Special Interest
Kenny and Tesoro By: Darcy Howard, Production Animal Consultation On a warm summer evening in western Kansas under the bright arena lights, if you are lucky you might see a new rodeo act performed by Ferny “Kenny” Carrillo Gutierrez and his handsome equine partner, Tesoro. Kenny and Tesoro entertain rodeo crowds with an act that brings honor to Kenny’s Mexican heritage with authentic costume, music and horsemanship. Tesoro, which means treasure in Spanish, not only performs with Kenny, by bowing, sitting and laying down on cue, Tesoro is also used to ride pens at Lane County Feeders near Dighton, KS. Kenny has been with Lane County for the last 3.5 years. He indicated, “It has been the best feed yard for everything, people and cattle.” Kenny came to the United States as a young man of fifteen. At his home in central Mexico, his family owned horses, mules and donkeys; however he had not ridden much once he started school as a young child. Once in the United States, he worked in the feedlot industry processing cattle. Kenny knew he wanted to grow his skills and move to the cowboy crew. It was shortly after his first job riding pens that he met two gentlemen that would help shape his future. Dr. Wade Taylor and Dr. Tom Noffsinger consulted in the feed yard where Kenny was riding pens. Both of these veterinarians do more than consult on the health of cattle in the feed yards; each one of them spends time getting to know the crews that care for the cattle and horses. Kenny shared that Dr. Tom showed him a YouTube video of the well-known horse trainer, Stacy Westfall riding a black horse with no bridle or saddle. Kenny smiled as he said, “I teared up and knew that was awesome and I wanted to be able to do that.” 42 pacdvms.com
This modern day story cannot be told without giving some mention of Facebook. Kenny credits Facebook’s Garden City Trader page with helping him locate his then four year old Palamino partner. Tesoro, who is now nine years old, was purchased for $300. However, the price for this then unbroke stallion has turned out not to be his value. If you ask about his horse, Kenny will tell you, “He is everything to me. I have patience when I’m with horses, all my problems go away. I can spend hours with my horses.” Kenny and Tesoro’s eight minute act has been seen in Kansas at venues in Atwood, Scott City, Ashland, Leoti, Greensburg and Coldwater. Kenny wears traditional Mexican clothing, including a sombrero while Mariachi and tamborazo instrumental music is played as he demonstrates his
