HIGH ON HORSES

Stephenville, Texas just loves horses. They are simply a part of the local fabric around these parts. From My Friend Flicka, to Black Beauty, Silver to Mr. Ed, humankind has always had a special relationship with its equine friend. As John Jeremiah Sullivan writes in his eloquent treatise of the history of men and horses: “A person today who knows horses, really knows them, understands more about what it meant in the past to be human than the most knowledgeable historian.”

It’s common knowledge that horses make important contributions to the livelihood and well-being of people. According to a Report on the Texas Horse Industry, produced by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, over half of the respondents to the question posed regarding their reasons for horse ownership identified ”quality of life” and “relaxation/stress management” among the main reasons for their involvement with horses. Half the respondents identified physical fitness as a reason for their involvement.

The Equine Science program at Tarleton State University in Stephenville occasionally receives donations of horses which will be used in the University’s breeding program and provide students with the opportunity for hands-on education in equine reproduction.

One such donation came from Jerome Hogan of Hico and Bernie Koerner of Stephenville. There were nine horses included in the recent donations and the foals from these mares will be used in future training programs. Dr. Don Henneke, Director of Tarleton’s Equine Science program, said the donation of well-bred mares from around the state enhances the University’s equine program and allows students the opportunity to work with quality animals.

“The support of people like Jerome and Bernie helps insure that our students will have good horses to work with in the future,” said Dr. Henneke.

Stephenville, Texas bills itself as the Cowboy Capital of the World and, being the #1-ranked dairy producing county in the state, where there are cows, there's gotta be Cowboys. Where there are Cowboys, there must be horses. The 50,000 square foot Lone Star Arena hosts many horse-related events each year including the Flying Bella Rosa, Dal-Worth Appaloosa Horseshow, National Reined Cow Horse Competition, Best Horseman in the World and more.

NOT TO BEAT A DEAD HORSE BUT…

Well, there you have it. The Horse Industry in Stephenville, Texas and surrounding area is alive and kickin'. But what about the rest of the nation?

Personally, my lone experience with a horse as a boy in Illinois was quite anti-climatic. The ol’ sway-backed mare wandered over to the water trough and drank forever while I sat on her back, crying (Oh, I should mention I was about 6 years old at the time; a city boy from Chicago whose only experiences with animals were the Bears, the Bulls and the Cubs).