Missouri Equine Issues



For the Horse Enthusiast • 2009 Edition

Inside…

• Cowboy mounted shooters • Families make 4-H program work

Plus more…

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  Missouri Farm Bureau Federation

2  •  Missouri Equine Issues 2009

Missouri Equine Issues



For the Horse Enthusiast • 2009 Edition

ON THE COVER

INSIDE

At one of several Bates County 4-H fun shows, a 4-H’er shows off some of what she has learned in the horsemanship program. Learn more on page 16. Photo provided by Altona 4-H Club. Missouri Farm Bureau Equine Committee Members: Janet Aldrich, Ray Co. Jeff Stacy, Cedar Co. John Elkins, Christian Co. Lori Gray, Lafayette Co. Glen Raef, Laclede Co. Kim Garrett, Boone Co. Allen Akers, Shannon Co. Paula Mullins, Atchison Co. William Hinkebein, Livingston Co. Blake Hurst, Atchison Co. Julie Waldrop, MFB staff

Missourian shoots with the best . . . . . . . 6 By Chris Fennewald, MFB Staff

Buying your first horse . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 By Jeff Stacy, Humansville, Mo., MFB Equine Committee

Taking responsibility for your horse . . . . . 9 By Paula Mullins, Rock Port, Mo., MFB Equine Committee

Farm couple has knack for creating art . . 12 By Chris Fennewald, MFB Staff

Getting religion the cowboy way . . . . . . 14 By Chris Fennewald, MFB Staff

This fifth annual edition of Equine Issues is produced by the Missouri Farm Bureau Public Affairs Department for the organization’s equine committee. For advertising information contact Julie Waldrop at [email protected] Visit Missouri Farm Bureau on the web at: www.mofb.org

Missouri Equine Issues 2009  • 3

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Support the Equine Industry Through Involvement Without a doubt, folks involved with equine are some of the most passionate, dedicated people on the face of the earth. Enthusiasm and excitement exudes from them as they chat about their horse, next week’s trail ride or an upcoming show. The vast majority of horse and mule owners do not own their animals to help in their daily tasks or to make financial gain. They simply have a love of the equine activities they are involved in and of their animals. So even in the face of today’s sky rocketing hay, feed and fuel costs, equine enthusiasts continue to see that their animals are well cared for and travel to the interest or event of their choice – making sacrifices elsewhere. As we all know the Missouri equine industry has experienced tremendous growth and appears to be posed to continue this trend. However, there are serious challenges on the horizon that must be addressed if the equine industry is to remain strong and viable. We have seen firsthand the negative results of the legislated ban on horse slaughter supported by animal rights/welfare activists. Not only has the ban sent horse prices in a tailspin, but it has also affected negatively the support infrastructure of the equine industry. These animal rights activists still have items on their agenda to accomplish that will not only effect horse owners, but the rest of the livestock industry as well. We must be willing to engage in these skirmishes and tell our story, or risk having our story told for us by those who intend harm to the industry we love. No matter what your equine interest, I urge you to get involved in the public policy debates that affect the industry. Farm Bureau’s Equine Advisory Committee does a great job of keeping our leaders and members abreast of the issues facing the horse industry. Our official policy on issues is determined by our membership through an annual grassroots policy development process. If you own or operate an equine-related business, compete in equine events, ride for pleasure, or just love horses and/or mules, please consider what Missouri Farm Bureau can do to preserve and enhance the future of this industry. We encourage your involvement in every aspect of our organization. As the state’s largest agriculture organization, Farm Bureau is proud to be a part of Missouri’s equine success story and I hope you and your family enjoy this edition of “Missouri Equine Issues.”

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Charles E. Kruse President, Missouri Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau Equine Policy

Missouri Farm Bureau is a strong supporter of the state’s equine industry and has policy covering specific issues. Here is the official text: We believe equine farms, businesses and related operations should be recognized as a bona fide segment of Missouri agriculture. We believe equine should be classified as a “livestock entity” and strongly oppose any efforts to relate equine as “pets” or “companion animals”. We believe the slaughter of cull and/or unsound horses should not be prohibited by state or federal statutes or regulations. A ban on the slaughter of such horses would only increase the likelihood of abuse or neglect. Starvation or lack of medical treatment for unwanted horses is a far worse fate than humane euthanasia. We strongly support reduction of unmanaged feral equine numbers on federal lands by methods other than adoption. Alternative population control measures may include birth-control drugs and neutering.

Canine

We encourage the University of Missouri Extension and Outreach Program to support Missouri’s growing equine industry by providing a full-time equine specialist to assist local Extension centers. We encourage Missouri Farm Bureau to help coordinate an equine education program. We support seeking the necessary funding for an annual comprehensive National Agricultural Statistics Service survey for equine. We support legislation that preserves the use and access for horses and mules on state and federal public lands where sufficient acreage and conditions exist to permit such use, and scientific data by appropriate authorities does not exist to preclude such use. We support the inclusion of equine in federal disaster assistance and farm bill programs.

I understand that these dues are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses subject to restrictions imposed as a result of lobbying activities. Farm Bureau estimates that the nondeductible portion of your dues - the portion which is allocable to lobbying - is 38%. The annual $30 membership dues include $1 for a one year subscription to Show Me Missouri Farm Bureau. The county, state and American Farm Bureaus are organized to develop, foster, promote and protect programs for the general welfare including economic, social, educational and political well being of farm and rural people. I am interested in promoting these objectives and I hereby apply for family membership in Farm Bureau. I understand that Farm Bureau is a family membership organization and services are limited to members only. As a member, I am eligible to apply for insurance services and participate in other Farm Bureau programs.

Missouri Equine Issues 2009  • 5

Missouri Cowboy Competes with the Best in Unique Equine Sport By Chris Fennewald, Editor, MFB Publications

Every sport has its star athletes. The diverse horse world is no different. Look no further than Spokane, Mo., to find World Series of Shooting Champion Jimmie Allen. The Missourian takes to the saddle in mounted shooting competitions across the U.S. with a steady aim and frequent wins. This sport requires a combination of athletic skills for both rider and horse, with twists and turns around barrels. The timer starts as rider and horse cross the starting line. They race for the first set of balloons positioned in one of 60 patterns in the arena. Nearing the first set of five balloons, the rider pulls out the first pistol, shoots them and places the gun back in the holster. Another gun is pulled out of a second holster to shoot the remaining five balloons. The gun is placed in its holster and the rider races to cross the finish line. Miss a step or balloon and points are added that go against the rider’s time. It is a sport that requires agility and precision. It also requires a very good horse. Since 1998, Jimmie Allen has shot enough balloons to be among the top tier of riders in the sport. His mounted shooting days

Professional cowboy mounted shooter Jimmie Allen takes aim during one of many competitions in the U.S. The cowboy is a good aim, winning several championships and more than 100 buckles.

started when a cowboy was looking for a horse after watching a mounted shooting contest in Arizona. Jimmie, who has sold horses for years, had a horse broke enough to do the job. He’s been involved in the sport ever since. “When I was little I played cowboys, I watched John Wayne movies, wore the little holster and all of that stuff,” he says. “Today riding competitions and selling horses are about three-quarters of my income.” Travelling to events from Tunica, Miss., to Sheridan, Wyo., takes time, so Jimmie’s wife, Diane, usually stays home to feed the horses and milk 100 dairy cows in partnership with her son, James Rantz.

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Son, Logan, however, follows dad to most events and competes in the Wrangler division doing well. Logan will be 16 this fall and has already won World Championships in 2001 and 2005. “He has more miles already in mounted shooting and rodeos riding with me than most adults. He helps me keep a positive attitude and I help him keep a positive attitude,” says Jimmie. So far, Logan has won 25 belt buckles. Jimmie has won over 100. A rider has to win an event to earn a belt buckle. Cash awards make long road trips to competitions feasible. At the Superhorse Championships in Sheridan, Jimmie earned $6,000 placing second.

Four days earlier, he was in a similar competition in Spearfish, S.D., and a month before that he won Reserve Champion Cowboy at the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association National Championships (CMSA) in Tunica. More than 250 riders competed in that event. Jimmie is among a handful of cowboys that made payouts at major events possible. “In 1998 we started a club in Nixa (Mo.) called the Missouri Outlaws. The first mounted shooting match in the world with a big payout was held at the Nixa Livestock Arena,” he says. “I’m from a rodeo background and I’ve competed my whole life for

money. I didn’t want to be involved if I couldn’t win money back.” Like a professional race team, Jimmie has sponsors. Although they do not provide cash, ProOrthepedics provides saddle pads, bell boots and splint boots. Gordy Alderson and TNT Ironworks provide bridle bits, spurs and other equipment. The cash winnings are used for travel, feed, and caring for some extraordinary horses. “It takes a good horse to rope on, a good horse to cut a cow, a good horse to win a race. In mounted shooting, it takes a better horse than all of those because a horse has to make all of the maneuvers to go through a pattern, and all of those patterns are different,” Jimmie says. The cowboy knows horses. He trains and sells them to riders from Connecticut to Oregon. Buyers include barrel

of them.” “It gives you an appreciation for the calvary back in the day when they fought battles on horseback,” says Jimmie, who has won titles on two different horses named Cherry Pie and Barbarosa. He still owns Barbarosa. His competitors also have a deep respect for Jimmie. At the age of 45, he is one of the older riders on the circuit. It was a major accomplishment when he won the World Series of Mounted Shooting last December in Las Vegas. The contest was part of the National Finals Rodeo. “That was Jimmie has won buckles, saddles and very exciting other trophies, but the cash awards are for a man my what make travel and care for the horses age, ” he says. “It possible. He was among the original group meant a lot to of cowboys that in 1998 added monetary me to outrun payouts to mounted shooting events.

racers, ropers, shooters, the handicapped, and civil war re-enactors. He says out of them all, a mounted shooting horse requires the characteristics of many horses, and be goodminded so that you “can shoot a canon off the side

guys who are 20 and 25 years old.” Jimmie plans to defend his title this year. Every cowboy expects bumps, bruises and broken bones. At Tunica, Jimmie fell with a horse and broke several ribs. It slowed him down a couple weeks, but he was back in competition the next month. In February 2008, he had a stint placed in an artery to remove blockage to his heart. “I guess I’m lucky to be here. That made Las Vegas even better,” he says. “I’ve always heard experience will outrun youth. It don’t always, but does most of the time.” No matter how old Jimmie is, he will always be a big promoter of the equine industry. He admits the mounted shooting competitions continue to get tougher. Like the memory of playing cowboy as a boy with a new toy pistol and holster, racing off the starting line to compete with the best riders brings a sense of excitement that never grows old.

Superhorse: A Triathlon for Horse and Rider

It is impressive to watch good horse and rider take away the prize money in calf roping, barrel racing, or mounted shooting. It is amazing to watch them do three of those events in one competition. That is what the Superhorse Championships are about. In the Superhorse, roping and shooting, barrel racing, breakaway steer roping and mounted shooting are all part

of one competition. The rider chooses any three of the four events in which to compete. The unique competition teams up six riders that compete against each other. The rider and horse with the fewest points and shortest time wins. The goal of this newest equine sport is to spotlight the ability of Quarter Horses to perform in different sporting events. The first year for the

Superhorse Championships was 2007, with Jimmie Allen winning the title. He competes in several Superhorse events a year. “You have to be flexible doing four events on the same horse, and the horse has to be flexible,” says Jimmie, a big promoter of the new sport who serves on the Superhorse Champion board of directors. More can be found online at www. superhorsechampionships.com . Missouri Equine Issues 2009  • 7

More Than Just a Pet

Things to Consider When Buying Your First Horse By Jeff Stacy, Humansville, Mo., AQHA/APHA breeder and trainer, and 4-H Horse Bowl coach

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see it every year. People want to get their kids a horse so they fall back to the strategy they used to purchase the family dog. With canines everybody wants a puppy because they are cute, cuddly, playful, and will consider the new owners as family. It is common for folks to want to apply that same logic to their first family horse purchase and buy a foal. Unfortunately, a young untrained horse paired with a young untrained rider/owner is a recipe for disaster. There are several reasons beginner equestrians need to stay away from young horses, but the most immediate is the fact that horses are bigger and stronger than us. They are social prey animals that are wired for fight or flight when they get alarmed, and young horses are easily alarmed. So, it is no wonder many beginners buying a young horse end up in the emergency room. If you are considering becoming a first-time horse owner and want to stay away from the hospital, here is some advice for you. • Buy a well trained mature horse between the ages of 10 and 18. I prefer geldings but I have seen many mares that are great kid’s horses.

• Stay away from horse auctions. It is easy to be duped into buying a horse that was tranquilized or has a social problem such as herd or barn sour. • Find a trusted authority of horses to advise the purchase process. This could be your vet, 4-H horse project leader, or just a friend that knows horses. I grew up around horses and horse people and have learned what I can from them. One sage old horseman told me there are only three kinds of horses: “a gonna be, a has been, and an isser.” If you are a beginner your best bet is “a has been.” That is, a horse that has been a champion pleasure horse, or rope horse, or ranch horse, or trail horse, etc. These horses have been around and have seen a lot of things and are known by horse people in the area. You may be able to get along with an “isser”, or a horse that is a champion now, but they are younger and more expensive. The horse you want to stay away from is the prospect. If the add says this colt will make a nice kid’s horse or 4-H horse they are a “gonna be”. That also means you will have to invest hundreds of dollars in training and several months, if not years

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in time, before the horse is safe for a beginner to ride. Do not be tempted by the low price of these weanlings and yearlings. When you add the $14,000 hospital bill to the $100

a reason it got left at home. Performance or production sales are a good source for reliable horses. Most breed associations have sales of this caliber on a regular basis. There

purchase price, and $2,500 training bill of the nice 2-year-old, it really makes the $2,000 dollar retired show horse look cheap. Now that you know what to look for, where do you find it? The best horses are found at events such as shows, fairs, jackpots, trail rides, or rodeos. The horses other people are competing on are proven animals that you are most likely to enjoy. Beware of the horse back at the ranch that is not currently in use. Unless the horse is retired, there is most likely

is information available before the sale on the horse and owner. This adds to the credibility of the transaction because the seller’s reputation is on the line after the sale. If you have specific characteristics you are looking for, you may need to expand your search to the internet. Spend ample real time with the horse before you complete the transaction. A 15-second video loop doesn’t always portray an accurate representation. First Time, continued on page 10

What are Your Responsibilities?

Horse Ownership has Strings Attached By Paula Mullins, Rock Port, Mo., American Paint horse breeder and exhibitor

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wning a horse is a privilege and a responsibility… BIG responsibility. Responsibilities include those to the horse, our environment, other people

well worth its time. • Clean, fresh water is critical to a horse. Provide a comfortable water temperature for drinking during inclement weather, whether during

and the horse industry overall. Prospective owners must realize the extensive commitment and dedication in time and finances that horse ownership demands. Your number one focus is for the horse’s quality of life. One common reason for cruelty is the lack of knowledge. Insure you are aware of the essential requirements of a horse, both physically and mentally. A basic overview of horse behavior and nutrition is

hot summer months or freezing winter weather. • Feed a well balanced diet, but don’t over feed. Seek advice from a veterinarian, experienced stable manager or nutritional expert for your feeding program. Develop a good working relationship with a veterinarian who can provide a schedule for nutrition and health care. • Shelter from weather needs to be accessible. It can be a building or simply a wind break. • Ensure your area has

adequate fencing to avoid injuries to your horse and on your own property. A loose horse on a road or highway can be disastrous for the animal and is not a liability you want to assume. • Check your fenced area for poisonous plants and/or trees and get rid of any you may find. These can cause serious illness and even death. • Maintain consistency and develop a routine. For a horse’s mental well being, they should be fed around the same times daily. If you are away for a period of time, find a dependable caretaker. Provide contact number(s) for you and your veterinarian in the event of an emergency. • If you only have one horse, help to alleviate boredom. Leaving a horse restricted to a stall with out any interaction from humans or other horses for long periods of time can lead to physical and mental deterioration. Horses are herd animals and are happier if they have company. Hanging a ball in the stall can help alleviate some boredom. Even a radio playing softly can help. • Check your horse on a daily basis for any health concerns. If you find any variation from the norm,

contact your veterinarian. Regular vaccinations and worming are essential for the well being of your horse and any other horses they come in contact with. Feet should be trimmed or shod regularly by a good farrier. Pick out their feet several times a week to prevent any hoof issues from developing. Familiarize yourself with the basics of first aid for horses. Have a well stocked first aid kit accessible in the event of any calamities. • Keep your horse’s living environment clean and dispose of the waste in an appropriate way. Horses produce large quantities of manure and waste bedding. Consider composting for a number of reasons: a well managed compost pile will reach temperatures high enough to kill fly eggs and larvae, worms, pathogens and weed seeds; reduces odors; when added to soil it improves aeration, water retention and supplies nutrients. • Keep your horse under control in public areas. Horses are heavy, strong objects with a strong flight instinct. As a horse owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your horse is under control and able to behave in group settings. Interactions between horses are likely to happen Responsible, continued on page 10

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First Time, continued from page 8

I strongly advise beginners to avoid buying horses at small time local actions where people take their problem horses. A friend and experienced horseman was seriously injured by a bargain picked up at auction. Horses, like people, fall on a wide spectrum of intelligence and mental function. Many of the horses that end up at these auctions are suffering from various mental, physical, emotional, or social problems. The horses may appear to behave great at the sale, but when the horse gets to your house and the drugs wear off it is a different animal. Some horses perform fine away from home. When you saddle and try to leave the barn you find the horse refusing or worse rearing or bucking. This is referred to as barn sour or herd sour. The horse has been taught that if they behave badly at the

barn the rider will get off them and they will not have to work. Horses that pick up this habit are very difficult to rehabilitate. The horse is smart enough to know who will be able to make them perform and who will not be able to. There is no substitute for experience. For this reason, it is important that you secure the assistance of a trusted experienced horseman to assist you through the purchasing process. They will most likely ask several questions to determine what type of horse will best fit your needs and then they will know where to go locally to find it. They will not let emotions affect the selection of the horse and will probably know more which horse will work for you than you will. In the horse business like many other businesses, word of mouth is the best advertisement. Ask around until you get two or three

people that tell you to go to the same source for advice. It is likely that a local vet, 4H horse project leader, extension livestock specialist, or a local saddle club member can point you in the right direction. These people are often paid a finders fee or a percentage of the purchase price for their time and effort. If they will not take any compensation for helping you remember to thank them and pass on a good word about them to others. Make sure you are ready for the commitment of time and money before you take the plunge. Our local extension office reports that the annual total upkeep on a horse is around $2000. If you are sure you can handle the responsibility and follow this advice you will be well on the way to joining the millions of happy horse owners in the world today. Good luck and happy trails.

Responsible, continued from page 9

when more than one horse comes together. As a horse owner, be fully aware of the consequences, as well as the potential for serious problems, if these interactions are not controlled. This calls for planning ahead and consistently working and training your horse at home. • Exercise ownership responsibility when riding in public areas and parks. Horses have big hooves

and are not particular where they place them. Riding through wet ground will churn it up, and if not repaired in a timely fashion will render it unusable for other riders. All horse enthusiasts need to visit the web site www.unwantedhorse coalition.org where there is a wealth of information on equine. As a horse owner, your common sense will prevail. Don’t be afraid to seek out

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advice from professionals. Besides Web resources, there are volumes of books and DVD’s from reputable sources available for enhancing your horse-related interests. Soak up and retain all the knowledge you can capture. With more knowledge your horse ownership will be a positive and rewarding experience for not only you, but your cherished equine companion as well.

Responsibility Even in Death Probably the most difficult and traumatic decision pertaining to your horse is euthanasia. It is your utmost responsibility as the owner of a horse, to ensure the long term interest and welfare of the horse is met. These two issues, best interest and welfare, should outweigh every other consideration. There are several reasons a horse may have to be put down; serious illness, injury, unsoundness or old age. When your equine companion has reached the end of its active life, you must decide whether the horse can be provided a quality of life in retirement, or whether it would be kinder to have them humanely laid to rest. As it is becoming increasingly more difficult to retire a horse to a retirement home, a retired horse may face an uncertain future, so again, your responsibility of this horse comes into play. This is a very difficult and traumatic decision, but often it is kinder to lay the horse to rest versus having to risk it facing an uncertain fate.

Understanding the Animal Activist

…. Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing By Kelly Smith, MFB Director of Marketing and Commodities

“The life of an ant and that of my child should be granted equal consideration.”

Michael Fox, former Humane Society of the United States vice president

“Serving a burger to your family today, knowing what we know, constitutes child abuse. You might as well give them weed killer.”

Toni Vernelli, then-coordinator of PETA’s European operations

“My goal is the abolition of all animal agriculture.”

Humane Society of the United States grassroots coordinator John “J.P.” Goodwin

“Our goal is to get sport hunting in the same category as cock fighting and dog fighting.”

Wayne Pacelle, president of Humane Society of the United States

The comments at left should scare you: I find it hard to believe people actually agree with this kind of extreme thinking, but there are individuals and organizations that have animal agriculture in their crosshairs and are willing to do anything to accomplish their goals – the total demise of livestock production, medical research using animals and sport hunting in the United States. It’s time for all of agriculture to wake-up and recognize this bizarre, but very real threat. So, just who are these rogue organizations that farmers and ranchers need to pay attention to? The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), to name a few. In order to combat the efforts of these dissident groups you first have to understand one simple, important fact … these groups do not play by the normal rules of philosophical engagement. Anything goes, and I do mean anything. These fanatical groups are passionate in their beliefs and profoundly motivated to accomplish their goals. Animal activists, especially HSUS, are deceptive by design. What you see is not what you get. For example, HSUS is not associated with local humane society shelters, but with the caring nurturing image that is presented to the public on the HSUS web site and glossy brochures, people are mislead into giving to a cause and agenda they know nothing about. Animal activists will not hesitate to present a biased or erroneous vision of the facts to sway an audience. They almost always use some form of emotion along with misleading graphic displays as a persuader in their appeals. They rarely use scientific knowledge and facts. Of course, that would alert the intended audience to their charade.

What can we do to assert our beliefs and get our story in front of the mainstream public? GET INVOLVED and BE COMMITTED! Take time to educate yourself about the organizations that want to do great harm to our vocations and the food supply of the United States. SPEAK OUT! Educate your families, neighbors and friends. Ask those people to educate their families, neighbors and friends. ENGAGE! Be willing to challenge these groups when you see or hear misleading and untrue propaganda in print, on the radio or TV. Write letters to the editor and to your elected officials. Make contacts with local leaders and influencers in your community. Ask to be on the program of community organizations during one of their meetings. This war can be won, but we can no longer stand on the sidelines and take for granted the public knows the facts involved in this issue and the true agenda of the animal activist organizations. If we in agriculture are not willing to invest our most important assets, including our time, passion for our vocation, and yes, money, in this crusade for truth and honesty, we will have to live with the consequences of our inaction. If you have questions, comments or need additional information, please contact Kelly Smith at (573) 893-1416 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Missouri Equine Issues 2009  • 11

Couples’ passion goes beyond cows By Chris Fennewald, Editor, MFB Publications

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his farm couple from Callao, Mo., has a knack for raising cattle and creating great pieces of art. The two endeavors may seem unrelated, but Tom and Jean Taylor have turned their vivid memories of ranching out west into beautiful pieces of sculpture, canvas and leather. Both grew up in Colorado raising cattle — Tom on the flatlands and eastern mountain slopes, and Jean on the western slopes. Instead of playing on softball teams, Tom played on roping teams and a roping event is where the two first met 25 years ago. In 1996 they moved east to Missouri. “We moved here for the freedom,” says Tom. Jean’s parents had moved to the Callao area during the real estate boom a few years earlier. One year, when Tom and Jean were visiting, their truck broke down. After a month, they decided to move here permanently. Tom says both of his grandparents came from Missouri, his dad from the Monroe City area and his mom, from the Joplin area. They eventually ended up in western Kansas and Colorado. “The whole atmosphere in Colorado is changing

from one of agriculture to one of tourism,” said Tom. “The regulations have made it so difficult to run a cattle operation out there. You can’t run more than 10 cattle on an acre and that made us outlaws when we were calving.” Most cattle operations there use federal grazing lands, which require permits and a host of rules. Both used their Godgiven artistic talents in Colorado. Even before Jean met Tom, she was cutting and painting pieces of antler to sell as jewelry. Tom, whose passion was always riding horses and working cattle, developed his saddle-making skills while recuperating from a broken collar bone, sternum and ribs after a horse he was riding fell on top of him. Tom at one point owned his own saddle shop and continues to make saddles and other leather pieces today. The Taylors both have drawn

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since youth and improve their skills with each passing year. The couple started their cow/calf business in Missouri on 550 acres. After 8 years they decided to construct a building to make calving easier on them and the cows. They put their creative skills together to come up with

a 150-by-50 metal building that is one-third home, one-third shop and onethird calving barn. Before the calving barn was finished in 2004 a tornado ripped the metal siding off of the structure. Tom says their Farm Bureau insurance paid them a settlement that allowed them to rebuild, this time

Tom and Jean Taylor sit in their artist workshop where Tom works on saddles and both paint. At left is Tom’s registered family branding iron mark is displayed in a piece of tile on the kitchen wall. Jean has her own family iron mark.

Tom’s skills as an artist can be found in the leather, bronze and canvas artwork throughout his home. He has made saddles like this one, but this found a good market in selling hand-made holsters. Both Tom and Jean grew up in the valleys of Colorado, and have drawn their subjects, like the one at left, upon memories in their home state. Since moving to Missouri in 1996, they have painted subjects like quail, orchards, wildflowers and cattle in a Missouri setting.

adding a concrete storm shelter. Artistic touches can be found throughout the living area, from the ceiling stippled in different colors with feather dusters, to the tile above the kitchen sink that include’s the Taylor family registered branding iron mark “T+”. Jean’s family has their own “Lazy T, Reverse 7” brand. A stone wall mantle is lined with bronze sculptures made by Tom and their paintings can be found on the walls throughout the home. One would never know on the other end of the building was an insulated calving barn. The two ranchers spend their evenings relaxing not in front of a television, but in the upstairs studio painting or working on

saddles. Numbered prints are made of some paintings and are available for sale. Some paintings are even on display at a bank and small shop in Macon, but any money earned is simply a bonus. “I’ve always drawn pictures and carved stuff out of wood, but I never placed much emphasis on it. Quite honestly, all I really wanted to do was get on horseback and work cattle. I still remember the first calf I roped from a horse. I was so excited. When I told my sister, all she wanted to do was teach me my ABC’s. That’s how young I was.” says Tom. While both still work cattle, as they have grown older their herd size has decreased from 120 to 80 cows. Injuries during a

tour of duty in Vietnam continue to hamper Tom’s mobility, but not his creative ability. In the 1990s, Tom created several bronze sculptures — all with a western theme. When he couldn’t find a foundry with quality clay, he moved on to painting oils on canvas. He is now thinking about sculpturing once again, after recently discovering a new foundry. “The sculptures always had a story behind them that inspired me to start them. I spent a lot of days in the high country and I spend a lot of days outside here,” he says. Like the sculptures, the drawing came easy. Tom struggled with painting, which are pieced together from photos and his own

experiences. When Jean lived in Colorado, she took paint classes. Both now learn new techniques during classes taken in Macon. Tom likes his sketch of an elk with a mountain in the background, but doesn’t have any one favorite. “What I see in a picture is what I have learned from that painting,” he says. Jean’s favorite is of a covey of quail. “When we first moved here we had a lot of quail and they used to come to your bird feeder in the yard. I had some photos to go by, but it was mainly painted from memory,” she says. As Missouri residents, the couple are creating new memories which some day will be put in art form for others to enjoy.

Missouri Equine Issues 2009  • 13

Cattle, Chaps and Church

Churches Bring Western Flare to Religion By Chris Fennewald, Editor, MFB Publications

A religious faith is a cornerstone of our daily lives. Cowboys out west spend their time working cattle under the open skies. Big Sky country is a place that may seem closer to God, but cowboys don’t always find a place to share and practice faith. Beginning in Texas, cowboy churches grew from a need to mix western cowboy culture with Christian faith. In Missouri, more than 15 cowboy churches have formed to celebrate the country western way of life and minister the Gospel. Chad James of Odessa, Mo., is a livestock consultant for MFA and a big believer in cowboy church. His is called Cross Ties Cowboy Church. “There are a lot of guys that normally would not go to church. Since Cross Ties started a year and a half ago, it is going strong and we’ve baptized some people that without that church would have never thought about becoming a Christian,” said Chad.

He is finding people appreciative of the cowboy church because they can go somewhere and talk to people with a similar interest. The Cross Ties church has up to 40 people at church services that can be held anywhere from a horse arena, rodeo or auction sale barn. According to Chad, the church has two purposes: bring the Word of God to people and raise funds for those in need. “Agriculture people don’t get a big pay check, so money is pretty conservative. All farmers are that way, with us we help people when they need it.” Cross Ties Church raised money for an older farmer with brain cancer to

14  •  Missouri Equine Issues 2009

make necessary repairs to the man’s car so his wife could take him to medical appointments. In December, they picked 12 families to buy Christmas presents for the children. Money is raised through tithing and traditional cowboy events. “Monday and Thursday nights we charge $10 per person for roping practice. Before we rope, someone gives a quick little message relating to the cowboy lifestyle. That is our ministry. The fund raising aspect is all proceeds after any expenses are donated to the church,” he explains. The church also operates cook shacks at team roping events and helps Continued on next page

The Cowboy Way Being a Cowboy is doing the right thing; common wisdom born of simple virtues and strong ideals. Above all, it is a strict adherence to honesty even when it is not in our best interests. It is having an inherent sense of justice in a world where the cards are often stacked against us. We try to hold enough common sense to recognize the value of a lost cause and the cost of lost values. Generally speaking, we are quietly reserved in all things except freedom.... We have a keen eye for a good horse, and a good Cowboy. Constant to friends, we are more so when friends need us, less so when they don’t. Familiar with hard work we also know hard knocks and hard roads. Often given to tears when lesser individuals would display indifference; we are as well given to joy in a few places others would only find disdain. We enjoy plain living, not because we relish doing without, but because we have discovered the treasures within. And, finally, we have that elusive emotion called courage which is, at worst, a badly directed sense of conceit and, at best, it is the stuff dreams are made of. Editor’s Note: This passage can be found on the Web site www. crosstiescowboy church.com .

3rd Annual Farm Bureau run the events to raise money. In return event organizers allow the church to have a cowboy church service during a break. Chad says their church cofounders, Charlie Giles and T.J. Smith deserve the attention for getting Cross Ties Church started. There are larger cowboy churches in southwest Missouri and even larger ones out west, particularly Texas, but they can be found anywhere in the country. Chad knows about the cowboy lifestyle since he worked on large ranches out west as one of them. “I’ve been blessed to be around some good cowboys,” he says. “I’ve learned some of the ethics and codes that go along with being a cowboy.” He has also learned a

thing or two from his own family. “My grandpa always told me you need to be a Christian seven days a week, not one,” he says. Cowboy churches allow people like Chad to worship how they want, when they want, with their peers. Chad is now taking the lead in creating an annual event in Missouri where all of the cowboy churches can gather, have a big meal and raise money for all of the churches’ ministries. Most of the cowboy churches are local congregations. That get-together came to fruition in late July at the Windmill Arena in Centerview, Mo. The churches got together to host the a National Versatility Ranch Horse Show and Clinic.

TEAM ROPING Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009

Shelvin Rock Arena on the Uber Ranch south of Nixa on M Hwy off Hwy 14 Rain Date: October 3

Funds raised benefit the MFB Foundation for Agriculture Lunch available starting at 12:30 p.m. at the Cook Shack. Roping begins at 2:00 p.m. • Registration from 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m. • Entries close promptly at 1:30 p.m. (Participation may be tax deductible. Social Security Numbers required – 1099’s issued for prize payouts over $600.) Draw 4 Runs for $80 (limit 3 entries) 4 Head Average - Progressive *Cash payback with $500 added *Buckles to 1st & 2nd Average Winning Teams *Bass Pro Gift Certificates to 3rd Average Winning Team *Bass Pro Gift Certificates to Fastest Team in 1st Round

Get your horse ready!

For information, call Rick (417) 743-2816, Leroy (417) 425-1442, or Eric (417) 830-8085. From Nixa, take Hwy 14 west to M Hwy. Turn left and take M Hwy south for 3.8 miles. Turn right on Shelvin Rock Road, 2nd drive on left. Your participation in the Team Roping may be tax deductible. The Missouri Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has been determined as exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

TWO ID JOES SONG 2004 AQHA Chestnut Stallion

Rockin’ Paint Horse Farm Paula R. Mullins P.O.Box 34, Rock Port, Mo. 64482 (660) 744-5567 ~ [email protected] Your APHA & MFB Connection in Northwest Missouri Missouri Farm Bureau Equine Advisory Committee American Paint Horse Association Board of Director ~ Show & Contest Committee APH Foundation Board of Director

By Mr Joes Song, AQHA Champion & World Show Qualifier From the Pitzer Ranch-Leading Breeder of AQHA Champions

Cumpton’s Creek Farms Paul and Chris Colt, Clay and Clint Route 1 Box 509, Adrian Mo. 64720

816-297-2762

[email protected]

Standing at: Aldrich Quarter Horses Ben & Janet Aldrich (816) 630-0318 [email protected]

Missouri Equine Issues 2009  • 15

4-H Volunteers Drive Passion for Horses By Chris Fennewald, Editor MFB Publications

Evidence can be found at the Missouri State Fair of what 4-H youth learn in livestock judging, cooking, crop production, and dozens of other disciplines. The state fair is a culmination of months of preparation. Learning those skills starts with volunteers at the county level. In Bates County, the 4-H horse showmanship program

goes beyond teaching youth about horses by including the entire family. Chris Cumpton is Bates County 4-H chairman and the driving force behind program changes the last three years. Those changes have attracted more involvement by horse lovers. Like other counties, Bates County 4-H runs several “Fun Shows”

during the spring for youth to learn how to show and judge horses. Discovering that more parents wanted to be directly involved with their children, Cumpton and other volunteers got them right in the show ring. Now the Fun Shows include what Cumpton calls old-timer classes. “This is so the adults can do these classes as well,” said Cumpton. “The kids can help the parents and grandparents get ready for the show.” The County 4-H charges $10 per family, with the money going to prizes for the kids. “There were so many parents that wanted to be involved. When we put those classes in, the attendance and interest jumped up tremendously,” she said. Starting in February with the first of several clinics focusing on basic equine care, the Bates County 4-H involves the entire family. Cumpton says early in the year they promote the program to parents, grandparents and siblings. “We wanted to bring the knowledge to everybody,” she says. “We knew if we could get more interest

in the program, we could get more support with the whole family coming to learn and help. Anymore, parents just don’t drop their kids off and leave. They stay and participate.” During the February nutrition clinic, a feed specialist discusses proper horse diets. The program includes a farrier, or horse shoer, that explains the anatomy of the hoof and why a feeding program is so important. The March clinic includes a trip to the veterinarian. The 4-H’ers bring in their horses and the vet vaccinates, deworms, and Coggins test them at his cost. Using one horse, the vet does hands-on chiropractics and acupuncture so students and adults better understand the methods. The Fun Shows begin in April and wrap up in June before the county fair. In the process, two 4-H’ers, the county’s Junior 4-H Horsemanship Leaders, teach the younger kids about horses. Natoshia Minor, age 16, and Colt Cumpton, age 15, both grew up in the 4-H horsemanship program. Both are on the Missouri State Horse Judging team this year and plan on going

Horse showmanship is just one part of the Bates County 4-H horse program, but every event takes the coordinated efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers. 16  •  Missouri Equine Issues 2009

Colt Cumpton, in the white shirt, and Natoshia Minor, in orange, are two youth trained in the 4-H horse program. This year they are sharing their knowledge as trainers, helping younger kids learn more about horse care and showmanship.

to national competitions in Louisville, Ky., this fall. Cumpton, who is also Colt’s mom, says both her son and Natoshia enjoy sharing their knowledge. “For them it is more rewarding to see a kid get a purple ribbon than getting the reward themselves. Colt thrives on the feeling he gets when little kids come up and ask to show them this or how to do that.” Other than taking professional lessons from a trainer, the 4-H program

is one of the few places a child can go to learn about horses. A horse is not even required. Cumpton says Colt started in the 4-H horse program with a borrowed horse. She now brings a spare horse for 4-H students to borrow. Colt, and her 7-year-old twins each have their own horse. Another volunteer, Donna Muller, has not

had a child enrolled in 4-H for many years, but is involved. She provides an extra horse and conducts all the running events for the Fun Shows. Natoshia’s mother, Brenda, works for Butler High School, so she volunteers to do much of

the background work in making sure the details are in place for all of the events. Then there are the grandparents, Terry and Shirley Bohannon, who volunteer every year to take charge of all trail Continued on next page

Missouri Equine Issues 2009  • 17

Continued from page 17

equipment. These are the core volunteers, but many others lend a hand. Bates County Extension Specialist Allen Mundey says the horse program is an educational and fun experience where kids learn things they won’t get anywhere else but the 4-H horse program — especially in Bates County. The volunteers, however, are the reason for any successful horsemanship program. Mundey called Cumpton a Godsend. “I give full credit to my volunteers. I’ve been here 10 years and have seen the highs and lows in the program,” he said. “Often, it is a matter of personalities stepping forward and saying ‘yes’ we are going to have a

horse program and make it work this way. They will recruit others, but it takes one or two strong leaders to get a program going and keep it going.” His advice to volunteer leaders is to “delegate, delegate, delegate.” He suggests not trying to do everything yourself, otherwise you will burn out. The main goal for the volunteers of the Bates County 4-H horse program is to spark that horse interest in any child. As a team, Cumpton and her volunteers are not only teaching youth, but leading by example. These same children may one day lead their own 4-H programs.

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