Forward Ho !!!

In case you were sleeping in the barn and missed it, some NOgoodLOUSEYsneakingTHIEVINGlodownCATTLErustlingDIRTYdog busted into the tack room, in the middle of the night of course, and stole 11 saddles, 27 bridles and some other stuff. I was down right mangy dog mad. The first thoughts that I had reminded me of what a farmer friend in Nebraska did in a similar situation, the thief probably did not sit down for a long time and my friend had to replace a spent 12 gauge shotgun cartridge. We spend some time with these types of thoughts mainly because we don't understand who or why someone would do this. Then the reality hits, how do we get this stuff replaced? Then reality really hits, Mr. Keller says, "Whatever it takes, get it fixed, we have a ride Saturday!"

We spent several days getting all the equipment we needed. A good friend of Westernaires put forward extra effort ordering stuff through his tack shop (his efforts are appreciated). Then we put out a Wrangler call to have a tack assembly and fitting party, at 1:00 on January 1, in the Red arena. People came from everywhere, a family cut short a holiday visit in Greeley and others either canceled or modified holiday plans just to come and help. We ended up with enough people that we were able to assemble the tack, catch 27 horses, put the tack on and adjust it, take the tack off and put the horses up and clean up the tack room and do a quick inventory in just 2 ½ hours!

It should also be noted that people also came up to donate or loan saddles until the missing ones could be replaced. One rider, Kelly McAvoy, even showed up with her Christmas present, a gorgeous brand new black saddle. She said Westernaires can use it until they get a replacement. (We told her to take it home.) Kelley, you are the GREATEST!

Saturday, a Tenderfoot date, a normal day. In fact, I noticed that T-6 riders were unhappy as they were leaving their ride. I asked them what the problem was and didn't they have a good ride? Their reply was, that was the problem, they had a great ride but now they were sad because it was over! Perhaps a nice compliment to the people who make it happen.

There are some lessons to be learned. Be aware at all times and perhaps Kelly and the riders of T-6 said it the best……FORWARD HO!!!!!

        Glen W. Crofford