Archive for the ‘Interviews’ Category

Tad Griffith Trick Riding Exhibition! We always watch the riders, but I want you to watch the horses…

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Well, as promised, here is the actual event that Tad and Tanya were practicing for in last week’s post about them.  So, you saw them rehearsing (and if you didn’t, here is that link) and now it is the big day!  Things didn’t go exactly as planned… This Fiesta arena is a bit smaller than Tad’s and this show is Tanya’s first…  You go, girl!

Anyway, I know you will want to watch this video to see them do their amazing tricks.  I certainly did.  But, after viewing it a few times, I turned my attention onto the horses.  Wow.  It was really something when you thought about what the horses did!  First of all, no one is steering.  These boys did what they knew they were supposed to do regardless if there was someone at the helm.  Now, we all know what horses can do if you drop the rein…  But not with these two.  Atta boys just kept on keeping on with what they knew they needed to do.  They never mosey to the center ring to eat flowers.  They don’t stop and rear at flashbulbs.  They don’t break into a trot or an uneven run, they don’t fuss, they don’t talk back, they don’t cut the circle… they just do their job with their ears up.  Wow.

Take a gander at Tanya’s horse.  First, she shimmies up on his neck, grabs a handful of poll mane and then steers him with it.  Hey, its all good…  She stands on his back and then, she hangs off the side of the saddle, moving around,  as he gallops around the arena...  Yeah, my horse would do that, too.  Not.  We riders often blame ourselves for leaning left and right (which we do) and say that we are hard on our horses for leaning one way (which we are).  So, imagine having a whole body over to one side!  Does the horse flinch?  No.  Does he stumble?  Nope again.  He just compensates and keeps going like he should.  Oh, and by the way, this horse got his belly slapped a few times by her hand and he didn’t even twitch an ear.  Never let them see you sweat.  This boy acted like it was just another day at the office.

And Tad’s horse!  OMG.  He just does his thing.  The boy has his head smacked a few times and his necked roughed up… does he do anything but his job?  No.  He just keeps an even gallop at all times.  So remarkable!  He didn’t change one bit from home to the show.  Don’t we all wish we could say that?  ;)

Oh, and I have to comment, check out how the horses watch each other.  Every time one stops and the other goes, the one standing watches with complete attention.  It would be so much fun to be able to read the thought bubbles from those horses…  (Roany)”Oooh, Tango, ouch, that musta hurt when she stuck her toe in your eyeball” … (Tango) “Nawww, I’m used to it… but did you see that kid throw a cup at me?  I almost jumped three feet!  Stoopid photographer popped a flash right in my eye!” (Roany) “You sure looked good out there, is your hip still bothering you?  Didn’t look like it, you looked like a colt out there” (Tango) “Awww, thanks, just doing my job…”  Or, something like that.

Anyway, please watch the Before and After videos (Tad at home and Tad at the show) and Enjoy!  If you have time, watch them again with the horses in mind.  They are very cute and such good boys!

Here is the You Tube version of Tad’s trickriding at the Fiesta of the Spanish Horse.

Here is the You Tube link of the previous video where Tad is rehearsing for this at home.

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
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Roger Archibald – Western Pencil Artist and Horseman, Come See!

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Hi All:

Today is another day of video from my vault.  This time, I chose Roger Archibald, famous Western Pencil Artist and Bronze Sculptor.  His work shows in galleries across the US and is often featured in Western Art magazines. Roger invited us to his ranch in Arizona.  How nice!  He was so personable and lovely, the time just zipped by!

As you all probably have gathered by now, I love original artwork.  I especially love pencil drawings and bronze sculpture.  So with Roger, I hit pay dirt!  He works in both mediums.  Wahoo!  We were able to watch him work on a line drawing from a photograph that was so detailed it made my eyes sore just watching him!  Then, Roger took us through his gallery and told us the stories behind his original pieces.

To be honest, when we set up the interview, I didn’t know Roger was dabbling in sculpture.  So, when we arrived and saw the clay horse on the table, I was thrilled!  I just love watching an artist carve.  You wonder what do they see that makes them cut the clay exactly there…  I figure they must think or see in 3-D to know how to make clay into a muscled form.  (As you can probably guess, I’m not very artistic –  but I admire it greatly!)  And, for dessert, we got to watch Roger on his cutting horse!

In the video, Roger talks about how he got started in art as a kid and how he joined the rodeo circuit early in life.  Then, he moves into why he loves pencil work and bronze.  When we see Roger with his cutting horse, he explains how he couldn’t do his art if he didn’t understand and know the moods of his animals.  He expresses that he couldn’t see the intricate sculpting necessary if he didn’t understand how the muscles worked or how the expressions came upon the equine face.  You can see his intimate knowledge of the horse in his work.  That bronze was incredible…  It was so personal and special to watch him create it before my eyes!  I loved being there.

So, today I present to you the segment of our day with Roger. The video is not quite polished (no music and no titles, some rough edits) but I hope it is good enough to share with you all on an informal basis…

As an aside, if I get to come back in another lifetime, I want to be able to sculpt (and sing).  I loved watching Roger do his thing. Hopefully, you will enjoy our day, too!  Here is the link to the video.

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!

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An Interview with Rocco Wachman from the Arizona Cowboy College – with a twist!

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

Well, today I have a longer interview for you.  Horse and Man went to Arizona’s Cowboy College to speak with them about their bond with their horses. Instead of asking about ridin’, ropin’ and gatherin’, I wanted to chat about the horses they run and what they meant to the wranglers there.

Wow.  We spent an entire day there (even overnighted in the bunk house) and these folks are real horsepeople.  It isn’t about domination or training, it is about partnership.  I mean, think about it, if you are on the trail or out there in neverneverland, you need a mount you can trust.  Rocco told us all about it.  He seemed very genuine and I really enjoyed our time together.

First off, let me tell you about the Arizona Cowboy College.  It was started by Lloyd Bridwell who was a rancher that was the son of a rancher who was the son of a rancher.  You know what I mean here…  Anyway, in 1989 he created the Cowboy College to impart his love of the ranching life.  It caught on like wildfire and was featured in television and magazines everywhere.  I’m sure the movie, CITY SLICKERS, took a piece from Lloyd.

Students came to Cowboy College from far and wide.  One of those students was a businessman from New York, Rocco Wachman.  Well, Rocco was so moved by his experience at CC, he left NY behind and became a part of the College.  Now he is the head instructor…  Rocco was our tour guide and interviewee.

But before we go to the video, I have to tell you the tragedy here.  Lloyd Bridwell passed away unexpectedly in 2003.  Honorably, his wife, Lori, continued on with Rocco’s help.  The College was Lloyd’s dream and no one wanted it to end.  So, with great strength and will power the Bridwell family and Rocco kept Cowboy College thriving.  And thank goodness because our adventure there, and the adventures of everyone who takes the course, make memories that last a lifetime!

So, in this short video, Rocco speaks of his relationship with the horse and two horses in specific.  The first horse he mentions is a mare who saved his life.  Rocco was on horseback and lost his way in the wilderness during a snow storm.  He was unconscious when they finally arrived back at the ranch.  His mare had walked the last several miles with an unresponsive rider on her back.  According to Rocco, he was suffering hypothermia.  If she had given up, he would surely not be with us.  You can see his admiration for her when we enter her pen…

The second horse we visit is his young Appy “son”.  This is his favorite horse of all of them, even at the young age of just 5 years old.  Rocco feels that this horse is the most honest and willing horse he has ever worked with or taught.  You’ll see him interact with this sweet gelding.  It is funny, this gelding was for sale but not really, if you know what I mean…  I thought Rocco’s love for this boy was very endearing.  It was great to see this Cowboy speak of his horse so lovingly.

I also want to add that the “Inspired” video I put up a few weeks ago was filmed at Cowboy College.  The girl in the video is Lori’s student who rode through all those jumps at liberty.  So, you see, they do more than Cowboyin’ at Cowboy College.  Here is a link to the Inspiration video.

Here is a link to the You Tube site for Rocco’s interview at Cowboy College.  I hope you enjoy our little visit with Rocco and the Cowboy College!

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!

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Tad Griffith, Equine Stunt Trainer, speaks about Sonja Fitzpatrick, the Pet Psychic

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010

Wow!  That title was a mouthful, eh?!

(As usual, with videos, I have several versions listed here.  The embedded versions are Quicktimes and better quality. The other versions are You Tube links which aren’t as high of quality but more user friendly.  sigh. )

Anyway, a few years ago, HORSE AND MAN visited with Tad Griffith.  Tad is an incredible horseman.  He trains his string of  movie horses for whatever they need to do:  Roman riding (Zorro), Westerns, Wild West Shows, Jumping through Rings of Fire, Riding at liberty…  His forte is Roman Riding and trick riding but he can do it all.  I remember being a bit afraid to visit Tad because I was hesitant to learn his training tactics.  Silly me… He is an animal lover and treats his charges with great respect.  He taught me so much.  Here is a list of some of his feature credits:

  • The Patriot
  • Shanghai Noon
  • Wild Wild West
  • Ride with the Devil
  • The Mask of Zorro
  • Adobe Station
  • The Magnificent Seven
  • Texas Payback
  • Jack of Hearts
  • Gambler III
  • Dream West
  • Gambler II
  • TBS “Movies for Guys Who Like Movies”
  • Eye on LA
  • Two on the Town

Ok so today, I found some raw footage of casual conversation between Tad and I that we happened to shoot. While reviewing it, I thought his comments on Sonja Fitzpatrick were memorable so I cut them together (to see the video, click here/quicktime)  Do you know about Sonja?  She had a show on Animal Planet called, THE PET PSYCHIC.  Sonja now has a radio show on Sirius.  Anyway, her producers picked Tad’s ranch for one of her episodes of THE PET PSYCHIC and I had heard about it before I interviewed Tad.

So, during my interview with Tad when I casually spoke with him about Sonja, he demurred.  He didn’t want to talk about it because I’m sure he thought I wouldn’t understand.  Or, he thought that he would sound silly for believing in Dr. Doolittle.  But, he had no fears here because I do believe in Dr. Doolittle.  (Gee, even admitting that to all of you makes me feel silly, too…)  C’mon in here closer and I’ll tell you –  to be honest, I was ready to not believe.  As a producer, I was wondering if Sonja’s show on Animal Planet was rigged or whatever.  Have you seen the movie LEAP OF FAITH with Debra Winger and Steve Martin?  Well, that movie had a huge impact on me.  It tells the story of a criminal evangelist that rigged his shows to fool unsuspecting believers out of their money.  So, I had to check it out for myself.  I called Sonja and set up a reading…  When Sonja was reading my animals, she had a tough nut to crack.  I was waiting to uncover the Steve Martin character from Leap of Faith.  But, I gotta tell you,  she was right on.  It was scary good.  I believe in Dr. Doolittle, too.

Anyway, back to Tad.  I asked him if he thought Sonja understood his animals, not letting him know that I knew about Sonja at all.  Tad got really quiet and smiled and told me it was the best horse day of his life…  He said he started as a skeptic and then became a believer.  The fun part about this is that Tad is not a woo-woo kinda guy as you will see.  And in the video, he gets excited to tell the stories of what his horses said! (embedded video, better quality for sure!)  Oh, the woman in the video (You Tube version) is his wife.  She was lovely, too.

So, watch the video (sorry about the poor editing on my part…) and then check out Sonja, if you’d like.  My reading was awesome and so was Tad’s.  Here is her website. (No affiliation with either Tad or Sonja)

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Mounting Block, Ha! And, Do You Get Muscle Sore? So Does Your Horse!

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

I saw this photo and thought I had to start off with Luscombe Nodram.  He is an 8 year old Draft horse from Australia who measures 20.2′.  Ha!  Noddy is believed to be the tallest horse in the world.  So, I had to read up on him…  He weighs 2866 pounds and is a registered Shire.  Noddy comes from a line of tall horses.  In fact his great grandsire was in the Guiness Book of World Records in 1981 as the Tallest Horse at 19.2.  Ahhh, the kids are getting biger these days!

What I thought was really funny is that the trainer/rider (yes, he is trained to ride and drive) has to use a ladder or “swing from a tree” (no joke, that is what she said) to mount.  I’d like to try to order a mounting block for this guy… “Ah, Hello, Valley Vet… Um…”

COULDN’T HURT, COULD HELP BODY WORK FOR YOUR HORSE

I can just hear the flack flying as I delve into this controversial arena…  Actually, I had no idea it was such a big thing until I starting fishing around.

You see, a few years ago, I decided that I wanted to learn how to recognize and aid signs of particular equine soreness, or at least have an overall “feel good” technique to relax my horse while helping him heal his muscles, joints and structure without injury.  Oy. Who knew I was diving into such a bath of churning controversy.  In a nutshell, the people who own schools and teach this sort of thing have a point.  You cannot just hang a shingle and say you do equine bodywork without the proper training.  Yup, I would have to agree.  However, some of us just want to learn basic, lightweight, can’t hurt/could help techniques that don’t take 4 years to study.  This is where there is the rub…  In America, truly, you cannot do this easily. The fear is that one will not just work on their own horses, but will try to make money and hurt other horses.  OK OK, I get it.  But, what about ME?  I don’t want to hurt anyone’s horses, especially my own.  Besides, there are plenty of books out there, I could just teach myself.  Whatever.  It was frustrating.

WHAT I DID – EQUINE TOUCH

I want to let you know that I researched from Equine Massage to Equine Osteopathy and everything in between.  There was mud slinging everywhere and I was appalled and fascinated at the same time.  After slogging through it all…

I flew in the face of adversity and followed the Maverick!  Yup, I went after the guy who has a big voice but also the power behind it.  EQUINE TOUCH.

Now, if you haven’t done the research, and why would you, you wouldn’t know that this guy has lots of mumblers.  But, everyone has mumblers so I took it with a grain of salt.  I studied who he studied.  I looked at what the old guys said about him.  And, I was impressed.

Here’s how I based my decision.  I wanted a body background.  I wanted osteopathy but easier.  I wanted the Obewons of the body workers to think this guy was onto something.  So, I followed Janek Vluggen, the best known equine doctor of osteopathy.  Of course, he is in the Netherlands and traveling, so not based where I could study him.  Bummer.  As I read more, I could only find one DVM vested in osteopathy in the US, Marcia DuBois, who happens to also follows Vluggen.  Ah ha!  I was getting somewhere, sort-of.  Then I read more about them all and found the name Jack Meagher.  He was just a guy in the US a while back who was known as the founder of equine osteopathy.  (He has a great, simple book… you might want to get it.)  Sadly, he no longer exists.  He did have students.  But, since the US doesn’t sanction Osteopathy without a DVM, of course, no once can teach this here.  Besides, I didn’t want to learn the whole thing, just the Cliff Notes.

This brought me to a Jock Ruddock of Equine Touch.  He was a human body worker first, has studied with both Janek and Jack Meagher and he does layman’s clinics!  Aha!  Sign me up!  Which I did.  Jock (from Scotland) and his wife Ivana (a vet in the Czech Republic) run this program/school.  It is well thought out for the everyday horse person (Levels 1 and 2) and for the Practitioner (Levels 3 and 4)  The great part is that you can actually make a difference with your horses after Level 1!   And, basic everyday people (like me) cannot accidentally hurt their horses because it is non-invasive and works on the fascia.

It is called Vibromuscular Harmonization Technique (VHT) or Equine Touch.  OMG.  It so works!  I could tell you the whole schpeil, but you should just go to the website and read if you are interested.  It has changed my life and the life of my horses!  Jock knows his stuff.  He is kinda big in personality and has a lot to say, but it is important to listen.  Ivana is the opposite.  She is lovely and gentle and teaches you the clinical side of it all.  They are a perfect balance.  I learned so much and saw so much.  I witnessed Jock work on client horses that were not part of the clinic (I went on a ride-along) and saw incredible improvement without pain.  I was hooked!

For me, I took my Level 1 in Texas.  Not only was I amazed at the work but I was also amazed that I could learn it.  I took my Level 2 in Hawaii which was nice…  ;)   I haven’t done my Level 3 but did watch it.  And, as much as I kicked and screamed about having to leave CA to learn, I met wonderful people who will be lifelong friends.  An adventure for sure!

Equine Touch advanced levels go into nutrition, feet, the complete horse… which is good to know.  But, you don’t have to start there, you can just go and learn the basics that work.  For me, it was good to observe that they are on the cutting edge of just about everything equine — in a sensible way — but I could return home with very practical, basic knowledge on lower level courses.

Downside:  The downside is that these two are so popular around the world that they don’t come to the US as much anymore (they will be here in May 2010).  But, they do have very adept trainers here who can teach you.

I highly, highly recommend that you do this if you are interested in non-invasive body work that you can do fairly easily on your horses.  And, if you can get yourself into Jock and Ivana’s training, you will never forget it.  They will be in the US in May.  So, sign up, if you want to/are able to.  (Or, email: equinetouchusa@yahoo.com  for a schedule.) I think you will be very happy you did.  (I have no affiliation.)

HONORABLE  MENTIONS

Here are a few honorable mentions that I didn’t try but looked promising.

1)  You have all probably heard of TTouch by Linda Tellington-Jones.  Her school offers a well-rounded technique of understanding your horse through several avenues and one of those is simple bodywork.  I think she addresses this correctly in that we all need to understand the ins and outs so we can better see the whole picture.  TTouch offers a 3 or 5/6 day course that covers many valuable aspects.  Check it out.

2)  The next place, Tallgrass Animal Acupressure, offers just about every type of body work imaginable.  I didn’t choose this but did hear many rave reviews.  Why didn’t I choose it?  Well, I needed a short course…

Tallgrass Animal Acupressure. Look it up if you are interested in a full education.

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Spring Has Sprung, the Grass Has Rizz, I Wonder Where the Flowers is?… Spring Inspiration!

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

My Aunt Sid used to use that expression and it always made me smile.  Spring is here!

I have two things today.  Inspiration and Lists.

INSPIRATION

Here is an inspirational video (click here) that we shot at Arizona’s Cowboy College.  This is a girl who with only a strap around her horse’s neck, takes him over several (not little) jumps, around bushes and trees and whatever else without a fence or any gear except a helmet. Hmmmm.  Kinda inspiring to become ONE with your horse again after a long winter…  I totally remember shooting this and feeling like such a schmoe because I couldn’t ride at liberty.  Anyway, all it takes is lots of devotion, companionship and practice.  And time.  Lots of time.

Did you know that Cowboy College taught this sort of thing?  I didn’t either.  Yup.  It isn’t all about ropin’ and ridin’.  It is about total horsemanship.  Check it out!  We loved it there.  Anyway, here is the video of our Spring Inspirational At Liberty video.

SPRING LISTS

You probably already do this list but I’m writing it anyway just in case my experience helps you:

  • clean and repair flymasks (or buy new ones on sale)
  • clean out feet and apply thrush cure if needed (If you suspect canker, us the purple mush.)
  • detangle manes and tails (this could take several days  ;)  …)
  • wash and put away winter blankets
  • clean out all water troughs/buckets and remember to check them more frequently
  • order your predators
  • order your garlic (if you use it)
  • order fly spray on sale or make your own
  • clean out your trailer and trailer tack room
  • road ready check on your trailer — bearings packed?
  • put fresh water in your trailer
  • grease the trailer ball
  • clean tack (If you use leather cream, my favorite is Skidmore’s.)
  • clean and oil your clippers – or have someone do that
  • check your helmet
  • clean out your saddle bags (hopefully no mystery blobs of old treats in there…)
  • fix your hoses, floats or waterers
  • check/order your hay – this is the hardest time to get hay
  • watch a few videos (They make it look so easy…)
  • get on your trainer’s schedule if needed
  • scour Ebay and Bayequest for tack on the wish list

MY LIST

  • TIGHTEN ALL CHICAGO SCREWS (I lost a bridle mid-gallop because of this — not good.)
  • CHECK FOR SPIDERS IN TACK (One that made no web and left no clues, crawled out mid ride and bit me.)
  • CLEAN THE MOLD FROM YOUR TRAILER HORSE AREA AND TOTALLY WASH OUT THE HAY BAGS/RACKS FOR MOLD  (This seems so obvious but you want to be really careful with this.  Mold climbs up walls and gets into cracks that your horse sniffs.  I have known of respiratory ailments that came from hidden mold in the trailer of a show horse who traveled often.)
  • DON’T FORGET TO WARM UP YOUR HORSE AND EASE BACK INTO IT (’nuff said there…)

Oh, and here is a tip.  I found this plastic 5 gallon gas can that BMX/ATV riders use.  It is perfect for water in your trailer after trail rides.  Previously I used the huge trailer tanks but for me, they were kinda unruly.  This is easy to fill, easy to carry and easy to pour (two handles).  I love it.  You can get them at any motorbike store or online.

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BLACK RUBY, the Winningest Racing Mule Ever!

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Before we even begin here, I have to add a HUGE disclaimer…  I produced and directed all of the segments for HORSE AND MAN, but I didn’t edit them.  All of the clips you have seen previously were professionally edited.  But not today. The footage you will see here is raw footage that I ATTEMPTED to edit (sigh).  I am no editor.  Someday, I will have this episode, in its entirety, edited well.  But, for now, just to get this story to you all, I’ve done my best with what little I know about iMovie.  Hopefully, I will get better at this since I have hundreds of hours of unedited footage of many wonderful HORSE AND MAN stories sitting in my vault.  Thanks for hanging in there with me!

BLACK RUBY!

OK, so back to Black Ruby!  She is awesome and I got to meet her firsthand.  This molly mule has won more races than any other mule (and most equines)!  Mule racing is relatively new.  In fact, the Mule Racing Association had to adapt the current racing laws to allow mules.  And, so far, mules are only sanctioned to race at Fairs.  So, that cuts down the tour.  However, it doesn’t take away the excitement!  This gal has been featured in Sports Illustrated, Equus, The NY Times, Blood horse as well as several TV appearances.  She has won over $200,000 and her purse keeps expanding.  So far, the only mule to beat her is Taz, but not often.  (It was Taz who was the first Mule to be cloned — another story.)  They have a standing rivalry which is presented in this video from a Match.  Amazing. You need to watch it first then read on. Famous Match Mule Race

Ruby is owned by a lovely couple, Sonny and Mary McPherson from Healdsburg, CA (wine and now mule country…).  They really had no idea this was going to be their next phase in life — it happened by accident.  Sonny had a hunting/packing mule that he showed a friend.  The friend asked to use Sonny’s mule to run along side his mule down at the racetrack… and a love was born!  Soon after that fateful day, the McPhersons met Ruby.  She was 3, injured and on stall rest.  The trainer said she was the fastest mule he had ever seen before she was injured.  A year later, after Ruby had finally healed but never raced, Sonny took a chance and bought her.  The trainer was right.  Really right!  Black Ruby has won 62 of her 77 starts (most of her non-wins were due to her inability to load properly in the gates — a mule is a mule is a mule…  ;)  ).

Mules race shorter lengths than race horses. They run in yards, the 220. 300, 350, 400, 440, 660 and 870 which is a half mile. Ruby holds records in all events.  Basically, mules don’t have the endurance of the race horses — yet.  Mules tend to run a few seconds behind the horses’ records. Right now, most racing mules are created from a QH or an Appy mare (and of course, a talented Jack) to get the fast sprinter.  If purchasing a racing mule, they look for a nice head, strong neck, long leg and a big hip.

I have to give great credit to the Mule Racing Association because they will not allow a mule to run until he/she is 3.  It was decided that a mule just isn’t bone mature until then and they don’t want the mules to break down.  Nice.  But having a winning mule or a well built mule does not garner success for sure.  A mule is a mule is a mule…  ;)

When I visited the McPhersons, I watched their up and coming mules along with their older mules running in the fields and I was slack jawed!  I had never seen anything like it!  Of course, watching Ruby just casually romp at warp 2000 just took my breath away.  I could not believe it!  These are not your Grand Canyon Mules!  Wow!  Among the group was a Molly that crossed from a Secretariat mare.  Amazing!  That one will be a distance mule someday.  But, of course, the casually dressed Ruby out ran them all – easily.  She is sumthin’. Here is the short video of Ruby casually running her buncakes on her home turf.

Anyway, here is the edit I put together with this great footage of Sonny, Mary and the mules.  Click here:  Black Ruby interview video.

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An Interview with Rick Lamb of THE HORSE SHOW radio program and… Do you know Madeleine Pickens?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Good Morning!  Sorry I am late.  My Mother is visiting…

Today I wanted to share with you another interview HORSE AND MAN created with radio talk show host, Rick Lamb. This guy has it sweet!  He lives in Arizona, has his own recording studio (he does many things audio) and gets to produce a radio show of is own design which is all about horses.  Rick’s enterprise has really grown since we interviewed him.  You should check out his website.  Wow!  Lots of stuff going on.  Anyway, Rick has a passion like well… maybe yours truly… and he couldn’t be a nicer guy.  It is no wonder all his guests open up with him and give him great conversation.  Here is a link to our interview with Rick Lamb, radio talk show host

MADELEINE PICKENS

I also wanted to take this time to introduce you to Madeleine Pickens, if you don’t already know about her. She is fighting the US Gov’t (BLM) for the rights of the Wild Mustang.  I don’t want to get into the politics of the fight because it is very deep.  But, I do want to speak about her devotion and passion to save the Mustang – not to mention her tenacity!

Her game plan, in a nutshell, is that if the BLM doesn’t want to take care of the Mustang because it is too expensive to house the over 30,000 in holding pens and the wild ones are “ruining the land”, then she said that SHE would take them.  Yup.  She has enough money to purchase lots of land to house them all, with a plan, of course.  But, the BLM is fighting her on every turn.  I went to a BLM meeting here in Sacramento last year.  It made me crazy.  Totally stupid.

Anyway, Madeleine’s point is that if it is costing the tax payer too much money to support the Mustangs, give her a bit less than the US Gov’t is spending now and she will do it.  Well, when I was at that meeting last year, the BLM created lots of nonsense and white noise about Madeleine and then went on to say that they would rather gather them all and sterilize them.  Oy.  I don’t have the time to write about all the rebuttals during that infamous meeting.

But back to Madeleine.  What I love about Madeleine Pickens is that she isn’t emotional in her information or her fight.  She just tells it like it is.  And, if you want to help, her website is very user friendly.  I am amazed at how really non-invasive and “one click” her HELP NOW bulletins are formatted.  Literally, you can help by just clicking a button and you will be counted.  She has done all the work.  All the info is there and it is very easy to access and help.  Amazing.  Thank you.

As for my opinion on the BLM, let me just say that Congress passed the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act in 1971.  Either follow it or have all of us vote again on the facts.  But, don’t use my tax dollars at your will, BLM.  Also, I do watch what is going on and I’m angry that the BLM is finding loopholes that allows them to gather when they are not supposed to gather.  This winter’s gather that just ended (read about it on Maddy’s site) was a terrible thing to do at that time of year to these horses, many were killed/trampled/foals aborted. This nightmare was able to be carried out because the BLM moved the horses onto private land so they wouldn’t be beholdin’ to the US Gov’t laws.  Pretty tricky.

Anywho, to me, the BLM has done many stupid human tricks with regards to the Mustang and I applaud Madeleine Pickens for standing up to them and keeping the fight alive.  I cannot imagine anyone else — other than someone with very deep pockets — who could keep the fight going against those monolithic lobbies.  Truly.  Who could fight one of the strongest unions?  Madeleine Pickens does it with elegance.  And, anyone who can create such a user friendly way of voting and helping is a good friend of mine!

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Ron Clayton and the Mules of the Grand Canyon – Rare Interview!

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Hello there!

HORSE AND MAN – Mules of the Grand Canyon – Click on the link to see the video!

Today I was able to find an unfinished segment from my TV series, HORSE AND MAN.  It is not perfect but still pretty close so I’m uploading it today.  (I wasn’t able to put titles on the talking heads and I am not happy with the sound levels.)  However, it was so incredible to go to the Grand Canyon and get behind the scenes with the mules and their wranglers that I wanted to share this!  I remember those days very clearly and they were so special… The tough and grizzled Ron Clayton was just a babbling cowboy when he spoke of his mules and the special tours he’s sponsored. And, you would have been so impressed with the HUGE mule barn.  Everything was tidy.  All the mules knew exactly where to stand to get their dinner (amazing with 150 mules) and all the gear was cleaned and stowed properly. Double Amazing.  They run a tight ship but they have to since the territory is so dangerous.  It was quite memorable.

In the future, I am going to try to sharpen my basic editing skills (right now, they are fairly non-existant) to try to bring little clips of these very special moments from the HORSE AND MAN series.  I have hundreds of hours of tape.  But, without a pro editor, these stories just sit in my storage vault.  So, I’m going to try to bring mini, basic clips to this Blog until I can have the remaining episodes edited properly.

Anyway, this segment was edited by someone else and you will like it!

Oh, and if you have the time… I used two different video players.  The top link is You Tube and the bottom link is Vimeo.  If you like one better than the other, please let me know!

Here you go!  Click here to see Ron Clayton and the incredible Mules of the Grand Canyon

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