WA Western .

18/03/2024

22/02/2023

The ✨magic✨ cross of Doc’s Starlight and Peppy San Badger produced three undeniably successful stallions: Grays Starlight, Gallo Del Cielo and Paddys Irish Whiskey.

Each of the three brothers was unique. One was stylish and catty; one was beautiful and tough; and one was stout and consistent. ➡️ www.aqha.com/-/three-of-a-kind

12/02/2023

When legendary horseman Buster Welch died in 2022, the whole Western industry mourned, maybe no more so than in cutting-horse circles.

06/02/2023

Learn to shape a cowboy hat.

24/01/2023

"Twilight Crossing" Oil 10"x12"
This is my second painting that is hot off of the press and on its way to the American Miniatures Show in Tucson, AZ at Settlers West Galleries. The paintings sell by draw on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
Please visit the link below for details.

https://settlerswest.com/show/settlers-west-galleries-american-miniatures-2023

24/01/2023

18/01/2023

A week ago today I swung my saddle onto the back of a five-year-old quarter horse under the watchful eye of Tom Curtin.

The horse took a few concerned steps as my stirrup swung over his back. I looked up to see Tom’s grin under the brim of his hat and he said,

“You were thinking about saddling that horse, weren’t you?
You need to think about that horse while you saddle him.“

Last week I spent the week with Tom and his wife, Trina. I noticed a reoccurring lesson throughout the week.

The everyday activities I have done my whole life with horses took on a new meaning. “You were thinking about brushing that c**t, you need to think about that c**t while you brush him.” And, “you were thinking about bridling that mare, you need to think about that mare while you bridle her.”

Tom said, “No matter what you do, never forget that horse”.

So there I was, playing cowboy for a week, learning about c**t starting, riding young horses, checking cattle, but deep inside it all, learning how to be with a horse in a very intentional way.

It’s a sort of contract, you see. You’re not demanding that your horse give you their attention without an even exchange. Asking a horse to bring their attention to me now feels more like saying, “Remember I’m right here, thinking about you… In exchange can you think about me?”

The gift of Tom’s c**ts was that they already knew the feeling of being kept in mind, and they were good at telling me when I’d lost track of them. The calm that came over these horses when I thought of them as I went about my daily routines was just wonderful.

All it took was being mindful of their existence and attentive to their needs. We typically have some sort of goal with our horses that can provide a wonderful sense of purpose, but the goal is meaningless if we lose track of our partner in the process.

I hope in reading this you can be as inspired as I am. When you go out this week and do whatever you do with your horses, whether it be jumping fences, working cows, dancing in a dressage arena, chasing hounds, etc, see if you can go about your business with purpose, but never forget your horse.

~ Justin

📸 Erin Gilmore // Erin Gilmore Photography

14/01/2023

02/01/2023

Quote of the Day - " 2022... It's been one heck of a year... Thanks for the Ride ~ Much Appreciated... All the Best in 2023... God Bless you ALL, Amen!!." ~ Artist ~ Unknown

01/01/2023

25 YEARS AGO today, the great Chainsaw was humanely put to sleep with an injection by local Yass vet Peter Gibb.
He passed away peacefully in his paddock on the outskirts of Yass after it appeared his tired old legs couldn’t carry him anymore. He was 15 years old.
His passing was acknowledged during a rodeo at Port Macquarie when about 180 cowboys removed their hats and held a minutes silence such was the respect and admiration for this great bull.
Chainsaw won 8 bucking bull of the year awards from 1987 - 1994.
Chainsaw was bought by George Hempenstall out of the Homebush saleyards as a young calf.
Chainsaw also acquired his ear tag #327 from Hempenstall after he simply got the number from his letterbox.
John Condon later bought Chainsaw off Hempenstall as George was seeking to further his rodeo career in the United States.
Rodeo great Garry McPhee was Chainsaw’s stock contractor and McPhee trucked and promoted him at rodeo’s from way down south all the way up to northern Queensland and everywhere in between.
After 25 years there has still never been a bucking bull that has reached the heights and accolades of Chainsaw and we doubt there never will be another in the future.
So again, it’s hats off to Chainsaw. A champion bull and Australian icon that will never be forgotten.
Photo credit: 📸 Mike Kenyon
Words: Brent Langley

01/01/2023

Dry Doc, pictured in 1991, was born in 1968. Sired by the legendary Doc Bar and out of the great mare and NCHA Hall of Fame inductee Poco Lena, Dry Doc was destined to become a star performer and sire.

16/12/2022