Legacy of Legends 2013 1

Do you ever get tired of hearing my stories about horses? I hope not, cuz I never get tired of seeing things change and get better for the horses in this world. This year, I was again able to go to Vegas, not only for my Anniversary, but for the Legacy of Legends. I hope to never miss these events, and I've been lucky enough to get more and more involved in the preparation that are done months in advance and during the event itself. A lot of my life kind of seems to revolve around the Legacy. From working with the colts during the summer, or more, just keeping an eye on them, and occasionally 'doctoring' something that happens to Errant children. This year, when we took these colts to Vegas for the Scholarship winners to 'start' them, I was definitely feeling protective towards them. Though I knew they were gonna have the best opportunity to learn. Along with the Colt starting were going to be so many other demonstrations to learn from. This was a week full of some of my favorite things!

Here is Buck Brannaman with the colts we brought from Idaho. These colts belong to Carolyn Hunt, who lives right here in Mountain Home. In my (and many peoples') opinion, these are some of the THE NICEST horses around. Actually, they didn't arrive in Vegas directly from Mountain Home. About a month or so before the event, We got them 'brought in' haltered and they went home to Arizona with Jaton Lord, Carolyn's Grandson. This was to get them 'slicked off' in the much warmer Arizona climate. As the photos show, it worked. They were looking fairly magnificent!

1 Here they are 'coming in' 2.Carolyn with one of the colts

3. Holly (Jaton's wife) with one 4. Wayne and Carolyn

Here they all are, in their muddy furry glory

A few weeks in warmer weather can do wonders! They don't look completely slicked off, but this would never have happened without Arizona's weather.

The 4 kids that started the horses have different type backgrounds and ambitions, but the colts are basically all in the 'same place' Though each have different personalities, if presented in a way that they understand, they are comfortable right away. Here is Jarrett Hively, who I met last summer in Wyoming. He cowboys and has an interest in starting colts. He is with Jaton Lord, discussing the colt's progress. That is the colt's first saddling, and she does not look one bit upset. Note it's just a halter on her, and a loose rope.

Noah Cornish is another Scholarship winner, and this was one that I enjoyed the most. I know, you're not supposed to have favorites, but I couldn't help myself. This particular colt had a slight injury last summer, and Wayne and I were 'Dr's" for a few visits. I generally become attached when I spend time with a being that 'gets to me' * .... this was one. Noah is only 16 (I think) maybe a bit younger, but has such a good mind and gentle hand. He 'sees' so much that many many older and "wiser" people think and say they see, but never really do. And he's quiet and humble, along with being incredibly polite and courteous. He also was part of the jumping demonstration. Once after this colt starting, I asked "How did you like that?" He went from this super quiet, seemingly shy boy, to "Oh gosh, that was so fun, I wish I could do 10 more right now!" This said with the hugest grin on his face. He became a favorite to me with my favorite colt right then and there.

Reata Brannaman. This girl is 17 years old, and watching her the last few years has been a joy. She is in her first year of college, and is (just recently) started teaching the Colt Starting classes at her college. She started a colt last year, that she wound up naming Reuben. He was a Blue Roan Colt that was so good looking that she bought and took him home. This somewhat to Buck's dismay. However, she was right, he has turned out to be quite the saddle horse and Buck used him some in the demonstrations this week. I asked her the first day. "Do you think this one will go home with you?" "Oh no, I"m not supposed to buy another one" I said.... "Mmmmmhmmmmmm, we'll see!" Guess what she named him? This guy's name is "Elvis" for the Original Vegas man!

Having said that Noah was a favorite, I am going to add, that so is Reata. She and I chatted throughout the days and she is (like Noah) super friendly, courteous and always polite. I personally believe that it has something to do with core values. Kids that grow up learning core values, caring for other 'beings' learn a compassion and sensitivity, that is often missing in this "Me" world of today. There's not much "Me" in taking care of animals that depend on you, but that are loyal to you at all costs.

This colt, was another of my favorites. Build and conformation just doesn't get much better than this. And this is one athletic moving horse! He originally was going to be started by another scholarship winner. She has ridden a lot in her life, and has serious interest in horses. She had started horses before but this particular horse had 'lots going on'. We chose to change the circumstances, and Jaton would start this horse himself. Though the girl was disappointed, she also knew it was more than she was ready for. WE knew that safety is always of the utmost concern and that there is never a shame or need for embarrassment to know when to call it. She was able to participate in other demonstrations, and this horse benefited greatly from Jaton's knowing hand.

Here is Noah on a colt that he had started already. I believe this colt is about 4 years old, though I certainly really don't know. I love the image of the 'Cowboy in Leggings in an English Saddle Jumping" It's simply awesome, and shows that a real man isn't afraid. In the background is Melanie Smith Taylor. If you follow jumping at all, you'll have heard of her throughout her years in the Olympcs, Jumping. This last year, she narrated all the Jumping events at the Olympics. The kids that worked with her this week, got invaluable lessons from her. So did I, just listening!

This girl was in the demonstrations last year, and right off hand, I can not remember her name (if it comes to me, I will come back and edit) She is Noah's older sister, I do know that. I admire their mom greatly for helping them to do what they love. I know the sacrifices (at least I know some of them) that she has had to make. Along with that, she's raised some very polite young adults. THAT in itself, in these days is darn spectacular. I truly expect to see this girl go somewhere. Her riding skills and ability to cue mid air, were nearly magical. Even in this photo, if you look closely, she is asking for a "lead change" over the jump. So many people who ride a lot, don't know what one is, let alone how to cue it, let alone with jumping ...mid air.... hanging on.... in total control of your own body....while cueing a 1200 pound horse's body.....and on top of it all, making it look easy. *

This girl also was in the Demos last year. Her Mom was also there, and Kudos to her trainer. She'll go far in this world too..

Jaton gave reining and cutting demonstrations on a daily basis. His horses flow so nicely, you know he has got great communication skills. Another one I could watch all day.

Carolyn had this painting done, and it was auctioned off at the end of this event. This is a one of a kind portrait of Ray, his horse, and Buck on his horse. The Legend, and the Legacy.

Want more?