver medal in the 2020 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Youth World Cup and an individual bronze. A Canadian photographer sets out to capture her grandfather in his barn. Here is the lesson we can all learn from her efforts. Tyree Swales is Canada’s one-rein wonder.
FACEBOOK FEEDBACK
Exploring Manitou Beach’s (Watrous, SK), Danceland.
WESTERN INSIDER
The 2022 World’s Greatest Horseman event gets a huge prize donation to help ensure that next year’s event will exceed record entries.
Western Culture 17
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BAR XP Photography
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GEAR & STYLE
Spring time favourites to help you through the muck and mire.
GOOD WORK
Silversmith, Scott Hardy, celebrates his 40th anniversary as one of Canada’s most celebrated western artisans.
WESTERN FOODIE
This Cowboy Picnic is served hot and cold – and best enjoyed after a winter afternoon of trail riding or skijoring.
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28
Features
40
A SPECIAL BRAND OF COWBOY
SIDE HUSTLE
An Alberta horse trainer rides a bison into a bar… Just kidding – he actually rode it to the grocery store.
In Millarville, AB, the Christ Church still stands, visible from the highway – a tiny place of worship that was originally built in 1896. A man named Winston Churchill Parker would often have to chase his cattle off the church property. Here’s the amazing history behind him.
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SAYING GOODBYE
44
FULL SEND
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Horsemanship gets real when it comes to euthanasia. Here are your options and things to consider for this sensitive subject.
RESPECTED RANCHERS
After a few decades in the industry, here’s what a few agriculture families have to say about their western way of life.
The fashions coming into 2021 are focused on performance and how they can benefit cowboys and girls in the field, rather than ridiculous trends.
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THE BACK FORTY
Lee McLean is a mentor to many, but she explains why she chooses to continue to further her horsemanship journey.
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publisher’s note
Tara McKenzie Fotos
Enlightenment, Entertainment & Education
R
ecently we had a customer call in to renew their Western Horse Review subscription. They told us, “I would like to do that, because it is a Canadian product and let’s get some more of that stuff going.” We at WHR want to say, thank-you! Thank-you to all our subscribers and advertisers who have stuck with us and supported us throughout the pandemic. We truly believe we have one of the best readerships and audiences in the world. And cheers to supporting Canadian businesses! We’ve been keeping ourselves busy here at the magazine with several projects on the go. One being a skijor video that Devan Karl Media helped us put together recently. People ask me all the time what skijoring feels like. Or even why I enjoy such a ridiculous sport… [Insert chuckle here.] The video is on our Facebook page – check it out for yourself and you’ll see why! Our goal at WHR is to constantly entertain, enlighten and help educate our audience. In this issue we have several wonderful pieces, brought to life by WHR writers and photographers. On page 24 you’ll find the story of Joel Lybbert, the one they refer to as “The Buffalo Man,” written and photographed by Monique Noble. Lybbert is a talented horse trainer, but he made headlines when he rode his bison “Indy” into town for groceries. Sidelined from his regular work in 2020, Covid-19 forced the young trainer to think outside the box. Determined to take control of his own narrative and using much of what he knows about animal psychology and online branding, riding a bison into town and sharing the experience felt like the perfect re-introduction to the world Lybbert has always wanted to make for himself. On page 33, we have BAR XP PHOTO’S interview and photo essay of various ranchers throughout Alberta. These folks have been working the land for years, even decades and have passed down their time-honoured traditions to the next generation. Read what they have to say about their western way of life – and why they wouldn’t trade it for anything. On the cover of this issue, you will have likely noticed the artwork by Karen Coe Fine Arts. The piece is entitled, “My First Best Friend” and the inspiration for it came after my family lost
The last photo taken of my daughter with her beloved mare, Joker – turned into the beautiful artwork by Karen Coe Fine Art, seen on the cover of this issue.
the last two senior members of our equine herd. Coe used her artistic magic to capture my daughter on the very last day with her mare, Joker, just prior to the mare’s euthanasia. Reduced to a word – it was emotional. A moment of pure sorrow that caught me, the vet-tech and the veterinarian by surprise. As the adults in the barn, we’ve experienced life and death on the farm regularly. Which is why, we knew we were doing the right thing. That didn’t make it any easier. A big thank-you goes out to Moore Equine Veterinary Centre for their compassion and professionalism they showed us on that day. As horse owners, letting the beloved ones go is not easy and not something we typically talk about. Which is why on page 28, you can read about the options available to owners having to consider this merciful procedure for their horses. Psychologist, Vanessa Goodchild, also weighs in with some helpful advice to assist children through saying goodbye and for those young and old alike, in processing grief. As always, we hope you enjoy the issue! - Jenn Webster
Send your comments, questions, letters or story ideas to me at editorial@westernhorsereview.com. We may include them in an upcoming edition of Western Horse Review. 8 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
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Leadline
Brianna Carr of Okotoks, AB, earned an individual bronze medal and helped the Canadian Youth Team earn a silver medal in the 2020 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Youth World Cup recently.
IN DECEMBER 2020, SEVEN YOUTH FROM ACROSS CANADA competed in six events as a part of the 2020 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Youth World Cup. The World Cup was originally scheduled for July 2020 in the Netherlands, but due to Covid-19 restrictions, the event was cancelled and rescheduled to a virtual format. Under the guidance of team coach, Della Cryderman, and team manager, Karen Westerback, riders participated in events such as reining, ranch riding, English equitation, showmanship, western horsemanship, and trail. Brianna Carr, of Okotoks, AB, was one of the youth on Team Canada 2020, competing in the reining, ranch riding and the patriotic freestyle. Spooks Big Bang, a 2012 stallion was generously donated by the Aebly family, for Carr to compete in the reining and ranch riding. In the freestyle event a 2014 mare, Magnum Chickdraw, was graciously donated by Geri Greenall. The overall team silver medal was awarded to Team Canada. Spooks Big Bang and Carr were also awarded the individual 10 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
bronze medal in reining. “Both horses were extremely talented and well-tempered,” noted Carr. “It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to ride both horses and share this experience with them.” Carr stated, “This experience would never have been possible without all the local support.” Many thanks go out to the countless individuals who kindly offered use of their horses, to Prairie Mountain Ranch who open-handedly donated their facility to film the rides, to Shelby Mitchell for coaching Brianna and Magnum Chickdraw and to the many sponsors who stepped up to help out. Thank you to Ranch by Design who outfitted the entire team and Bar T5 Trailers and Tack for donating stunning vests to every team member. Also a big thank you goes out to Big Rock Arena for supplying an arena to practice in and Step Rite Feeds for keeping the team horses looking and feeling their best. ~ By WHR Writers
Over 45 years of experience!
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MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 11
Outwest HONOURING OUR GRANDPARENTS WHEN PHOTOGRAPHER, ZOE BERRETH, set out to photograph her grandfather, Dick Berreth, it was important to her to capture him as himself, in his barn.. “My grandfather has a cutting horse background. He worked for many cutters over the years and he is an incredible horse trainer,” Zoe relayed. Dick Berreth lives east of Beiseker, AB, on his family farm. “I was looking to capture photos of him that portray emotion,” she explained. Photographing our elders is a great way to honour and remember them – as for many of us, they are often gone too soon. In the time they walk this earth, how many of us really take the time to get to know our grandparents? The patriarchs and matriarchs of our families? Although we might be able to retell many of the stories they have told us, it’s just not the same as when they tell them. Many of our elders also paved the way for future generations in agriculture. Without the hard lessons they learned from the land, we wouldn’t be the wiser for it now. Years of tradition would never have been handed down to us, were it not for them. If you are one of the lucky ones who still has the chance to hold your grandparents dear, let them know the impact they had on you. For the last year, many of our elders have had to live in isolation, forcing them from the connection of family. As such, it’s more important than ever to reach out. And don’t forget to take pictures. ~ Jenn Webster
Zoe Kendall Photography
12 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
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Outwest
Tyree Swales (on left) stands with father John Swales. Riding CD Shiner, Tyree had a rein break in the finals of the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman competition, but never quit. They finished 7/8 in the finals of that event, but also secured the World Championship of the Youth Bridle division. Photos courtesy of Deanne Swales
THE APPLE DOESN’T FALL FROM THE TREE IN THE SWALES FAMILY. Like his World Champion and World’s Greatest Horseman father John, Tyree is the next member of the Swales to make international headlines. In his first-ever, entry into the Mars Equestrian World’s Greatest Youth Horseman competition, Tyree of Millaville, AB, made the finals on February 20. Riding CD Shiner, a gelding owned by Colleen Penner of Chillicwack, BC, Tyree marked a 572 composite score to guarantee the pair a spot in the finals. That’s when things got western – but the duo never lost their composure. In the boxing portion of the finals, Tyree’s left romal rein clip came unclipped and detached from the bit. Still, the pair chased their cow down the fence , got it turned in 14 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW January/February 2021
both directions and circled. For some, this might not have been a feat for the faint of heart but Tyree knew his horse could handle it all. Even with equipment failure, the pair marked well enough to put them in a tie for seventh/eighth place. The competition is run in conjunction with the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Celebration of Champions, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, TX. Tyree and CD Shiner didn’t return to Canada empty-handed, however. A day earlier, the pair marked a 218 in their reined work and a 221, to secure the World Championship title in the Youth Bridle division. This garnered the pair $680 and shiny new buckle to bring home. CD Shiner is sired by CD Olena and out of Shiners Little Oak. ~ By Jenn Webster
MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 15
e
Western
FACEBOOK FEEDBACK
We recently re-posted a FB piece, courtesy of The Prairie Chair about Danceland– a Canadian historical building, found in the village of Manitou Beach, just a short drive from Watrous, SK. There is a storied history to this small community. Danceland boasts a 5,000 square-foot maple wood dance floor. Many notable bands and local artists graced the stage here, such as Don Messer and Wilf Carter. Shrouded in so much history, WHR readers were excited and had this to say:
“
It’s a beautiful dance hall. When I’m at Manitou I always go and see Danceland. I recommend if people have never been to Manitou beach, go and see Danceland and tour around. You won’t be disappointed.” ~ Angela Lingenfelter
“
I was lucky enough to dance on this floor years ago.” ~ Hitch N Stitch Design
“
Good times avoiding studying!”
~ Josie Leduc
“
Been their once years ago. Such a cool place.” ~ Diane Ace
“
My father-in-law has attended many dances here. He’s talked about the horse hair floor!”
~ Andrea Morrison
“
BIG MONEY COMING TO NRCHA WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMAN IN 2022
Have danced on this horsehair dance floor… awesome!” ~ Barb Ballance-Norrie
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THE NATIONAL REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION (NRCHA) recently announced that the 2022 World’s Greatest Horseman event will have an even larger prize purse of $100,000. Jeremy Barwick of Western Bloodstock LTD. has decided to match the current $50,000 winner’s check. It was during the 2021
DT Horses/Hashtags World’s Greatest Horseman finals, that Barwick committed to the increase. This unprecedented purse is sure to draw entry numbers that will likely exceed the 2021 record entries of 58 in the World’s Greatest Horseman. “I’ve watched that event for a long time and I feel like the horses,
at that stage of their career, are worthy of a big check,” said Barwick. “With that caliber of trainers competing and what those horses can do in an arena, it is an impressive event,” Barwick said.
e
Great gear
Spring Time Favourites Ariat is listening to the demands of riders! Their new Men’s Hybrid western boots now feature a back zipper and an increased shaft circumference, for more athletic calves. The sturdy back-zip reveals an inner branded gusset, allowing the wearer to choose zipped up or not. $210 US. www.ariat.com
The EcoLuxe™ Bamboo Cinch
is crafted using ecofriendly, organic bamboo – a luxurious, hypoallergenic fiber that feels great against your horse’s skin. Bamboo also means it’s breathable and moisture-wicking, and will keep your horse’s skin dry and comfortable.Additionally, environmentally-friendly bamboo is 100% natural and biodegradable. $70 USD www.lammles.com
Up your hat game with a pin that features your brand! All Twisted Up Wire is a Canadian company that creates hand made, jewelry, wall art and ornament wire creations. Brands can also be made into necklace pendants. $25 [All Twisted Up Wire] Find them on Facebook
The Mule backpack from Hooey has to be the most
convenient bag we’ve ever seen! Carry a pair of boots and a cowboy hat with this versatile bag, use the padded laptop sleeve for your computer and don’t fret about the weather, because it also comes with a detachable rain cover. All this and much more. $100 US www.getyourhooey.com
Spring is just around the corner and you know what that means – mud. Ladies can stay stylish and clean in these splashhappy, tall rain boots from Pendleton. With slip-resistant soles and cushioned insoles, you’ll have all-day comfort and support. $199 [Classic Rodeo Boutique] Find them on Facebook
Brewed in Alberta, Bronc Beer is proud to call the West home. This all-natural, great tasting, and well-priced brew is here to become your new go-to beer. If you’re looking for a cold one to call your own, it’s time to saddle up and grab hold of a bucking Bronc. www.broncbeer.com These beautiful bags are handmade by RK Leather and feature intricate leather tooling and authentic Pendleton blanket accents. With several pockets, this bag will keep you organized and may serve as your purse, or even as a diaper bag. Private message the company to order. www.rk-leather.com These cozy hoodies are hot off the press, literally. Made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, they are super warm and boast a hilarious slogan. MORE ISSUES THAN WESTERN HORSE REVIEW are the first items to hit the virtual stands of the WHR store in 2021! $65 each. www.westernhorsereview.com MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 17
Good Work
Just as ranchers learned to work with nature to survive, not against it, Hardy’s goal is to work with the silver and respect it rather than forcing it.
Captured in Silver
Four decades of pursuing excellence has allowed Scott Hardy to help elevate western silversmithing to new heights. By PIPER WHELAN • Photos supplied by LESLIE HARDY
H
ad western silversmith Scott Hardy not decided to dedicate his attention entirely to this trade, there’s a chance you might not be reading about him right now. In his early days as a silversmith, Hardy also built bits and spurs, and a visit to the workshop of an important mentor, prominent western silversmith Al Pecetti, motivated the young artisan to focus on one path. Pecetti introduced him to Al Tietjen, a well18 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
known bit and spur maker, who gave Hardy a tour of his workshop. Afterwards, Pecetti offered this advice: “If you truly want to be the best you can be in one of these trades, you owe it the respect to follow it to the end, so pick one and become the best you can be at it.” “I picked silversmithing within a few days, and from that day on I’ve thought a lot about that, and if had still been doing the two trades I would be nowhere close to what I’ve accomplished in the silverwork I’m doing,” said Hardy,
who works out of his Longview, Alberta shop. “These trades deserve respect.” This isn’t a common school of thought in the western industry, Hardy noted, with many people trying to do it all. “If you’re going to master any one of these disciplines, it takes a lot of effort and thought and determination,” he said. “For me, I want to take this trade as far as I can.” This perspective has served Hardy well during his four decades as a silversmith. The fifth-generation stockman was raised in Saskatchewan and came to Alberta in the 1970s, and he began working with silver to supplement ranching. A jewelry-making course led him to the world of silversmithing, and he never looked back, resolving to become the best he could be. Hardy has created silverwork for celebrities and working cowboys alike, and his work has been exhibited around the world to great acclaim. His achievements are extensive, from receiving the Will Rogers Award for Engraver of the Year from the Academy of Western Artists in 2001 to being selected to represent western heritage and craftsmanship at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. in 2006. An image of the special buckle he designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede became the first buckle to appear on a Canada Post stamp. Reaching these heights didn’t happen immediately. In a time of instant gratification, where artists are pressured to constantly share new work on social media and overnight sensations are lauded, Hardy’s outlook on the years of sustained effort necessary to mastering a trade are a refreshing reality check. Dedicating yourself to a profession requires you to develop a passion for the work in a purposeful manner,” he explained. “You learn to fall in love with it. You learn about the intricacies. You learn why it’s important to you, but only if you open your mind to it.” Hardy continually challenges himself to become better, and he sticks by the adage that ‘water seeks its own level.’
“You’ve got to train yourself to be curious, and you’ve also got to train yourself not to take the easy way out.” His daily time spent drawing illustrates this perfectly. “After 40 years, there’s certain things that would be very comfortable to draw, but I’m always trying to push myself past that point when I draw something.” He admires craftsmen with a similar mindset, relishing the opportunity to collaborate with those who are passionate about continual improvement. “They always feel they can do better, they always feel there’s more they can learn and they always push themselves towards that,” he said. “The (craftsmen) that are good have that curious mentality and they understand that, as was once said to me, perfection is not attainable, but excellence is.”
Sharing the True Beauty of the West
Hardy has always been inspired by his love for the West, and he infuses this celebration of cowboy culture into his work. “I never really thought I’d do anything other than something off a horse, but silver allowed me a way to express that love of the West more so than I could even accomplish horseback,” he said. He only has to look back at his family tree for reminders of what the West means to him. His great-great grandfather ranched around the Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan area in the late 19th century, and at one point faced a devastating drought. “Many of his neighbours were selling their cattle and moving back east, but that didn’t cross his mind. His brother and himself saddled their horses and they rode until they found grass and water, and they came back and got their cattle and moved them,” Hardy explained. “That’s the West to me – you find a way.” That resilience and creativity is reflected in the way people from all over the world came and brought their traditions to the North American West and adapted them to the landscape. “We’ve had to learn to live with a harsh reality of the environment,” he said. “We’ve developed an incredible appreciation for the beauty in that harshness, for the beauty in the country around us, the beauty in the harmony of working together, whether it be with your neighbour or with your animals, and understood that if you don’t develop that harmony, you’re not going to survive.” He brings this spirit into his silverwork, respecting the material and aiming to reflect that dichotomy of beauty and ruggedness. Striving to create art that represents the essence of the West is even more meaningful given that cowboy culture tends to be overlooked by mainstream society. “It’s survived all that, and it’s a culture of innovation and pride,” he said, disagreeing with the notion that the cowboy is a dying breed. “We’ve got something that’s different than anywhere else in the world. We
Western silversmithing allows Hardy the opportunity to turn everyday items used by cowboys into true works of art.
should be proud of it and live it.” Hardy’s philosophy of sharing the elegance of the West through silverwork aligns with his involvement as a founding member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA). Established in 1998, this group of artisans is devoted to the preservation and perpetuation of bit and spur making, Western silversmithing, saddlemaking and rawhide braiding. The founding members wanted to promote true quality, handmade western craftsmanship while assisting up-and-coming craftsmen to receive mentorship to take these trades into the future. “We understood that the only way that true craftsmanship could not only survive but improve was to basically open the doors… to people with a true interest.” The TCAA’s first initiative was to establish an art show to exhibit the level of work they wanted to promote. They partnered with the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City to host the show, and this annual event has now been held for 22 years. “Our marching orders are to bring work to that show and create work you’ve never created before, taking it to heights you’ve never taken them before,” said Hardy, who served as TCAA’s president for three years. In addition to lecturing on the value of western craftsmanship, the TCAA hosts several educational programs, including workshops, an annual fellowship for two craftsmen in any of the four represented trades, in which they train with three different craftsmen, and the Emerging Artists Competition, designed to foster a sense of community among young artists. “One of the things that we need to do in the West is start working together to show the world who we are,” he said. “I think we’ve got to be like the TCAA was in the beginning – decide to crack that door open a little bit and let people see in our world and encourage
them to join us. We are incredibly blessed to live this life, and we should share it.”
The Satisfaction of Creating Something Special
Among his numerous achievements, Hardy considers surviving as a silversmith to be one of the greatest. “It takes a lot to be a craftsman, a lot that people don’t understand. You have to be honest with yourself about your work, about ever improving and making it move ahead, and believe me, it’s always exciting but it can be exhausting,” he said. “Besides that, you’ve got to be able to support yourself and your family, if you have one, and that’s not easy. So you have to price your work properly, you have make your work interesting enough that people want it and you have to be disciplined.” His primary motivation continues to be his clients. “Whether they’re somebody who puts on a set of spurs every morning or somebody that’s never curried a horse, if they have that love of the West in their heart, I love them and I want to do something to make them proud of what I’ve created for them.” Each step of the work itself remains gratifying, particularly because nothing about it is easy, he stated. “All those aspects to me are just incredibly rewarding. You get to bring something from your mind to your heart to your hands, and in the end it’s in the palm of your hand.” Hardy is looking forward to continuing to take his silverwork to the next level and having fun with the possibilities. “I’m never short of ideas to create. I’m always studying and looking,” he said. “If I had another 20 years in my shop, I wouldn’t even be close to scratching the surface of what I want to create, and I’ve been blessed that I and my family, my wife especially, has had the courage to let me just create. So I look forward to creating.” WHR
MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 19
Western Foodie
Cowboy Picnic
There’s nothing like a Canadian winter activity to stimulate the appetite. By MIKE EDGAR Photos By WILDROSE IMAGERY
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inter doesn’t slow Canadians down. Cold temperatures are no excuse for not getting out and enjoying all the beauty the season has to offer and in the western lifestyle, we all love a snowy trail ride or an afternoon of skijoring. Brisk winter days are a lovely time to host a cowboy picnic and a hot, hearty lunch on a cold day will make you the host of the year. For this basket, we attempted a full meal. To start we had a fresh baked baguette with Italian salami and cheese – any cheese and salami of your choice will work. Crackers can also be substituted in for the baguette. Stew is always a good option in cold weather. Having the facilities (either a barbecue or a firepit) to heat up the main course also makes it a perfect choice to be served in a Mason jar – or you may opt to use a thermos to keep the stew warm until lunch. Cheese cakes bake delightfully well in Mason jars and with the cold weather, you won’t have to worry about keeping it in a fridge. We also threw in some fruit to balance out the meal. The best part however, about a cowboy picnic basket is that you can put whatever you want in it and you can pack it in a basket to eat off the tailgate of a truck, or in your saddlebags. Get creative, have fun and enjoy winter! MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 21
CAMPFIRE STEW 5 lbs Beef Chuck, Cubed 2 Yellow Onions, Finely Diced 1 lb Thick Cut Bacon, Diced 1/4 Cup Flour 1.5 L Stout (Dark Beer) of Your Choice 2 L Beef Stock 3 Tbsp Chopped Rosemary 3 Tbsp Chopped Thyme 5 Cloves Garlic, Minced 2 Cups Pearl Onions 2 Cups Shiitake Mushrooms 4 Carrots Large, Diced 1/2 Cup Tomato Paste 1 Tbsp Salt 1 Tbsp Ground Black Pepper 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar 1 Cup Parsley, Chopped METHOD In a large dutch oven, sear off the chuck meat until browned. Remove from the pot. Add the diced onion, bacon, garlic, salt and pepper to the pot. Cook until onions are starting to brown and the bacon becomes crisp. Add your beef back to the pot. Next, add the flour and mix until everything is coated. Add the stout, beef stock, tomato paste, sugar, rosemary and thyme. Bring to a boil, put a lid on it and place in oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for four hours. The beef should be melt-in-yourmouth tender when it’s done and the stew should be rich and thick – if this is not the case, put it back in the oven. While the stew is in the oven, sauté the pearl onions, carrots and mushrooms until tender and attempt to get some color on the onions and carrots. When the stew is out of the oven, add the sautéed vegetables to the stew and taste-check your stew to see if it needs some more salt or pepper. Top with chopped parsley and serve. 22 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
MASON JAR CHEESECAKES Graham Cracker Crust
2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs 1/2 Cup Melted Butter METHOD For the crust, melt the butter and mix into the graham cracker crumbs with a fork. Place two heaping tablespoons of the crumb into your jars. Press the crumb down with your fingers until it is firm and as flat as you can make it. You want to fill up approximately one-quarter of the jar. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
Marsala Cheesecake
500 grams of Cream Cheese 475 grams of Mascarpone Cheese 3/4 Cup Sugar 375 ml Marsala Wine 3 Eggs 250 ml Mason jars x 10 METHOD In a food processor mix the cream cheese and the sugar. While mixing
on high, add your eggs one at a time, then slowly add the marsala. Stop and scrape down the sides of the processor and add the mascarpone. Mix on high until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of cheese. Pour cake mix into the jars until they are three-quarters full. Place the jars in a deep roasting pan and fill the pan with warm water until the water level reaches the height of the cheese cake. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour. Let cool in the water bath.
Strawberry Rhubarb Compote
3 Cups Strawberries, Chopped Fresh or Frozen 3 Cups Rhubarb, Chopped Fresh or Frozen Juice of 1 lemon 1 Cup Sugar 1/4 Cup Balsamic Vinegar METHOD Combine all ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook for 45 minutes – stirring occasionally. Pour the compote over top of your Mason jar cheesecakes when they are ready.
About the Chef: Mike Edgar graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in the Culinary Arts. He stayed in Calgary, AB working at some of the city’s top restaurants. In 2007, he opened his own restaurant in Calgary’s east end. After eight years of being a chef there, Edgar decided to take a step back and left the industry to spend more time with his son. His son has now expressed an interest in learning his father’s skills and in horses simultaneously.
MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 23
SIDE HUSTLE When fourth generation horse trainer, 25-year-old Joel Lybbert of Cardston, Alberta, found his career as a western entertainer sidelined by Covid-19, instead of letting it get him down, he mounted up – on a buffalo.
STORY & PHOTOS BY MONIQUE
24 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
NOBLE
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hile Joel Lybbert is certainly not the first “guy on a buffalo,” he is the first to ride one to the grocery store. On December 29, 2020, Lybbert decided to ride his three-year-old bison steer, “Indy” for some celery and milk and the entire trip was captured on video. Since then, it has captured the attention of thousands of YouTube viewers and has made national news. Lybbert is a skilled hand and his professional horse training business really took flight after he won the Heart Bar Colt Starting Challenge in 2018. Lybbert is also well known for his Texas Longhorn “Jasper,” whom he rides often in public displays. When he is travelling as an entertainer, Lybbert’s shows additionally feature his enviable skills as a trick roper and talented, cowboy poet. Writer, Monique Noble, caught up with Lybbert and Indy on a windy trail ride in Waterton Lakes Nartional Park, Alberta, for the opportunity of a question-and-answer interview. Here’s what he had to say about the entire experience. And for the record, both Lybbert and all parties at Western Horse Review are aware that Indy is in fact, a bison. But we all agree buffalo is more fun to say – so buffalo it is.
LYBBERT - One of my dad’s clients on a buffalo ranch said she had an orphan calf and it just worked out that I was able to bottle raise him. I was kind
WHR - Would you have trained a buffalo that had not been bottle-raised? LYBBERT - You know, every buffalo is different… I don’t think Indy is a naturally quiet buffalo. I’ve been around guys that cut buffalo. Quite often they will have one that’s significantly more quiet than the rest and I don’t think Indy would have been that buffalo. Indy is really good once I start riding, but on the ground he can be a little ornery. When you first get on him, he can hump up a little bit, it’s nothing serious – if you’re half sticky.
WHR - How did you start Indy, what kind of groundwork did you do? LYBBERT - I put our baby saddle on him when he was two-months-old, I’ve been halter-breaking him, saddling him and working with him ever since I got him because I know what buffalo are like. They’re still wild animals and I’ll be honest, even though I’ve spent countless hours with him, I still watch myself around him. I’ve really stressed groundwork with him, getting him so he’ll back out of my space when I put pressure on him, things like that. I just know their potential. Surprisingly, I hear tons about people who
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WHR - What came first: The buffalo or the idea to ride it?
of looking around but not seriously, then the opportunity presented itself. I wanted it to ride it, definitely. I already had Jasper at that point and I have this tier system of awesome cowboy things to do which includes breaking a buffalo to ride, so I was kind of on the lookout and Yup! Indy fit the picture.
MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 25
wouldn’t work and so I thought maybe I could snub him up next to my steer. So I was riding my steer and had Indy’s halter shank dallied up on the horn and he’d just drag, flop over and lay down. You know, when it comes to forcing a buffalo it just doesn’t work. You kind of have to work around the buffalo, know their limits and pick and choose your battles. It’s similar to a toddler.
WHR - So, toddlers are good training for learning how to break a buffalo? LYBBERT - Maybe breaking a buffalo is good training for toddlers.
WHR - Does he retain his training? LYBBERT - Well, pretty much and it’s plough (direct) reining so there is no decorating it up. I gave him three-and-ahalf months off. About three weeks ago I hopped on him again, not sure what to expect. I gave him a ‘cluck’ and he went loping around the little pen here and I was like, “Ah he’s good enough, crack the gate…” Joel Lybbert is a talented horse trainer, trick roper and cowboy poet.
have had severe injuries or died from bottle buffalo – so that’s one thing I’ve really stressed in my relationship with Indy, a relationship of respect. There’s a lot of power behind those animals.
WHR - Does grooming and ground-working a buffalo differ from a horse? LYBBERT - Most of the time grooming isn’t really an option, Indy gets worried. If I try brushing him he’ll sometimes run forward and hit the end of the halter shank and whip around. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent brushing him while he was growing up so he hasn’t had any shortage of handling, but it’s just naturally his DNA. He is such a wild animal, that pressures like that are just really difficult for him to manage. Horses are quite a bit more reactive (to groundwork). If you’re flagging a horse out, quite often at first they’re 26 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
going to be all ears and snorting, shying away from it. Whereas with Jasper – on the first day I got him – I tied him to the hitching rail and was flagging him out… Maybe that was not the right idea anyways, but you know – I was flagging him for about three minutes or so and he didn’t react at all. And then all of a sudden, he jumped over the hitching rail. So yeah, they all react differently and not the same as a horse.
WHR - Would you say that Indy was willing to learn? LYBBERT - Yeah, I’ve used a lot of my same methods. It’s not like I have a special buffalo training method, it’s just what will work with this buffalo is a bigger question. Teaching him to lead was a huge struggle. For a while there I was just really trying to work on his leading pulling him from side to side, pulling straight on was just not an option. It
WHR - How much training has Indy had so far? LYBBERT - I wasn’t riding him until Covid. I put a solid month into his (riding) training this year. His yearling year I hauled him all over Alberta. I was riding Jasper and had Indy there for people to see. In some of my shows I would pony Indy and lope past the crowd on my steer with my buffalo ponied up next to me.
WHR - When did you start riding him, what was his first ride like? LYBBERT - I didn’t start riding him until he was two. [Laughing] I don’t want to say… the first time I rode him was in the round pen and that was probably the hardest he ever bucked.
WHR - Do you use special tack? LYBBERT - On Indy I use my colt starting snaffle, I just slide the bridle browband over and put it over his right horn and ear like a one-eared bridle and I do it up behind his ear. I use my calf
roping saddle, the bigger Indy gets the bigger his hump is getting so I’m gonna have to figure out a breast collar situation, their brisket is a little different than a horse’s chest.
Ontario and ask me if I could train his camel. I’m hoping people see my horse training footage and they like it and it all ties together, but this is definitely great advertising.
WHR - Does the saddle stay in place while you’re riding?
WHR - Do you see yourself breaking buffalo for a living?
LYBBERT - You’re definitely riding uphill; the cinch is still done up right behind his shoulder so there is still that gut there that’s holding it from really coming back and his hair – he has a lot – helps keep that saddle in place.
LYBBERT - No, I’ve had people con-
tact me about training buffalo or to give them buffalo training tips. My advice is do not do it, because they are dangerous. I’ve spent hundreds and hundreds of hours with my buffalo and he’s still wild, it’s still western every time. It is entertaining just as much for myself as it is for all the onlookers. I love it but I cannot safely recommend people I don’t know to train a buffalo. WHR
WHR - How is it different from riding from a horse? LYBBERT - They take a lot more hand pressure on their mouth than a good, trained horse does.
WHR - No power steering? [Pun intended] LYBBERT - They’re just not light, nothing about them is light. Buffalo and steer are not athletic like a horse, it’s a little confusing because you know you get out there and you are cutting a steer or a buffalo and they can sure turn, but you get on them and start breaking them out and man they are really dull and slow. I don’t do high miles on these guys because they get tired out pretty quick. I rode out with my little boy, Lindon. Lindon was on one of our mares and I was on Jasper. By the end of it, Jasper’s tongue was hanging out and he was sweating, and the horses weren’t even breaking a sweat.
WHR - As Indy gets bigger are you going to continue riding him? LYBBERT - Yes, I’m hoping Jasper helps keeps him in check. Jasper has really taught him manners and I hope that just constantly establishing our respect, connection and relationship – I’m hoping that will carry on as long as I’m consistent with him.
WHR - Are you getting more clients since your video went viral? LYBBERT - I had a guy call me from MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 27
Why euthanizing a horse may be the most compassionate, but most difficult decision.
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By JENN WEBSTER
ecently my family had to lay to rest, two precious members of our herd. Our gelding named “Doc” was 29-years-old and the mare named “Joker,” was 26. They were an inseparable pair and in many ways, reminded me of an old married couple. These two senior horses were the trusty steeds belonging to my children and the absolute, best babysitters a parent could find. The kids rode them on trail rides, in games of “Simon Says,” on cattle and buffalo or simply whenever they felt the barn calling. Between them, the two old equines had many ailments which we were able to manage through pain medication, high quality 28 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
feed, good farrier work and a lot of care. Still, when the harsh elements of this past winter began to take hold, we realized it was time to let Doc and Joker go. As agriculture folk, we know life and death are normal and regular occurrences on the farm. Still, those were two of the hardest days we’ve ever experienced as a family. Registered Psychologist, Vanessa Goodchild B.Sc., M.C. is the owner of Solace Psychology in Edmonton, AB. In this article, she helps us understand the psychology behind having to say goodbye to a beloved equine. We also delve into some of the options available to horse owners, in an effort to take some of the shock away in hard times – it’s not easy to make good decisions when you’re
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SAYING GOODBYE
stressed, so being prepared in advance of having to euthanize an animal can help. Horses can become a meaningful part of our families and as such, we become very attached to them. Hence, it’s only natural to experience dread when considering euthanasia. The bottom line however is, when an animal no longer has any quality of life – it’s time to do the humane thing.
WHEN IT’S TIME
have-dog.com
“It’s not pleasant nor easy to think about the natural passing of a treasured equine friend, let alone having to make the decision to put them to sleep,” says Dr. Bronwyn Hilton, DVM of Strathmore, AB. Along with her husband Bruce, their company, Hilton Veterinary Services specializes in veterinary-assisted equine euthanasia, as well as the removal or burial of remains. Their company serves the Calgary, AB, and surrounding area. “We realized that a veterinary service did not exist in Alberta that offered humane, compassionate, options for horse owners. This concept became our goal. We are able to walk you through the process of saying goodbye and take care of your horse afterwards.” Dr. Hilton relays that how we say goodbye to our horses is actually more important in the long run, than what we feed them, how skilled we are at riding, how much training our horse has, or what shows we’ve attended. This is something she has learned from one of her mentors, Lee McLean of Keystone Equine. “It’s where our horsemanship and love for horses gets real,” she says. “We believe that a planned goodbye with a soft touch on the neck and a quiet voice in the ear is the most meaningful thing we can give them.” Euthanasia is the act of ending life electively, in a controlled and humane manner. It can be done via lethal injection or a gunshot. By law, only licensed veterinarians can perform lethal injections, which is an overdose of anesthetic solution by intravenous injection. Most vets will start by administering a light sedative to the horse that will render the horse unaware of their surroundings. Then, the horse is given the injection. The horse’s heart stops beating and death follows. Horses euthanized in this manner cannot enter the food chain for human or animal consumption. The carcass must be disposed of, buried or cremated. A gun shot may be used in a suitably safe and private environment. This is a free bullet fired into the forehead of the horse. Obviously, a bullet may create a difficult scene. Therefore, all aspects should be carefully considered beforehand when selecting a site and audience with this method. Horses euthanized in this manner can enter the food chain. According to the American Association of Equine Professionals (AAEP), the following are the guidelines they have published, to assist the public in making humane decisions regarding the euthanasia of horses: A horse should not have to endure continuous or unmanageable pain from a condition that is chronic and incurable. • A horse should not have to endure a medical or surgical condition that has a hopeless chance of survival. • A horse should not have to remain alive if it has an unmanageable medical condition that renders it a hazard to itself or its handlers. • A horse should not have to receive continuous analgesic medication for the relief of pain for the rest of its life.
“How we say goodbye to our horses is actually more important in the long run, than anything else. It’s where our horsemanship and love for horses gets real.” - Lee McLean
• A horse should not have to endure a lifetime of continuous individual box stall confinement for prevention or relief of unmanageable pain or suffering. In our situation, the snow and ice was making it impossible for Doc and Joker to move around in their regular, spacious pasture. They struggled to the waterer, or even getting to their feet after an afternoon nap. Conversely, they also weren’t happy spending their days in stalls. Believe me – we tried and considered everything. In the end, euthanasia was the most gracious choice.
MAKING A PLAN
Once you have made the choice to euthanize, it’s important to decide what happens to the remains of your horse. This is a very personal decision. The three main options available are burial, cremation or rendering. A less common option is donating the body for educational purposes (the horse must have had a natural death or be euthanized by rifle in order for this to occur.) It’s also important to have a plan for the remains of your horse soon after death has occurred. If the situation is sensitive due to the audience that might be around, you don’t want the body to sit, bloat, begin to decompose or worse – attract predators to the property. Just Passing Horse Transport and Bereavement is an Alberta company out of Nanton, that specializes in end of life equine services throughout western Canada. It is owned by Jeff and Lynne Slade. Just Passing has three large stock trailers that are all equipped with a winch, to assist them in gently and discreetly removing deceased MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 29
horses. Owners may or may not choose to be present when the horse is removed. The company can then offer cremation by Mountain Meadows Equine Cremations in Nanton, AB. An additional agreement and fees are required for this service, but the owner can arrange to receive some of the ashes back which may be thoughtfully kept in an urn or other keepsake. Just Passing also offers burial at an appropriate landfill site, or they may be able to accommodate donation for education purposes (based on a limited availability.) Both Just Passing and Hilton Veterinary Services can offer counselling regarding which options are best-suited for the horse and owner.
WHY LOSING AN ANIMAL = THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE
THE PROCESS OF GRIEF
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross was a Swiss-American psychiatrist and is well known for bringing to light, the five stages of grief, also known as the “Kübler-Ross model.” These five stages include: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally, acceptance. 30 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
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Why is it so tough to lose a beloved animal? As adults – and especially as agriculture people – we are well aware that life and loss are a natural part of farm life. That being said, many of us develop strong bonds with our animals and may experience intense feelings of pain when they are gone. Goodchild helps explain why this might occur. “Any kind of loss can be devastating, not just the loss of a close relative or friend,” says. Goodchild. “Losing a beloved pet or animal can be so difficult because over time we develop special bonds with them. We include them in our day-to-day activities, such as feeding and caring for them, playing with them, and even celebrating special occasions with them.” The psychologist explains that we can become very attached to our pets as we nurture them and receive unconditional positive regard and love in return. “Becoming attached to an animal is a healthy and natural thing. We are social creatures, just as our pets are. Our nervous system can even link up with our pets – especially horses – allowing us to feel comforted, seen, heard and not so alone. This is called attunement. Many people completely trust their animals and will confide in them, sharing their emotions, secrets and deepest sorrows with them. Animals can be considered a safety net, as people do not feel judged or criticized by their pets,” tells Goodchild. Scientifically, it has also been proven than when we spend time with our pets, dopamine and serotonin are released, which are often referred to as the “feel good” or “happy” hormones. Additionally, oxytocin is also released when we cuddle with our pets or pet an animal. Animals can add so much joy, comfort and calmness to our lives. They may be happy to see their owners upon arrival and they are very forgiving. “The challenging part of attachment is that when we are separated from ones we love, we become heartbroken and may feel intense emotional pain because we miss them so much,” Goodchild says. “When our special furry friend passes away, we can experience intense heartache, emptiness, and pain. Our daily routines have a missing component as we can no longer spend time with our pet – our best buddy. It can be especially difficult to grieve the loss of an animal because they may have been in your life during many special moments.”
Children grieve differently than adults and it’s normal for them to ask lots of questions, as this shows they really care and are trying to process their own experiences. Horse owners who have recently lost a beloved equine, may find themselves dealing with these stages, just as anyone who has experienced a death might face. “In denial, you may feel numb and flooded with emotion. You may be in shock that your best friend is now gone,” explains Goodchild. In the stage of anger, you may be angry about how your horse died, or about letting them go so soon. “In bargaining you may be thinking, ‘If only... I could have had a few more days with my horse….’ Or ‘Why can’t I just see them again?’” In depression or sadness, it’s a deep sense of loss and loneliness. And it’s only in acceptance that you might start to acknowledge that your pet is gone – however, this does not mean you are forgetting the memories. “In acceptance, you may start to engage in normal activities again and start to feel like yourself. You have hope for your future.”
HOW TO HELP CHILDREN THROUGH
Navigating kids through the loss of an adored pet is particularly difficult, but an important life lesson. Children process grief differently than adults. Add that to the fact that euthanasia may be a hard concept to explain to them – especially considering the practice is not done with humans – and parents may have the double burden of supporting their kids, whilst also grieving themselves. Goodchild offers this advice. “It is always best to be as honest as you can with children, as long as the information fits within their age and developmental level,” she states. “You want to use child-friendly language that is appropriate for their developmental level of understanding when explaining death and euthanasia. So, avoid baby-talk or overly detailed adult-talk.
Try to keep it simple and clear.” It’s normal for kids to ask lots of questions, as this shows they really care and are trying to process their own experiences. It is also important that as their parent and attachment figure, you do not ignore their questions or emotions when they arise. “Basically, avoid saying things like, ‘Don’t cry, you are strong,’ as this is invalidating and teaching them that it is bad to have emotions or that it makes them weak. Try to explain this process of loss in a way that offers compassion, love and support to your child.” Instead, you can help kids regulate their emotions by offering them physical and emotional comfort. Give them a caring hug, snuggle, spend extra time with them and allow them to cry. Then you can validate their emotional experiences by relating to them and sharing that you feel sad, too. “Share that when we love an animal so much, we miss them so much more when they are gone, but they will always be in our hearts. You can share stories about this special horse and how much it meant to you all. You can ask them what they loved most about their horse and what they learned. You can both then discuss ways to honour their horse and keep those memories alive forever,” Goodchild offers. Some ideas for cherishing the memories are just as beneficial for adults as they are for children. They may include making a scrapbook, poster, shadowbox, or lantern, or planting a tree in the horse’s honour. Or perhaps you say a prayer and have a ceremony. There are also companies or artisans who offer horsehair braiding and can turn locks of your horse’s tail into beautiful jewelry, wall decorations or resin keepsakes. A piece of artwork featuring the lost horse is also a wonderful memory. Or your family, or someone close to you may wish to make a donation to a local veterinary medical faculty in honour of a lost horse – funds are often used to support research in equine care. “Try to have your child suggest some ideas, too. This empowers them to heal,” says Goodchild. “The 3 R’s of parenting are regulate, relate, reason. This is taken from Dr. Bruce Perry. My advice is that in addition to supportive listening, I suggest using art activities, role plays or books to help children understand loss, to normalize grief and sadness, and to instil hope for healing. The language of children is play, so being creative can be a great way to connect.” She also suggests having your child draw or act out a happy memory that they had with their pet and how they are feeling now that their pet is gone, is a healthy exercise. “Then be sure to have the child describe their picture and feelings. They will be listening for you to validate their experience as well.”
SUPPORT SYSTEM
Your support system will be crucial in helping you or members of your family, deal with the loss of a cherished horse. If however, you are the support system for someone you care about that has lost an adored pet, there are right and wrong ways to help someone through. “Everyone grieves in their own unique way, in a way that is meaningful to them,” explains Goodchild. “The most important way to show support to someone who has just lost a beloved horse is to be present and show up emotionally for them. Tell them that you care about them, or that you are thinking of them. Show them love and companionship. As everyone needs different things dur-
ing challenging times, you might want to ask them what you can do for them.” She suggests that some helpful ideas include dropping off their favourite meal or dessert, making them some tea, or offering to help around the house, etc. “When people are grieving, they often forget to take care of their basic needs, such as eating healthy, maintaining a clean home, and engaging in self-care.” You can also offer to go over and keep them company. People often find it therapeutic to share happy memories about their horses or talk to others about similar experiences of grief and loss. Relating to others is key, as we heal through relationship. “Of course, there are certain things that make healing a lot more difficult. Saying things like, ‘Get over it,’ or ‘It’s just a horse,’ is very invalidating and dismissive. It is much better to engage on an emotional level and just listen to the person who is grieving, or validate their experience by showing understanding,” Goodchild warns. “You may say something like, ‘I know how close you two were, and it makes sense that you would feel so sad and heartbroken.’” In addition to feeling sadness surrounding the loss, people may also feel guilty for a variety of reasons. The “what ifs” and “should haves” come up. Things like, “What if I was there the night he passed away?” Or, “What if I called the vet sooner?” “These thoughts are natural and come along with grief, but these thoughts will just make a person feel worse and will result in self-blame. As a support, you want to avoid feeding into any self-blame talk,” Goodchild relays. “Instead, offer comfort and listening.” WHR
Saying Goodbye to your equine friend is a difficult decision
But making a plan can help.
We offer:
• Veterinarian-assisted humane Equine Euthanasia • After care services • Removal & Disposal • Burial on site (seasonally dependent) following local laws and guidelines
Hilton Veterinary Services Dr. Bronwyn Hilton (DVM) Bruce Hilton HiltonVeterinary.ca Ph: 587-223-7037 E: dr.bronwyn@hiltonvet.ca MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 31
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Maintaining
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RESPECTED RANCHERS
Our rural and agricultural community is blessed with many well-rounded and insightful individuals. From brandings to fall-gather, the sense of community among farmers and ranchers is unmatched. In conversation with senior stewards of the land and icons in our ranching community, hard-work and a love of our western heritage remain consistent. Straight from the horse’s mouth, here’s what a few well-respected, senior ranchers have to say about their way of life.
Interview & Photos by Kirk Prescott (BAR XP PHOTO) MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 33
Ben & Aleta
STEINBACH
Ages 65/66 Bassano, AB
34 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
For seven generations and 120 years, the Steinbach family has ranched near Bassano, AB. The first settlers in the area were the MacLeans, in 1901. They were joined by the Steinbachs in 1910. Both Ben and Aleta come from a long line of hardworking ranchers. They attribute their youthful work-ethic to their fathers, who both began tending herds of cattle at 12 years of age. Ben and Aleta have continued that pioneering lifestyle, raising four girls with a passion for ranching. Aleta (nee Pozzobon) commented that they were diligent in teaching their cowgirls husbandry, genetics, confirmation, and stewardship of the land. Both Ben and Aleta are well known in the ranching community and share their many talents, with confidence and charisma. Their four daughters have married into strong agricultural families and they couldn’t be more proud that our western way of life continues to shine in all that they do.
Q. What are your most notable achievements? A. Family is our biggest asset and we are so proud of them all. When the grandchildren were born we gave them a bred heifer and that’s where it starts. We’ve shown them how to braid, tool and make traditional cowboy tack. They were all sitting in a saddle, with an adult, as soon as they could hold their head up. By three they were riding on their own and starting to handle a rope. They’re growing up handy and whenever anyone needs help, they all show up and lend a hand.
Q. If you could offer young ranchers one piece of advice, what would you pass along? A. If you want something, work hard for it with total passion. When you succeed, you will do so financially, physically and mentally, with pride. Have your own vision and follow it. You can still work together and help each other successfully
Q. Share a significant challenge that you have faced?
Q. If you could change one thing in our modern ranching world, what would that be and why?
A. When you are ranching, there are always challenges coming at you and most are out of your control. The best way to face them is head on. Ben says, “My dad had a saying, ‘If you hang on to the cow’s tail, she’ll pull you through anything.’”
A. Do not allow anything to get in the way of teaching the next generation what a wholesome lifestyle working in agriculture can offer.
Q. How have you adapted your ranching practices to maintain efficiency and productivity?
Q. How do you think we can continue to modernize the ranching world and maintain a lifestyle/community that is grounded in grassroots principles?
A. There are certain benefits of calving a little later. Electric water troughs, bale decks and modern fencing equipment, as you get older, certainly make things easier. There are also huge benefits to feeding 350 head of cattle, when you are young, with a team. Ben did this for 15 years and checked/worked them by horseback, too. You see everything and know your cattle’s every need. It’s a slower pace but the cowboy, horse and cattle are quieter and endure less stress.
A. In our mind, ranching is a perfect lifestyle and a great way to raise your children. Change in the western world doesn’t always mean you would be making it better. You can go to any rural town and you will find that the backbone of the community is its agricultural neighbours. They are the ones volunteering their time and money to support the business, clubs, and community events. MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 35
Joseph (JOEY)
BEWS Age 73 Longview, AB
36 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
Joey, a third generation rancher, is a faith filled cowboy who takes pride in his ranching community and family heritage. The eastern slopes of the Alberta Rocky Mountains, are home to the Bews’ family ranch, West of Longview, AB. Joey’s grandfather purchased the land from the estate of his employer and original homesteader, John Sullivan, in 1905. Bews has ranched his entire 73 years, other than a four-year reprieve, riding broncs in the rodeo circuit. Joey worked alongside his father, until he passed in 1982 and ran the entire ranch until it was divided in 1992. Bews continues to operate the original ranch, with his wife Margaret, daughter Michelle and two brothers, Tom and Bill. He credits his father as one of his best mentors. Joey is dedicated to his craft and serves as a role-model for his entire community.
Q. What are your most notable achievements? A. I have many proud moments in my life. One of the achievements in my ranch cowboy life was in 1992 at the High River Ranch Rodeo. Our family won the Branding Contest, in which I roped. Also, at the Pincher Creek Rancher’s Rodeo, I won the Bronc Riding. I always cherished those times because it was a part of a life I chose and lived and wanted to be good at. Another time I remember was when I was a young cowboy at the OH branding. The ranch manager Warren Zimmerman, a very respected cowboy, asked me to watch the gate where we separated the calves from the cows, to brand. Wow! That position was only for a good cowboy, on a good horse, which I had. I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
get up quickly and start sucking. I decided to go back British and purchased Angus cows and bulls. It went well until I was diagnosed with cancer. I thought my cowboy life was over. Thanks to God and prayer, I was healed. That got me thinking that life was much more than what I had thought. I decided that I would follow a dream I always had, to have a herd of Longhorns. I’ve never had so much fun trailing, working and just seeing them. They don’t need a lot of care. They work well in our country as predators don’t mess with them. They are easy to gather and trail. If you find one, you find them all. Calving them out is a breeze. When you are 73, still riding and working, you need to make it easy.
Q. Share a significant challenge that you have faced?
Q. If you could offer young ranchers one piece of advice, what would you pass along?
A. The time that scared us the most was in the late eighties. The federal government of Canada wanted to purchase the OH ranch for the army, as a training grounds for soldiers and tanks. It made no sense to us to destroy a beautiful piece of property. The gun firing range that was proposed, was only a mile from our home. Our family got together with the community and organized a committee, which I chaired. I never slept for a month, answering phone calls, lobbying MPs, attending meetings, appearing on talk shows and picketing in downtown Calgary. One month to the day, the government pulled out of the deal. What a relief!
A. Think out of the box. Don’t be scared to change. Follow your dream!
Q. How have you adapted your ranching practices to maintain efficiency and productivity? A. I have been changing continually. When I took over from my father, I left things as they were, but the exotic cattle were coming in and I noticed that the crossbred calves were getting bigger. When we split the ranch in 1992, I purchased Charolais bulls for my Hereford cows. My tan steer calves brought $975 a piece, that fall. I could hardly believe it. Then, we had a couple of bad springs. I lost calves in the storms. They were too big to
Q. If you could change one thing in our modern ranching world, what would that be and why? A. Do not allow anything to get in the way of teaching the next generation what a wholesome lifestyle working in agriculture can offer.
Q. How do you think we can continue to modernize the ranching world and maintain a lifestyle/community that is grounded in grassroots principles?
A. The older ranching generation has to keep the stories going and write the stories down. The cowboy code has to be told and followed. The modernization of ranching is not all bad. The machinery we have now is why an old guy of 73 can still do it. We have hydraulics now that are a greater invention than sliced bread. We have trucks and tractors that make life easier; they are more comfortable than your own home. MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 37
Vincent (VINCE)
KRAUS
Age 80 Duchess, AB
38 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
The Kraus family farm began in 1916. Now approaching its fourth generation, the farm remains rich in history, original structures and quality livestock. Once a diversified, mixed farming practice, land and labour availability have manifested a transition to an operation focused on grazing and commercial Hereford cattle. Started by the late Henry Kraus, the ranch has been managed by hardworking and humble family members for many years. Current owner and operator, Vince returned to the family farm, where he was born and raised, after a well-rounded career. After graduating from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in 1961, Vince was employed at the Suffield Experimental Station, near Ralston, AB. Vince was later employed with the University Of Calgary. In the department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, he was a technical supervisor in a variety of petrochemical, research and demonstration fields. Kraus retired after 35 years in the engineering and research industry and immediately took up where he left off. The livestock he cares for are like family. And the appreciation Vince holds for the history within his barbed-wire is second to none.
Q. What are your most notable achievements? A. After a full career of engineering research and technology, I feel so fortunate to be entrusted with the ownership and management of this agricultural operation that has been in the Family for over 104 years. I’m hoping that the upcoming generations can move it forward proudly!
Q. Share a significant challenge that you have faced? A. Our family has faced the usual challenges of weather, drought, poor markets and prices, shortage of capital, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), shortage of labor, Covid-19 lockdown, etc.
Q. How have you adapted your ranching practices to maintain efficiency and productivity?
pay close attention to your financial situation and markets. Not every year will be profitable! Also, be aware of family, friends and neighbors who can aid in times of health, weather and mechanical crisis.
Q. If you could change one thing in our modern ranching world, what would that be and why? A. It seems that our current farming/ranching world is controlled largely by futures markets, venture capitalists, contracts, and marketing boards. Those extracting the huge profits will be far from those of us growing and harvesting the product. We agricultural people sell most of our produce at wholesale prices so others can sell the finished products back to us at huge mark-ups! Hence your 29 cents of grain comes back to you as a $6 loaf of bread!
Q. How do you think we can continue to A. Since cattle are herbivores, we have deleted grain, supplements, modernize the ranching world and maintain a prophylactic meds, and hormone/chemical implants. To offset lifestyle/community that is grounded in grassthis, we have researched the best genetics for our herd, to best roots principles? utilize our feed, labor, geography, and weather conditions.
Q. If you could offer young ranchers one piece of advice, what would you pass along? A. For those new to the industry, I would suggest you know and
A. The world around us is continually modernizing, upgrading, innovating, and changing. Rural community events such as barn-raisings, harvest blitzes, brandings and sports days made us rural folks who we are. Remember that most urban folks know or care very little about agriculture, have no friends or relatives in agriculture and yet they are confident there will always be wholesome food on their table. WHR MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 39
A SPECIAL BRAND OF COWBOY “No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle…” were the words of Winston Churchill. In the 102 years of his celebrated life, Winston Churchill Parker wasted none. By DEBBIE MACRAE
THE BAR V L BRAND WAS WINSTON CHURCHILL PARKER’S CATTLE BRAND FOR MANY YEARS 40 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
W
inston Churchill Parker was born in Calgary, AB, just before the end of the First World War. He was of British heritage, his parents having emigrated from Britain, and they were avid horsepeople. In fabled Robin Hood tradition, his grandparents kept a stable of horses in a manor house in Nottingham, England in Sherwood Forest, riding to hounds, and other equine pursuits of the privileged. All good things eventually come to an end, and after a downturn in their lace trade markets, and a fire which ravaged their uninsured factory, their son, Herbert Parker decided Canada was his destination of choice. Winston’s mother, Amelia Churchill, was a cousin of Winston Churchill, four or five times removed, and emigrated to Calgary on her own in 1912, a feat not considered customary for a young lady of her upbringing. She was very proud to have attended the first Calgary Stampede, and also had a keen interest in horses. Winston’s parents met and married three years’ later, and had a girl, Jessie in 1916; Winston in 1918, and Geoffrey in 1921. Winston was named after Winston Churchill, the man who was later to become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Little did he know he would eventually meet his namesake during WWII – and even have the privilege of riding in his car! The Parker family rented a half-section of land five miles due west of Midnapore (near Calgary), adjoining the Sarcee Reserve. Their father taught the children riding and showmanship. Even as a boy, Winston inherited both his parents’ love for horses, and the discernment required for an accomplished horseman. He attended the Millarville races as young as three, and competed in his first Calgary Horse Show in 1923 at the age of five. He taught himself to rope at the age of eight years. What better target than his little brother – whom he lassoed around the neck from an outside staircase, knocking the wind out of him! Winston aspired to be a cowboy like his hero Clem Gardner, the “Best All Around Cowboy” from the first Calgary Stampede. When Winston was only 13-years-old, Clem asked him to help round-up stock for the Calgary Stampede; a dream come true. Clem was a neighbor and would become his lifelong mentor. The innocence of youth soon passes, and Winston joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) after Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939. He was instructed in Morse Code and trained in a gunnery school, becoming a wireless operator. On April 9, 1942, his plane and crew were shot down on their 13th run. (Early in the war, the average life span of an Allied aircrew member was only 12 trips because of the sheer numbers of German fighters and anti-aircraft barrages.) Theirs was the 13th plane to take off. As with the majority of those who served and returned from the war, this chapter was not one Winston wished to
remember. Parachuting from the plane, he was fortunate to land on a railroad track which he followed for about three hours on foot after hiding his parachute. Well versed in the numbers of flight crew members, the German forces tracked him down and took him a prisoner of war. For the next three years, Winston would reside in the infamous Stalag VIIIB prison camp. (The Stalag Luft camps were specifically designated for air force POW’s.) On January 22, 1945, they began marching the prisoners out in columns of 1,500 men over a two-day timeframe. Herded like animals at gunpoint, they were forced to march in extreme cold temperatures for distances up to 35 kilometers per day. Living outdoors in one of Europe’s coldest winters, nearing starvation, they marched for 1,000 kilometers in what would become known as The Death March; the cruelest and longest forced March of WWII Allied prisoners in Europe. When they were finally rescued by General Patton’s air supply plane, Winston weighed less than 98 pounds. In the hospital while recovering, he caught malaria, and suffered the health consequences of that malady until his death. In the years following his return from the war, Winston became an army in his own right, achieving a legion of accomplishments unparalleled by most. Most of those achievements were in a volunteer capacity, and he had an enviable record of success. One of the most time-consuming and annoying capacities in which he served was as the “volunteer” towing service when people got stuck fording the Sheep River crossing adjacent to his ranch. Someone was always seeking him out to pull them out of the river, and before he left the ranch he figured he’d pulled out over a thousand people. As a result, his petitions to the government were integral in getting a cement underlay for the crossing. Winston, or “The Squire” as he was sometimes referred to, served in innumerable capacities on committees and boards, always looking to serve and make improvements for his community or neighbours. He devoted endless hours, week upon week, year after year to the communities of Millarville, Red Deer Lake, Okotoks, and Calgary, and one of his contributions would eventually be recognized in over 120 countries around the World. His first passion was realizing the dream of his own ranch; his beloved Monea – meaning “good luck.” During his service years, he had the foresight to send money home. His backpay and Veterans benefits became the down-payment on his ranch. Long hours, good saddle horses, and quality livestock were his mantra. Winston’s recreational devotion became the Millarville race track and Fair which he had attended as a toddler. He served as the clerk of the course, leading out competitors and policing the track. Then after breaking his leg one year right before the races, he assumed the positions of “announcer” and judge, serving for the next 10 or 12 years. Later, he would sit on the planning board, as director and then President of the hall board at MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 41
Winston Churchill Parker moving cattle from his summer range. The Millarville, AB, Christ Church stands in the background – a church that is still visible and in good condition in the area today.
Long hours, good saddle horses, and quality livestock were his mantra. the racetrack. He oversaw the building of the barns, financed by the Graham Ranches in exchange for use by their pony club. In 2005, he helped mark the 100th anniversary of the Millarville Races, assisting with coordination of the celebration, historical displays, rock monument and plaque. In the 1930’s Parker started playing polo at the Calgary Polo club through an anonymous invitation. In 1937, in a match against the High River Pinks, Winston scored the winning goal in the final chukker, winning the Western Canada Polo Championship for his team, the High River Whites, at the Calgary Polo Club Grounds. There was only one minute left in play. Winston had 102 years of heritage to draw on, and was enthusiastic about sharing that history. In the early 1960’s, he joined a committee dedicated to preserving Alberta’s agriculture and pioneer history, donating antique farm implements and “settler’s effects” for public display. Each fall they would host farm and threshing demonstrations for the public making authentic stooks and demonstrating farming methods. Although that park has now evolved to encompass modern day technology such as the automobile, Winston is remembered for his dedication to the development of Calgary’s Heritage Park. Winston’s ranch was located adjacent to the unique 42 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
Millarville Christ Church built in 1896. Often his cattle would stray onto the church property and Winston would have to ride out to the herd to return them to pasture. The church was constructed in a Gothic design on land donated by Rev. WebbPeploe; Built of spruce logs, they were intricately scrolled by wood-boring insects. The logs were purchased from a settler’s estate after he drowned crossing the river with a load of logs with which he intended to build his home. The church was built with the logs upright, in vertical position as opposed to, horizontal. The bell in the tower was donated by the Hudson’s Bay Company, when they built their new store in downtown Calgary. In the early 1980’s Winston would be part of the committee that would tackle the wall renovations required to restore the church; helping to raise the $43,000 restoration cost and providing man-hours for labour. Winston was a great purporter of technological innovation and served on the local board of the Panima Mutual Telephone Company until the 1960’s when it was purchased by Alberta Government Telephones. He served as the agricultural service board representative for two terms, as well as two terms as the chief electoral returning officer for the municipal district. He considered his greatest achievement the implementation of rural electrification in the Millarville farming community.
He was one of the first users to have electricity in his barn, and after a long day of riding, he was grateful to be able to flip the switch and put his horse away in the light! From 1952 until 1986 Winston served in various leadership roles for the Millarville Rural Electric Association, when it was sold to Calgary Power. At that time, he was the only original member remaining. He was an inspiration for the voiceless people afflicted by Alzheimer’s Disease. His close friend and schoolmate Sister Maria Labrecque and her colleague Micheline Pare, founded the Pare’ Labrecque Training Centre nursing program for compassionate care, specializing in care for seniors afflicted with Alzheimer’s. When Maria suffered the same fate, Winston and a group of his associates helped to promote the centre’s mission. In 1999 the Senate of Canada proclaimed Maria’s birth date, May 20, as “The Day of Compassion.” Since that time, 120 countries have joined their voices to speak for those who cannot. Even into his Golden Years, Winston continued with his achievements. In 1985 he was part of the Reunion Committee for the Ex-Prisoners of War Air Crew Association. They hosted 1,000 guests at Pilot Mountain between Banff and Lake Louise, AB, accommodating them at the University of Calgary residential facilities. That group later commissioned a painting called the Stalag Luft III, Tunnel Martyrs by renowned Okotoks, AB, artist William Holder. This painting depicted the tunnel escape from the prison camp for which 50 escapees were executed – 32 of those 50 families received prints of the painting. The others could not be located. Mr. Holder would later comment that the histories behind that painting would haunt him for the rest of his life. Prior to the province’s 100th Anniversary in 2005, Winston was part of the coalition formulated to develop a seniors’ centre in Okotoks. Volunteering innumerable hours, their concept was manifested as a wing of the Foothills Centennial Centre, almost two years before the main building was completed. In recognition of his volunteer dedication, he achieved further recognition when he was awarded the Alberta centennial medal for service to community in 2005, which, although not military in nature, he wore with his military medals. In memory of his RCAF service, Winston also made it a point to participate in Legion activities and the Poppy fund each year. He was often a member of the Honour guard, and represented the Legion at memorial services for Remembrance Day. In 2011, Winston Parker’s story was published by his friend and former neighbor, Elaine (Taylor) Thomas. He agreed to undertake the exercise largely because of the Legion’s reminder that, “If you don’t tell your stories, they won’t be told.” Winston had attended the Agricultural Machinery and Tractor course at Calgary’s Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Elaine had attended SAIT to pursue journalism administration, graduating with honours. Winston imposed two stipulations; he wanted to portray the fleeting western lifestyle
in his beloved Alberta foothills, and he wanted to minimize his war experiences because those five years did not define his life. He related those experiences only to enhance “the greater good” that would be served by their telling. In 2013, two years later, Elaine would write a book entitled Same Moon Same Stars: the life of Renate Macherauch Meiners, a German war bride who married a Texas soldier after WWII. In 1945, her train was bombed by the Allies and she and her friend fled into the forest. In an unprecedented twist of circumstance, Elaine shared Winston’s book with Renate. After reading it, a very distraught Renate recounted: “I was there. I saw him and I ran.” They were more dead than alive. “I am so ashamed. We were so afraid of them. We ran.” She begged Winston’s forgiveness for the ordeal that he had been through and for not affording him the respect they (the Airmen) deserved. Winston responded, “No apology is necessary. Our countries were at war… I have had a good life and I hope she has, too”. Sixty-seven years of anguish were put to rest with that understanding. On November 16, 2020, Winston Churchill Parker took his last ride. Though his saddle is now empty, he left behind a saddlebag of accomplishments. A student; an airman; an officer and a rancher; a lifetime of learning, compassion and faith – and a legacy of service from a local gentleman whose life spanned more than a century; we honour a special brand of cowboy. WHR
Winston Parker (on-left), with his brother, Geoff. MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 43
FULL SEND We predict that consumers will demand sustainability and performance of their fashions in 2021. It’s no longer about price point or what’s trending – cowboys and girls want clothing that works as hard as they do.
By Jenn Webster
Photographed by BAR XP PHOTO & Wildrose Imagery • Hair by Shea-Anne Brown • Make-up by Michelle Suffolk
OPPOSITE PAGE:
The TUF COOPER Performance shirt by Panhandle. This stretch Poplin print, button-down men’s shirt comes in a competition fit. It also boasts under-arm gusets for arm mobility – ensuring you can move, ride or rope without it ever hindering your movement. www.lammles.com THIS PAGE:
This ladies Rock and Roll Cowgirl shirt from Panhandle is a show-stopper, but won’t leave you wearing hay remnants either, should you choose to wear it to do chores in the barn. With fringed-sleeves and fringe on the back yoke, this piece can be worn in the show arena or out on the town. www.lammles.com
MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 45
This hand -stitched, two-toned Guipure lace duster can be worn over jeans with a belt and buckle, or dressed-to-the nines over a little black dress and boots. Custom-made piece with invisible seams, by Karen Vanheuvel (find her on Instagram @vanheuvelk.) Underneath the duster, our model wears a black bamboo dress from Classic Rodeo Boutique – which should be a staple in any female’s closet! These pieces are so versatile and can be worn as a tank top, over jeans or on its own. Adorned with genuine Indian Handcrafted Sterling Silver long earrings, also from Classic Rodeo Boutique (find them on Facebook). Hat by Smithbilt smithbilthats.com.
46 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
These comfy shorts by Crazy Train give a new meaning to lounge wear. With a tooled leather accent and that oh-so-cozy feel about them, they can easily take you from a day-to-night look. Here, they are dressed up with turquoise boots and a white stone necklace, a bamboo shirt in ginger and an American Darling clutch. All from Classic Rodeo Boutique (find them on Facebook)
Left: Suit jacket by Joseph Ribkoff, tooled turquoise purse by Juan Antonio, Wyoming Traders wild rag and turquoise earrings, all from Classic Rodeo Boutique. Hat by Smithbilt. middle: Double H boots, featuring a hidden pocket for man’s everyday essentials and anti-slip soles. lammles.com right: Outback Trading men’s Cattleman Coat. lammles.com
Men’s Wrangler tee. Available at Lammle’s.
48 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
Ladies Rough Stock dress, by Panhandle. Featuring a tie front, stretch fabric and western yoke. Available at Lammle’s.
Girls Panhandle shirt with Aztec print. Jeans by Grace with jewelled feathers on pockets. lammles.com
MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 49
20X Vintage Boot Stretch jeans by Wrangler. These jeans have advanced comfort and stretch that “moves with you.” Men’s button-down shirt by Panhandle. lammles.com
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Block colour cardigan by Papillion, olive bamboo shirt and long sterling silver earrings, all available at Classic Rodeo Boutique (find them on Facebook).
The Harry Longhorn appliqué chocolate hoodie from Boa-Kae Ranch is pill-resistant and features a pouch pocket, double-line hood and ribbed cuffs. This sweater will be your barn go-to! www.boa-kaeranch.com
Spirit Mukluks in white from Manitobah Mukluks www.manitobah.ca
Pink cactus and turquoise-print button-down girls long-sleeved shirt and Grace jeans lammles.com
MARCH /APRIL 2021 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW.COM 51
Backforty g
On Lessons and Lifelong Learning Story By Lee McLean Photo By Twisted Tree Photography
It surprises some folks to find that I’m still in weekly lessons. Yes, even at my age! Yes, even after nearly six decades in the saddle. My paid learning waxes and wanes, of course, always dependent on the health of my finances. Simply put, I’m a firm believer in lifelong learning. One never knows it all. There are things we can do to get the most ‘bang for our buck’ from lessons, however. For what they’re worth, I’ll share a few thoughts of my own. From a learning point of view, I much prefer spending money on regular, weekly mentorship over spending the same amount on a one-time clinic. There is a huge allure to attending a workshop taught by someone from afar. If there was no one I admired or trusted in my locale, I might change my opinion. Ditto, if one is at the top of their game and a world-renowned trainer or competitor offers an opportunity to attend a semi-private clinic. Too often, however, these big name clinicians end up ‘teaching’ dozens of students in one arena, all at one time. It is impossible to expect any sort of one-on-one learning and yet, the same amount of money can easily go into one weekend with a big gun and his promoter… as opposed to months of regular lessons with a local pro. Regular lessons are more like watering a plant deeply at the roots with a trickle, as opposed to using a fire hose. I imagine my learning by seepage, rather than run-off. I choose my teacher with a long-range outlook. My mentor takes on the same vibe as a low-risk investment at the bank. I’m in it for the long haul, not for the thrills. I don’t pay too much attention to the blips, all the little ups and downs. So often, people will get their feelings hurt and end up jumping from one trainer, to the next. Yes, different teachers have something to offer! It’s just that for our horses’ sakes, it behooves us to stick with one philosophy long enough to see if it works. When we change barns as often as we change the oil in our trucks, there isn’t much time to absorb the method. When I get into regular lessons, I plan my life around them. They are more sacrosanct than date night! Heck, who 52 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
am I kidding? My horses and I spend enough time together, they’re pretty much my significant others. This means that for one hour each week, I have a course to chart, a plan to follow. I can feel if my horse or I are ‘off’ or sliding backwards…. and I can tell when we’re moving ahead. I ride alone, most of the time. Lessons give me courage on a new, unknown, or dodgy horse. This is where the trust comes in between the student and teacher. I trust that I will not be asked to do anything that will get me in trouble… and the horse, in turn, builds more confidence. We knit together more quickly, than if we were wandering around alone in the pastures. Every horse I learn to confidently captain, increases my working knowledge. Each one makes me a better rider. Whether or not I sign up for private or group lessons depends on my riding goals… but more so, on the fitness of my horse. If my horse isn’t in great condition, or is super green, a group allows him to pull in some air and rest while we watch others working. This is not wasted time! So much can be gleaned from watching riders work, often on the same issues that I might be facing with my other horses. I begin to train my eye to see what my teacher is explaining. Much can be learned whether I’m in a small group, or alone. That said, I look long and hard for a teacher who knows how to keep a group focused and busy. Too often, teachers will drop everything to work one horse and rider while everyone stands around for the hour. Teaching a group of varied riders with horses at different levels is a special skill. Once found, such a trainer is valued highly. I haul in to my lessons. The regular short hauls are good
Continued on page 54
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ORSE REVIEW July/August
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Western Horse Review is the voice of the western riding culture in Canada. The magazine is published bi-monthly, plus releases a special Championship Edition each year end. With a national audience of over 55,000 passionate and engaged readers, the magazine’s core content is about a life that is engaged with western culture. Central to it – the horse. The magazine enhances our readers chosen lifestyle with excellent reporting and award-winning editorial, punctuated by outstanding photography.
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for my horses. I challenge myself to get there in one piece, calmly and in good spirits. I want to be on time. Usually, I haul my horse saddled so that he has a chance to warm up his back. My saddle settles. This is old cowboy know-how and something I wish more people would try. We arrive groomed, saddled and ready. I have only to put his boots and bridle on and we’re set. Rushing around, arriving late and full of apologies, is never conducive to my mental wellness. That said, stuff happens. It’s also a learning experience, arriving behind schedule and resetting myself so that I can focus. Listen to the teacher! Watch carefully, if he or she is mounted and demonstrating the lesson’s focus. It’s easy to get caught up in quiet conversation with other riders, especially if our riding is also our social scene. So much can be learned from watching other riders do what we’ve just finished, or will be trying to do. When we visit, we miss a golden opportunity to learn. I realize that I hail from a strict background, where talking over the teacher was beyond rude. It’s been challenging for me to accept that different barns have different rules with visiting and also regarding phones. I might need to learn to lighten up. I don’t debate with my riding mentor. This includes making excuses, or defending my horse and myself from criticism. Sometimes learning hurts and we go home fighting tears. I’m an adult, though – and my hard-earned dollars need not be spent on fluffing up my feelings. I’m not in lessons to be told that I no longer need to learn! Sometimes we long-time horse people need reminding. Every so often, it is a great help to my learning to have a friend video my riding. Especially if I am struggling with a concept, or hearing my teacher repeatedly make the same correction, I know that I am not yet ‘getting it.’ Our bodies are so conservative in their movement, so ruled by muscle memory, that the tiniest change can feel monumental. Often, I’ll need to see my faults with my own eyes before I’ll believe them! Seeing will also convince me that something more needs to be done. I don’t expect my teacher to get on my horse to fix things. There is comfort in knowing that he or she can, but I’m not in lessons to get free training. If this is something that happens regularly, I either need to get my horse into a good program, or maybe I need to look for a more suitable horse.
This is different from watching my teacher occasionally get on my horse to show that despite my bungling efforts, it is possible! Such a moment is to be treasured and keeps one coming back to try again. During each lesson, I remember one or two key points that deserve to be saved. When I get home, I’ll write these down in my journal while they’re fresh. Writing what I need to remember is the final step that makes new knowledge stick. It means that I’ve a record to look back on if I need to find answers or track my horse’s progress. Often, when I’m down about how we’re working, I’ll look back through the pages and build up my fortitude. The value in journaling is something I cannot stress enough. Then, I must practice…. There’ll be something my horse did pretty solidly in the last weeks, so I’ll start with that. Just for a bit. We’ll go on to something that we struggled with in a recent lesson. I’ll try and be happy with even the tiniest improvement. Our next ride, we’ll build on that. Sometimes we have to look very hard for that little grain of sand! We’ll finish off with something my horse enjoys and does well. For me, it’s essential to be guided with the notion of progress, over perfection. Finally, my learning is a tool that I want to use again, alone at home. It can be tempting to ride under verbal guidance that never changes. As if the needle is stuck in the same groove of the record, as if it is Groundhog Day. While a certain amount of repetition is needed to get into this thick skull of mine, I want to know what is needed to make me effective. It is my responsibility—and not my teacher’s—to become a somewhat autonomous state. Knowing how and when to do things on our own should become a worthy goal of any self-aware and striving rider. WHR Lee McLean is best known for the storytelling on her Facebook page, Keystone Equine, and for her good ponies. One of eight women to race, sidesaddle, at the Calgary Stampede, Lee is resolved to write for, teach and represent other ordinary riders… the people who ride despite illness, injury, fear and changed plans! Her first book, HORSE WOMAN: Notes on Living Well & Riding Better, was just published and is available on Amazon. Lee lives with her husband, Mike, in the rolling hills of southwestern Alberta.
A Charitable Equine Organization funding: veterinary colleges and students and other worthwhile equine causes. www.equinefoundation.ca Bob Watson, President 403.378.4323 bob@equinefoundation.ca 54 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021
BAR XP photography
In the Next Edition of Western Horse Review Equine Photograpy and Western Art!
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HAZARDS IN PLAIN SIGHT The farm and ranch community are inherently proactive and aware that hazardous atmospheres exist. However, these conditions continue to remain in traditional and non-traditional workplaces and are often ignored with catastrophic results. It is the lack of training and experience for those working in a potentially explosive atmosphere that is creating the likelihood for disaster in seemingly safe environments. At CANARY, we are part of the ground-floor hazardous locations awareness planning that enables companies to ensure that their operations are functioning safely and that old and new explosion risks are properly addressed through education.
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