Bar S ~ A Stable Full of

Horse Heroes

*Stories continued from previous post about the rent horses, who each deserve a few words of recognition.

Snip and Junior

Snip and Junior have to be remembered together because they were ALWAYS together. These two horses were the most inseparable best friends I've ever known, and I caught my first glimpse of the depth of a horse’s loyalty through them. Squatty little buckskin Junior and sway-backed sorrel Snip were almost always sent on rides together. On the rare occasion that they needed to be apart it was quite an event to separate them. If Snip got sent on a ride without Junior, Snip’s return would inevitably bring Junior to the gate with an enthusiastic nicker. A lone ride by Junior would likewise end with a welcoming neigh from Snip upon his return. The depth of their connection to each other is something I will never forget.

Smith

Smith was the first horse I got to ride at Bar S. I remember when I was first granted that long-awaited permission to tag along as a helper on a trail ride, and I was told to ride the teddy-bear like bay quarter horse. Smith had an adorable big white star in the middle of his forehead, and was plain and simple a very good boy. A good “test horse” to assess someone’s riding ability, Smith would do anything asked of him but walk sedately if not asked for anything.

Brownie and Blackie

Brownie and Blackie were a pair also, though not nearly as inseparable as Smith and Junior. It was more like Brownie and Blackie could relate to each other as only old men can, and would go have cigars together if they could. They were both older kids’ horses that seemed to know the significance of their responsibility, so always took good care of their young charges.

Scotch

If Scotch were a human, he probably would drink scotch, and plenty of it; it's just the way he is! A dark butterscotch-colored palomino, Scotch seemed almost cynical. He was a VERY well-fed, stocky quarter horse who we would often pair with riders of the same scotch-drinking demeanor. His sarcasm was almost tangible when a large man would heave himself onto Scotch’s back. Scotch's sweet side was not to be denied, however, and he worked his way into the hearts of many. Scotch gave me my first taste of a horse with a sense of humor.

Yuma

Yuma was a beautiful Roman-nosed black horse with an exotically frizzy mane and tail. Yuma was trustworthy, smart, and stubborn. He knew what he wanted, why he wanted it, and how to get it. You could almost see him thinking, and he seemed to disdain those other horses he deemed dumber than him. Yuma taught me not to underestimate the intelligence or will of a horse.

Yuma