Western Horse Review Jan/Feb 2023

BY MIKE EDGAR

BY NICK SHIPLEY

Vol. 30 No. 1

JANUARY/FEBRUARY EDITORIAL

editorial@westernhorsereview.com

Publishers

Clay & Jenn Webster Editor

Jenn Webster

Art Direction and Production

Kendra Roberts

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Accounting

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Contributors

BAR XP PHOTO

Mike Edgar

Gina Flewelling

Johnny Hawkins

Robin Laurenson

Debbie MacRae

Lee McLean

Makayla Milan

Monique Noble

One World Drone

Nick Shipley

Amanda Ubell

A podcast created by Teddi Jevne and Jenn Webster, as a division of Western Horse Review magazine. In each episode, Jevne interviews various individuals of the horse industry and holds in-depth conversations about everything from breeding horses, to western lifestyle and design, food of the west and training tips. Come for the stories and professional tips, stay for the chemistry and intellectual journey of host, Teddi Jevne.

TAKES YOU

From trail rides, to overnight trips into the backcountry, take Weaver Leather horse tack on your next ride. Weaver Leather handcrafted leather and nylon equine products are designed to enhance the performance of both the horse and the rider. Available online and in-store at 20+ Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack locations. Live your own west.

contents

Out West

8 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

10 LEAD LINE

In 2023, we celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagons.

12 OUT WEST

A rural poem by author, Gina Flewelling.

14 OUT WEST

Life in the country isn’t always easy. Here are a few thoughts on maintaining mental wellness for the young and old alike.

16

FACEBOOK FEEDBACK

We found a meme that speaks to equestrians everywhere. Here’s how the WHR readership responded.

16

WESTERN INSIDER

An iconic Banff, AB, store well known for his Canadian heritage wares, will shutter its doors in 2023; and Netflix cancels Heartland.

Western Culture

17 GEAR & STYLE

These unique finds will get your 2023 going in the right direction.

18 GOOD WORK

Gina Flewelling is a rancher, horsewoman, author and one punchy poet.

20 WESTERN FOODIE

Call them tostadas, giant nachos or simply a spectacular alternative to your regular Super Bowl snack. However you coin them, this platter is life-changing.

24 HOMESTEADING 101

Composting horse manure is no different than traditional composting methods. Here are some tips for improving your barnyard and the planet.

Features

30 RAISED RIGHT

Young Jack and Casey Emerson are two entrepreneurs with their sights set on promoting the cowboy way of life.

34 THE HORSES OF SKIJOR

Meet five of the biggest-hearted equines on snow.

40 RESTORED & RE-PURPOSED

The McCook family knew they were purchasing a fixer-upper when they bought a barn with a lot of history. Here’s how they preserved it.

42 IMMORTALIZING THE AGRICULTURAL WEST

Jason McKay of One World Drone is bringing new life to agricultural social media.

46 SWEET IN THE SADDLE

In honour of Valentine’s Day, we bring you the love ` story of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.

50 BACK FORTY

Lee McLean and Mike McLean go on their first ever, holiday.

on the cover

Kamilia Grabinski preps for a skijor practice.

Photo by One World Drone.

Ralynn Michels

Tara McKenzie Fotos

6 GREEN FLAGS INDICATING GOOD THINGS AHEAD

I’m just going to go ahead and say it. Covid 19 may have been one of the best things to ever happen to the horse industry. I remember being very afraid early in 2020, thinking that the horse business was about to crash. I mean, if people were losing their jobs, how would they afford to use their discretionary income for a hobby like horses?

I’m glad my fears never came to fruition. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

People flocked to horses like never before. Craving the freedom and mental wellness that only equines can deliver, people bought horses. Or bought more horses. And when events opened up again, they hauled to the show arena with a vengeance. (Much like revenge travel is happening now all across the globe…) Revenge showing? Is that a thing??

I think so.

Shows and events everywhere seem to be thriving, with record entry and attendance numbers. Whether it’s reining, rodeo or skijoring or something else. Case in point, the recent skijor exhibition in Banff, AB, held on January 28, 2023 brought out thousands of people to watch. Western Horse Review collaborated with One World Drone (story on page 42) on that day and the Instagram content we were able to capture from it has reached the stratosphere in terms of social media metrics.

Speaking of social media – the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) recently unveiled something else that’s pretty cool. Partnering with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), social media followers will get to select the Nutrena Horse of the Year Fan Favourite, presented by AQHA. The contest features seven outstanding registered Quarter Horses who were named 2022 Horse of the Year in each of the PRCA and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s timed-event categories. The goal of the awards are to provide recognition to ProRodeo’s top timed-event horses, and build on that recognition. Winners will each earn $5,000 and coveted titles as favoured timed-event horses.

Next, the Calgary Stampede will celebrate 100 years of chuckwagon racing this year with the Cowboys Rangeland Derby. Beginning in 1923 with a purse of $275 over five days of racing, the event has evolved to nine nightly heats, 27 drivers, outriders and 162 horses vying for over two million dollars worth of prize money.

Then in the 2021 Economic Impact Study conducted recently by the Alberta Equestrian Federation, the diverse mix of equine activities in the province of Alberta was discovered to make a significant financial contribution to the province. Findings

indicated that the total economic impact of the equine community in terms of gross domestic product, amounted to $1.356 billion in 2021.

All good things and green flags to look forward to for the year.

Of course, with all this good news, comes some bad.

Inflation isn’t only affecting grocery stores these days. With all the increased enthusiasm for horses, the price to purchase a good one has also greatly increased. In some aspects, there’s additionally the matter of supply meeting the demand. If you have a good mount and you’ve been considering selling – you may want to rethink your decision at this time. You know the saying, “Don’t sell your saddle…”?

I suppose however, there’s even some good news for that too… Second-hand stores for equine equipment have been popping up in many places. So, if you really need to get rid of that saddle, or you’re over the idea of paying too much for new items, horse owners can find cost relief in equine essentials at places like Rein It In Consignment (Calgary, AB), The Tack Collector (Calgary, AB) or Frayed Knot Western Consignment (Olds, AB).

As a mother of two horse-crazy kids, quickly growing out of their old gear, this is some good news I’m ecstatic about.

Jenn Webster

~

Faythe Webster

My daughter recently gifted me with this digital art piece she did, from an old image of me and my mare, MS Tyson Chic N Nic. The mare now belongs to my son.

Leadline

Debuting in 1923, the Calgary Stampede made history with the launch of chuckwagon races – then known as the “Cowboys’ Chuck-Wagon Races.” Guy Weadick originally introduced the sport to the Calgary Stampede and together, they offered $275 in prize money, over five days of racing.

Since then, the races have evolved in many ways, greatly attributing in the Stampede’s iconic success. In 2023, the event will celebrate 100 years of the competition with the Cowboys Rangeland Derby and an exciting year ahead is pledged!

The Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction kicks off April 13, 2023

and there will be 27 drivers upon which to bid. Throughout 2023, the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon committee also promises to dig through the archives and share many stories from the past century – all in celebration of the thrilling sport and its western heritage.

Then, be there this July 7-16, 2023 to witness all the thrilling action 100 years has created. Watch nine nightly heats, 27 drivers, outriders and 162 horses vie for prize money and bragging rights – in an event like nothing else on earth.

~ Jenn Webster

PRAIRIE CONVERSATIONS

The prairies have been talking, I heard them the other day. When I was on my horse out walking, They had a lot to say.

The grass told me it was dry, And needed a drink to survive. A few blades said they might die, A few said they would revive.

The sage smelt sweet as always, But said it would take over the grass. Then be useless for cattle to graze, But pleasant to ride past.

Some rocks were in a pile, And said they must remain that way. Just as they’d been for a long while, To honor life from a lost day.

When different people lived here, And it was buffalo instead of beef. The prairies were listened to with revere, I heard all this with great belief.

Now it’s the rancher’s job to listen close, And care for the prairie without pity. To stick with her through the highs and lows, Because you can’t hear her from the city.

Poem by Gina Flewelling Photo by Makayla Milan

WE DO THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY

Our western lifestyle affords us the luxury of slowing things down and pulling back from the speedway of the urban culture. We thrive on self-reliance, the outdoors and physical work. But sometimes those elements have their downside.

Often we live miles away from the grocery store, the doctor, or the bank. Winter storms and wild weather take their toll on man and beast – and equipment. Many hours are spent toiling in frigid temperatures plowing snow, repairing waterers or weeding the garden in the hot sun.

The children feel it too. School bus rides are lengthy and mornings are early. Distances between friends are miles, not minutes. And everyone can use a well-deserved break – from physical stressors, finances, and basic day-today pressure.

It can be simple. Children gravitate to empty boxes, fidgets, role-play and the newest sensory attraction; Slime. It stimulates the senses, enhances motor skills, introduces basic chemistry and enhances awareness. Creativity and focus are the key elements, and this type of play replaces computer and television screen time.

Adults tend to gravitate to more complex conduits; the garden, seeding, watering, weeding, and nurturing growth, appreciating the fruits of their labours; driving down back country roads; checking the landscape, watching wildlife, taking it slow; rodeos, with their heart-racing competitions, physical contests and sensory stimulation, or conversely, wrapping one’s self into a thick, sherpa blanket and curling up with a glass of wine and WHR.

And then there is the back-country… the quiet of solitude; the whiff of charred spruce in a wood-burning stove; the crackle of combustion as the flames lick up a new log. The quiet is consoling, the flames are mesmerizing, and the experience is wholesome, fostering a sense of survival and revival.

Whatever your outlet, those fascinations generate a host of beneficial reactions. Neurotransmitters trigger endorphins, which, in turn trigger activity, a sense of gratification and well-being. They may initiate romance and stimulate a variety of new relationships and experiences.

Whatever your medium, the release of endorphins may assist in reducing depression, regulating your appetite, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving your overall self-image. Enjoy the ride. Take the backroads.

~ By Debbie MacRae

One World Drone

Western e

FACEBOOK FEEDBACK

We recently posted this hilariously true meme and WHR readers couldn’t agree more! Here’s what you had to say:

Describes my day today! ”

~Rachel Herbert

I know… “I’ll be right back” doesn’t cut it around here either!

Ha! Mine’s “Just gotta throw out some extra hay before I leave.” Then of course, I’m late getting wherever lol

~Lynne Barber Lucas

That was my sister, Colleen Beckett Andersen as a kid when there were dishes to be done.

HUDSON’S BAY, BANFF, AB, TO CLOSE

~Ken. Donna Powell

That may also be Contagious!!!

~Cindy Sergerie

I never estimate time out there ,you’re done when you’re done! And everything takes longer now in Utah, with all the recent rain then snow now below average cold!

My record was 7 hours. Ha!

~Jayne Lapper

Lol How is that toxic?

~Shannon Coers

Yep yep time just gets away from me!!”

The iconic Hudson’s Bay Banff, AB, store will be closing its doors forever in 2023. Originally opening in 1935 in a location called Caribou Corner, The Bay moved to its current location at 125 Banff Avenue in 1947. For visitors or residents of the mountain town, The Bay has been a mainstay for over 80 years. A place to purchase clothing, linens, kitchenware or more.

The Bay’s point blankets and multistriped products have become symbolic of Canada and the company and are very popular with folks in the western lifestyle. Sadly, the decision to close the Banff location reflects market changes and the company’s vision for the future. The store will close this August 2023.

HEARTLAND LEAVING NETFLIX CANADA

Seasons 1-15 of the Canadian television drama series Heartland, will be leaving Netflix Canada in March 2023. The show is expected to remain on Netflix in other regions, but will reside exclusively on CBC Gem in Canada. Heartland

is a popular TV series featuring the main character of Amy Fleming, who is a talented horse trainer. The show debuted in 2007 and has since released 16 seasons and 249 episodes. Heartland is filmed in southern Alberta,

~Sandy Ridge Stallion Station

“

“

~Robin Cikowski

~Gary Chambers

Some innovative products, guaranteed to start 2023 off right.

RE-PURPOSED WITH WESTERN TWANG

ZIPPER BROKEN? NO PROBLEM!

With this easy-to-use Fix zipper you can repair split zippers, broken sliders and up to three missing zipper teeth. For jeans, pants, coats, horse blankets and more. Honestly – how brilliant is this?

$20 www.parllpasion.com

One-of-kind, re-upholstered, re-freshed, reloved, vintage furniture with a ranchy, western twang is exactly what Atwood At Home offers. This “Bucking Bronc” ottoman / coffee table is custom designed and is 36” diameter x 21” high. Whiskey not included.

$400] @atwood.at.home

HOMETOWN HUNTERS

This book collection is aimed towards readers aged 8 to 14 and intended to get kids off video games.

If you’ve got a child interested in hunting and the outdoors, the Hometown Hunters series is for them.

$55 lanewalkerbooks.ca

TUMBLEWEED BRAND

Tumbleweed Brand crafts handmade jewelry and accessories, perfect for the western chic lifestyle. Choose from numerous designs – cow hide cut-outs, to leather feathers or fringe tassels. All guaranteed to sass up your cowgirl outfit just a little more!

www.tumbleweedbrand.ca

GETTIN’ HITCHED

Are you or someone you know getting married soon? This wedding planner is everything you need to help plan your dream cowgirl wedding. Made exclusively by Turquoise Hill.

$50 US turquoisehilldesigns.com

One Ranchy Writer

Gina Flewelling – Rancher, Horsewoman, Author and Poet.

By KIRK PRESCOTT BAR XP PHOTO

From ranching to writing, Gina Flewelling has put her hands to work in the most authentic and creative, cowgirl pursuits. Originally from Lacombe, Alberta, Flewelling grew-up ranching, rodeoing, and writing. For as long as she can remember, Flewelling has been drawn to the world of training horses and her passion for prose began the day that she learned to rhyme. Despite the demands of farming, ranching, and rodeoing, Flewelling consciously makes time to document her journey with skill and grace. Putting pen to paper in an authentic, engaging manner continues to motivate her daily. Flewelling’s recent publications have readers of all disciplines turning the pages and eagerly waiting for more.

A rodeo scholarship took Flewelling to Eastern New Mexico University in 2010. Here, she continued to develop her love of horse related sports and immersed herself deeper in the writing craft. Returning home and moving to Gem, Alberta, Flewelling continues to enjoy marketing quality horses and competing in barrel racing/team roping jackpots, while farming/ranching with family. Most significantly, Flewelling

has expanded her passion for writing and has personally published two unique pieces, with more on the way!

The Kindness of It All, Flewelling’s first novel, is raw with emotion and rich in reality. Through a fictional character, Charlie Hyde, the novel details an incredible life journey in the agricultural and western industry of Alberta. At the core of this refreshing and engaging read there are thoughts and realities that appeal to a varied audience. From an eager, carefree boy to a methodical, outspoken old man, Charlie’s tale is full of adventure, trials, love, and learning. Describing the main character and sharing a few thoughts, Flewelling has the following to share:

“Charlie Hyde is a good ol’ Alberta boy. Charming, genuine, and hard working. He likes to let loose, and he lives in the present. He is the son of a farmer and, although he craves adventure, he knows he will carry on the family tradition of working with livestock and making a living in the western industry. He can’t imagine any other way of life. As he grows older and his life views are challenged through hardships, he begins to see the growing opposition to everything he has ever worked for,” explains Flewelling.

“Not only is his lifestyle misunderstood, it is actively demonized

in modern culture and fought against. Charlie doesn’t just ask himself why this is – he takes action. Sometimes, the best way to give your side of the story is to simply tell it from start to finish. All of the good and all of the bad. Charlie speaks the truth of his story and leaves the interpretation up to the audience which is a refreshing break in a world that seems to be constantly pushing a personal agenda.”

Flewelling’s first novel has been incredibly well received and her authentic approach blends well with the fictional platform she’s generated to deliver this tale. Reader reviews certainly mirror an appreciation of Flewelling’s talent. Their words speak for themselves:

“My cheeks are sore from smiling because I am smiling at almost every line I read. There are so many characters and plot turns that have me just in love with this book. You are so talented Gina; it’s absolutely blowing my mind – and I’m not surprised it’s so good… it’s just I had no idea what to expect and this is just filling my heart.” –

Dana M

Discussion around The Kindness of It All has spread like wildfire on numerous social media platforms. Rave reviews of the text and well-loved copies of the novel have been shared repeatedly. Without doubt, Flewelling’s pages develop bold kinship among all who read them, especially those close to the agricultural industry and western world.

“It sounds cliché to describe this story as beautiful, but there aren’t any other words I can think of. This story is written from a voice that is raw and emotional. I loved the way this book spoke about grief and broke your heart one moment and then had you grinning, ear to ear, the next. I appreciated the way this book spoke about death and aging. This is a book you’ll finish and keep thinking about. My point is, read the book... It’s damn good!” – Rae

W

Ranch Girl Rhymes, Flewelling’s second composition, was released in December 2022. Divergent from her first work, this anthology is a poetry/coffee table book that will leave you with a smile. Flewelling was inspired to share the day-day musings of ranch life among other words of wisdom. This collection of poems speaks volumes in short-order and entertains whimsically. In Flewelling’s words:

“I’ve always felt the need to record my life and times. Now welcome to my newest chapter: Ranch Girl Rhymes. I’ll always write my perspective; wherever I may roam. And I pray, dear reader, that you find yourself in a poem. May you smile or laugh, may you think of a loved one. May you slow down to enjoy a poem after your work is done. That’s my wish for you, dear reader, that’s my one true intention.

Ranch Girl Rhymes was meant for everyone so please enjoy this collection.”

As you navigate the collection, Flewelling’s thoughts entertain and enlighten. While each piece will captivate you in its own way, one of Flewelling’s personal favorites is a piece entitled Prairie Conversations.

Q)

What/who inspires you as a writer and where is your most creative space?

There are a lot of mundane moments in my routine when I’m working in the feedlot. Chores definitely get repetitive. It’s always in these moments that my best ideas come to me. I usually get an idea for a poem when I’m outside working and then I will write the poem on my phone. When I get ideas for a novel, I have to quickly jot down the gist of it and then let the idea ruminate while I wait to get back to my computer. As far as the people who inspire me, the list is endless. I’m lucky to come from a family of smart, hardworking, dedicated people. They’re probably my biggest source of inspiration because they all make me want to be my best. And at the end of the day, what more can we really wish to accomplish other than making our families proud.

Q) How do you feel literacy impacts our agricultural sector and western industry?

I think that most people just want to feel seen. They want to be understood and properly represented. If I can provide a literary space that allows the agricultural sector and western industry to feel as though someone portrayed a piece of who they are, then I will be happy.

Q) What are some of the greatest challenges that you face as a writer and how do you balance your time as a rancher/writer?

Probably the biggest challenge I face as a writer is to believe in myself. It can be hard to believe that I’m good enough. When I first published my novel, I was worried that no one would want to read it. When I’m questioning myself like that, I rely on my love of the craft. I truly love the process. That’s why I make time for it with my work schedule, too. If I love something enough, I’ll make time. I might just have to wake up earlier.

Q ) What projects do you have in mind and what can readers look forward to next?

My first novel focused on the life of Charlie Hyde. In my next two novels, I am exploring the life of Charlie’s grandkids. I imagine the three novels to be like a series, but each book can also stand alone, if you haven’t read the previous one. I loved trying to dive into the past, to write Charlie’s story, but I’m excited to keep things more current, in the next two books. My second novel explores one of my favorite topics... Love. There is also a new setting and a new array of characters. But I don’t want to give away too many spoilers!

Q ) In your novel, what character is the most like you? What character is the least like you? How so?

Goodness, I sure had to think about this one! Tenille is a character in part three who is a vegan from California and she spends a lot of time on her phone. The whole point of bringing that character into the plot line was to demonstrate how far removed Charlie was beginning to feel from modern society. So, because of that, I purposely made her character hard to relate to. I definitely don’t have much in common with her. The character I feel most connected to, honestly, is Charlie – mainly because of his thoughtfulness. He’s also family oriented and he loves horses. He married a really great person that he loves a lot. Just like I’m about to do so!! WHR

Tostadas

By MIKE EDGAR PHOTOS BY JENN WEBSTER

Eat it as a snack, or a full meal. Either way, this recipe is life-changing.

It’s a tostada. It’s a giant nacho. It’s a spectacular alternative to your regular Super Bowl snack… Deep fried, into a bit of a “bowl” shape, this recipe is essentially an open-faced taco – which means, you can pile them high with all your favourite toppings. Topped with either barbecued chorizo or deep-fried buttermilk chicken, then caressed with avocado cream and pickled red onions, this insanely good, beyond satisfying meal pulls a lot of traditional Mexican flavours together .

CHORIZO TOSTADAS

2 Corn Tortillas

2 Chorizo Sausages

1/4 Cup Avocado Cream

1/4 Cup Roasted Tomato Salsa

1 Tbsp Pickled Red Onion

Handful Fresh Cilantro

Set your deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and fry tortillas for 45 seconds on each side. Drain and let rest on a paper towel. Cook the chorizo on a pre-heated grill until an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit is reached. Cut the chorizo into bite-sized pieces.

Place the crispy tostada on a serving platter and then spread a layer of avocado cream on top. Pile the chorizo on top of the avocado. Top the chorizo with the roasted tomato salsa and the pickled onions. Garnish with with fresh cilantro and enjoy!

FRIED CHICKEN TOSTADA

2 Corn Tortillas

1 Chicken Breast, Cut Into 10 Pieces

2 Cups Buttermilk

1 Cup All-Purpose Flour

1/4 Cup Avocado Cream

1/4 Cup Roasted Tomato Salsa

Pickled Red Onion

Fresh Cilantro

Your Favourite Hot Sauce

Submerge the cut chicken into the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Place the flour into a mixing bowl. Drain the buttermilk off the chicken and place the chicken into the flour, coating the chicken in the flour. Fry the chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for six minutes. Remove chicken from the oil and let any excess oil drain off. Toss the chicken in your favourite hot sauce and reserve for plating. Using the same deep fryer, fry your tortillas until crispy (same as you did for the chorizo tostada).

Place the crispy tostada on a serving platter and then spread a layer of avocado cream on top. Pile the sauced chicken on top of the avocado. Top with the roasted tomato salsa and pickled onions. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!

The chorizo sausage heats up on the barbecue.

ROASTED TOMATO SALSA

6 Roma Tomatoes, Cut in Half

2 Jalapeños, Seeded and Cut in Half

1 Small Yellow Onion, Peeled and Cut in Half

4 Cloves Garlic

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Cup Fresh Cilantro

Juice of 2 Limes

Pinch of Salt and Pepper

AVOCADO

CREAM

2 Avocados, Pitted

1/4 Cup Whipping Cream

1/2 Cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves

Juice of 3 Limes

Pinch of Salt and Black Pepper

Place all ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth.

PRO TIP FOR CUTTING AN AVOCADO

Pre-heat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, garlic with olive oil and roast in the oven until tender, which will be approximately 15 minutes. Let cool. Place roasted vegetables into a food processor with the cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper and pulse until you get your desired texture. I enjoy mine slightly chunky.

Once the vegetables are roasted, they are placed into a food processor with cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper and blended to become a chunky, homemade salsa.

Roma tomatoes, a yellow onion and jalapeños are cut in half, tossed in olive oil and placed into a pan for roasting in the oven.

Place your avocado on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice through lengthwise. Keep the knife steady as you rotate the avocado to make a cut all around the pit and simply twist both halves apart.

PICKLED RED ONION

1 Red Onion, Thinly Sliced

500 ml Red Wine Vinegar

1 Cup White Sugar

2 Tbsp Pickling Spice

Place the sliced onions into a heat-proof container. In a sauce pot, bring the vinegar, sugar, and pickling spice to a boil until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the pickling liquid over the onions, until they are fully submerged. Let the onions and liquid cool, then cover and refrigerate.

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.

Once the vegetables are roasted, they are placed into a food processor with cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper and blended to become a chunky, homemade salsa.

Composting

By NICK SHIPLEY

Compost material can be used as mulch, added to potting soil, worked into crop beds or mixed into garden beds. Whatever its use, turning regular barn waste into useable materials is a good idea for your farm and ultimately, for the planet.

Folks in the horse industry are very familiar with the concept of “Mount Manure” and by rights, the notion of composting. But did you know, there is a true art form to turning regular barn waste into other useable materials – and decomposing organic material for the betterment of our planet?

There is.

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Anything that grows decomposes eventually; composting simply speeds up the process by providing an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi and other helpers (such as worms, sowbugs, and nematodes) to do their work. The resulting decomposed matter, which often ends up looking like fertile garden soil, is called compost.

Fondly referred to by farmers as “black gold,” compost is rich in nutrients and can be used for gardening, horticulture and agriculture.

Organic discards can be processed in industrial-scale composting facilities, in smaller-scale community composting systems and in anaerobic digesters – among other options. This article focuses primarily on home composting, which is a great way to keep your organic discards out of the waste stream and produce a valuable soil amendment for your own use.

BENEFITS OF COMPOSTING Reduces the Waste Stream

Composting is a great way to recycle the organic waste we generate at home or in our barns. Not only is food waste a large part of the garbage that hits land fills, but processing it, is costly. Countries spend billions of dollars each year on waste management. Composting at home allows us to divert some of that waste from landfills, into something practical for our yards.

Cuts Methane Emissions From Landfills

Typically when organic matter decomposes, it undergoes aerobic decomposition, meaning that it’s broken down by

microorganisms which require oxygen. When compostable waste goes to a landfill, it gets buried under massive amounts of other trash, cutting off a regular supply of oxygen for the decomposers. The waste then ends up undergoing anaerobic decomposition, being broken down by organisms that can live without free-flowing oxygen. During anaerobic decomposition, biogas (a gaseous fuel) is created as a by-product. This biogas is roughly 50% methane 50% carbon dioxide – both of which are potent greenhouse gases.

Improves Soil Health and Lessens Erosion

Compost is an essential tool for improving large-scale agricultural systems. Compost contains key nutrients needed by garden crops: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It also includes traces of other essential elements like calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Instead of relying on synthetic fertilizers, composting offers a natural alternative. Compost helps to increase soil’s water retention capacity, productivity and resiliency.

Conserves Water

Agriculture is a major consumer of water in the world, so how can compost help? The water-retaining capacities of soil increase with the addition of organic matter. In fact, for each 1% increase in soil, organic matter will help soil to hold 20,000 gallons of water per acre. By using compost to foster healthy soil, farm-

ers do not have to use as much water and can still have higher yields compared with farming with degraded soil.

Reduces Personal Food Waste

Consumers are responsible for a staggering amount of wasted food. Even though we do everything possible to decrease food waste, there will still be food scraps that cannot be consumed (for instance, a banana peel). Composting is a great way to recycle those discards instead of tossing them in the trash.

Types of Home Composting

Composting can be done both indoors and outdoors and can be as complicated or as simple as you would like. The best way for you to compost at home depends on several factors:

· Where you live / availability of space.

· How much organic waste you produce.

· What kind of organic waste you produce (kitchen, yard or barn waste).

· Amount of time you can spend on the composting process.

There are two main types of backyard composting: cold (also known as passive composting) and hot (also called active composting).

Cold composting breaks down organic matter slowly, but it also takes the least amount of effort and maintenance. Anything organic decomposes eventually; cold composting is just letting Mother

Turn your manure pile into a cold compost and the resulting by-product is something that can be useful in your garden within six months.

Nature do her job with minimal intervention on your part. You do not need to worry about the ratio of compost ingredients, aerate regularly, or monitor moisture levels. Cold composting is the best process if you have little organic waste to compost and not much time to tend to the process – and if you are not in a hurry for finished compost. However, depending on what kind of cold method you use, it can take one to two years before you get usable compost. Additionally, a cold composting process will most likely not reach a high enough temperature during decomposition to kill off pathogens, so depending on what you’ve put in the pile, there may be some lingering harmful pathogenic bacteria, fungi, protozoa, worms and other parasites as well as weed seeds in your finished product. A cold composting process is primarily anaerobic, meaning that your discards are broken down by microorganisms that thrive in an oxygen-deprived environment. In addition to being slower to break down, cold piles may be smellier or wetter than hot piles.

Hot composting is a faster, but more managed, compost process. This method requires attention to keep carbon and nitrogen in the optimum ratio to decompose organic waste. It also requires the right balance of air and water to attract the organisms that thrive in an oxygenrich environment. Under ideal conditions, you could have the final compost product in under a year. If managed correctly, the high temperature of the pile will destroy most weeds, plant diseases, pesticides, and herbicides, plus any bug larvae or eggs.

HOW TO COMPOST Compost Ingredients

Organisms that decompose organic waste need four key elements to thrive: nitrogen, carbon, air and water. Since all compostable materials contain carbon, with varying amounts of nitrogen, composting successfully is just a matter of using the right combination of materials to achieve the best ratio and maintaining the right amounts of air and water to yield the best results. The ideal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio for a compost pile is 25 to 30 parts carbon for every one part nitrogen. If your pile has too

much carbon-rich material, it will be drier and take longer to break down. Too much nitrogen-rich material can end up creating a slimy, wet and smelly compost pile. Fortunately, these problems are easily remedied by adding carbon-rich or nitrogen-rich material as needed.

“Greens” for Nitrogen

Nitrogen is one of the basic building blocks of life and it is essential in both plants and animals. A higher nitrogen-tocarbon ratio is most commonly found in fresh organic material (often referred to as greens). Having plenty of greens in your compost pile makes sure the decomposers can grow and reproduce quickly. Some household greens you can add to your home compost pile are fresh grass clippings, food scraps and coffee grounds.

“Browns” for Carbon

Another essential compound for all life forms is carbon, higher proportions of which can be found in brown plant material. Carbon acts as a food source for decomposers, it’s needed to keep them alive while they break down waste. Typical browns you can add to a compost pile include dead leaves, branches, twigs and paper. To achieve the best carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in your home compost, a rule of thumb is to put in two to four parts brown materials for every one part green materials.

Oxygen and Water

Finally, like any other living organism, decomposers need oxygen and water to survive. To ensure a faster home composting process, you will need to make sure your compost system has the right amount of air and water. As mentioned above, if you are not in a rush for finished compost, you do not have to maintain your waste; the decomposition will still take place, just at a much slower pace. Optimal air flow can be achieved by layering materials, making sure your materials are in small pieces (ideally no thicker than a finger), and turning piles regularly (or adding another type of aeration system like air tubes). As for water, the ideally moist household compost pile will be about as wet as a wrung-out sponge. If you are including food waste in your pile, it’s likely it will be wet enough, but if not, just add water.

Temperature

Hot composting is achieved when the balance of greens, browns, air and water creates ideal conditions for aerobic organisms to thrive. The optimal peak temperature for aerobic composting is 130F-140F, which occurs when aerobic macro and microorganisms are breaking down waste and reproducing at a fast rate. This high temperature also kills any lingering bacteria or weed seeds.

Compost piles can be as small or large as you would like. Compost bins are designed to speed up the decomposition of organic matter through proper aeration and moisture retention.

Consistent Aeration

Aeration encourages an aerobic environment, which helps to speed up the composting process and reduce odours (your neighbours will thank you). It is recommended you turn your pile (or rotate your tumbler) around once a week during summer and at minimum once every three to four weeks in winter. You can also add piping or large sticks to help increase natural airflow.

Maintaining Moisture

Moisture is essential for composting. Too dry a pile may cause the composting process to slow down. Too wet a pile may create an anaerobic environment, which can cause bad odours and also slow down decomposition. Water your pile (or add more wet materials) if it becomes too dry, and add carbon-heavy browns if it becomes too wet.

Size

A three-foot cube is the ideal size for a compost bin or pile. You need a large volume of waste to be able to produce a high enough temperature for aerobic organisms to thrive. However, piles larger than five cubic feet are not likely to allow enough air to reach the decomposers at the center; they may also be harder to turn. Chop up larger pieces of food or yard scraps before adding to your bin or pile. The smaller the pieces, the quicker the decomposition process will be. A good rule is not to include anything thicker than a finger.

For people who own horse farms, the compost pile (also known as “Mount Manure”) will likely be much larger. Manure piles are always considered a cold compost, which means they break down in about a year or two. If you want to speed that up, you can add straw or bedding every few weeks and add water. These piles also require regular turning. This will make the bacteria aerobic and active and the resulting by-product can be used in the garden within six months.

Location

The ideal compost location is a dry and shady spot. Avoid placing your pile or bin under eaves or places with poor drainage, or else the compost may get too soggy. To start your pile, add alternating thin layers of greens and browns, ending

with a layer of browns. (You can keep adding materials over time until you reach the optimal height of 3 feet.) Wet the compost pile if needed, as you layer. Then leave the pile alone for four days to allow initial decomposition to begin, after which you can regularly aerate your pile or bin by turning with a pitchfork or garden fork (or tractor in the case of a manure pile) and regularly monitor the moisture level.

WHAT CAN BE COMPOSTED?

• Cardboard

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Eggshells

• Fireplace ashes

• Fruits and vegetables

• Grass clippings (although be careful of placing these on a manure compost, if horses can access it)

• Hair and fur

• Hay and straw

• Houseplants

• Leaves

• Newspaper

• Nutshells

• Paper (uncoated)

• Sawdust / Woodchips / Shavings

• Tea bags

• Yard trimmings

SHOULD NOT BE COMPOSTED

• Black Walnut tree leaves or twigs

• Coal

• Diseased or insect-ridden plants

• Fats / Grease / Lard

• Meat or fish bones (attracts rodents or predators)

• Dog or cat feces (may contain parasites, germs or viruses harmful to humans)

• Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides

IN THE NEXT EDITION

WESTERN HORSE REVIEW

SPRING FASHION, FOAL DISCLOSURE

Everything you need to know about equine babies. BRONC GIRLS AND MUCH MORE!

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RAISED RIGHT

Jack & Casey Emerson

By

With a passion for agriculture and ranching roots that run deep, Jack and Casey Emerson have their sights set on building a small business that highlights the importance of farming/ ranching and promotes the cowboy way of life. Jack (13) and Casey (9) enjoy all aspects of ranch life. Alongside their family, the Emerson brothers raise cattle in the Foothills region of Alberta. They take great pride in preserving their western heritage and plan to build their own herd, as soon as possible. From chopping firewood to selling swag, the Emerson brothers tackle most any task with gusto and grit. The boys started their business venture, The Alberta Ranch Kid apparel, when pandemic-based “home schooling” no longer captivated their full attention. Thirsty for a little more, Jack

and Casey decided to test the entrepreneurial waters of small business and expand their “real-life” skills.

Following in their mom’s footsteps, the boys learned about marketing a brand/product and offering a valuable service. Aspiring to make Alberta more cowboy again, one kid at a time, the boys are proud to see their apparel gaining popularity. From online orders to retail locations, Alberta Ranch Kid swag is popping up everywhere. The boys are busy little beavers, especially when it comes to filling apparel and firewood orders. Truly, the future of their venture looks promising, as winter weather settles in! Sit tall in your saddle as we share the thoughts of Jack and Casey Emerson – founders of The Alberta Ranch Kid.

KIRK PRESCOTT - BAR XP PHOTO

By the Western way of life

Q) What inspired you to start a small business and how did you choose your brand name?

We were inspired by the western lifestyle we live. Our mom and dad always include us, whether it’s teaching us how to drive tractor, roping calves in the branding pen, doctoring cows, or fixing fence. We want more kids to have these experiences and learn about what it takes to live rural. Alberta carries so much western history. We never want that to be forgotten. We want people to think Cowboy Country when they hear the word Alberta and that’s why we named our brand Alberta Ranch Kid.

Q) What products/services do you currently provide and what would you like to build into your portfolio?

We currently have our ball caps – that is our hottest seller. We bring in hoodies and toques seasonally. Perhaps, over the next year, we will add to our line with more apparel options.”

Q) What challenges have you faced, starting a small business and building a brand?

During the pandemic we often ran into back orders on popular colors. It all has to do with warehouse availability. As we move away from that, we find that’s getting much better. We sometimes struggle with learning time management. In between school, a demanding hockey schedule and helping out on the ranch, we try to get orders out the door and delivered the best we can. Sometimes mom has to step in to help us out.

Q ) What have you enjoyed most, sharing your brand and helping others?

We really enjoy promoting this lifestyle and getting recognized for our accomplishments. It’s a pretty cool feeling when you’re somewhere and you see random people, of all ages, wearing your brand. The best part is you don’t have to be a cowboy to wear our hats. If you support the agricultural lifestyle, and want to learn about western heritage, then this brand is for you.

Q) What lessons have you learned, taking on this venture?

You have to spend money, and spend it wisely, to make money. My brother and I have been fortunate enough to have worked in the film industry and we were able to pull some cash together to start our business without having to go to the bank or mom and dad for financial help.

Q ) What goals do you have, as your business grows and your profits increase?

We would love to get our hats into more western stores in Alberta. If we could add another five stores to our wholesale list, this year, we could put some more funds into building up our very own small cow herd.

Q) What does being a cowboy/rancher mean to you?

It means being accountable and taking on the responsibility of more than just yourself. The respect we have for our animals and the land is important. We are proud to be fifth generation cowboys and love everything that being a cowboy stands for. WHR

THE HORSES OF SKIJOR

We’ve probably seen them many a time, but how well do we really know some of the most famous horses contending in skijor events? Here’s an introduction to five of the biggest-hearted equines on snow.

By Jenn Webster

Photo by Amanda Ubell

Monique Noble

BAR XP

Photo

Registered Name: MR ARTSY

2008 Bay

Thoroughbred Gelding

CLAIRE AND HARVEY AT THE CALGARY STAMPEDE SIDESADDLE RACE.

“Harvey Mushman” as he is known around his barn, has a very interesting history. Originally born in California, the gelding’s first career saw him racing at the Santa Anita track. As a four-yearold, he was brought up to Canada and raced on the chuckwagon circuit until age 12. It was then that the horse was deemed a bit too “unruly” and was sent on a trailer to the meatpacker plant.

Enter Claire Perks.

With some knowledge of the horse on board, Perks intercepted the trailer and managed to score

Harvey as her new sidesaddle racehorse. After teaching the gelding how to steer and stop, she took him to the 2019 Calgary Stampede for their inaugural side saddle race – and won. Since then, Harvey has been used for skijor events, cross-country jumping and gathering cows.

“Outside of racing, Harvey is a big puppy dog,” says Perks. “He loves to follow you around and investigate everything you are doing. If you stand beside him, he will wrap his head around you and hold you in a hug. Having a bad day? Go get a Harvey hug!”

Owned and ridden by Claire Perks, Okotoks, AB

Photo by @statikequine.

Harvey and Claire in a breakaway at the 2020 Skijordue.

Registered Name: STARTCHARGINGTROUBLE

2005, AQHA Buckskin Gelding

Ritz

GARY REMPEL AND RITZ WORKING PICK-UP DUTIES AT THE CALGARY STAMPEDE.

In

“I needed something solid to help wrangle, if needed. About half-way down the track, Ritz decided he didn’t want to be a pick-up horse in what was clearly a race. He opened up, ate ground and won it by a nose. I had no idea how fast he was!” Mitchell says.

Later that year, Rempel kindly agreed to let Mitchell’s employer buy Ritz and since then he’s been her goto horse for anything and everything.

“He’s as broke and honest as they come, will gallantly carry a child or beginner, but if I pull his cinch tight or try to hustle him I’d best have something important to do pronto –

or he will buck!”

Ritz’s main job now is looking after the boss, which he does impeccably. He also packs guests on mountain rides and helps Mitchell start youngsters.

“He’s a great uncle, calm and confident but he takes no guff from the colts and will swiftly reprimand any bad behaviour. I can turn him loose in the round pen when I first step on a colt and he’ll help me out, he always knows exactly where to be. He’s a huge asset to our program and I feel incredibly fortunate to have him in my care.”

In addition to being a skijor mount, Ritz is a highly skilled pick-up horse, polo mount, jumper and sidesaddle companion. He has worked the

Calgary Stampede as a pick-up horse with Gary Rempel. He won the 2017 Guy Weadick Days sidesaddle race and the 2018 Skijordue Alpine Lounge Race with Mitchell aboard. He has been ridden on hunts, (jumping cross country courses) and did so on the television show, Heartland (Season 11, episode 11 “Somewhere In Between”) for the character “Lisa.” And, as if his talents weren’t plentiful enough – Ritz also won the Best Playing Pony award in he and Mitchell’s first polo tournament (Ritz’s eighth chukker in life,) at the Black Diamond Polo Club, Bill Leslie Memorial Tournament.

Ridden by Sam Mitchell, Millarville, AB

2017, Sam Mitchell borrowed “Ritz” from pick-up man, Gary Rempel, to ride in a sidesaddle race.

Robin Laurenson

ABBA

She’s a ranch mount, a hunting horse, roping partner, kid’s horse and skijor extraordinaire. The gray mare owned and ridden by Kendall “Kenny” Miller, known as ABBA, has truly done it all.

“I got her as a two-year-old and since then, I’ve used her for ranch work, in the forestry and up in the hills working and roping cattle. She’s been everywhere and done everything. She’s just a gem,” says Miller.

“I’ve used ABBA for cougar hunting and she’s one of my main skijor horses as well. But now, my youngest daughter Paityn, has thieved her from me,” he laughs.

ABBA DOING HER RANCH WORK DUTIES IN THE FORESTRY.

SHOES

Miller does all his own farrier work. For skijoring, he shoes ABBA with St. Croix #1 plain shoes, with corks and poppers. The corks provide ABBA with the grip she needs to gallop down the snow, full-speed.

“The corks are basically the traction (like studding your tires) and I use the poppers for extra safety – plus it keeps her feet from balling up with snow,” Miller explains.

2014, Grade Gray Mare

Owned and ridden by Kendall Miller, Longview, AB

She does ranch work, carriers kids around, assists Miller during hunting season and is a seasoned skijor horse. ABBA truly does it all.

The palomino gelding seen often on a skijor course and known as “Hank,” hails “…from a wild cowboy herd in Longview, AB,” chuckles Kirk “Gongshow” Prescott.

At the tender age of six, Hank already has many experiences under his cinch. Prescott uses him for back country exploration as a photographer’s mount and packhorse. Hank also participates heavily in ranch work and skijor events.

The gelding has various nicknames, “…depending on his attitude of the day!” Prescott laughs again. For the most part, Hank is a super laid back-type ranch

Hankhorse, who will do anything at a laid back pace – until you add snow, skiers and soundtracks… or drones. Hank isn’t a big fan of drones.

SHOES

Fully shod, corked and pads all around.

Owned and ridden by Kirk Prescott, DeWinton, AB 2017, Grade Palomino Gelding

HANK “THE TANK” ASSISTS WITH MANY OF BAR XP PHOTO’S PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECTS.

Hank and Prescott on one of their backcountry adventures.

Jet is the quintessential ranch horse. Tyler originally gave him to his future wife, Rachel, as a “preengagement” birthday gift.

“He’s been part of our family since he was a weanling, he’s an important part of the team, and we use him for absolutely everything… Of course you have to marry a man who gives you the cutest baby horse in the world!” Rachel exclaims.

The Herberts use Jet for all aspects of ranch work – roping in the brand pen, moving cattle, checking fences, sorting, checking cows, packing mineral and anything else that needs to be done.

“He loves a good game, so he is up for anything and everything!

“He’ll chase a cow or a kid on a bike. He’s packed me around for lessons and ‘Ladies’ Nights’ (wine and barrel racing). In the last few years,

our kids have even started hauling him to town for breakaway roping at Junior High School Rodeo and now, this week, he’s been a champ at both heading and heeling practice. He had no idea he would ever be a rodeo horse in his old age!” says Rachel.

Nothing phases Jet. Rachel says that his riders can crack a bull whip from the saddle, or literally fly a kite off of his back and he remains nonplussed.

“He’ll pull anything – water troughs, electric fence, the calf sled, and skiers. Once he pulled a giant water trough across a pasture while our pre-school age kids rode in it, dressed up in tiger costumes growling and laughing. He is also the horse the kids take to town to carry a flag in the Nanton parade,” she chuckles.

“He’s been pulling the kids in a toboggan since they were babies. Now, for the last few years we’ve

built a skijoring track in our hayfield and he’ll gallop while they fly off the jumps on skis. Most memorable was our midnight skijoring under a full moon on New Year’s Eve during lockdown when we were celebrating with just our little family. He’s a part of all our best family memories.” WHR

Owned and ridden by Tyler Herbert, Nanton, AB 2003, AQHA Bay Gelding

“JET IS WAY TOO SMART. HE IS CHEEKY, DEMANDING, GETS INTO MISCHIEF, AND HAS A MIND OF HIS OWN.” - Rachel Herbert.

Jet and Tyler Herbert performing some ranch duties.

RESTORED & RE-PURPOSED

By Jenn Webster

Barn Reno BEFORE

WSandy McCook first purchased their rural, Ponoka, AB, property five years ago, their goals were to use it to fit up their young horses. Sandy and the couple’s daughter, Randi have shown Paint Horses for approximately 25 years, resulting in many memories and awards. These include both World and National championships and although the couple is slowing down a little bit in that regard, Sandy still craved her own, warm place to continue “dabbling” in the breeding, raising, training and showing of her beloved horses.

The property the McCook’s purchased had a house (originally built in 1928,) garage, pumphouse and shop – which they turned into a leather shop. It also had an outbuilding that was used as a barn. The barn still contained an old milking stanchion and a big loft.

sore,” explains McCook. “But also because the building itself was in relatively good condition and so by redoing it, we would prolong its life.”

At the time, they hadn’t considered renovating the inside, however they did reinforce it with a new tin roof. At this point, the McCooks had already re-done the house, garage and new leather shop, so everything was more ‘in line’ with the new look they had created for their yard.

“My husband did a lot of the work, but we also had a contractor named Ken Krause help a lot with the projects as well. Ken is now considered a friend and while he was there doing the outside of the barn, we had asked him his opinion on whether it would be possibly worth revamping the interior,” Sandy says.

“He felt like it was, so then when we got talking about it and Chuck and I felt like,

maybe it was just what we needed. I don’t show anymore but still like the babies and working with the youngsters. So, we decided to go ahead with the barn reno.”

Work on the barn renovation began in July of 2022. With Krause’s help, the McCooks repurposed as much as they could from the old structure.

“It had three, home-built stall dividers in it, so when we dismantled them, we saved the lumber and reused it all to rebuild the one divider that we would need [for broodmares and foals]. The rest, we used on the walls of the new stalls and along the alley way. We actually only had to buy approximately $450 worth of new planks, as we had all the rest here,” explains Sandy.

Sandy and Chuck did a lot of the work themselves, but Krause was in charge of the main parts of the remodel. This included the exterior and the construction part of the interior.

“Ken did the reconstruction. Chuck and

Photos courtesy of Sandy McCook

I did the SoftStall™ mats, all the staining/ painting, wiring, clean-up, and demolition, etc.,” she relays.

It only took approximately three weeks to get the building reconfigured and put back together. Of course, as it was an older building, the crew did hit some snags along the way...

“We had to shore up the support beam on the ceiling. Then, as the floor was done with old railway ties and when we removed them to see what was going on, we discovered the ground underneath had given way,” tells Sandy.

The group tore it all out, filled in the holes where the ground had sunk in and poured a new cement floor for the entire barn.

The only new materials used on the project were new tin on the ceiling and upper walls on the south-side of the barn, new (to code) electrical / lighting, cement, insulation and the wood for the stalls / tack room

IN PROGRESS

after

and feed area. Additionally, new windows were required. When all was said and done, the entire cost of the barn remodel was around the $30,000 mark.

“The tack room, feed area and west wall of the barn area was done with cedar that we already had. We tried to re-use anything we thought we could,” she says.

Originally the McCooks wanted to purchase stalls for their barn, with one containing a divider to open up wider for foaling. However, they realized the existing doors of the ba arn weren’t tall enough to move the stalls in, so they constructed their own.

The wire mesh used to reinforce the stall walls came from the old stalls. The crew put them back in and Sandy painted them black.

“I told Ken what I wanted for stall doors and he built them too,” she explains. “He also made the feed doors in the stall fronts too.”

The group rebuilt the barn doors, put-

ting insulation in both of them. The door they use everyday is a Dutch door and is super handy on good weather days.

“Because the ceiling is somewhat lower than it would have been had we built new, we used pot lights in the stalls and they are on a timer.”

The same lights exist in the alleyway, however these ones are not on a timer. Then as the barn didn’t have any windows on the front (north side), the crew put in two. – one in each stall to help bring in some natural light. They replaced the three original windows with new ones.

The couple did not require any permits to get the job done, due to the fact that they were improving an existing structure.

Says Sandy, “I really enjoy working with weanlings and yearlings and I really wanted somewhere warmer to work with the babies. Also, we still breed a couple mares every year, so if we ever need a safe place for them, now we have it.” WHR

The barn entrance doors weren’t tall enough for commercial stalls, so new ones were created.

Stalls begin to take shape. Restoring and reusing planks from the old stalls.

The McCooks decided to re-side the outside of the barn, mostly because it was an eye sore.

IMMORTALIZING THE AGRICULTURAL WEST

The world of videography, photography and social media is rapidly changing. The founder behind One World Drone has some ideas on how we can all keep up.

By Jenn Webster

McKay on location in the Calgary Stampede rodeo arena.

When Jason McKay graduated post secondary, he returned home to the Foothills, Alberta area and got a job with the local Municipal District. Already armed with his pilot’s license, McKay began a side-gig shooting aerial photos. It was something he was truly passionate about –focusing on local acreages and ranches and using his plane or a remote control helicopter to capture the images. However, the aerial photography wasn’t enough to provide him with full-time employment.

pursue the idea of live-streaming rodeo for productions.

“That’s when it really clicked for me,” McKay tells. “Knowing cameras and everything that goes into video production and editing. It was a great opportunity and I saw it as an chance to scale up for corporate value. Producing content, in real time. You didn’t need 20 people to put a production together because there’s YouTube and tech has come so far.”

Maintaining his MD position, McKay then purchased himself a drone.

From there, McKay got into ground cameras – investing in the highest quality Sony mirrorless camera he could afford. As luck would have it, McKay was able to accompany his wife, Candice, to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and got a rare view of the behind-the-scenes action of the event. In fact, the McKays were in attendance when fellow Albertan, Lindsay Sears and her super mare “Martha” won one of their Barrel Racing World Championships. Next, McKay had the chance to attend the Canadian Finals Rodeo and Road to the American. It gave him a unique opportunity and the good fortune to rub elbows with the likes of Trevor Brazile and other rodeo legends.

“Looking back, I wish I had the camera equipment I do now… There was so much culture there and it would have been really cool to capture it. What I loved about the people we met and the rodeo folks was how down to earth they were,” he says.

Fast-forward to 2015. Along with his wife, McKay began to

Unfortunately, the live-stream business model didn’t take off as he had hoped, but McKay still had his cameras and a knack for capturing the western lifestyle. He started picking up corporate clients and producing training videos. He began working with 2W Livestock Equipment in Nanton, AB, and created a video to help clients learn how to use the company’s cattle squeezes. He also got underway working with Lori Loree of Shotgun Weddings and executed the videography for corporate clients, while Loree produced the photos. These days, Jason and Candice have a seven-year-old daughter named Stella and they live on an acreage near Cayley, AB. It’s enough space to give Jason the room he needs for his aircraft and the western lifestyle his wife and daughter crave.

“Stella is a die-hard horse fanatic,” McKay laughs. “Dogs and horses. That’s where it’s at for her.”

With the wheels of his own enterprise now in motion, McKay has the equipment and the savvy to propel agriculture and the horse industry into the future. Here’s how he’s doing it.

SCROLLIN’, SCROLLIN’, SCROLLIN’…

Having been in the business for a decade ,there are several pieces of equipment that McKay relies on to brings his clients’ projects to life. Currently, he uses the Inspire 1 Pro aerial drone and the Mavic 2 Pro. His ground footage equipment includes a Sony A7iii, SonyA7ii and the DJI RS 2 Gimbal, as well as the Duzi 4 Slider – plus all the audio equipment required to compliment a great production. As he lives in a rural area, McKay says that Starlink internet has been a game changer for him, helping to increase the

Around 2010-2011, drones came out to the public. Everybody was buying them,” he recalls.

“So although it gave me a new edge for my aerial photography, again, I didn’t entirely have a viable, full-time business for myself.

Using the Sony A7iv, Sony A7iii, and Sony A7sii for extreme low light conditions, along with a fleet of G Master lenses, McKay is able to capture some amazing images.

speed and reliability at which he can complete projects for clients.

With his background as a pilot, becoming a drone operator was a natural transition for McKay and gives his business another distinctive feature. McKay possesses his Advanced Operator License, which allows him to fly the machines almost anywhere. To get the license, he had to pass a practical onsite exam in front of a Transport Canada inspector.

“I can operate downtown Calgary, or next to an airport because essentially, I am a professional drone operator too.”

He uses the drones as a tool for weddings and rodeos, but doesn’t solely focus on them as his main tangents of business.

“They are an extension of my operation, for sure, but I’m really focused on capturing agriculture in many different ways,” he explains. “So whether that be through video, or photos or images captured by drones – I love shooting it all.”

As if that weren’t enough, One World Drone also has the ability to do custom-framing, canvases or metal wall-art for clients who want an added touch.

Then, there’s the social media aspect of his business – recently, One World Drone hit the stratosphere in terms of impressions and engagement metrics. With over 26.5K followers and some of his individual reels reaching over one million views, McKay is clearly doing something right.

“I uploaded this video in the summer [of 2022] and the response was amazing. It was at a local branding and one of the cowgirls was dragging a calf in. There’s this point in the video where she looked over, directly at the camera. She was all business… That Instagram

reel has garnered over one million views…” McKay says.

Part of One World Drone’s success comes from McKay’s ability to recognize and isolate fantastic moments in time and choose appropriate music to support the video clip. So how does he choose the music he uses?

“Depends on what the day brings!” he chuckles.

“Sometimes a saddle bronc goes with a beat, so I use it. It also depends on the animals I’m shooting.”

With all his outings to western lifestyle events and the close proximity of his acreage to other southern Alberta ranches, McKay has gathered tens of thousands of photos. He uses a hybrid camera that allows him to swap back and forth between stills and video shots. And while he still posts the odd photo to Instagram, he says reels are the hot trend of the moment.

“I used to post photos, but I realized they were only getting 30-40 likes. Now that I’ve had some reels hit the half-million mark and more, that’s where I’m focusing my energy. It was a big wake up call to me,” he explains.

“Of course that’s likely to change again too but right now, people are just scrolling through their phones – looking for the most interesting content. And just when you think you understand the algorithm, things change again and it humbles you…”

Two years ago, Lori Loree reached out to McKay to see if he would like to join the Calgary Stampede Agricultural and Western Events Media Committee. For most of the ten-day July event, he videos numerous rodeo and agriculture events for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, including everything from heavy horses to

Capturing grit. McKays snaps a shot of some heavy horses contending in a pull at the Calgary Stampede.

saddle broncs and tractor pulls. His knowledge of the western lifestyle, combined with his social media presence and talents serves the event well.

Later in the year, One World Drone got the call to video the Canadian Country Music Awards, held at the Saddledome in Calgary, AB. Hosted by Tenille Townes and Blanco Brown, the event honoured 2022 achievements in Canadian country music. Again, McKay got a unique glance behind the scenes and the chance to interview some amazing country artists.

While the drones help McKay’s business stand out from others, they aren’t the entire focus of his operation. Still, One World Drone is licensed to operate almost anywhere.

“I love being self-employed and I really enjoy what I do,” he says. “It gives me the opportunity to be able to look after our daughter and go out to some really cool events.”

SWEET IN THE SADDLE

They rose from the depths of the Great Depression, both of them, in their teenage years. Their early family lives were transitional, and somewhat traumatic with both suffering losses due either to divorce and/or death. Including the joining of their union on New Year’s Eve 1947 at the Flying L Ranch in Davis, Oklahoma, they had tallied a total of seven marriages between them – but this one, this treasure, would endure. And with it, theirs would become an example of solidarity to western culture, matrimonial partnership and family – a tribute to the King and Queen of the western movie. Their lives, their partnership, their animals and their family have become national treasures of heritage. You know them as Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.

By DEBBIE MACRAE

He was born Leonard Franklin Slye, November 5, 1911. His father worked at a shoe factory and one day after pay day, brought home a horse, upon which Len would experience equine love and the basics of horsemanship. Len attended high school until his second year, at which time he realized his family needed his financial help. He went to work with his father and for some time, tried to attend school and work at the factory – but the candle doesn’t burn well at both ends, and Len was derided for falling asleep in class. He quit and never went back.

Working in the shoe factory, driving gravel truck and picking peaches in California, for Len (then aged 19), the realities and economics of the depression kick-started a new direction. At the urging of his sister, Mary, he struggled to overcome his shyness and auditioned for the Midnight Frolic radio program that aired in Inglewood, California, outside of Los Angeles. In a new western shirt, sewn for him by his sister, he sang and played his guitar – singing and yodelling as he had done on the farm with his mother. A few days later he joined the Rocky Mountaineer in August of 1931, performing at dances and small local theatres.

Working under his original name, Len Sly (without the “e”), he would go on to join the O-Bar-O Cowboys, The Pioneer Trio (who would become the memorable “Sons of the Pioneers” when a radio announcer remarked they were too young to be Pioneers), and Jack LeFevre and His Texas Outlaws.

Then in 1938, working in a Gene Autry movie, Len won a contest for a singing cowboy – and was rebranded with the more western sounding name, “Roy”, and referencing an established western entertainer “Will Rogers.” Roy Rogers was assigned a leading role Under Western Stars, and his career rocketed into major box-office competition with Gene Autry.

Although most B Westerns were in black and white, Rogers’ films were in TruColor. He became a children’s idol, as did his horse Trigger, who developed his own dedicated fan following.

In 1940, with uncanny marketing savvy, Rogers introduced a contract clause which gave him the exclusive rights to his name, likeness, and his voice for purposes of merchandising. From that evolved a series of comic books, action figures, toys, novels, children’s apparel and a chain of restaurants. Roy Rogers had established a sequence of marketing successes second only to Walt Disney, in the number of items carrying his name.

His personal life, however, was not as

stellar. He acquired a palomino colt which he would call Trigger, in California in 1932. In 1933, he married Lucile Ascolese, however, their marriage ended in divorce in 1936. In 1933, while performing in Roswell, New Mexico, a lady caller to the radio station offered to bake him a pie if he sang, “The Swiss Yodel.” They continued their correspondence and were married after his divorce in 1936.

After adopting a daughter, Cheryl, the couple had two more children, Linda Lou, and Roy, Jr. (Dusty), however, second wife, Grace “Arlene” died suddenly of an embolism from birthing complications several days later in November of 1946.

OPPOSITE PAGE: A Woman Photographs Trigger, Buttermilk and Bullet of Roy Rogers Fame at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in the Fort Worth Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas.

THIS PAGE: Dale Evans and Roy Rogers, 1953. CREDIT: Public Domain

HER STORY

Born as Frances Octavia Smith on October 31, 1912, Dale Evans too, had storied early beginnings. Her young life was spent significantly with her uncle, an internal medicine physician, in Arkansas. She eloped at 14 and had a son at the age of 15, her husband abandoning her and her child a year later. Pursuing a singing career in Kentucky and Tennessee, she sang and played the piano, landing jobs in jazz, swing and big band choruses with a variety of radio stations.

After her divorce in 1929, at 17, she married twice again between 1929 and 1946. In an effort, perhaps, to shield her from unnecessary criticism and market her talent, the 20th Century Fox studio had purposely promoted her as an unmarried supporting “sister,” to her teenaged brother Tommy –who was actually her own son. It would not be until her liaison with Roy Rogers, that she would dispel the deception and publicly acknowledge their true relationship.

The persona of Dale Evans took form

in the early 1930s at the suggestion of a station manager who felt she needed a short, attractive name with an easy pronunciation. She became a featured singer on the Edgar Bergen/Charlie McCarthy show.

She would meet Roy Rogers at Republic Studios in 1944 when they were cast together in their first film, Cowboy and the Senorita. Dale couldn’t ride when they first met, but with Roy’s encouragement, it wasn’t very long before she looked pretty sweet in the saddle.

In 1947, they filmed Home in Oklahoma, where Roy stars as the editor of a newspaper. When a rancher is murdered, his fortune is inherited by a young boy. Editor Roy helps bring the murderers to justice with the assistance of a big city news reporter, Dale Evans.

As their friendship grew, Rogers started inviting Evans to dinner and for drives to his ranch in Ventura County to visit his children. In September of 1947, he presented her with a token of their friendship – a friendship ring.

A month later, while sitting astride their horses during a rodeo at Chicago stadium, he

gave her a present she thought was for her birthday – a star ruby ring – but then he asked her, “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” which was also the title of a popular song with an underlying meaning – a proposal.

As the announcers broadcast their entrance, she responded, “Let me think about it,” galloping into the stadium.

They were married for the next 51 years, sealing their vows during a blizzard at the Flying L Ranch where they had filmed Home in Oklahoma. They would join their families, having one more child, Robin Elizabeth from their marriage, as well as adopting four more.

Roy Rogers had Chocktaw heritage on his mother’s side. Cheryl, (Rogers Barnett) had been adopted by Rogers and his second wife, Arlene. In pursuit of her biological parentage, Cheryl visited her former orphanage in Dallas, and met a seven-month-old child of Chocktaw heritage, named Mary Little Doe. Mary Little Doe made an impression on the Rogers family, and Cheryl told her she hoped she would find a good home with a family who loved her.

ABOVE: Trigger pictured doing one of his signature tricks. CREDIT: Public Domain.

After they returned home, baby Robin Elizabeth, (Roy and Dale’s only biological daughter) developed complications due to mumps. Robin had Down Syndrome. When they returned home, she died just before her second birthday. They were devastated and went to Dallas to visit family after Robin’s death.

While they were there, Roy said he wanted to go revisit the orphanage. Dale said she wasn’t ready, but she was willing to go. When they arrived, she went immediately to see if the little Chocktaw baby was still there. She was, and the agency, knowing that Roy had Native American heritage, arranged, and completed the adoption.

Dale ultimately wrote a book on Robin’s life, titled, Angel Unaware. Altogether they

had nine children, with the heartbreaking loss of three. Their adopted Korean daughter, Debbie perished in a bus accident at the age of 12 while on a church field trip, and their son, Sandy, died overseas while serving in the armed forces.

Together they showed the real power of love; making 88 movies, and 100 episodes of the Roy Rogers television show.

Roy was sponsored by Post Cereals with pictures on 2.5 billion boxes of cereal, honoured with three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; for motion pictures, radio and television. He was named Outstanding Indian Citizen of the Year. Rogers and Evans were inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, in 1976,

and Roy was inducted again in 1995 as a founding member of the Sons of the Pioneers.

As of August, 2022, Roy was the only person elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame twice; once as a member of the Sons of the Pioneers, and one again as a soloist. He received recognition from the State of Arkansas, and a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs California, (the Walk of Stars was dedicated to him and Dale.)

Theirs is a love-story of heartache, endurance, faith, and dedication. Dale wrote their signature song, “Happy Trails,” and it embodies the spirit with which they lived their lives; “Who cares about the clouds when we’re together, just sing a song and bring the sunny weather, Happy Trails to you… ’til we meet again.” WHR

The Rocky Mountaineers. A young Roy Rogers (originally born as “Leonard Franklin Slye”) is pictured bottom right.

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WHEN AH SAYS WHOA… AH MEANS WHOA!

By Lee McLean

Like any old chore team, Mike and I have grown used to throwing our weight into the collars and pushing on. Somehow, we have forgotten how to stop and relax.

We’ve just come back from our first vacation together in 39 years of married life. True story. When one leaves behind a moody senior Border Collie, a recalcitrant feed truck and a shoot to kill order on mortally injured livestock, you can’t just whisk away for a weekend of fun and sun. These things need planning, along with just the right person to which you’ll hand over the keys to the kingdom. Thank goodness for our son.

But soon, the day dawned where we packed up our bright new beach duds and found ourselves guests in a tropical paradise. I’ll purposely not say where we were, as it was a private island in southern turquoise waters. There was nary a wired-up gate, nor a pile of orange bale wrap, in sight.

The first morning saw Mike and I resolutely dressed and caffeinated at daybreak. We were ready for

something, though we’d no idea just what. By the seventh dawn, we were lazily rolling over and sleeping in. We grew uncaring of the outside world or the passing of time, shell seeking like children, snorkelling out amongst the tropical fishes and one day, even with dozens of reef sharks. I put effort only in improving my ability to mount a hammock gracefully. I’m quite proud of my results.

Mike learned to sail a boat and to paddle through the ocean while standing on a surf board. I wandered miles of beach, aimlessly, with only the company of the waves washing upon the white sand. Our alabaster skin gradually turned to a sunwarmed gold. I’m almost ashamed to say how little we wondered how things were faring back home. Turns out, everything was fine without us, as is almost always the case, should ever we dare to find out how

‘important’ we really are in the grand scheme.

When we returned home, I resolutely refused to swap out my flipflops until reaching the exit doors of the Calgary airport. Mike and I grew quiet over the icy drive home, but surprise! The dogs and cats were so happy to see us and it felt good to be back in the old house. Yes, the same repairs and jobs are still waiting to be done. Mike looked something of a stranger to me, back in his old Wranglers and plaid flannel shirt. But do you know what?

We learned that, horse or human, going forward is only one part. We still have to keep our good handle, should ever things get ‘western’… and when it comes down to it, knowing how to stop well matters every bit as much, as knowing how to run. WHR