Equestrian Ain't So Bad...

Hey Pards,

I've been watching/photographing/writing about a lot of equestrian events lately. I know they're not "western" in nature, but they involve horses and that's good enough for me. I just appreciate the power and grace of a horse soaring over big jumps in a Grand Prix or showjumping event.

The riders have been great to interview as well. From my experience so far, horse lovers are pretty much the same, no matter what the breed or discipline.

I guess I mean to say - I like horses and horse people.

What about you?

Lincoln

Don't let your horse come home without ya!

Humorous Equine Definitions

Hey Pards,

It's been waaaaaaay too long since I last posted, and for that I do apologize. To make up for it, I thought I would bring a smile along with me today. I found a website containing some horse "definitions" I thought were kinda funny (most of 'em, anyway). They include definitions like:

Barn Sour: An affliction common to horse people in northern climates during the winter months. Trudging through deep snow, pushing wheelbarrows through snow and beating out frozen water buckets tend to bring on this condition rapidly.

Endurance Ride: The end result when your horse spooks and runs away with you in the woods.

Feed: Expensive substance utilized in the manufacture of large quantities of manure.

You can find the rest here. I hope you enjoy!

Lincoln

"Don't let your horse come home without ya!"

Time Does Stand Still!

Image copyright, Lincoln Rogers.
All images on Lincoln Rogers' Blog are the property of Lincoln Rogers
and may not be copied and/or disseminatedwithout written permission from Lincoln Rogers.

The old saying says, "Time stands still for no man." I guess I beg to differ. At the age of 64 years old, a rodeo Hall of Fame steer wrestler placed first in the last round of his career. I don't know about you, but I'll be happy to just get on a horse when I'm 64, let alone wrestle a steer in 5.0 seconds.

Don't let your horse come home without ya!

Lincoln

--------------------

The following information is courtesy of the PRCA.

Steer wrestling icon Roy Duvall, the three-time world champion and ProRodeo Hall of Famer, ran the last steer of his career April 29. He went out on top, splitting first place in the round to cap off a record career.
Duvall, 64, entered the 40-and-over steer wrestling category at the Duvall Jackpot, a steer wrestling jackpot he began hosting in 1978. He decided his last run of the day would be the last run of his career, and he made it count, turfing the steer in 5.0 seconds.
“The first rodeo I ever entered was a junior rodeo and I placed at it, and then my last steer I ever ran, I placed on him, so that was a pretty good way to go out,” Duvall said.
Duvall holds PRCA records for the most National Finals Rodeo qualifications (24) in steer wrestling, the most consecutive qualifications (21), and was a member of the inaugural class of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979. He won world titles in 1967, 1969 and 1972.
Some of Duvall’s family was there to witness his final run. His brother, Bill, hazed for his runs, and Roy’s nephews, Sam and Spud, were watching close by. When Sam heard Roy had decided to make the run his final one, Spud said he took the announcer’s microphone and told the crowd of 600-800 people about Roy and his accomplishments.
“As he rode in, everybody was standing up,” Spud Duvall said. “And it was just like he used to be when he was in his prime – he got a good start and slammed one down and tied for first place in the round. The crowd went wild.”

Springtime!

Image copyright, Lincoln Rogers.

All images on Lincoln Rogers' Blog are the property of Lincoln Rogers

and may not be copied and/or disseminatedwithout written permission from Lincoln Rogers.

Hey Pards!

It's that time of year again. Yep... the time of year when it's finally all right to get outside and start enjoying all the things you love to do. In honor of the spring season, I'm posting a poem I wrote a while back about springtime in the West.

Hope you enjoy, and don't let your horse come home without ya!

Lincoln

Unbound
By Lincoln Rogers, © May 2003

It’s good to view the greening,
Bursting forth from soil and tree.
The scene does something for my soul,
Akin to setting this man free.

Could be the colors in my sight,
Or the smells that ride the breeze.
That stirs the surging in my veins,
And brings a weakness to my knees.

It gets my senses heeding nature,
The scent of sage and yucca flower.
Or the keening of a hawk,
High on his Ponderosa tower.

Surrounding me are rolling hills,
Cut deep with clefts throughout the land.
Just like the Good Lord put them there,
With but a finger of His hand.

Calves and foals dot field and meadow,
Hanging close beside their mothers.
A spark of life set in their eyes,
Reflecting in a thousand others.

Laden clouds teem like big Longhorn,
Wandering through a trail of sky.
When they drop their crystal liquid,
The sight can make this grown man cry.

Running noise of streams of water,
Echo from their swollen beds.
They’ve awakened from the winter,
Shaking sleep from babbling heads.

Rays of sunlight fill the valleys,
Staying later every day.
Telling deer to drop their fawn,
Inviting antelope to play.

Now I’m just a simple cowboy,
With a tongue most often tied.
But in the Spring of God’s creation,

My heart can’t keep this all inside.

Sacred

Image copyright, Lincoln Rogers.
All images on Lincoln Rogers' Blog are the property of Lincoln Rogers and may not be copied and/or disseminated
without written permission from Lincoln Rogers.

It was Easter yesterday. Although I missed posting before that sacred Holiday, I guess I can make up for it today.

I hope you had a great Easter and spent quality time with family and God.

Don't let your horse come home without ya!

LR

Poem - Morning Reflection

Hey Pards,

Thought I'd post another cowboy poem on this here blog. I hope you enjoy.

Don't let that horse come home without ya!

Lincoln

Morning Reflection
By Lincoln Rogers


Hello to you my friend, Big Red,
Nice to see you once again.
But I recall a Fall in Denver,
I thought our lives were at an end.

Howdy Slick, it’s been some time,
Since riding drag in dawn’s first light.
It was Montana ’74,
We both survived that dad-gummed fight.

Hats off to you, good steady Jim,
Sure seems like you’ve been gone awhile.
Despite that night in Abilene,
Our escapades still bring a smile.

It ain’t a pleasure, old Black Jack,
I reckon your presence will have to do.
Those frozen thoughts come of Salina,
Whenever I’m forced to think of you.

Rocky, I can’t believe you’re here,
I’d plumb forgotten your stature tall.
I don’t get back to Cheyenne much,
That Summer with you I done seen it all.

I swear I can’t compare, Buddy Boy,
The year we spent in San Antone’.
But the hour you took your leave of me,
I’ve never felt so all alone.

Sweet Rose, I’ve not forgotten you,
Or our slice of life in Kansas West.
Though a time or three we disagreed,
It’s worth admittin’ you were the best.

A silent crowd in mute attendance,
Ignored my voice in the early sun.
They spoke no answer to my face,
Merely held my attention one by one.

No folks assembled in the room,
And for my tongue there was no hearer.
Just a Cowboy recollecting ponies,

While examining scars in a full-length mirror.

Rodeo Poem - Following the Fire

Image copyright, Lincoln Rogers.

All images on Lincoln Rogers' Blog are the property of Lincoln Rogers and may not be copied and/or disseminated

without written permission from Lincoln Rogers.

Following the Fire
By Lincoln Rogers, © February, 2003

My diesel stopped its progress,
When I finally made Cheyenne.
I’d come to conquer buckin’ bulls,
Not be some average also ran.

But time has ways of passin’,
Leavin’ lines upon a face.
And a star that once rose fast,
Can fade away without a trace.

Now I’ve seen my share of bad wrecks,
Been “freight trained” and “kissed the bull”.
But there ain’t no rush to match,
When that eight seconds reaches full.

It’s like ridin’ on the thunder,
While the world around you shakes.
There’s flashin’ horns and lightnin’ hooves,
And the ground below you quakes.

A raging beast spins like a cyclone,
Bringing fury straight from Hell.
If you don’t bear down that honker,
He’ll throw you right into the well.

You just might maybe draw a dink,
Or get yourself an honest bucker.
But when one swaps ends or sets you up,
A man can look just like a sucker.

Just then that hard Wyoming wind,
It jerked me from my reverie.
And faded Wranglers made the trek,
To where I’d pay my entry fee.

It’s a fire that’s deep inside me,
Burning high for each go-round.
The day that sees me stop competin’,
You’ll have to plant me in the ground.

I don’t expect much understanding,
Since it’s true I’m past my prime.
But if those young guns take me lightly,
I just may grab the purse this time.

Poem - Ain't About Me

Image copyright, Lincoln Rogers. All images on Lincoln Rogers' Blog

are the property of Lincoln Rogers and may not be copied

and/or disseminated without written permission from Lincoln Rogers.

Hey Pards,

I figure it's about time for another poem. This one is entitled "Ain't About Me", and was written in 2003 by yours truly. I hope you enjoy.

Ain’t About Me
By Lincoln Rogers, © 2003

Reckon I figured it out,
while my soul was at rest,
a truth from the quiet,
planted deep in my chest.

It came as I walked,
in the midst of the land,
as my proud sight surveyed,
what I’d worked with my hands.

Then I heard a hawk’s call,
watched an Elk leap my fence,
and in sharing that moment,
realized I was dense.

Down the hill horses ran,
cattle grazed far away,
I smelled the sweetness of earth,
and felt the sun of the day.

It ain’t about wire that’s straight,
or hay and crops that I’ve grown.
Nor a large house and barn,
or how much livestock I own.

It’s about what’s inside,
who the Good Lord made me to be.
You see, the ground where I stood...
wasn’t put there by me.

There Is A Difference (even with bees)...

Hey Pards,

I got to thinking about my last post (about the honeybees dying off mysteriously) and wanted to post what I think is a big difference between the attitudes of "independent spirited" types like many in the American West, and those of others in this great country.

My post pointed out the problem and noted there was not an explanation as of yet. End of story. What I have noticed in a number of other stories I've read about the honeybee problem is the authors of those columns/stories think the government should hold hearings on the issue and throw money at the problem in order to solve it. That's a big departure from my way of looking at things.

As an independent sort of guy, I believe people can solve most of their own problems with the proper motivation. I also believe not everything is a "crisis" and not everyone is a "victim". After many years out here in Colorado, I've come to believe my thinking is pretty typical for someone who has that "independent spirit" of the West.

The kind of thinking that wants government to jump in, take over, and/or throw money at a problem to solve it is more of that "victim" mentality, in my opinion. I understand there will be exceptions when government can help out, like the ranchers in southeastern Colorado who had their cattle herds wiped out due to the huge snowstorms in December and January.

In the case of the honeybees, however, I think the beekeepers will figure out a way to keep their colonies going until the mystery can be solved through research that is currently taking place. Time will tell, however, since I don't have all the answers (I just like to think I do, sometimes).

Like I said, I was cogitating on the issue and thought I'd share some of my conclusions. If nothing else, this post was probably a good cure for insomnia.

Don't let your horse come home without ya!

Lincoln

Bee Very Afraid...

Image copyright, Lincoln Rogers. All images on Lincoln Rogers' Blog are the property of Lincoln Rogers and may not be copied and/or disseminated without written permission from Lincoln Rogers.

"If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years left to live." ~ Albert Einstein

Hey Pards,

Bees may not seem like a western type of subject, but it is amazing to think of how much we all depend on these little critters. And these little critters are having a hard time lately...

It appears honeybee colonies are dying off at an alarming rate. What is more alarming is the experts don't seem to know why. While the die-offs are not a new problem to beekeepers (see this 1996 "Time" article) what makes 2007 a crisis is the nationwide scope of the colony losses. Honeybees are essential for pollinating crops, and a large-scale wipeout of honeybee colonies would imperil crops from coast-to-coast.

"Why is it worrisome when bees die by the thousands? Three words: global food supply. The lowly honey bee is required for the pollination of a wide range of plants, affecting everything from clover (think cows) to fruits to vegetable seeds. Honey bee-pollinated crops represent more than $15 billion annually to the economy. That does not even take into consideration indirectly affected items, such as beef, milk, cheese, wild animals, or birds."

Just to give an idea of how widespread this can be: Some crops REQUIRING pollination are - apples, avocados, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, cucumbers, melons, oranges, grapefruit, pumpkins, squash, sunflowers, tangerines, and watermelon. On the ranching side of things, forage plants for cattle (like clover and alfalfa) need pollination as well.

I know I was surprised to hear about how much we depend upon those little fella's. Let's hope the "experts" discover the source of the die-offs and come up with a solution. I'd hate to have to live without food.

Don't let that horse come home without ya!

Lincoln

The Horse in Modern America

Hey Pards,

It used to be the wild horse epitomized the American West. The imagery of a herd thundering across expanses of open land or cowboys working on horseback sparks the imagination of almost anyone who loves the history of the USA. While the horse still allows us to touch the untamed spirit of the West, it is becoming rare for the contact to occur in a wild setting.

Though hooves and saddles helped domesticate our entire land, the equine’s ability to thrive in our modern culture depends upon facilities large enough to tame a wild demand for equestrian shows and events. Large horse venues all do their part to meet the exploding need. Those types of facilities are making it a priority to house larger and more horse shows than ever before, creating a win-win situation for the locations and horse associations alike.

“One of our goals is to infuse horse activity into the Denver scene,” commented Brad Ettleman (Horse Show Manager for the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado). Ettleman also revealed the National Western website receives forty million hits a year, displaying the popularity of the facility and its calendar of 40 weekends of horse shows a year. “People pay attention to what is going on at the National Western complex. We’ve seen an increase over time in telephone calls from the general public (and) we try and guide them to the right kind of horse show.”

“The community likes seeing horses around,” said Bill Miller, General Manager for the large Norris-Penrose Events Center located near Colorado Springs, Colorado. “It always surprises me to see a grandpa with three grandkids who come in and want to see the horses. I get a kick out of that. They will spend an hour or so just walking around and looking at horses. They want that lifestyle preserved.”

Modern America's kinship with the horse takes place now in facilities designed to accomodate the experience. It's a good thing. Without those equestrian facilities, the way of the horse may have died out altogether in this land of ours.

Have a good one.

Lincoln

A good name above great riches...

Hey Pards,

PRCA Commissioner Troy Ellerman submitted a letter of resignation today, according to a press release from the PRCA.

"Troy Ellerman resigns as PRCA commissioner
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – On February 19, Troy Ellerman resigned as PRCA commissioner. In a letter of resignation addressed to the PRCA Board of Directors, Ellerman stated, “Due to the fact that I have entered a plea of guilty in the BALCO case, I believe it is in the best interest of the PRCA to resign from my position as commissioner. My resignation will be effective immediately. It has been an honor to serve the PRCA. The PRCA is well served by a strong Board of Directors, and I am confident it will continue to move forward under its direction.”

The PRCA Board accepted Ellerman’s resignation with deep appreciation for his efforts in returning the PRCA to financial health."

While I'm glad to see the resignation, it would have been nice to see it while the press was swirling around the story of Ellerman's guilty pleas to multiple felonies related to the BALCO case. It makes me wonder now whether the resignation will get much coverage, since rodeo isn't exactly on most mainstream sports pages. If he had resigned immediately, the PRCA would have a better chance of being viewed as an organization of integrity. Instead, the initial response from the PRCA Board was, "The BALCO investigation is not related to PRCA business..."

Ellerman should have been gone immediately. Now it's five days later, and you wonder if anyone in the mainstream sports media will notice, or even care. While Ellerman may have helped the PRCA commit a financial turnaround, the devastation he just wreaked may not have been worth it.

I'm reminded of the well-known proverb from the Holy Bible (Proverbs 22:1a): "A good name is to be desired above great riches." I'll bet the PRCA would gladly exchange a little of that "financial health" Ellerman brought for some stain remover on its reputation.

Have a good one.

Lincoln

Poem - Breath of God

Hey Pards,

Thought I'd leave ya with a poem of mine today. It's not the usual meter of a cowboy poem, but I hope you enjoy.

Lincoln
---------------------------------------

Breath of God
By Lincoln Rogers, 2005

A breeze rides through the West,
Like God cupped his hands,
Pursed His lips,
To blow the dust off of our souls.

The Prairie offers up its best,
Meadowlark singing,
Coyote call,
As high clouds build and thunder rolls.

Wild nature of the Pronghorn,
Roaming grass ocean,
To mountain shore,
Reaching the sands of evergreen.

Spirit within man is born,
Forged of rugged land,
High sun’s fire,
The will of a Maker unseen.

Can’t leave it unconfessed,
His creative power,
A majesty,
This wide-open vista extols.

A breeze rode through the West,
Like God cupped his hands,
Pursed His lips,
And blew the dust off of our souls.

Lovelorn in Rural America?

A dating service dedicated to rural and country singles interested in the farming/ranching/country/western way of life?!

I admit I had no idea (since I'm a happily married guy with the best wife in the world), but I found out today there's a dating service dedicated "100% for farmers, ranchers, and those who can relate to the rural and country lifestyle."

According to the website, it seems most "city slickers" don't have a clue about the interests and passions of those in rural America, so this dating service was started by people who understand. It's called FarmersOnly.com and it all started because, as they put it, "City folks just don't get it!"

Founder, Jerry Miller, writes on the websites introduction page: "Instead of asking what your astrological sign is, at FarmersOnly.com I ask if you raise or breed alpacas, horses, cattle, chickens, dogs, goats, rabbits, sheep, grow crops, or if you're an organic farmer, student farmer, cowboy, cowgirl, or just a farmer wanna be! How many singles sites do that?"

After reading this, it sounds like there's at least one. It also sounds like it's about time.

Lincoln

PRCA Makes Initial Statement Regarding Ellerman

I just received an initial press release from the PRCA today.

"Statement from The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors
15 February 2007

- For Immediate Release -

Troy Ellerman Enters Plea in BALCO Case

Thursday, February 15, 2007. Today in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, Calif., Troy Ellerman entered a guilty plea to one count of filing a false declaration, one count of obstruction of justice and two counts of contempt relating to the BALCO matter. The BALCO investigation is not related to PRCA business. Mr. Ellerman currently serves as Commissioner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in Colorado Springs, Colo.

PRCA Chairman Keith Martin said, “The PRCA is financially strong and, as always, our board remains focused on continued strength, stability and progress within the organization. The PRCA is the No. 1 rodeo sanctioning body in the world, and the board is working hard on a daily basis to continue to promote and grow this great sport.”

Mr. Ellerman will not make any further comments regarding this case until the Court issues its sentence."

Well... I'm not exactly blown over by any "cowboy up" mentality in the release, but it is the early stages after all, and this is the time when everyone typically dances around an issue, looking for the right thing to say and/or not say. Time will tell.

One thing that is of concern to me, however, is the sentence, "The BALCO investigation is not related to PRCA business." I find that to be a disingenuous statement, at best. If your Commissioner is pleading guilty to FELONIES, then it darn well better be related to PRCA business. The organization should stand up and make the issue its business. It's time to cowboy up, and not worry about the media fallout. Do what's right, regardless of the circumstances, then let the chips fall where they may. That is the cowboy way, isn't it? Seems to me the PRCA could generate HUGE goodwill by taking a stand that most others in this world don't or won't.

Once again, good luck to the good folks at the PRCA who are trying to straighten out this whole mess. I have faith they will eventually do it in a fashion that best represents the western way of life.

Best to ya!

Lincoln

PRCA Gets Bucked By Ellerman

Sorry to be away for so long, Pards, but personal stuff can sure get in the way of this great writing and photography life.

That said, it sure was sad to read of Troy Ellerman's (Commissioner of the PRCA) admission that he leaked grand jury testimony about the BALCO case to reporters for the San Francisco Chronicle. News stories say he could receive up to two years of jail time as a result.

"In court papers filed Wednesday (February 14th) in U.S. District Court, attorney Troy Ellerman said he allowed reporters Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada to view transcripts of the grand jury testimony of baseball stars Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield and sprinter Tim Montgomery."

Shoot! I didn't even realize Ellerman was involved in that steroid fiasco in any way whatsoever. My sympathies go out to the PRCA, a great organization that will now have to figure out how to put the pieces back together and keep its tradition of integrity intact.

One thing us people in the West do a good job of, however, is to "cowboy up", take responsibility, and face challenges head on. I'm sure the PRCA will do just that.

Good luck to 'em! Since I'm a rodeo fan myself, I'll be watching with interest.

Lincoln

New story on Thursday, Feb. 15th - CBS Sportsline