Owning a horse is a dream for many children growing up and for the lucky ones, becomes reality in adulthood. Some youths may have been inspired by driving in the country with their parents and catching a glimpse of these beautiful creatures peacefully grazing in a pasture. Maybe "horse fever" grabbed them at a pony ride at a birthday party. Perhaps it was a county fair when petting a horse's silky muzzle for the first time and feeling its breath like a warm wave washing over them and knowing, at last, they found a true connection. Moments likes these are what inspire the goal of horse ownership and here are ten of the best things about owning a horse:

1. Unconditional love and companionship. Horses are social animals who form strong bonds with their humans. Owning a horse means having a constant companion who will always be there to greet you at the barn door.
2. Adventure and excitement. Horses can take you on all sorts of adventures, from leisurely trail rides to thrilling competitions. There's nothing quite like the feeling of galloping through a field on horseback or soaring over a jump.
3. A sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Owning a horse is a big responsibility, but it's also incredibly rewarding. When you put in the hard work to care for and train your horse, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment that's hard to beat.
4. Physical and mental health benefits. Riding horses is a great way to get exercise and fresh air. It's also been shown to have a number of mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood.
5. A connection to nature. Horses are creatures of nature, and owning a horse means getting to spend time outdoors. Whether you're riding through the woods or simply grooming your horse in the barn, you'll feel a sense of connection to the natural world.
6. A chance to learn and grow. Horses can teach us so much about ourselves and the world around us. They can teach us about patience, responsibility, and teamwork. They can also teach us how to trust and communicate with another living being.
7. A sense of community. The horse world is a close-knit community, and owning a horse gives you the opportunity to meet and connect with other people who share your passion for horses.
8. A lifetime of memories. Horses are special creatures who can bring us so much joy. Owning a horse means creating a lifetime of memories that you'll cherish forever.
9. A beautiful creature to admire. Horses are simply beautiful creatures. Their graceful movements and powerful presence are truly awe-inspiring.
10. A source of unconditional love. Horses love unconditionally. They don't care about your appearance, your social status, or your bank account. They simply love you for who you are.

If you're considering owning a horse, be sure to do your research and make sure you're ready for the commitment. But if you're willing to put in the work, owning a horse can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Be safe and enjoy the ride!

There are lots of interesting articles in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

By Nick Pernokas

You probably noticed those old boots over in the corner. Leaning up against that canvas suitcase like an old dog begging for one more road trip. Orange tops. Black bottoms. Yeah, I know, not to everybody’s taste. They suit mine though and fit just as well. They should, because they are the only pair of custom boots I’ve ever had made. In 25 years, they’ve literally traveled around the world. From the subways of Paris to the dusty Ojinaga streets, from Los Angeles to Calgary. And they still look great, if I knock the dust off them. But this story is not about my boots, but rather about where they came from.

At the age of 10, Debby Matthews lived in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her dad, John Matthews, liked Quarter Horses and the family had several that he’d bought in Texas. The Quarter Horse show industry was booming then and like a lot of horse-crazy kids from that time period, Debby started showing horses. John sought out local horsemen to help his daughter and one of these was a man named Dick Griffith. Dick was a six-time World Champion Trick Rider from the days when it was a tough competitive rodeo event. He was also a two-time World Champion Bull Rider. During Dick Griffith’s career, he mastered more tricks than any other trick rider. He was noted for his grit and flamboyance. John and Dick became good friends.

Dick Griffith was teaching trick riding at his ranch, and Debby spent a lot of time there while he was coaching other students.

“I was in absolute awe of this kind-hearted man,” remembers Debby.

Debby spent hours riding in the arena and in the desert with Dick.

“I was hooked immediately on trick riding, and it was from the master himself that I learned the basics,” says Debby.

The Matthews family became more involved with the booming Quarter Horse industry. A few years later, in the 1960s, the family moved to Texas, and Debby’s father partnered with famed horse trainer Lanham Riley on a ranch outside of Aledo. Debby grew up with Lanham’s kids and was very close to the family. Debby continued to compete in horse shows, and had a halter horse and a pleasure horse. Her dad had bought the halter gelding from the King Ranch, and both Debby and Lanham were successful at showing him in the halter classes. Debby also competed in barrel racing in high school and college. Debby, and her classmates at Weatherford College in Weatherford, Texas, motivated the college president to reinstate their college rodeo program.

Debby had an artistic streak as well and started drawing when she was 18.

In 1978, after spending a couple of years in Colorado, Debby moved back to Texas. An encounter with an old friend and neighbor, Jan Warvelle, led to a new opportunity for Debby. Jim and Jan Warvelle and their daughters were a successful contract act that appeared in Wild West Shows and rodeos. They specialized in Roman riding and Jim Warvelle did a lot of trick riding. The Warvelles were also friends with legendary trick roper Montie Montana Jr.

Montie was getting ready to take Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show to England, but he needed more trick riders. Jan knew that Debby had done some trick riding and asked her if she was interested in going to England. Debby was worried that she might be a little rusty, but Jan polished her technique and taught her some new ones. Jan showed her a variety of strap, balance and ground work tricks that Debby added to her repertoire. The Warvelles also taught her Roman riding. When the troupe left for England in July of 1978, Debby was with them.

“I felt guilty getting paid because it was something I’d wanted to do my whole life,” laughs Debby.

The show was successful and performed for 30 days at Wembley Stadium. In 1979, they traveled to Shira Hama, Japan. Additional tours to Singapore and Las Vegas followed.

Debby continued to trick ride until the late Eighties, appearing at rodeos like the Fort Worth Stock Show and private contracted events. She also went to work as an art designer for Western Media in 1983, which was a division of the Quarter Horse News. Debby put together magazine ads for other publications as well as the QHN, product catalogs, fliers and horse sales catalogues. She also flexed her artistic ability through doing drawings and commissions for horsemen in her spare time. One of her Western Media accounts was a catalog for Mercedes Boot Company. Mercedes, which had been started by Rod Patrick in 1975, had just been purchased by well-known horseman and horse show judge, George Sossamon. One thing led to another, and in 1989, George and Debby were married. Debby left her art design job and went to work helping George with the boot company.

Read more: Mercedes Boot Company: A Legacy of Horsemen

When single Mom Angelina introduced her young daughters to horses she had no idea that the life journey would land them on a mountain top 15-acre farm in New Hampshire, USA. The cuddly toy horse she gifted her eldest daughter when the now renowned horsewoman Ashley turned five, was greeted with delight.

“You bought me a pony!” Ashley said with excitement. Well, not quite. A real equine critter was not waiting outside tied up with a birthday bow. That was to come later, along with a lifelong love of horses for both of Angelina Natale’s then young children, that started out with riding lessons at a local barn and ponies in the garage.

“We lived in a ranch style house in Massachusetts in a country setting on a quiet back road. While I had been fortunate to ride and had a love of horses from a young age, a bad fall suspended my time with horses at my mother’s behest. My passion for horses was not to be indulged. My mother was frightened by the reality that people can and do get seriously hurt riding horses,” explains Angelina.

As time passed and her daughters, Ashley and her younger sister Gabi became infatuated with all things equine, Angelina didn’t hesitate to convert their attached garage to stall space for ponies, much to the bemusement of her neighbors.

The close bond with horses enjoyed by the three women grew as they grew, and it wasn’t long before Ashley bloomed into a talented saddle seat competitor who loved to show.

“Even at the tender age of five at her first show on a lesson pony, Ashley loved to be in the ring and compete. Gabi would come along and play with her toy horses, and later she too began taking lessons,” Angelina says proudly.

It wasn’t long before the inevitable happened and both girls had their own mounts. Gabi receiving her equine partner Tory when Mom presented the critter all wrapped up in Christmas paper with a bow.

The young equestrians would soon work their way into advanced show circuits.

“Running about on multiple show circuits, 2 girls on 3 different circuits at one point, as a single, working mom with two girls competing was a lot of work. But it was all worth it. We had started with a motley collection of horses but that didn’t matter. Soon we outgrew the garage ‘barn’, and we boarded the horses at a nearby stable. Though it was wonderfully convenient being able to go do barn chores by opening the interior garage door and walking in to do night checks in your pajamas in those early days.”

The challenge of juggling working life with raising two horse crazy kids and fulfilling their dreams to be out on the road showing horses at the highest levels was not an easy one to accomplish. The girls scored some impressive wins including Gabi’s achievements in advanced competition, included trips to successfully compete at the prestigious “Worlds” competitions following multiple Hi-Point Championships including in stock paint and pinto divisions.

Read more: The Inspirational Tale of Angelina Natale

Tuscany, Italy, can be considered one of the most beautiful places in the world and is a great setting for vacationing on horseback. First, let’s explore a bit about the history of Tuscany.

Tuscany is a region in central Italy, located in the west-central part of the country. It is bordered by the regions of Liguria to the north-west, Emilia-Romagna to the north, Marche to the east, Umbria to the south-east, Lazio to the south, and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west.

The history of Tuscany is long and complex. The region was first inhabited by the Etruscans, a mysterious people who left behind a rich culture and many archaeological sites. The Etruscans were conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, and Tuscany became an important part of the Roman Empire.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Tuscany was ruled by a succession of different peoples, including the Ostrogoths, the Lombards, and the Franks. In the 11th century, the region began to emerge as a political entity, with the rise of city-states such as Florence, Pisa, and Siena.

The Renaissance, which began in Tuscany in the 14th century, was a time of great cultural and artistic florescence in the region. Many of the world's most famous artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli, were born and worked in Tuscany during this period.

In the 18th century, Tuscany was ruled by the House of Lorraine. In 1861, Tuscany became part of the Kingdom of Italy. Today, Tuscany is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful scenery, its rich history and culture, and its delicious food. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Tuscany include Florence, Pisa, Siena, and the Chianti region.

Here are some of the key events in the history of Tuscany:

• 1000 BC: The Etruscans settle in Tuscany.
• 351 BC: Tuscany is conquered by Rome.
• 476 AD: The fall of the Roman Empire.
• 11th century: The rise of the city-states of Florence, Pisa, and Siena.
• 14th century: The Renaissance begins in Tuscany.
• 1861: Tuscany becomes part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Horseback riding vacations in Tuscany, Italy offer a variety of benefits, including:

• Exploring the stunning countryside: Tuscany is known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress-lined roads, which are all perfect for horseback riding. You can explore the countryside at your own pace, taking in the scenery and wildlife.
• Learning about Italian culture: Horseback riding is a popular activity in Italy, and you can learn about the country's equestrian traditions from your guide. You may also get to visit some of the region's historical landmarks, such as castles and churches.
• Getting some exercise: Horseback riding is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. It's also a low-impact activity that's gentle on your joints.
• Bonding with animals: Horses are gentle and intelligent creatures, and bonding with them can be a rewarding experience. You'll learn to trust and respect your horse, and they'll teach you patience and compassion.
• Releasing stress: Horseback riding is a great way to relax and de-stress. The rhythmic motion of the horse can help to calm your mind and body, and the fresh air and scenery can help you to clear your head.

Read more: Spend Your Horseback Riding Vacation in Tuscany, Italy!

We love watching television Westerns and wanted to offer our top 10 selections. We learned that in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, the Western craze began to fade to make room for other genres. Some point out that a reason for this is that Westerns are often seen as a nostalgic look at a bygone era, and it can be difficult for modern audiences to relate to the characters and stories. They are also very expensive to produce and often require large casts, expensive sets, and elaborate costumes. This can make them a risky proposition for studios, especially in an era where audiences are increasingly demanding high-quality television. However, with the immense popularity of Yellowstone, there is still a tremendous interest in Western programming. Here is our list, beginning with the earlies to the most current series.

1. The Lone Ranger (1949-1957) The Lone Ranger is an American Western media franchise centered on a masked vigilante who fights for justice in the Old West. The character originated in a radio series that aired from 1933 to 1954, and has since been adapted into numerous films, television series, comic books, and other media. It starred Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels as Tonto (although today the word Tonto would not be used to name a character due to the pejorative implications).

The series is set in the American Old West and follows the adventures of the Lone Ranger and Tonto as they fight for justice. The Lone Ranger is a masked man who rides a white horse named Silver. He is accompanied by Tonto, a Native American who is known for his wisecracks and his skill with tracking.

The Lone Ranger character has also been featured in numerous films and television series, including the 1956 film The Lone Ranger, the 1981 television series The Legend of the Lone Ranger, and the 2013 film The Lone Ranger.

2. Gunsmoke (1955-1975) This show is the longest-running primetime, live-action series with the highest number of scripted episodes for any U.S. prime-time television series of the 20th century.

The series is set in Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1870s, and stars James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, a U.S. marshal who is tasked with keeping the peace in the town. The show also features Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode, Dillon's deputy, and Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty, the owner of the Long Branch Saloon.

Gunsmoke was praised for its realistic portrayal of the Old West, its strong characters, and its well-written scripts. It was also a commercial success, becoming one of the most popular television shows of its era.

The show's popularity can be attributed to a number of factors. First, it was well-made and well-acted. The scripts were tight and the characters were well-developed. Second, the show was set in a time and place that was familiar to many viewers. The Old West was a time of great adventure and excitement, and Gunsmoke captured that sense of excitement. Third, the show was family-friendly. It was not violent or graphic, and it could be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Gunsmoke is considered to be one of the greatest Western television series ever made. It is a classic show that has stood the test of time. If you are a fan of Westerns or television history, then Gunsmoke is definitely worth checking out.

3. The Rifleman (1958-1963) Chuck Connors starred as Lucas McCain, a widowed Civil War veteran and sharpshooter raising his son Mark McCain (Johnny Crawford) on their ranch in the New Mexico territory. It was one of the first primetime series on US television to show a single parent raising a child.

The Rifleman was a popular show, and it was one of the most-watched television programs of the late 1950s and early 1960s. The show was praised for its strong characters, its family-friendly storylines, and its beautiful cinematography. The Rifleman was also notable for its use of Native American actors, which was rare for a Western show at the time.

The show's popularity can be attributed to a number of factors. First, the relationship between Lucas and Mark McCain was a heartwarming and relatable one. They were a close-knit family who always supported each other, and they always did the right thing. Second, the show was set in a time and place that was familiar to many viewers. The Wild West was a time of great adventure and excitement, and The Rifleman captured that sense of excitement. Third, the show was family-friendly. It was not violent or graphic, and it could be enjoyed by people of all ages.

4. Rawhide (1959-1965) This series shows the challenges faced by the drovers of a cattle drive. Most episodes are introduced with a monologue by Gil Favor (Eric Fleming), trail boss. In a typical Rawhide story, the drovers come upon people on the trail and involve themselves in other people's affairs, usually encountering various corrupt individuals. Many times, one or more of the crew ventures into a nearby town and encounter some trouble from crooked townspeople or lawless politicians from whom they need to be rescued. Rowdy Yates (Clint Eastwood) was young and at times impetuous in the earliest episodes, and Favor had to keep a tight rein on him.

This show may be best remembered for the young Clint Eastwood, who went onto an illustrious film career which included The Outlaw Josey Wales and Unforgiven, also in the Western genre.

Rawhide was a popular show, and it was one of the most-watched television programs of the early 1960s. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of the Old West, its strong characters, and its well-written scripts. Rawhide was also notable for its use of Native American actors, which was rare for a Western show at the time.

5. Bonanza (1959-1973) This family drama centered on the Cartwrights, a wealthy ranching family in the 1860s who live in the Ponderosa Ranch near Virginia City, Nevada. It is the second-longest-running Western series on U.S. network television (behind Gunsmoke), lasting 14 seasons. The Cartwright family is made up of patriarch Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene), and his three sons: Adam (Pernell Roberts), Hoss (Dan Blocker), and Little Joe (Michael Landon, who later starred in Little House on the Prairie). The show follows the family as they deal with the challenges of ranching, as well as the conflicts that arise from the changing times.

Bonanza was a popular show, and it was one of the most-watched television programs of the 1960s. The show was praised for its strong characters, its family-friendly storylines, and its beautiful cinematography. Bonanza was also notable for its use of Native American actors, which was rare for a Western show at the time.

The show's popularity can be attributed to a number of factors. First, the Cartwright family was a likable and relatable bunch.

They were a close-knit family who always supported each other, and they always did the right thing. Second, the show was set in a time and place that was familiar to many viewers. The Wild West was a time of great adventure and excitement, and Bonanza captured that sense of excitement. Third, the show was family-friendly. It was not violent or graphic, and it could be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Bonanza is considered to be one of the greatest Western television series ever made. It is a classic show that has stood the test of time. If you are a fan of Westerns or television history, then Bonanza is definitely worth watching.

6. Maverick (1957-1962) This was a lighthearted series which starred James Garner as Bret Maverick, a gambler and con artist who travels the Old West with his brother Bart Maverick (Jack Kelly).

The series was created by Roy Huggins and produced by Warner Brothers Television. It was one of the first Westerns to be filmed in color, and it was also one of the first to use a six-camera setup, which allowed for more realistic action sequences. Maverick was a popular show, and it was one of the most-watched television programs of the late 1950s. The show was praised for its humor, its light-hearted take on the Western genre, and its performances by Garner and Kelly. Maverick was also notable for its use of guest stars, which included many popular actors of the time, such as Clint Eastwood, Henry Fonda, and James Coburn.

The show's popularity can be attributed to a number of factors. First, the show was set in a time and place that was familiar to many viewers. The Old West was a time of great adventure and excitement, and Maverick captured that sense of excitement. Second, the show had strong characters who were relatable to viewers. Bret Maverick was a charming and likable rogue, while Bart Maverick was a more serious and responsible brother. Third, the show had humor that appealed to viewers of all ages.

7. The Wild Wild West (1965-1969) This show starred Robert Conrad as James West, a Secret Service agent, and Ross Martin as Artemus Gordon, a gadgeteer and master of disguise.

The series was created by Michael Garrison and produced by CBS Television. It was one of the first Westerns to be filmed in color, and it was also one of the first to use a six-camera setup, which allowed for more realistic action sequences.

The Wild Wild West was a popular show, and it was one of the most-watched television programs of the late 1960s. The show was praised for its suspenseful plots, its stylish visuals, and its humor. The Wild Wild West was also notable for its use of science fiction elements, such as robots and laser guns.

The show's popularity can be attributed to a number of factors. First, the show was set in a time and place that was familiar to many viewers. The Old West was a time of great adventure and excitement, and The Wild Wild West captured that sense of excitement. Second, the show had strong characters who were relatable to viewers. West was a handsome and charming hero, while Gordon was a wisecracking and resourceful sidekick. Third, the show had suspenseful plots that kept viewers guessing until the very end.

8. Big Valley (1965-1969) The series is set on the fictional Barkley Ranch in Stockton, California, from 1884 to 1888. The one-hour episodes follow the lives of the Barkley family, one of the wealthiest and largest ranch-owning families in Stockton, led by matriarch Victoria Barkley (Barbara Stanwyck), her sons Jarrod (Richard Long) and Nick (Peter Breck), daughter Audra (Linda Evans), and their half-brother Heath (Lee Majors).

The Big Valley was a groundbreaking show for its time. It was one of the first Westerns to feature a strong female lead, and it also featured a diverse cast of characters. The show was praised for its storytelling, acting, and production values. It has been cited as an influence on many other Westerns, including Deadwood and Longmire.

9. Deadwood (2004-2006) This American Western drama television series was created by David Milch that aired on HBO from 2004 to 2006. Milch’s television credits also include Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, and NYPD Blue. He was a thoroughbred racehorse owner and was co-owner of the 1992 Breeders' Cup Juvenile with the colt Gilded Time. Milch owned outright Val Royal who captured the 2001 Breeders' Cup Mile.

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The series is set in the 1870s in Deadwood, South Dakota, a lawless town that is quickly growing into a city. The show follows the lives of the people who live in Deadwood, including lawmen, prostitutes, businessmen, and outlaws.

The series is known for its complex characters, its realistic portrayal of the Old West, and its sharp dialogue. It has been praised by critics and viewers alike, and it has won numerous awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards.

10. Yellowstone (2018- Present ) The series stars Kevin Costner as John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family, who controls the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. The series follows the conflicts along the shared borders of the Yellowstone Ranch, a large cattle ranch, the Broken Rock Indian reservation, Yellowstone National Park and land developers.

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The main setting of the show, the Yellowstone Ranch, is actually the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana. The ranch is a working cattle ranch and was homesteaded in 1880. It is located in the Bitterroot Valley, which is a beautiful and rugged part of Montana.

Yellowstone is a modern Western that explores themes of family, loyalty, and the American dream. It is a violent and suspenseful show, but it is also a visually stunning and emotionally resonant one. If you are a fan of Westerns or family dramas, then Yellowstone is definitely worth watching.

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

By Nick Pernokas

Forty-five-year-old Carlos Macias was raised in the small town of Elk Grove, California. This urban setting in a non-horsy family wasn’t the background that most people would think of for a cowboy. Carlos received a nudge in that direction from an aunt who was involved in “The Painted Ladies,” a drill team that performed at rodeos. She put him on his first horse when he was little and let him ride in some of the parades that she was performing in.

It was a while before fate intervened again. In 1989, Lonesome Dove premiered on TV and Carlos was captivated by the story. He began to think about really riding horses. By 1992, when he was 14, Carlos was cleaning stalls at a local ranch in return for learning to ride. An old mustanger named Jerry Lamb also worked there, and he put Carlos on a few colts.

“It was the old ‘teach a kid how to swim by throwing him in the pool’ deal,” laughs Carlos.

Garth Brooks was on the radio in the early Nineties, singing about rodeo, and cowboys were attractive to a boy searching for his identity. Carlos’s high school had an AG program and some of the students participated in high school rodeo. Soon, Carlos was riding bareback broncs at the rodeos. He competed in high school rodeo from his sophomore through his senior year.

“I was never really good at it,” says Carlos. “It landed me in the hospital a couple of times.”

In his senior year, Carlos took advantage of an internship program that allowed students to leave classes early to work in a field of their choosing. Carlos worked for a local cutting horse trainer, Ed Murphy, who helped him advance his horsemanship tremendously. Although Ed was training cutting horses at the time, he had been born and raised in Tonopah, Nevada, and he had a reverence for the ways of the Nevada buckaroo.

“That’s where I learned about the whole buckaroo thing and from there it just kind of started the fire.”

When Carlos graduated from high school in 1995, he headed to Bozeman, Montana, and enrolled at Montana State University for the fall semester.

Carlos attended MSU for a year, but the nightlife proved to be a distraction.

“I did a lot of growing.”

Carlos really wanted a cowboy-type job, so he went to work for an outfitter near Belgrade, Montana. The outfitter packed a lot of hunters into the back country and he bred Belgians, Andalusians and Quarter Horses to provide a big-boned remuda that was up to the task. There were a lot of colts to work with. Carlos lived there for a year and a half, even though he was still technically in school. He also started working for Pete Melniker at Double Diamond Halter in Gallatin Gateway, Montana.

Double Diamond made a handtied halter and lead that was very popular with equine clinicians. Pete provided an introduction for Carlos into the world of some of his customers. These were folks like Buck Brannaman, Peter Campbell, Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt. Being around these types of people spurred Carlos on to develop his own training and horsemanship in the style that they were advocating. The clinicians also emphasized the type of gear that they used, as well as the importance of quality tack.

“It was in the lineage of Tom Dorrance’s way of horsemanship because all of those guys were directly or indirectly, disciples of Tom Dorrance.”

Carlos was able to apply their methods in his own work with the colts that he was training at the outfitters.

Read more: Carlos Macias: The Lost Buckaroo

By Nick Pernokas

Tim Bishop was raised in the small, eastern New Mexico town of Logan. Tim’s high school had only 13 in his graduating class. In this rural ranching community, there were only a few choices in lifestyle for a teenager. Tim chose the most attractive one to him which was the western one.

“Everybody wore boots,” Tim remembers fondly.

Tim’s dad retired from the military in Logan and the family lived in town. Tim fell in with some of the ranch kids and was introduced to that lifestyle at a young age. One ranch family in particular, the Keiths, became his lifelong friends. The Keiths had a small saddle shop on their ranch. When Tim wasn’t helping them work cattle, he would be watching Melvin Keith build ranch saddles.

“I’d go stay with them every chance I got,” says Tim.

During high school, Tim day worked on some of the local ranches. Boots were more than a cool piece of wardrobe; they were an important tool of the trade. Tim paid attention to what a lot of the older cowboys wore on their feet. The younger cowboys wore store bought boots like Sanders and Panhandle Slim, but many of the old timers wore custom boots like Blucher and Paul Bond. The mental notes would pay off later. When Tim graduated in 1985, he got a job with the historic Tequesquite Ranch.

As time passed, Tim moved on and cowboyed on several outfits. With time on his hands at night, Tim learned to fix his own saddle and build his own leggings. By 1987, Tim was riding pens in the feed yards at Gruver, Texas. Amarillo was the closest large city to do business in. When Tim got in to Amarillo, he would always stop in Bob Marrs’ saddle shop and soak up the smell and the knowledge that circulated there. Tim also stopped by TSTI in Amarillo, and was inspired by the classes in saddle making that were offered.

Tim ordered his first pair of custom boots from Paul Bond in Nogales, while he was working in Gruver. They were a cowboy fashion statement with 18-inch bright green tops, a black waxed calf vamp with a 2 ¼-inch under slung riding heel and a round toe. He called one day to see how they were coming along. Paul answered the phone and in the course of the conversation, Paul offered Tim a job in his boot shop. Within two weeks, Tim was in Nogales working for Paul and Chris Bennett in the shop.

“It sure did open my eyes.”

Eventually, Tim became homesick for the ranches of northern New Mexico and ended up back on a ranch there. In 1989, Tim went to work for a construction crew that went all over the country burying cable. Later, he returned to New Mexico with his fiancée, Brenda, and took a job with the county.

“I’ve been all over, but I always seem to gravitate back here.”

Tim began building a few saddles in his garage in his free time. Marriage followed in 1990, and Tim started thinking seriously about a job that he would like; one that wouldn’t be so far away from the cowboy life, but a little more stable. In 1992, Tim saw an ad in an equine magazine for the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Oklahoma. A visit to the saddle shop at Okmulgee followed. Tim really liked the instructor, Mike DeWitt, and felt like he could pursue his interests in saddles and cowboy gear there. By just taking the shop classes, Tim was able to cram an almost two-year curriculum into 10 months.

In 1993, Tim opened his own saddle shop in Tucumcari, New Mexico. He took any jobs he could and he made a lot of belts for New Mexico State Police officers. Boat tarp and flip-flop repairs came in from the area lakes. He continued to supplement his income by day working on the ranches outside of town. Tim realized that there were a lot of saddlemakers in the county, but not very many boot repairmen. He decided to move into the boot business.

“It was something I‘d been interested in all of my life.”

In 1994, Tim’s daughter, Bethany, was born and in 1997, the Bishops had a son, Wyatt. Both of Tim’s children frequently worked in the shop. His daughter was good at tearing down repair saddles, but didn’t pursue leatherwork as a career. Wyatt still lends Tim a hand in the shop from time to time, but he’s gone into the bit and spurmaking business under the name of Wyatt Bishop Silver Work.

Read more: Tim Bishop: Just What He Wants to Do

1. The Black Stallion (1979) A young boy named Alec befriends a wild black stallion after it washes up on shore near his home. The two of them form a bond and go on an adventure together. EIE Insight: We voraciously read all of Walter Farley's books and the cinematography in this movie is spectacular.

Read more: EIE Chooses the Top 10 Horse Movies

This is a fascinating bit of history for the West Village in New York city and throughout the buroughs. Click the audio button to hear the story.

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The boot-scraper #history #nyc

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