Buckaroo John's Blog

This is an interesting chapter in life right now, with changes that seem to happen daily, if not hourly. A couple weeks ago we were disappointed that the spring shows had been canceled, and now we watch with a certain level of horror as businesses around us close their doors. To some businesses, this is temporary, and they will once again open their doors after all of this fades. Sadly, to other businesses, closing their doors for even a week means results in their doors being closed forever. We are all effected in some way by this current event. For...

In the late 1850's Newton Porter was born in Independence, MO. By the end of the Civil War Newton Porter was left an orphan. He moved to St. Louis, MO where he was raised by an aunt. In his teens he started to learn the art of saddle making by serving an apprenticeship with a St. Louis, MO saddle maker. By 1875, Newton Porter opened his first saddle shop in Taylor, Texas which was an immediate success. However, in 1881 a fire wiped out the shop and Newton Porter closed his business and moved to Abilene, TX where he reopened another shop...

Although it hasn't been the wettest winter we've experienced, there has been some rain. With wet weather can come a plethoras of equine health conditions, one of which being rain rot. Some will tell you that this winter that they can feel small lumps on their horse’s skin under their coat. Could it be rain rot? How can you tell? Dermatophilosis, otherwise known as rain rot or rain scald, is one of the most common skin infections seen in horses. It is caused by a bacterial infection and can often be mistaken for a fungal disease. The bacterial organism acts like...

Quality weighted leather split reins are wonderful to use in in day to day life and also the show ring. However, more goes into making weighted leather split reins than one would assume.  As with all leather tack, selecting the right high quality, premium, and dense fibered leather is the first step. Hides have thicker areas, which are used as the weighted ends of the split reins. The reins are cut side by side, and no other materials are added to the ends to make them weighted. The heavier weight makes the ends swing less, and also provide a nice drape...

The horse world certainly wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for trainers. Trainers can specialize in many aspects of horses and riding. Some are happier starting colts, others like to help the "problem" horses become respectable citizens, while others help with general riding, finesse, equitation and more.  We would like to introduce a trainer than many of you may know about, Sue Watkins: Susan Watkins a lifelong professional horsewoman who has trained and competed in most equine disciplines from Hunters to Ranch Roping, and is well recognized in the Working Equitation world, acquiring her foundation in the sport...