The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Horses Part of the Past

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

18 July 2001

It is really hard to be a cowboy, or a cowgirl in the city, although I had gotten a little taste of it when I was small. My father had offered to take care of a couple of Shetland ponies and horse during the winter months for a man who only used them to provide rides in the summer at Crapo Park in Burlington, Iowa.

It would have been fine if we lived in the country, but my father had to rent a pasture, build a barn, besides buying the hay, straw, and oats. But, my brother David and I loved it. It was only when my youngest son Matt asked for a horse that I realized what a sacrifice my dad had made.

Early before school in fourth or fifth grade, I would get up and walk across the railroad track to the pasture and let my ponies out of the barn and feed them. After school, I would ride and I loved it. The reward for taking good care of them was the purchase of my own Indian pony. At 16 I became interested in cars and my father sold the horses.

Now, my husband purchased a colt and a horse for me last year and I am experiencing the big job of horse care by working with their care-taker Ron Gittings of Lomax. I even experienced my first time furturity after hiring Anita (Overstreet) Simmons to train and show my colt. The furturity is mostly about winning big bucks and adding value and points to your colt, pony, or horse. It's a whole different ballgame and not one I enjoy being in.

Last week's rodeo, however, was a thrill for me, as I'm sure it was for all who attended. I admired those who have worked so hard training their horses to start quickly out the gates, stop and turn on a dime, and to handle with such control. It must take hours of work and much patience, and I imagine each had some encouraging words and help and knowledge from their parents along the way. With the use of horses no longer needed, I am glad to see these type of events being kept alive. Although I love jumping, the bronco riding I'll have to leave to the thrill seekers.