Gina McKnight, Monday Creek Publishing Author, Freelance Writer, Equestrian, Blogger, and Poet! Welcome to my international blog about horses, writers, authors, books, cowboys, equestrians, photographers, artists, poets, poems, and more horses.
As seen in #FloridaEquineAthlete, #ArabianFinishLine, #HorseGirlTV, #LivingRuralTV, #AmericanHorsePublications, #trueCOWBOYmagazine, #HayNetUK, and #GirlGab.com...
Introducing
Beverly Brady, an Equine Massage, Rehabilitation and Biomechanics
Specialist. From Milan, Indiana, USA, Beverly shares insights to her amazing
techniques and naturalistic approach to equine management...
Welcome,
Beverly!
What is
equine Biomechanics?
Biomechanics
is basically Moving Correctly - according to the skeletal structure of the
horse - what is correct for them/comfortable. I teach 'eyeballing' to my
students, to see correctness - or Biomechanics.
Does equine massage play a role in equine Biomechanics?
Absolutely,
if a horse is sore in one area, it can affect movement there, and also in other
areas. So they do not build correctly - ie, if a shoulder is off, that will not
build as well as the opposite shoulder and can cause saddle problems. It is extremely important
to know correctness, or many times after a massage the horse will go right back
to how it was. For example, if a horse is consistently worked in draw
reins, the neck will have spasms as well as the shoulders, and he will be
locked up in the front, with little to no muscles on the hind end.
If you
don't know this 'scenario' (lion in front, mouse in back) then you won't know
to ask if the rider is using draw reins, and to request them to work with you
under saddle...and without them - allowing the horse to stretch his neck down
and FORWARD and start building the hind end! If they go right back to using the
draw reins, the horse's neck will never get better and the massage therapist
will get irritated because the horse isn't getting better, and the client tells
all her friends that 'massage doesn't work'.
What is the most important factor in choosing a saddle?
Fit. It
must fit your horse.
What role does a saddle pad play in horse Biomechanics?
The
saddle pad should be there to keep the saddle clean, not to make the saddle fit. That
would be like buying socks to make your shoes fit.
What can I do daily to help my horse's balance and coordination?
Learn how
to ride correctly-study Biomechanics to get the horse to use himself and build
correct muscles. What is Kinesiology?
Muscle
testing - being able to test, using muscles to find out what makes the horse
stronger/weaker/and finding out what is wrong with them using this technique.
What techniques do you use to help a horse with an ornery disposition?
Most
'attitude problems' are from pain and soreness, it's very rare to find a horse
that is just plain mean.
On May
17, 2011, new filly, Amalâ, entered this world at the beautiful Can Riu Stud
Farm. Following on May 23, her half-sister, Asâ, was born. Amalâ and Asâ are from
India’s indigenous royal Marwari horse breed.
They are two of the few fillies born outside of India. The fillies are
owned by Mario Calcagno, equestrian and proprietor of Can Riu Stud Farm. They are healthy, happy and enjoying the rolling
hillsides and warm Mediterranean breezes. Amalâ (meaning pure) and Asâ (meaning
hope) are adorable; big brown eyes, lovely lashes, and wobbly legs!
Can Riu,
located 60 km north of Barcelona, is nestled in the beautiful Montnegre Natural
Park region. Calcagno’s secluded stud
farm stables two Marwari mares, Chamunda and Mirabai, as well as the spirited
Marwari stallion, Nazarullah. In October
2009, Calcagno acquired all three horses from America’s famous Marwari horse
breeder, Francesca Kelly. In 2000, Kelly
imported the first Marwari horse to America and continues to play a vital role
in Marwari promotion and preservation.
Born to
Mirabai and Nazarullah, Amalâ is the first Marwari filly at Can Riu. Asâ, the second filly, foaled by Chamunda,
also sired by Nazarullah. Both fillies
mimic their mare’s disposition and coloring.
“Nazarullah, the stallion, is 7 years old, pie (color) practically
black. He is now in the Pyrenees (high
mountains) training for endurance.
Chamunda (bay) and Mirabai (pie black and white) are both 4 years old,” Calcagno
said. “The newborn fillies are really fine;
both practically exact copy of their mothers, not only in color but also in
their personality. Amalâ, from Mirabai,
is very active and curious, and her mother spends all the time running after
her. Asâ is more timid, and stays all
the time close to her mother, Chamunda.”
Facing
extinction in the 1930’s Marwari are currently considered ‘threatened’ by the
Indian Government. Great efforts have
been taken to bring the breed back into population. Centuries ago, only a few thousand purebred Marwari
existed. Due to the efforts of India’s
great equestrians, Marwari are being repopulated. However, the exportation of Marwari from
India has been banned. In 1997, the Indigenous
Stud Book Society was created to register and census India’s native horses. The Society is paneled by equine experts and
horse breeders who are committed to protecting the breed.
The
Marwari are a result of years of selective breeding to produce the ultimate
‘war’ horse – a combination of speed, stamina and courage. Mr. Gajjar, Indian horse breeder and
Marwari expert states, “Many years ago, Arabian horses were bred with ponies
from north-western India, creating the Marwari. They found a place in the
Rajput Cavalry and were used for war.”
Today, Marwari are known worldwide for their war-like maneuverability;
consummate gait and legendary stance.
One of
the distinguishing features of the Marwari is their arching ears, sometimes
compared to an ancient lyre, delicately curving inward. “When annoyed their ears lay back like every
other horse. When alert the ears turn forward and usually touch at the tips
forming an arch,” says Gajjar. Arching
ears are just one of their natural traits. They are also revered for their
quiet ride, gentle disposition and resilient nature. There is no parallel for
the Marwari. They are the perfect companion;
dignified, powerful and the subject of India’s great horse anthologies.
Gajjar
states that the birth of the fillies in Europe “is a positive step forward in
increasing the number of Marwari horses around the world.” Calcagno also agrees that “the access of
Marwari horses to foreign countries will definitely contribute to the
preservation of the breed and motivate local breeders in India to improve the
quality and care of the horses.”
Calcagno
is excited about the two new additions and plans for future foals by stallion
Nazarullah. Increasing the number of
Marwari in Europe helps to protect the lineage and increase awareness of this
magnificent breed.
The
Marwari have found a complacent home in the quaint European countryside. Today,
the fillies are almost four months old and are content as the center of
attention at Can Riu. Their lineage,
agility, beauty and grace will assure them a lifetime of protection and optimum
care. The natural surroundings of the
Montnegre Natural Park region support the perfect setting for the new royalty;
loving owners, quiet woodlands and seaside excursions. Calcagno takes great pride in his ability to
preserve and protect the Marwari.
Congratulations
to Calcagno and the family of horses at Can Riu!
2013 Update: The fillies are currently owned by Elsa Treuil from Marwari France. Gina McKnight is a freelance writer from USA. Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Maria
Katsamanis, Horse Trainer & Clinical Psychologist
By Gina
McKnight
1st Publication Going Gaited 2012
The New
Jersey arena is filled with emotions, heartbeats and reflections this
morning. In training is Alohaj, a noble
Arabian stallion owned by Hemlock Crest Arabians. The mirrors along the arena wall reflect a
perfect image of trainer and equine. The
morning sun through the arena window imports stellar rays of warmth and
sundust. Alohaj has come to Dr. Maria Katsamanis,
Horse Trainer & Clinical Psychologist, for a course in ambitious groundwork
that will re-establish his connectivity to maintaining emotional balance as
well as physical comfort.
Dr. Katsamanis
maintains an academic appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Robert Wood
Johnson Medical School, New Jersey USA, as well as Horse Trainer and Riding Coach. Her training emphasizes maximizing a positive
self-carriage for both the horse and rider.
Her philosophy for optimum equestrian pleasure focuses on equine and human
physiology. Horses and riders attending
Dr. Katsamanis’ clinics receive tailored treatment depending upon their
physical profile, personality and overall disposition.
Dr. Katsamanis
embraces all horse breeds into her training and visits stables around the
world. Hailing from Greece, she has been schooled in the classical, natural art
of horse training; the idea that respect is created and maintained between
horse and rider through clarity of intent, awareness of self-carriage and
mutual respect, creating a deep bond and love between horse and human.
Xenophon,
the Greek horseman of antiquities, wrote on the importance of your horse as a
partner, not a slave. “You must ask
yourself, what can I do to be my horse’s best partner? Why would he want to
dance with me? How can I grow in this relationship? What are the learnings that
this relationship is bringing to me?
This relationship being no different than all those one creates with
others, spouses, parents and colleagues.”
Recently,
Dr. Katsamanis visited the stables of Ms. Francesca Kelly, Martha’s Vineyard
USA, owner of Marwari horses. Marwari
are an indigenous breed to India and their exportation is currently limited due
to low census. The opportunity to work with Marwari has been a long desire of
Dr. Katsamanis.
“My time
with Francesca was incredible,” says Dr. Katsamanis. “When I was invited to Francescas, I felt
compelled to go. I went as a horse
trainer because I wanted to learn and experience the horses up close. I had never worked with them before. Ms. Kelly, the patroness of the breed,
extended the invitation to what was an elegant and unforgettable journey. As a
horsewoman she has allowed her horses to be horses. I rode her horses bareback
with rope halters over sand mounds and into the sea; it was amazing…very phenomenal!
Their reliability, tractability, high intelligence and kind nature left me
wanting more. I found myself missing
them long after I left Martha’s Vineyard.
I had bonded. I am Greek, so I
was impressed with the simplicity and elegance.”
Marwari
are known for their beautiful confirmation, angelic grace and strong
confidence. Dr. Katsamanis describes
Marwari as the ‘jewels of antiquity’, confirming their royal heritage as one of
India’s most beautiful resources. The
Marwari are part of the old world of horse mythology and folklore. One of the oldest breeds in existence,
Marwari bring a legacy of unforgettable appeal and tradition to horsemanship. Dr.
Katsamanis welcomes the opportunity to work with Marwari, identifying their
unique place in the world of horses.
Marwari,
like all equines, are spiritual by nature.
Dr. Katsamanis explains, “If you are having a bad day and you go into a
stall with a horse, the horse creates a ‘torus’, a circle of energy that
embraces us. Horses have a heart five
times larger than ours, emitting electro-magnetic signals. This is what creates the ‘torus’. This
electro-magnetic field has a wingspan five times greater than our own. It is in this space that their heart pattern,
being an electrical wave, can affect our own heart rhythms. Perhaps it is through this, our heart
connection that we bond and communicate. There is a lot of healing through
horses – from the horse to man. Horses
have healing power; the healing comes from the connection we have with
animals. When we are connected with the
horse, the creation of a magical electrical circuit is likely to arise. Horses
have a slower heart rate than we do. Their on/off alarm button has been refined
because of their prey status, so that they are great role models for us to
learn how to manage our own levels of stress and alertness. That is one way that they help us heal. On another level, physically being in their
space promotes emotional and physical healing via the electro-magnetic force
created by their heart resonance.” Science proves that this unseen connection
between horses and humans creates a catalyst for motivation, confidence,
increased self-esteem and overall well-being.
This phenomenon has been documented and tested through years of
research. Horses have healing power.
“We need
to go back to nature, back to basics in life and in our training of
horses. Simplicity is key. You see more and more that people are drawn
to activities that connect them to the earth.
Being around horses is grounding.
There is a meditative component to the seemingly mundane rituals of
things as simple as grooming. The mental
health community even endorsed Equine Assisted Psychotherapy as a viable
psychological approach to emotional and mental distress*. In that spirit, I do a lot of groundwork to
establish communication on the groundwork and then taking it to the saddle. We
waste a lot of chatter on what we want the horse to do instead of letting the
horse show us what it is capable of. It
is about allowing them to show us who they are, how they wish to be ridden, and
what they have to teach us. Honoring
that means being prepared to see changes in other areas of your life.” says Dr.
Katsamanis. Being conscious of our body
language and breathing behavior creates a blueprint in establishing the
horse-human relationship.
Mr. Gajjar, Freelance Equestrian Trainer and Riding Instructor from
India, is an acquaintance of Dr. Katsamanis.
Mr. Gajjar states, “I have particularly admired Maria’s training methods as
she is very patient with her horses. Lots of groundwork does give you a
wonderful horse and that is exactly what Maria emphasizes on. I am happy to
hear that a Marwari will soon be making their way to her stables and it will be
a new experience for her as a trainer. Maria plans to conduct equine training
workshops in India soon, which I will help her organize and I am sure many
horse owners here will be happy to learn about her ways of training and the
importance given to groundwork."
Helene Hylander
shares her joy of being one of Dr. Katsamanis’ students. Helene writes, “I am a breast and colon
cancer survivor with many disabilities. Wear back and knee braces so
I can ride. Maria is giving our 19 yr old quarter horse paint mare Cassie
and me a canter/stop lesson here preparing us for our trail ride for
the cure October 16, 2011. I am Cassie's 4th owner and 3rd breast cancer
survivor. My husband David and I adopted her two years ago from a field. Maria
has been working with us from the beginning. Using Maria's body awareness, groundwork
and in-hand training methods have helped both of us come to this point in
time. No braces!!!! And a balanced horse!!!”
Marwari,
the ‘jewels of antiquity’, have arrived at Dr. Katsamanis New Jersey
arena. They are experiencing her talent
as a trainer, her wisdom as a clinical psychologist, and her undivided love for
life. Her Greek ancestors would be
honored by her commitment and compassion to classical horsemanship and healing. The Marwari, as well as other horses in Dr. Katsamanis’
arena, will receive affirmation of the importance of trust, the key components
of balance and the commitment of comfort for both horse and rider. With a smile and confidence in her abilities
to proclaim the joys of horsemanship, Dr. Katsamanis states, “A commitment to
kindness and deep connection – a classical formula for your dream ride, your
dream life.”
At the time of publication, Dr.
Katsamanis was a freelance equine trainer, providing services on location at Pennfields
Farm Arena & Equine Facility, Pamela Rosenborg/PnR Training LLC, Owner. Many
thanks to Ms. Rosenborg.
*See the
American Psychological Association, Division 17 Animal Assisted
Psychotherapies: or EAGALA (www.eagala.org).
1st Publication Going Gaited 2012. All Rights Reserved.
Alaskan Wilderness Adventure by Gina McKnight 1st Publication Going Gaited @2012 2nd Publication A Love for Horses @Jan 2013
Tiny is
an ebony Alaskan range horse. She is a
working herd mare thriving in a fly-in area deep in the Chisana, Alaska
interior, site of the last historic gold rush.
Tiny is a mere 17 hands, towering her peers, humans and select tundra. A
docile mare, most of the time, she works for Pioneer Outfitters hauling confident
guides, adventurous tourists and sometimes the occasional traditional pack
commodities.
Amber-Lee
Dibble is guide and Manager of Pioneer Outfitters.Hailing from Sherman, New York, Amber-Lee was
raised on a dairy farm; now, she is living her dream.She is good friends with Tiny. They respect
each other and their assigned roles as outdoor wilderness guides.Amber-Lee says, “I am a farm girl. I have
always been proud of that and loved the fact that I could say that.While others of the same young age were
partying, studying or planning for whatever future they hoped for and dreamed
of, I knew exactly where I was headed and what I would do. In the Paint Horse
Journal I found my dream - Alaska. An article about Pioneer Outfitters Master
Guide Terry Overly was a hope and wish.” After communication with Terry,
Amber-Lee was soon on her way to meeting Alaskan range horses, realizing her
dream and melding with the vast Alaskan landscape.
Pioneer
Outfitters offer horseback adventures for all experience levels and age
groups. Horses are their livelihood. Amber-Lee explains, “Our horses are one of
the favorite things about my life! Our horses are range horses, which means for
seven and half months a year they are wild.
They free range in the enormous Wrangell St. Elias National Park and
Preserve. They are as tough as they
come. They live in the wild, fight off
timber wolves, are intimately knowledgeable of the terrain and are the most
sure-footed horses I have ever experienced riding. They carry our gear so we can offer our
guests and clients comfortable camps; across rivers, through bogs, over
mountains, and over hundreds of miles of Alaskan wilderness.”
Currently
looking for more stock to add to their herd, Pioneer Outfitters has certain
equine requirements. “We are looking for short and stocky, all ass and no body.
We like mountain horses; big-footed, short-coupled, short-backed, between 900 to
1,200 pounds, 14.5 to 15.5 hands, short-necked, heavy-boned, with an average
shoe size of 2 to 3.” That is a mighty horse! Their stalwart horses must brave
the Alaskan flora and fauna as well as become the perfect companion for a
non-native adventurist.
Amber-Lee
explains that their horses are not ‘pets’.
“We like the horses that would rather not have anything to do with us,
the barn and the yards. The horses are important to us, not only as an
important part of the business and the history of the area, but because they
are our partners. They do amazing things for us, just because we ask.”
Brawny
bridles, tightened cinches, ready scabbards and anxious tourists prepare to
traipse the magnificent Alaskan void. The event of a lifetime begins with a
connection to your assigned horse. Amber-Lee schools visitors on the
disposition of their mount as well as Alaska’s offering of cold weather,
vivacious wildlife and extreme beauty.
Amber-Lee says, “A guide, whether a hunting or horse pack trip guide,
has more to do with the client than anyone else. A guide must know all options and answers. In
our remote and inaccessible world, a guide must show no fear or worry. The well
being and safety of the client and horses come first. Chaos does happen and the
guide has to be able to react quickly, decisively, calmly and autocratically.”
Amber-Lee
may be small in stature, but she is certainly big on her love for horses, her
good sense of humor and strong sense of self-worth. With temperatures ranging from coldest to unspeakable,
raising a family in Chisana is as brave and vigorous as her mountain horses.
She says, “I stay because of the beauty of the land, the family I have made
here and the wonder of the fact that I can sit back and say this is what I do.”
Visit
Tiny, Amber-Lee and the entire herd of mountain horses in the deep Alaskan
tundra. Offerings include Summer
Horseback Adventures, Fall Photo Safaris, Winter and Springtime Excursions and
more, all on horseback; an equestrians dream adventure.
From the
beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, USA, Beth is a award-winning romance
and historical author.
Married to
her high school sweetheart, Beth lives on a farm surrounded by her children,
grandbabies, and assorted animals. An avid gardener, her love of herbs and
heirloom plants figures into her work. Fascination with the past and those
who have gone before us is the driving force behind her writing…
When did you know that you wanted to become a writer? Since
I could hold a crayon. But I didn’t seriously pursue writing until later in
adulthood.
What is your genre, age group/audience? I
write historical/paranormal romance and nonfiction. My audience is mostly
female, but men have also written me fan letters.
Tell me
about your book(s).... The
rich history of Virginia, the Native Americans and the people who journeyed
here from far beyond her borders are at the heart of my inspiration. In
addition to American settings, I also write historical and time travel romances
set in the British Isles, and nonfiction about gardening, herbal lore, and
country life.
Where do
you like to write? On
the couch with my laptop and tiny (bratty) pom-poo, Sadie Sue and noble Tabby,
Percy. Other kitties perch above or around me, and the larger dogs bark in the
background. So it’s not always peaceful. Sometimes I retreat to my bedroom. I
also listen to music as I write, prefer stirring film soundtracks.
How do you maintain characters and ideas? I’ve
gained much inspiration from all the research I’ve done into family
genealogy—I’ve uncovered lots of fascinating stuff—plus historical research in
general. And dreams. Many of my stories were prompted by dreams.
What is your future goal as a writer? To
hit the NYT bestseller list, of course. Many of my books are published by the
Wild Rose Press. I am also getting into Indie publishing.
Are you a night-writer, or do you write all day? I
write whenever I can direct the voices in my head.
In your opinion, what makes a good writer? A
combination of innate talent, honing the craft, and having a story to share.
Do you have a favorite author? My
favorite author has always been C.S. Lewis and his Chronicles of Narnia—of immense inspiration in my childhood and my
life. I’m still looking for Narnia.
What advice do you have for novice writers? Write
from your heart. To that I add, because you’re going to be revising and editing
that story for a very, very long time. I encourage new writers to continue to
better themselves, and don’t give up.
I
discovered this poem while sorting through my mother’s things after her passing
in 1998. Faded
over time, it is hand-written in perfect penmanship on a fragment of wrinkled
white stationery.
The poem
was buried in one of her bureau drawers amongst the old-style embroidered
hankies and
never-worn kidskin gloves. The original poem is now framed and preserved for
the next generation.
My
parents were private people and never really revealed much about their
relationship to anyone.
My sense is this poem was written many years ago at the mid-point of their
marriage and
lives.
George
and Mary met at a USO dance in early 1942 in Fresno, California, then a small
town in
California’s Great Central Valley. They were married in April of 1942 just
before my dad shipped
out to Burma to serve in the Army Air Corps, Intelligence Unit. My parents did
not see one
another again for more than four years.
My
parent’s third date was the wedding ceremony where they met to exchange vows.
Before this occasion,
conversation was by letter or phone. It still puzzles me how my dad proposed,
but I guess he
found a way.
Years
later when I was nursing, one of my patients turned out to be an old Army buddy
of my dad's. (Life
is one big circle.) When my
parents visited him, my dad’s old chum remarked, ‘…..George and Mary are as
much
in love
as the day they married….they skipped into the room holding hands….’
My father
passed away just two months shy of my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. In a
sentimental mood, my mother once remarked that dad chose this time so he did
not have to say he
had been married 50 years.
I am
publishing this poem to give tribute not only to my father’s poetic verses, but
to an extraordinary
love shared by two ordinary people during extraordinary times.
May we all know such love
before life’s end.
Shared with permission by
Marcia Hancock, Author of A Daughter's Remembrance
Legend
has it that when North America was new, horses were magical. The original North
American Horse evolved from great posterity, the offspring of prized horses
owned by kings and princes. The North American Horse’s ancestry can be traced
back to the beginnings of antiquity; into the thick canopy of tents of the
Bedouin tribe, nestled deep in the sands of the Arabian Desert. The Spaniards coveted the Bedouin’s agile
horse, capturing and transporting a few to Spain. The Spaniards bred the Bedouin horse to
Andalusian and Barb breeds, creating a magnificent stalwartly horse to be
treasured throughout time.
In the
sixteenth century, the brave Spanish Conquistadores sailed with their Bedouin-mix
horses to North America. Following the
Conquistadores was Christopher Columbus and his cargo of enchanting horses. The voyages were long and dangerous for both
sailors and equines. All of the horses melded together in North America’s vast
terrain. They intertwined to create a
new breed – the American Horse.
Trigger
was an American Horse. His original name was Golden Cloud. He was named for his
beautiful golden Palomino coat and owner, Roy F. Cloud. Trigger came into this world on a glossy July
4th morning in 1934 in sunny San Diego, California. His dam was a true American
Horse and his sire, Tarzan, a Thoroughbred, from the original Conquistador
linage. Tarzan was a well-known racehorse, racing in Mexico at the Caliente
Racetrack. Trigger inherited his sire’s
golden good looks and his dam’s sweet disposition. His ancestry, rooted deep
in American soil, was the product of
Bedouin tribe posterity and Conquistador ruggedness; America’s Horse.
Stories
tell that Trigger was not the average foal.
He was more agile, perceptive and keen than his stablemates. But, most
of all, he was drop dead gorgeous. He
became the groom’s favorite and the love of stable hands. After affectionate handling and beginning
etiquette, Trigger was sold to Hudkins Stables, in Hollywood, California. Hudkins Stables was the major source of
equines for Hollywood’s movie industry. Trigger was schooled by the best trainers and
wranglers. He was fashioned for nobility
and groomed to be a starlet. Trigger had charisma, intelligence, screen
presence, beauty and glamour. His classy
markings included his famous white blaze flowing down to his nose and left rear
white stocking. He was about two years old
when he was started under saddle.
Trigger’s
movie debut was in 1938. Olivia de Havilland, the famous movie actress, fell in
love with Trigger when he was her steed in “The Adventures of Robin Hood”
(Warner Brothers). She starred in the film as Maid Marian. Olivia, with her crimson medieval attire, galloped sidesaddle through Sherwood Forest in search of Robin Hood (Errol Flynn). Trigger is mesmerizing in his movie debut,
wearing a full-body caparison, as is custom for gallant medieval horses. He
sashays through the movie with the utmost confidence and poise. At only four years old, he steals the hearts
of many.
Leonard
Slye, aka Roy Rogers, was a new singing cowboy on the rise and needed a
blockbuster icon and an obedient ride. From
Duck Run, Ohio, Rogers personified the ultimate backwoods country boy. He was an
avid equestrian and horse-lover. He was
26 years old when he met Trigger, who was four years old, at Hudkins Stables. It was 1943. Rogers knew when he first saw
Trigger that they were destined to be together. Rogers purchased Trigger for
$2,500. (over $30,000 in today’s market).
It was a steep sum for Rogers at the time, so he set up a payment
plan. Rogers is later to have said that
it was the best money he ever spent. Smiley Burnette, Rogers’ cowboy movie
sidekick, said that the horse was ‘quick-on-the-trigger’. Rogers liked the name and from that day
forward Golden Cloud was known as Trigger.
At 15.3
hands, Trigger made the perfect stunt horse. With his amazing good looks, he
was on his way to stardom. He had a sultry, silky stance that made him stand
out from all the other movie horses. He
was equine congenial and eager to please.
Stunningly photogenic with a compelling cinematic flair, Trigger was
more than just a cow pony. He was an iron horse; he was a partner and a pal. He
was in his element; lights, cameras, fans, pampering, quality oats and…silver studded
tack.
Apart
from all of the royalty that celebrity brings, Trigger earned his keep. He was
challenged with new scripts, new tricks and places to go. He was constantly
bombarded with sound trucks, camera equipment, film crews, boom mikes, and the
rigorous stress of working through a scripted day. Trigger was an exceptional
learner. Glenn Randall, world-famous
master horse trainer, was Triggers main trainer. Randall is famous for training the four
whites (Rigel, Antares, Aldebaran, and Altair), the winning horses Charlton
Heston charioted to fame in the blockbuster movie ‘Ben-Hur’ (MGM 1959). Randall was a true horse whisperer. He had ‘equus’, the language of the horse.
His soft voice, gentle guidance and groundbreaking training techniques are
still admired today.
Trigger
responded instinctively to subtle hand movements and the slightest touch. Patted twice under his mane he would back
away. Patted two inches lower from the
same spot; he would rear to his famous pose. Seldom using reins, Rogers used
non-verbal signals and commands. Trigger
knew what was expected and that people were watching him. He responded to ‘ohs’ and ‘aws’ and the
never-ending applause. “Any cowboy worth
his stuff owes half of what he gets to his horse,” said Rogers.
Rogers’
signature white hat with the famous ‘Denton Pinch’ (creased crown), along with
his flashy cowboy fringed attire, wowed audiences as he waved and smiled to
fame. His handsome good looks allured
all ages. He wore smooth, round silver
spurs that jingled when he walked.
Learning to ride bareback at the ripe age of eight years, Rogers quickly
became a confident equestrian; he was a natural. He learned the intrinsics of the
horse and how to use voice cues and leg pressure to command his horse. He never
used whips or spurs. His early years
would mold and instill his inherent equestrian abilities.
In the
movie, “Under Western Stars”, Trigger stars with Rogers. The star-studded team
goes on to make over 81 movies and star in over 100 episodes of The Roy Rogers
Show. Trigger learned tricks that wowed
audiences the world over. He had a
repertoire of tricks; he could shoot a gun, knock on doors, dance, bow, untie
ropes, kiss the girls and capture hearts, to name a few. He was called ‘the smartest horse in the
movies’. Through his career he had many look-alikes that were used as
stunt-doubles in his movies. As a star,
he was kept in optimum health, inside and out.
Rogers
fell in love with Dale Evans, another hardy equestrian and horse-lover. However, Evans had to learn to be an
equestrian, and, upon Rogers’ recommendation, took riding lessons. They met on
the movie set of “The Cowboy and the Senorita”. Evans played the lovely
Senorita and Rogers the rugged cowboy.
In a scene in the movie, Rogers rescues Evans from the perils of her
run-away-horse. Evans, from Uvalde, Texas, was a good match for the rider from
backwoods Ohio. They melted the movie houses with their equine fanfare, tales
of adventure and swooning tunes. But,
without Trigger and his good Palomino looks, they may not have been as
successful.
In 1947
Rogers proposed to Evans while waiting to be introduced at a Chicago
rodeo. They were on horseback when he
proposed. She said ‘yes’, and they were
married on December 31, 1947 at the Flying L Ranch in Davis, Oklahoma. Both
Rogers and Evans had been married before. More children, horses, stardom and
celebrity followed; the couple was married for more than 50 years.
‘King of
the Cowboys’ was quickly bestowed upon Rogers and he gained a reputation for
theatrical performances with Trigger, on and off the stage. With his new
celebrity wife, Dale Evans, in her stunning feminine clothes, girly spunk,
perpetual smile and friendly demeanor, Rogers became even more famous. Evans was not only lovely and well-schooled,
but she could ride a horse, round-up cattle, and drink cowboy coffee. Rogers
and Evans were known for their feisty banter, congenial ways and gentle
teasing. Evans was important to Rogers; she had star quality as an actress, a
good relationship with Trigger and she supported his cowboy ventures. Together,
they filled the movie houses and arenas.
Box offices around the globe were jammed-pack with movie goers waiting
to see Rogers, Evans …and Trigger.
Like most
horseman, we are defined by our steeds.
Rogers is no exception. It is
better for some to have a life-long companion in a horse than an
assortment. “He would turn on a dime and
he’d give you 9 cents change,” Roy was famous for saying. Trigger was a superstar. He was more than a cowboy’s horse; he was a
confidant and pal. He was registered with the Palomino Horse Association.
Palomino refers to a horses color, not breeding. Trigger had a coat of deep gold with a flaxen
mane and tail. Registered with the Palomino Horse Association, he was a
stallion his entire life, but with no offspring.
Rogers, a
die-hard patriot, traveled to many USO military bases during World War II and
the Vietnam War. He toured extensively
with Trigger to visit our men and women in uniform. During World War II, he raised thousands of
dollars to raise funds for the war effort. The cowboy and his horse symbolized
America; homeland and the right to be free.
Besides
inspiring troops, dashing through movies, rearing on demand and wowing
children, Trigger may have been instrumental in helping Evans to write 20
books, pen a catalog of songs, and guide the family through triumph and
tragedy. Trigger received an average of
200 letters a month from swooning fans. Having
his own fan club and marketing his image required an extra assistant. Fan mail
was promptly responded to with a letter and an autographed hoof print.
Trigger’s
tack was royal. He had a $5,000 gold and
silver saddle, complete with martingale, golden lariat, and pointed tapadero
stirrups. Most of Triggers saddles were made by the famous leatherworker Edward
H. Bohlin, referred to as the Michelangelo of saddle making. Decorated in intricate patterns of silver and
gold, the saddles weighed as much as 150 pounds. Trigger’s ruby-studded saddle was referred to
as the ‘crown jewels’ of saddlery.
Trigger made
Rogers a fortune through personal appearances and merchandising. Before
appearing in a show, Rogers would park Trigger’s horse trailer outside of the
arena/venue where they were performing.
Rogers wanted the people who couldn’t afford to buy a ticket to the show
to be able to see Trigger, dressed in all his finery. Sometimes overzealous fans would snip a piece
of Trigger’s lovely mane and tail as a souvenir. After too many ‘snips’, Trigger was endanger
of balding. Showing Trigger prior to
events was halted in order to save his beautiful flaxen mane and tail. Eventually Trigger’s locks grew back to their
original luxurious length. He was fed only the best hay and grain, mixed
especially for his glamorous lifestyle; a diet that kept his coat shiny, his
eyes bright and gave him the stamina he needed to perform on a moments notice.
Trigger
died July 3, 1965, at the age of 30, a day shy of his 31st birthday. He died at Rogers’ ranch in Hidden Valley,
California. Dying of old age, they found
him in his familiar pasture. His thinning flaxen mane and tail had grayed and
were without luster. His luxurious coat
had weathered and wrinkled. He was
fragile, as an old man, feeble and devoid of musculature. His body was sent to
Bishott’s Taxidermy of California to be skinned and cast in plaster. His internal organs – heart, brain, eyes –
were disposed of and never buried. No
grave, no stone. Jokes abounded about
Trigger’s demise. “More hay, Trigger? No, thanks, I’m stuffed.”
Millions
of people came to see the new, stuffed Trigger.
‘The Smartest Horse in the World’ drew crowds from around the globe. Trigger was displayed in the celebrities
California home for awhile, then moved to the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
Museum in Victorville, California.
Finally, Trigger was on display at the new relocated museum in Branson,
Missouri. His gem-studded tack was also on display, as well as mementos from
the family’s cowboy rein.
Rogers
died on July 6, 1998; Dale on February 7, 2001. Their legacy is not complete
without the love, life and joy of Trigger.
The Branson museum that housed Trigger is gone now, it closed in 2009. The contents were sold at public
auction. Trigger galloped off for over
$266,000. One of his gilded bridles and saddles sold for over $386,000. It is the end of an era, the end of the
trail. Trigger, the bright palomino
horse that wowed audiences throughout the universe, will forever remain in the
hearts and minds of those who remember his stunts, fanfare, beauty, anecdotes,
movies, and more.
Happy
Trails gorgeous Trigger.…
Roy
Rogers Riding Club Prayer by Roy Rogers
Lord, I
reckon I'm not much just by myself, I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do. But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high,
Help me ride it straight the whole way through.
And when
in the falling dusk I get that final call, I do not care how many flowers they send, Above all else, the happiest trail would be, For You to say to me, "Let's ride, My Friend."
Amen
Happy
Trails, The Lyrics by Dale Evans
Some
trails are happy ones, others are blue. It's the way you ride the trail that counts;
Here's a happy one for you.
Happy
trails to you, until we meet again. Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then. Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
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