Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

COWBOY CANADIAN

COUNTRY THE CONSERVATION ISSUE

Canada’s Legacy SAVING GRASSLANDS

Canadian Cowboy's PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS DEC 2024/JAN 2025 • $6.95

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ROB DINWOODIE Range Renaissance Man @cowboycountrymag @CowboyCntryMag @cowboycountrymagazine

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 | VOLUME 28, NO.4

FEATURES

28

16 RANCH LIFE PHOTO CONTEST The winners and honourable mentions in our fabulous photo contest

22 A SEA OF GRASS

The Remount Community Pasture is Alberta’s unfaceted jewel

26 GOT WORMS?

Composting with Red Wigglers

27 GRASSLAND BIRDS IN CRISIS The tragic decline of grassland birds

28 ARTIST PROFILE KATHY LESLIE The play of colour and light brings out the aura of her animals

34 BREATHE, BELIEVE & BE BRAVE One woman’s journey of trust and trails with an Alberta wildie

36 ROB DINWOODIE

Okanagan renaissance rangeman, artist and songwriter

40 WHAT WORKS FOR US

Raising elk on Spirit River’s Trembling Aspen Ranch

ART OF KATHY LESLIE

DEPARTMENTS

ON THE COVER: PG 16 This serene photo, "Blind Trail" by Holly Nicholl is one of the winners of the Canadian Cowboy Country Photo Contest

@cowboycountrymag cowboycountrymagazine.com

@CowboyCntryMag

5 6 7 12 13 14 15 30 43 46 48 50

MY POINT OF VIEW LETTERS IN THE CORRAL SPIRIT OF THE WEST RANCH RAMBLINGS WHEEL TO WHEEL ROAD TO THE NFR COMMON THREADS WESTERN EVENTS CLOWNIN’ AROUND COWBOY COOKING COWBOY POETRY

@cowboycountrymagazine 3

December 2024/January 2025 Vol. 28, No. 4

“World Champion” sponsor of Miss Rodeo Canada Proud member of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame

Publisher Rob Tanner rob@cowboycountrymagazine.com Editor Terri Mason terri@cowboycountrymagazine.com Art Director Shannon Swanson shannon@cowboycountrymagazine.com Sales Manager Kristine Wickheim kristine@cowboycountrymagazine.com Subscription/Circulation Marie Tanner circ@cowboycountrymagazine.com Accounting/Administrator Marie Tanner admin@tanneryoung.com Columnists Brittney Chomistek, Tim Ellis, Niki Flundra, Jackie Rae Greening, Hugh McLennan, Billy Melville Contributors S. Omar Barker, Ian Cook, CrAsh Cooper, Jacqueline Louie, Ken Mather, Billy Melville, Tom Reardon, Turkey Farmers of Canada.

Special thanks to June Picotte of Medicine Hat, and to Logan Dolen of Trembling Aspen Ranch.

Since 1896

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Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

MY POINT OF VIEW

Connections

STOCK.ADOBE.COM/IRISIMAGES

W

elcome to our Conservation issue. In my long life, I’ve never owned one blade of native grass, so you’d think I wouldn’t have a vested interest.

Mind you, I’ve never owned a Red-Tailed Hawk, a Horned Owl, or even a Rocky Mountain Sheep, but I’m awfully interested in their independent survival and in seeing their species thrive.

Like you, I care deeply about our tiny corner of the earth, the health of future generations, and the freedom to eat, grow, and live as we want. For me, this all leads back to livestock and native grass, and to a far greater extent, it also leads to the survival of our prairie grassland birds.

There is a great expanse that is home to many, and it’s what I call Alberta’s unfaceted jewel—the Remount Pasture. Few have heard of it, and even fewer have ridden it.

Grassland birds abound there.

Our Living Legend is a well-known BC “grass man” rangeland agrologist, Rob Dinwoodie. He is a multi-talented cowboy who trains his own horses, then paints pictures of them and writes songs about them!

The Photo Contest was a smashing success, and we are sharing them—from winners to honourable mentions. What a ton of talent!

cowboycountrymagazine.com

One of my favourite series is “What Works For Us,” in which I interview those doing the job. Many of us eat what I call “prairie meat”—ranch beef, ranch bison, and ranch elk. We are blessed to have some of the best right on our doorsteps, and I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with elk rancher Logan Dolen.

At the end of the interview, I had to ask: any connection to Dolen’s in Central Alberta? Yes, indeed. For those with long memories, you will recall the great cowboy poet and my good friend, the late Lloyd Dolen, and yes, Logan is an offshoot of that cowboy clan. I re-read my old friend’s cowboy poetry, and as the snow swirled outside, I re-enjoyed the memories of him on stage.

With that, Merry Christmas, everyone, and may God bless. May you all receive a lovely reminder that everything in the West is connected, especially on our range—here in Canadian Cowboy Country.

— Terri Mason, Editor

LETTERS

JAY CONTWAY I am very pleased with the response I have received from advertising in Canadian Cowboy for the sale of my book Jay Contway, The Artist, The Cowboy, His Legacy at The Calgary Stampede. People whom I have never met but who knew Jay have reached out for the book. Customers have called from across the prairies, and they have also made purchases of bronze.

I thank you as well, Terri, for the wonderful article in the August/September issue. I sent copies to some of Jay’s family in Montana, and they were so proud to know that Jay is still in the hearts and minds of his friends and collectors in Canada.

Lynn Contway, Olds, Alta

Specializing in the Equine Industry and the Western Lifestyle

GOOD WORK Everything is good. I’ve gone through the whole magazine, and I recognize a few names.

I really enjoyed the magazine. Keep up the good work.

Emilia Mowat, Vulcan, Alta.

EQUINE • FARM • RANCH • LIVESTOCK RODEO EVENT HOST • RIDING ARENA BOARDING • RIDING LESSONS TRAINING

Grigg Insurance Brokers (1947) 482150 Street Mayerthorpe, Alberta T0E 1N0

780.786.2347 | 1.888.66.GRIGG c.mckillop@grigginsurance.ca Colette McKillop

Your Equine Specialist 6

CAROLINE GATHERING The 2nd edition of the Caroline Cowboy Music & Poetry Gathering is now in the record books as an unqualified success. Attendance was near capacity from beginning to end for the two-and-ahalf-day show.

The organizing committee was anxious to get attendee feedback and promoted the use of a suggestion/comment box, which saw a lot of action. One of the main categories had to do with promotion, “How did you learn of the Gathering?” and Canadian Cowboy Country magazine was identified most prominently in this regard. In addition, your generous donation of the April/May edition was on display and distributed throughout the course of the show. I expect, from the comments I heard, that many new subscriptions will result in the weeks and months to come.

A tribute to the late Bryn Thiessen began the Saturday program, which filled the hall and produced rave reviews. Knowing the close association your magazine had with Bryn, you will be pleased to know that Canadian Cowboy Country was frequently referenced during this tribute.

The organizing committee are already busy with plans for next year. We very much wish to continue the excellent relationship we have enjoyed in the past and look forward to bigger and better Gatherings to come with your help.

Thank you so very much for your fine publication and the aid you have provided.

BJ Smith, Swalwell, Alta.

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

IN THE CORRAL //// NEWS & HAPPENINGS ACROSS THE WEST ////

PHOTO BY BILLIE-JEAN DUFF

CFR – 50 YEARS OF CHAMPIONS

Hall of Fame cowgirl Jerri Duce performing a Stroud Layout at 2024 CFR

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL the winners of Canada’s most prestigious rodeo— the Canadian Finals! The CFR returned to Edmonton, and so did the fans, who enjoyed the hectic schedule of five perfs in four days, with Champions declared at the end.

No one received a more deserving standing ovation from the fans than 9X Canadian Barrel Racing Champion and Hall of Fame cowgirl Jerri Duce, who, at 72, performed a trick riding headstand and a Stroud layout onboard a flying buckskin to celebrate the 50 years of the Canadian Finals. It was amazing!

cowboycountrymagazine.com

7

IN THE CORRAL

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE inductees into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame!

The inductees include 1979 Canadian Calf Roping Champion Oscar Walter, 1948 Canadian Bareback Champion George Spence and 1997 Canadian Bareback Champion Travis Whiteside.

Inducted as a Builder is bullfighter Scott Byrne, and in the Legend category is bull rider Larry Petherbridge.

In the Livestock is Hollywood Himself, better known as TJ, the phenom tie-down roping horse, which belonged to Logan Bird of Nanton,Alta.

Congratulations to all the inductees— you earned this highest honour of distinction.

Canadian Cowboy Country magazine is a Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame member.

Listen to

MY RODEO FAMILY THE LAST CANADIAN professional rodeo of my reign will be the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals at the end of November.

I am so excited to then follow our qualifying Canadian athletes to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in the bright lights of Las Vegas!

The Miss Rodeo America competition will also be taking place, and I am so excited to watch my “sash sisters” across the border vie for the honour of representing the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association!

As the end of my reign as Miss Rodeo Canada comes to a close, I am so unbelievably grateful for the amazing experiences I have had this year.

Travelling from coast to coast, connecting with so many people, experiencing rodeo and community events, promoting our incredible sport, and educating people on our traditional roots, I have truly had such a fulfilling journey.

I am excited to watch Codi Wilson, our Miss Rodeo Canada 2025, take the reins on January 1 and embark on her own journey next year! I wish her the very best of luck and implore her to embrace every moment because it goes by so fast.

Thank you to everyone who made this year so special. I have been so blessed by the people who have supported me in this adventure. I will be cheering on my rodeo family for the rest of my life.

Signing off for the final time with my whole heart, Miss Rodeo Canada 2024, Kaylee Shantz

THE SPIRIT OF THE WEST “Radio Program” Ride through the Rangeland of the West every week

Celebrating over 30 YEARS

of Stories Great Western Music Horse Training Advice And much more

with Hugh McLennan

Hear it on your favourite radio station or on demand at Hugh-McLennan.com Check out the new Spirit of the West Facebook page too!

8

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

MRC PHOTO COVYMOORE.COM/COVY MOORE; MIKE COPEMAN

CANADIAN PRO RODEO HALL OF FAME

IN THE CORRAL

CAROLINE GATHERING

STOCKING THE HERD

LAYNE GRACE MACZA Masterful guitar and flute musician Ed Peekeekoot

THE CAROLINE COWBOY Music & Poetry Gathering was such a hit they’re already planning for 2025.

“It was so much fun, and so many talented people!” wrote one fan.

The Caroline Gathering bills itself as “genuine Western entertainment,” and the performer lineup reflects it.

Guests were treated to showstoppers like Ed Peekeekoot, a musician who can literally make a guitar talk, Eli Barsi and John Cunningham, who just returned from entertaining Reba McIntyre and the like at the Traditional Cowboy Arts Gala in Oklahoma, poets Doris Daley and BJ Smith—the list goes on.

Caroline is the gateway to all that is wild. It’s located straight west of Spruce View or straight east of Ricinus (pronounced ruh SEE nuss), and it's well worth looking it up on a map and making plans to attend.

We’ll keep you posted on next year's event!

Congratulations to Lucas Macza and Ashley Birrell on the birth of their first child, a baby girl they’ve named Layne Grace Macza. Layne was born June 12, 2024, and weighed 6 lbs 14 oz.

Lucas is a professional bronc rider who was featured in the June/July ’24 issue of Canadian Cowboy Country, and Ashley is a registered nurse.

Layne is the first grandchild of rodeo stock contractors Ward and Susan Macza of Macza Pro Rodeo, hence the halter of perhaps one of the greatest saddle broncs in the world (now retired) 242 Get Smart.

Specializing in Rodeo, Ranch & Humourous Fine Artworks!

PHOTO BY PAT BREWER

“

It is not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.”

Check our Facebook page to see where Ash will be next: Follow Ash Cooper Art and Ranch Gallery

cowboycountrymagazine.com

9

IN THE CORRAL

COMMITTEES OF THE YEAR!

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CANADIAN COWBOY?

From left, Robin Burwash, Shawna Bird from Nanton committee; Shane Crouch and Lloyd Gray from CPRA.

From left, Shane Crouch from CPRA, Danny Daines and Kyle Daines from Daines committee, Lloyd Gray from CPRA, and Dusty Daines from guess where.

Rogaland, Norway

10

From left, Shane Crouch from CPRA, La Crete committee members Ryan Janzen, Jevon Boehlig, Jake Wiebe, Edward Driedger, Agatha Janzen, and Lloyd Gray from CPRA.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE hard-working pro rodeo committees for their successful events in 2024, and especially to the rodeos that were recognized at the CPRA convention as stand-out events and were voted as Committees of the Year: Congratulations to the Clark Schlosser Memorial Rodeo of Nanton (Small Rodeos), Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo of Innisfail (Medium Rodeos) and Field of Dreams Stampede of La Crete (Large Rodeos). The S, M, L rodeo designation is determined by the prize money up for contestants.

Each winning committee received a trophy plaque and a large banner to hang in their arena with well-earned pride. The Committees of the Year is sponsored by Canadian Cowboy Country magazine.

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

PHOTOS COURTESY CPRA

ROGALAND IS A county in Western Norway bordering the North Sea. The name Rogaland is the region's Old Norse name, a name which was revived in modern times. Rogaland is mainly a coastal region with fjords, beaches, and islands.

This region is an ancient site, with archaeological finds dating back to the Stone Age and, later, the Age of the Vikings.

These days, petroleum is the major force in the region, while tourism is gaining ground and welcoming visitors, including Greg and Laurel Vaadeland and their daughter, Rayna, shown here wearing the traditional bunad (an outfit based on old folk costumes from the farming society) of the Rogaland region of Norway.

J.R.’S RAMBLING MIND

THIS AIN’T OUR FIRST RODEO

COWBOY MEDICINE

JACKIE RAE CFR PHOTO CREDIT: WHATSHISNAME ; JACKIE RAE GREENING PHOTO CREDIT: JEN RUSH

DR. PAUL CHRISTIANSEN DVM

The interesting folks of the Canadian West are always told, “Write a book,” and by gosh, someone finally listened.

Cowboy Medicine is all about the critters, creatures, cowboys and citizens Dr Paul met during his long tenure as a big animal vet operating mainly out of the Kamloops, BC, region.

Originally raised on a ranch in Montana, Dr. Paul earned a degree in veterinary medicine from Washington State University and then went about building a practice surrounded by some of the most beautiful grasslands and sagebrush-swept hills around the Kamloops area.

For 31 years, Dr. Paul helped an untold number of animals at his clinic, and he remembered the stories about many of them.

This entertaining compendium of tales from the clinic and the ranches gives readers a true sense of what life was like some 50 years ago. It’s an entertaining book for those interested in the realities of a large animal vet practice and those who raise and those who raise the livestock.

Cowboy Medicine Author Dr. Paul Christiansen DVM 180 pages | Self-Published Available on Amazon

cowboycountrymagazine.com

IF YOU CAME UP TO THE CANADIAN FINALS RODEO IN EDMONTON AND PICKED UP A PROGRAM, YOU MAY HAVE SEEN CFCW’S ADVERTISEMENT. In it, we said; “This ain’t our first rodeo, it’s our 50th.” And it was. Our radio station has been involved since the first C.F.R. back in 1974.

That year we helped run the Miss Rodeo Canada program, we promoted the rodeo, and I’m sure we had the odd cold beer too. I’m sitting here trying to think about my favourite moments from this year’s rodeo. It was running into Sharon and Fred Hay and shooting the breeze. It was seeing Jean MacDonald from Ol’ MacDonald’s Resort being recognized for it being her 50th time at the C.F.R. It was people I know from the Edmonton business community, getting into the spirit, sporting cowboy hats and asking me if they always feel like a vice around your head. (My advice to them; spend more money on a better hat!)

The common denominator here is…people. Yeah, we love the show, and there were some amazing performances in the dirt, but it’s about meeting up with friends old and new.

It’s also about an urban community welcoming rural Albertans. And when you think about it, the way the world is now, whatever we can do to find out more about each other is a good thing. As an Edmontonian, we can’t wait to have you back in our City.

And you can bet, CFCW and Tim Ellis and his incredible broadcast team will be back as the official voice of the C.F.R. As we celebrate our 70th Anniversary on November 2nd, we are pretty proud of the fact that we had a Rodeo Reporter right from the beginning, and no, it wasn’t Tim! I think.

You be the judge.

Jackie Rae Greening 840 CFCW Program Director & Mid-Days Honourary Doctorate MacEwan University CCMA & Country Music Alberta Hall of Fame Hear Jackie Rae weekdays on 840 CFCW! Email Jackie Rae with column suggestions: jrgreening@stingray.com

11

SPIRIT OF THE WEST

Renegade Bull

BY HUGH MCLENNAN

12

A couple of days before I started writing this, Billie and I located another bull that opted out of the main roundup. The next morning, my good neighbour Chris and I rode for three hours, and the bull, it seemed, had vanished without a trace.

“... and there he was, trying to hide in a pretty nasty spot.”

Two days later, I convinced Billie that we could still do this, and we rode out together.

This time, we were well-mounted when we found the elusive bovine. Billie eased in behind him, and Ol’ Ferdinand ambled down the road for about fifty yards before heading down into a deep willow and aspen-choked gully. Becca and I snaked our

way down the bank, stepping over windfalls and dodging limbs, and there he was, trying to hide in a pretty nasty spot.

My mare really amazed me as she made her way down to where she could almost touch the bovine with her nose before he moved about 30 yards and pulled up again.

I wish there was a video of us finally getting him out in the open and heading for the gate where Billie and Cody galloped up to turn him in. Another half hour of bushwhacking and he was in the Seven O Ranch corrals, next to the loading alley. A fast ride home, hook up the trailer and head back to the pens.

Now, this is the neat part. As I lined up the trailer, Billie spotted another red bull coming out of the bush. Her little legs were doing high rpms or stpms (steps per minute), and she got him in the big corral, up to the loading chute and into the trailer with the black bull. Forty-five minutes later, the two of them were reunited with the rest of the herd near the home ranch.

Who said we’re too old to do this stuff? c

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

PHOTO: BILLIE MCLENNAN

O

ne of the challenges most cowboys relish is finding renegade bulls that were missed in the main roundup. Once the cows are gone, these boys just want to hole up in the brush and not be bothered.

Years ago, one of our big black bulls was missing, and on one of those routine rides looking for tracks in November, I found him in his hiding place. I was riding my faithful buckskin mare Lucky, and I looked at my watch. It said ten to one. I thought that’s about the odds of getting this guy down to the logging road across a creek, and onto the main trail that led to the corrals.

Two hours later, our good neighbour Robert Sanborn came driving up Hyas Lake Road and found us with the bull on the end of my rope. Lucky was losing the tug-of-war.

The bull said: “No Way, cowboy,” when we tried to convince him to go through the last slip wire before the pens. With Robert’s help, we got him through. Now how I got my rope back is a story for another time.

The errant bull proved "they've still got it."

RANCH RAMBLINGS

Thank You, Rodeo

BY NIKI FLUNDRA

I

’ve spent a good part of my life on the rodeo trail, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Life is coming back full circle as Dustin and I find ourselves back on the road with our boys. We are making the miles and arguably even better memories by taking our sons to their junior rodeos.

One of the best things is watching them fall in love with rodeo for the same reasons that we did: the competition, excitement, challenges, like-minded people who become great friends, and the new sights with familiar faces that you look forward to seeing each weekend. There is an energy that is part of what makes it so special.

Here is what I am thankful for that life on the rodeo road has taught me:

in patience, persistence, and hard work.

When you take ‘the road less travelled,’ you need an unshakeable belief in yourself and the path you are taking. A support group of friends and family helps, but they can’t do the hard stuff for you. It comes down to you and your conviction to be and do your best, no matter what.

We try to teach our boys that when you know you have given your absolute best, that’s what you focus on, and that’s what you can control. If you focus on the process and what you put in, the results will take care of themselves.

THERE ARE HIGHS AND LOWS

STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ EDB3_16; FLUNDRA FAMILY COLLECTION (2X)

HOW TO ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES Being on the rodeo road usually doesn’t go the way we plan. Crazy weather, truck trouble, horse challenges, whatever it might be, you learn to look at it as bumps on the road that you navigate as best you can. I travelled across North America mostly by myself, long before iPhones and Google maps. I have no idea how I did that. But it was the rodeo road that set me up for being capable of figuring things out and the ability to handle it all.

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Insets, from top: Niki and her arena show, Unbridled Dustin, Ridge and Niki at 2014 NFR

YOU GET OUT WHAT YOU PUT IN, BUT… Most often, it doesn’t happen overnight (even when it appears that way for some).

You work hard at your goals and must be willing to put in the time and effort before they pay off. This is a good lesson

What goes up must come down, and nothing stays the same forever, good or bad.

Don’t define yourself by your performance but rather by your character, how you treat others and how you live your life.

Rodeo is full of quality people of character. I have been blessed to be surrounded by the best, and that is the single greatest thing about it—the people. When we say they are like family, it’s true. They are a family that looks out for one another and comes together to celebrate this way of life.

I couldn’t ask for a better sport or better people to raise our boys around.

Thank you, Rodeo. c

13

WHEEL TO WHEEL

Cruise Bensmiller WPCA’s First Fifth-Gen Driver

By BILL MELVILLE his grandfather Buddy Bensmiller started in the late 1960s and really put the family name on the map. Then around the turn of the century, Cruise’s uncles Kurt, Chance and David Bensmiller kept the legacy going.

Today, Cruise is making his own history, and not just because he is the first fifth-generation driver, but because of what he is doing on the racetrack. The 21-year-old chuckwagon driver from Dewberry, Alta, opened the 2024 WPCA

Cruise Bensmiller (right) received the Herman Flad Memorial Award for Most Improved Driver from fellow chuckwagon driver Troy Flad at the 2024 WPCA Awards Banquet

I

n 2023, chuckwagon racing celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first official races that took place at the Calgary Stampede in 1923.

It’s a sport that takes pride in the fact that it has been handed down throughout the generations, and there are many third and fourth-generation chuckwagon competitors racing today. One thing that has not been celebrated yet is that chuckwagon racing is now in its fifth generation.

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Meet Cruise Bensmiller. Anyone who follows the chuckwagon races will recognize the last name as being one of the greatest family names in the sport’s history. But Cruise’s lineage can be traced back to his great-great-grandfather, Wesley Smith, who started driving Thoroughbred chuckwagons back in the mid-1940s. Then his two great-grandfathers, Allan Bensmiller and Allen Smith, came on the scene in the late 1940s and early 1950s respectively, before

race season with a day money run at the Grande Prairie Stompede to set the scene for what was in store.

Cruise had his finest season on the WPCA Pro Tour, placing eleventh overall in the World Standings. At the recent WPCA Awards banquet, Cruise was a double winner as he received the Herman Flad Memorial Award for Most Improved Driver, and the WPCA Clean Driver Award for taking the least number of penalties throughout the 2024 race season. He became the youngest winner of the Clean Driver Award.

“I wasn’t expecting it, but I had a great season,” he said.

This isn’t the first time the chuckwagon world has seen brilliance out of Cruise. Two years ago, in his first year on the WPCA Pro Tour, he had an incredible rookie season highlighted by a day money run at the opening show of the season at, ironically, the Grande Prairie Stompede, and qualifying for his first championship final heat at the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. Cruise was named the WPCA’s Top Rookie Driver for 2022.

Pedigree does not always determine champions, but for Cruise Bensmiller, it appears that it will. c

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

PHOTO BY PAUL & CAROL EASTON

“I wasn’t expecting it, but I had a great season”

ROAD TO THE NFR

Gold Buckle Bound

BY TIM ELLIS

I

t was not that Logan Hay wanted to leave it until the very last minute, it’s just how it happened.

“I’ve never been more stressed watching a ride in my whole life,” recalls Hay. “Me and Ben were just freaking out the whole time.”

Hay’s potential second National Finals Rodeo saddle bronc qualification would be determined by the score awarded to Louisiana’s Ryder Sanford, for a re-ride option taken in the final event of the final rodeo of the PRCA regular season in San Bernardino, CA. “It basically came down to whoever beat who at that rodeo got to go to the NFR,” offers the 27-year-old in describing the final weekend battle between himself, Ben Andersen, Sandford and Logan Cook. “The calculators were going crazy.”

In the end, Sanford was 77 points, only enough for an 8-9-10 split, while Hay’s 80-point score earned him $926. Anderson pocketed $2,037 for a third-place finish, leaving both Hay, who also won $5,250 at Poway, CA and Mona, UT, that final

cowboycountrymagazine.com

weekend, and travelling partner and cousin, Andersen, with the final two NFR bronc riding spots.

“This one is definitely special because of the ups and downs of the season,” suggests the Wildwood, Alta, cowboy, who was as high as fifth in the world standings after the winter run. “It shows you can’t take anything for granted.”

Joining Hay in Las Vegas will be younger brother Dawson, who makes his fifth NFR appearance. It’s the first time both Hays and Andersen have qualified together.

“Dawson was in San Bernardino that day, too, and there weren’t three happier guys after that re-ride.”

The trio is part of a five-man Canadian saddle bronc riding contingent that will compete at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The group includes Albertan Kolby Wanchuk, who has earned an NFR berth for the third time. He’ll go in as the 11th ranked bronc rider with just shy of $140,000 in earnings.

Leading the charge is defending and four-time World Champion Zeke

Thurston. It is the tenth consecutive qualification for the Big Valley, Alta, cowboy, who finished sixth in the PRCA standings. Only Billy Etbauer (five), Dan Mortenson and Casey Tibbs (six) have more World bronc riding titles than Thurston, who has set new single-season bronc riding earnings records in the last two years.

“I’m very blessed. I’ve got the greatest support system in the world,” says the 30-year-old, five-time Canadian champion.

“Where I find my motivation nowadays is being able to show my kids that if you follow your heart and put a lot of hard work in, anything is possible.”

Rounding out the Canadian contingent in Las Vegas is steer wrestler Scott Guenthner. It’s his fifth appearance and first since 2021. That season, he competed at 67 U.S. rodeos; this year, he made it to just 21 across the 49th, the majority after midAugust. The 33-year-old won over $13,000 after September 1 and $3,643 on the final weekend of the PRCA season to secure the final NFR bulldogging berth. c

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2024 PHOTO CONTEST

RANCH LIFE 2024

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Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

2024 PHOTO CONTEST

PHOTO CONTEST FIRST PLACE Lisa Surber

cowboycountrymagazine.com

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2024 PHOTO CONTEST

SECOND PLACE Meagan Piller

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THIRD PLACE Holly Nicholl

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

GRAPHICS: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ AAVAA; STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ BACKUP16

H

ere at Canadian Cowboy Country, we are blessed to experience the best photography showcasing ranchlife across the West, photographed by those who live here.

Each week was like Christmas morning as the photographs arrived. Stunning, creative, and inspiring examples of a way of life most can only dream of.

Our heartfelt gratitude to all who entered and shared a glimpse into their lives.

—Terri Mason

2024 PHOTO CONTEST

HONOURABLE MENTION Angelica McLoughlin

HONOURABLE MENTION Karyn Tateson

HONOURABLE MENTION Morgan Michalsky

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2024 PHOTO CONTEST

The next generation — we're in good hands HONOURABLE MENTION Jill Jenkins

HONOURABLE MENTION Jo Ann Winther HONOURABLE MENTION Kayla Dedora

HONOURABLE MENTION Brittany Ross

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Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

THE CONSERVATION ISSUE

EVERYTHING'S CONNECTED

WEST

IN THE

PHOTO: TERRI MASON

FROM THE SOIL AND THE GRASS TO THE BIRDS AND THE BEASTS

Rich soil and clean water are not an endless resource.

The Canadian ranchers, pasture managers, wildlife, grass and soil specialists on these pages all have a stake in our future. They have spent a good portion of their lives looking down at the ground, and they are the ones who truly know that the world is at their feet. cowboycountrymagazine.com

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THE CONSERVATION ISSUE

A SEA OF GRASS REMOUNT PASTURE

BY TOM REARDON

During the First World War, the government set aside 50,850 acres, intending to create a horse ranch to supply the Canadian Army. The war ended, and the colt factory never happened. As the years went by, settlers used the vast area to graze cattle and horses free of charge. In 1927, Clint Jarboe leased some of Remount Reserve, put up some fences and went into sheep for a spell.

Towards the end of the 1930s, Alberta passed the Special Areas Act to aid settlers suffering the effects of the Dirty Thirties. In 1941, Special Areas took over the sandy, grass-covered ground that had been held in reserve. They allocated summer grazing rights to neighbouring farms and ranches, hence the name Remount Community Pasture.

Special Areas hired Saul Boyer as the first manager; he was well-known for his cowboy skills and work ethic. They set up some windmills with wooden water troughs. When the wind blew, the wells pumped, and any overflow was retained

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in a dugout-like low spot near the mill. On calm days, once the trough was empty, the cows still had water. It was dirty water and second choice, but it was water. Later, diesel motors were installed to ensure clean water even on calm days. For the summer grazing season, the routine was: first thing in the morning, make the rounds starting the pumps; during the day, ride a field checking cattle; then towards evening, make the loop again, turning off the pumps, and start over the next day. In 1955, 73-year-old Saul decided to retire. Bill Picotte, who had been cowboying upstream on the V Bar V, was named the new manager, and in May, he moved in with Saul for orientation. Saul moved to Medicine Hat in July and resided there until his passing in 1967.

Bill was single when he took over; three years later, he married a schoolmarm from

Bindloss. June Picotte is a very organized lady and must have made notes about everything—and kept them for reference.

In 2015, she published the book 35 Years A Range Rider. She tells of famed cowboy artist Jim Hauser, who rode with Bill for many years, prairie chicken dance grounds, hating badgers, prairie fires, feral horses, fencing crews, lost hunters, being snowed in for a month then being plowed out long enough to stock up on groceries only to be snowed in for another month. In an interview she smiled and said, “And we stayed married through it all.”

Prince’s Spring was a dependable freshwater source, but the benefits were limited because the lake it fed was alkaline. In 1980, Ducks Unlimited built a system of dikes between the spring and the alkali lake to create a permanent freshwater marsh.

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

PHOTO COURTESY SPECIAL AREAS; GRAPHIC: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/CYUDESHBUHU

Can you imagine a parcel of land consisting of over two townships of native grass, most of which has never seen a plow? It exists near Bindloss, Alberta.

THE CONSERVATION ISSUE

The summer sun highlights the variety of native grasses

PHOTO COURTESY SPECIAL AREAS

For years, water was pumped using iconic wind power

After buying a house in Medicine Hat in 1989, Bill informed the Special Areas brass that he wanted a hand in choosing his successor. He told them, “I didn’t build this place up to have someone come in and ruin it.” They had 25 applicants, Bill sat in on the interviews, and Lester Frank was chosen. That fall, Bill sold his cow herd (the manager had a small allocation) and made arrangements for his horses. On May 1, 1990, Lester moved in and shared the camp for a month. On June 1, Bill and June left the place he ran as his own for 35 years.

They moved to Medicine Hat. June still lives there. Bill passed away in 2012.

During Lester’s time, many improvements were made to the water situation.

Ducks Unlimited returned to the marsh they’d created and dug a huge dugout.

Then, with diesel pumps, they could

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pipeline water to several different dugouts.

A 25-gallon-a-minute well was drilled near Highway 555; power was brought in to pump the water to three different trough locations.

Special Areas control allocations, which can vary from year to year but generally total about 1,200 cow/calf pair and 650 yearlings. In 2017, a prairie fire started by military operations in the neighbouring CFB Suffield was pushed by extreme winds into the Remount Pasture; over 100 head of cattle were killed, and a lot of grass was destroyed.

When asked how long it took for that land to recover, Lester said, “I don’t think it’s recovered yet. That field was cow-less for three years, but I think they jumped the gun by a couple of years.” Then he added, “But what would I know? I’ve only been riding

on native grass for 45 years.” Lester retired from Special Areas in the fall of 2022. When I said, “Remount must be quite a place; Bill stayed there for 35 years, and you stayed 33 years.” He replied, “Yeah, it is special, but the community gets some of that too. They’re good people.” Today, Lester is employed by a company restoring abandoned gas wells drilled in the 70s-90s, many in his old stomping grounds.

Lee Trach is the current manager, and they’ve now plowed in 13 miles of water lines plumbed into large (16,800 gallons) storage tanks. There are 16 tanks with a combined 250,000 gallons of storage. Water from the tank to the float-controlled trough is gravityfed. Lee said, “By regulating which troughs are running we’re hoping to sort of rotational graze. There’s no sense in doing it with cross fences because with the elk that spill out of CFB Suffield, we’d be constantly fixing fence.”

Many factors came together to make the Remount a continued success. Fortunately for the increasingly endangered native grass, the only plow seen on Remount Community Pasture these days is designed for plowing in water lines. c

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THE CONSERVATION ISSUE

COWS ON GRASS

The beef industry in Canada, particularly in Alberta, operates extensively on native and tame rangelands—most of the land the beef industry operates on is not fit for other types of agriculture.

Grasslands are the most endangered ecosystem in the world. Since 1970, Canada has lost over 25 million acres of grassland. These grasslands are critically important for the production of a whole suite of ecosystem services. Having cows on this landscape protects these acres from being converted. However, it also goes beyond that—appropriate grazing management on these grasslands increases the production of ecosystem services.

Grasslands evolved under the grazing pressure of fire, predators and a massive roaming herd of bison whose territory was the expanse of the North American grassland. Ranchers plan and manage the grazing and recovery of the plants to mimic the historical management to keep grasslands healthy.

Cows graze the grass, stimulating plant and root growth and allowing sunlight to reach the growth points. The animals

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are moved to fresher grass, allowing the grass to rest. The grass regrows, developing deep roots. The action of the cattle’s cloven hooves chips away at hardened earth so seeds can more easily germinate and water can penetrate the soil.

Deep-rooted plants resulting from managed grazing enrich and aerate the soil. Rich, aerated soil is productive, retains water and is a carbon sink.

Healthy grasslands represent the ecosystem with the highest potential for carbon sequestration of any on the planet.

Adaptively managed grazing offers ranchers the chance to restore the carbon, water and plant nutrient cycles that underlie the land’s biological productivity. It supplies ecosystem services to the planet. Ecosystem services benefits are the result of management decisions. If ranchers were able to sell ecosystem services as agricultural products, it would ignite a movement whereby the carbon footprint is reduced, habitat is restored and enhanced, water storage and purity is increased, soil health skyrockets and conversion of grasslands is slowed.

Pressures to convert grasslands to land uses with higher economic returns are very real, and that is why we are losing grassland acres every year. Continuing to provide ecosystem services for free is not a viable long-term option if grasslands are to continue to thrive. Market returns for commodities in the absence of market returns for ecosystem services benefits inevitably drive land use decisions away from production of ecosystem services benefits.

Pragmatic, flexible and voluntary market returns for ecosystem services are in demand. A market not only promotes sustainable use and conservation but also supports economic activity. This will ensure a legacy of conservation in grasslands where ranchers can continue to regenerate and preserve these precious ecosystems for generations to come.

Submitted by the Western Stock Growers Association. WSGA advocates for the cow-calf producer in beef industry issues with a focus on property rights and land use. For more information on becoming a member, visit the website wsga.ca. c

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

PHOTOS COURTESY WESTERN STOCK GROWERS ASSOCIATION; GRAPHIC: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/FUTUREFFX

EQUALS GRASSLANDS CONSERVED

RANCHING AND CONSERVATION:

A PARTNERSHIP FOR LIFE

When we lose a ranch, we lose nature. With a legacy of over 30 years working alongside Alberta’s ranchers, the Nature Conservancy of Canada is committed to helping you conserve the land you love.

Start Your Conservation Journey Today!

1-403-609-1482 | alberta@natureconservancy.ca

Photo by Leta Pezderic

THE CONSERVATION ISSUE

GOT WORMS?

BY TERRI MASON

“Man—despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many accomplishments—owes his existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains.” —Paul Harvey That’s it. That’s what keeps our grass growing, our rivers flowing and food in the bellies of billions.

Improving our soils, whether in a backyard garden or over vast townships of farmland, is experiencing a renaissance as

empirical experience and scientific confirmation has shown that our soils are seriously depleted, and it needs real help—now.

Enter the lowly worm. But not just any worm, but the Red Wiggler, a voracious eater that, along with many of its kin, can reduce garden waste into compost in almost no time at all. Now imagine that someone has cottoned onto the idea of improving soil and suddenly, they are Canada’s largest employer with close to 100 million employees whose only job is to eat, and, to put it delicately, poop. That’s it. That’s the secret of soil regeneration—and it works.

Based in Alberta, this outfit is called Annelida Soil Solutions, and they have three locations totaling over 100,000 sq ft of indoor manufacturing and worm breeding facilities

Michael Launer from Annelida

located in Nisku, Stony Plain and St. Albert.

They produce tens of thousands of pounds in worm castings, liquid extracts and premium soil enrichment products every day.

Annelida utilizes vegetables and greens that would normally end up in the landfill.

Instead, it ends up as worm food. It takes the Red Wigglers anywhere from 45 to 60 days to reduce fresh greens to compost. For every one inch of greens that they add to the top of their massive compost beds, they remove an inch of beautiful, rich compost from the bottom. “Add an inch, take an inch,” is the motto.

Their worm castings make for ideal plant growth, increased yields, and improved flavour without compromising the environment. Their business is geared towards commercial producers—just to name a few: farmers, turf specialists, orchardists, potato growers, and also for the beginning gardener like me. It’s chemical-free, organic and costeffective to rejuvenate your depleted soils.

Their vermicompost is converted into a wide range of products that can be sprayed onto farmland, or granules can be mixed into soil—depending on the needs. If you don’t know what your soil needs, they also do plenty of soil testing because what makes a repeat customer is increased yields and healthy soil.

It’s a vast operation that is doing a lot of good for the Canadian West and beyond. To find out more, visit annelida.ca. c

Red Wigglers

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Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

PHOTOS COURTESY ANNELIDA; GRAPHIC: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ANTTI

I grew up listening to Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story” radio broadcasts and many of his famous quotes still resonate today; like this one:

THE CONSERVATION ISSUE

GRASSLAND BIRDS IN CRISIS

BY IAN COOK

The Prairies, with their grasslands and wetlands, make up one of the most important biomes for birds in North America.

In spring and summer, pastures come alive with grassland specialists, species that are unique to and entirely reliant on North America's grasslands. Waterfowl and shorebirds use the prairie pothole wetlands as havens to raise their young or as vital stopover sites to rest and refuel before continuing their journey to the Arctic. Swallows and kingbirds snatch flying insects above wetlands and streams, while hawks perch in sporadic trees, scanning for their next meal.

Along with birds, the grasslands are a world of weird and wonderful wildlife, mammals like the housecat-sized Swift Fox, the Prairie Rattlesnake that senses its prey

through heat sensors between its eyes, and Burrowing Owls that live underground. All of these species are wonders of evolution, possessing the exact characteristics needed to thrive in a landscape that is defined by extremes and shaped by grazing and frequent fire.

However, grasslands are among the most endangered ecosystems on the planet, and the birds that depend on them are declining faster than any other bird group in Canada. The recently released State of Canada’s Birds report shows that since 1970, Canada’s grassland bird populations have plummeted by 67 percent. Birds that live primarily or only in Prairie grassland areas have declined by 90 percent, with several species, such as the Chestnut-collared Longspur and Sprague’s Pipit, at risk of disappearing entirely.

Western Meadowlark

The primary cause is habitat loss. Each year, we lose thousands of hectares of grassland to urban sprawl and the conversion of native grass to cropland, meaning thousands of homes are lost for grassland birds.

Grassland birds evolved alongside large grazers, and well-managed cattle grazing provides the habitat conditions these birds need. Grazing cattle on these grasslands creates a pathway to conserve them. By working together, we can conserve Canada’s grasslands and ensure that the melodies of Meadowlarks and the buzzing of Grasshopper Sparrows continue to fill the air for generations to come.

For more information, including access to the Prairie Conservation Incentives Guide and to learn more about Birds Canada’s work, visit BirdsCanada.org/grasslands. c

PHOTOS: JODI FORSTER, AARON ROBERGE; STOCK.ADOBE.COM/LOVELEEN

Wildflowers on Claydon community pasture

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ARTS & CULTURE

PORTRAIT

LIGHTS & AURAS KATHY LESLIE

BY TERRI MASON

Range Boss | 24"x24" | Acrylic on Birch Panel

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Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

ARTS & CULTURE

K

athy Leslie is blessed with a unique view of the livestock and wildlife that surround their ranch.

The fourth-generation rancher is as much a part of the Cypress Hills as the antelope and mule deer. Her entire world has been draped in soft pastels—the gray/green of the sagebrush and the soft golds, beiges and creams of mature native grass. Wildlife is perfectly camouflaged by these gorgeous hues. This is the colour palette of Western artists, and it doesn’t get more Western than that. Oh wait, yes, it does. The addition to her signature, V+, is her family’s cattle brand, registered back when Saskatchewan was still considered Northwest Territories.

Through some gift, Kathy sees the world differently. The colours are almost electric, drenched in a spectrum of unexpected combinations that Gap Creek mystics would claim to be their aura. Whatever the reason for the colours that she sees, Kathy translates them into acrylics, and the results are dramatic.

“You nailed it, as far as I'm concerned,” she laughed during a recent interview.

“I can't explain where it came from, but that's how I see them,” she said. “I do my best; I want the animals to be anatomically correct because I'm not into abstract.”

Her innate knowledge of vibrant colour combinations makes this style completely her own. “I feel like, every time I do something, it's an experiment.”

Kathy isn’t a prolific painter by choice.

But when the creative urge strikes her, she heads to her studio that overlooks the most Western of views.

“Every time I pick up a brush, I'm learning; I'm trying something, so there's a lot of spoiled canvases,” she laughs. “I don't think I'm alone in that.”

Even with all the horses on the ranch, she’s not one to do portraits. “I would say my paintings are ‘inspired by.’ I've never made an exact copy. But we have some Lusitano (horse breed) crosses on the place, and it’s getting harder and harder to not paint a Lusitano head on them.”

She’s almost apologetic when I ask the inevitable question: where did you train?

“I've actually never had any formal training in art whatsoever,” she said. “When

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PORTRAIT Bring It 24"x24" Acrylic on Canvas

Lady in Red 24"x24" Acrylic on Canvas

I was a kid, I was the horse-crazy girl, so I just started drawing. I found that I had a little bit of aptitude for it, and because I loved horses, I just kept drawing horses.”

She laughed, “Funny story; I got an F in art in Grade Seven.”

“I dabbled in pencil drawing,” she continued. “The reason was because I was a working ranching mom, and there was no time and no space for a studio, and paints, and having a mess you had to clean up and put away. So, it all just got set aside for many, many years.”

Growing up in the world of cowboys, cattle and horses, Kathy thought that she would evolve into a landscape painter in the style of the greats like Charlie Russell.

“I don’t have that kind of talent, and I don’t have that patience,” said Kathy. “I tried, but I didn’t enjoy it. Those paintings tell a story. My daughter asked me recently why I don’t paint in that style. I do—but in a roundabout way. It's the stories that come out as a portrait in wild colours but it still was inspired by a time in my life when I had that special horse or where I could smell the sagebrush.

“But yes, I do get bored really easy. For example, with the Bring It painting, two buffalo heifers were raised right outside my studio, and the painting started out with a hard lean towards realism, then the colour starts coming in. And if I'm happy

with what's happening on the canvas, my instinct is ‘push it.’ What can you add that's going to make this not look like the next buffalo painting? Sometimes I'm scared because this might end up in the reject pile, but mostly when I push it, the happier I get.”

Most of us have ridden into sunrises and sunsets that transform the landscape, seen the faceted jewel gleam on a slick sorrel, or glimpsed rainbow hues on the hides of rainwetted livestock. It’s rare to find someone who can translate those fleeting moments and memories into art, but I found her— living her best life on Gap Creek.

Kathy’s art is featured at Rebellion in Maple Creek, Sask. facebook.com/ metismeyxe c

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COMMON THREADS

After Hours

BY BRITTNEY CHOMISTEK

Photographer: Kaylee Mohl Photography | Brittney’s Hair: The Social by Red Velvet | Brittney’s Makeup: Aria Studio

Tag us on Instagram @canadiancowgirlcloset @cowboycountrymagazine with your holiday looks

W

ith the party season quickly approaching, it is time to elevate your Western style by blending it with a touch of sophistication from mainstream fashions. So, dust off your hat, clean your boots, and get ready to celebrate Cowboy Style!

Ladies, you may think it is a little unusual to pair your cowboy boots, belt, turquoise jewellery, and a cowboy hat with a formal dress, but the results will be stunning and sure to get you noticed at a formal gathering. These two styles combined for formal evening attire will create the perfect balance of rustic beauty and elegant sophistication. Go one step further—be bold and embrace bright colours for the festive celebrations.

Not to be left behind, the men are also stepping up their fashion choices. This season, you will see men “going tieless,” creating a more relaxed look to their holiday attire. Jackets can be worn with a crisp button-up, sweater, or even a T-shirt to create a modern look. Then, finish the outfit off with a good felt hat and a pair of freshly polished boots. As the saying goes, “If I can’t wear my boots, I’m not going.”

Have fun putting your holiday outfits together!

I hope the spirit of the season fills your home with love, peace and family memories. c

Hayden Jacket: Produkt Jeans: Wrangler Brittney Dress: Joseph Ribkoff from Annie McGuire’s Hat: Smithbilt Boots: Double D Ranch

by Old Gringo

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Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

COMMON THREADS

Hayden Vest: Scully Jeans: Wrangler Brittney Dress and Cape: Joseph Ribkoff from Annie McGuire’s Hat: Smithbilt Boots: Double D Ranch

by Old Gringo Reese Clothing supplied

by Lammle’s Shirt: Scully Jeans: Wrangler Carla Dress: Joseph Ribkoff from Annie McGuire’s Boots: Dan Post from Lammle’s Belt: Stone Feather Road

Double D Ranch by Old Gringo

Hayden Clothing supplied by Lammle’s Grey Paisley Jacket: Rock & Roll Cowboy Shirt: Wrangler Jeans: Ariat Brittney Clothing supplied

by Annie McGuire’s in Medicine Hat Ruffle top and faux leather skirt: Joseph Ribkoff Snakeskin boots: Corral Boots Hat: Smithbilt

Reese Clothing supplied

by Lammle’s Plaid Jacket: Rock & Roll Cowboy Jeans: Cinch Shirt: Wrangler Carla Dress: Joseph Ribkoff from Annie McGuire’s Boots: Dan Post from Lammle’s

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Corral Boots

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TRAILBLAZERS

Dick Cosgrave A Cowboy’s Cowboy

BY BILLY MELVILLE

Robert Richard “Dick” Cosgrave was born on the Blackfoot Reserve in Gleichen, Alta, on January 24, 1905.

His grandfather, Francis Cosgrave, came to Canada from Ireland in 1881 and homesteaded near Whitewood, Sask. In 1885, Francis was selected to the jury, which found Métis leader Louis Riel guilty of high treason but recommended mercy. Riel was sentenced to death and hanged.

In 1882, Dick’s father, Pat, came West with the Canadian Pacific Railway and took

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a job as a stockman with the Government of Canada’s Indian Affairs Department in 1886 on the now Siksika Nation where Dick was born. Pat died in 1907 from “galloping consumption” (tuberculosis) when Dick was just two years old. Dick’s mother, Eva, moved to Calgary with her four kids and in 1912, Eva married Neil Lindsay. After their hardware store burned down in 1916, the family moved to Cheadle, Alta, just east of Calgary.

It was in Cheadle that young Dick Cosgrave got interested in rodeo and in his mid-teens, began competing in many

different events. When he was just 17, Dick started producing rodeos, including the Jack Hayes Ranch north of Calgary and the Strathmore Stampede, among others. Dick competed in the Calgary Stampede for the first time in 1925 in the saddle bronc, wild cow milking, and chuckwagon races, and also began working the chute gates for Arena Director Jack Dillon. It was the start of his 45-year association with the Calgary Stampede.

In the early 1930s, Dick became assistant arena director to Jack Dillon, quit competing in the rodeo and concentrated

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

COURTESY BILLY MELVILLE COLLECTION

Dick Cosgrave in the Calgary Stampede arena. n.d.

COURTESY BILLY MELVILLE COLLECTION (2X)

PEOPLE WHO SHAPED THE WEST

on chuckwagon racing. He permanent ownership of the also continued to produce and “Gas Company Trophy.” promote other smaller events Dick continued to race around southern Alberta. chuckwagons until 1946, when He won the chuckwagon he was forced to retire after races, or the Rangeland Derby succeeding Jack Dillon as the as it is known, for the first time Calgary Stampede’s Arena Direcin 1926, becoming the event’s tor. For the next 23 years, Dick youngest champion at 21 years Cosgrave became known as “Mr. old—a record that still stands Stampede” by Calgarians, and today. He won again in 1930, along with his palomino horses and by the time the 1930s and silver-mounted saddle, Dick ended, Dick had won six out became a staple at the “Greatest of ten years.

Outdoor Show on Earth.” He In 1935, Dick married Olive stayed in that role until 1969, Top: Dick Cosgrave racing at the 1943 Calgary Stampede and Flett and moved to a ranch in and he passed the torch to 1961 winning permanent ownership of the "Gas Company Trophy" Rosebud, Alta. In 1936, the World Champion Saddle Bronc Above: The 1943 Calgary Stampede Champions from left: Driver Dick couple welcomed their son Bob. Rider Winston Bruce.

Cosgrave, Outriders Elmer Clett, Jim Mooney, Tom Peake and Jack Miller In the coming years, Bob would On January 18, 1973, just one follow in his father’s footsteps week before his 68th birthday, and become a champion chuckwagon Two weeks before the start of the 1942 Dick Cosgrave passed away unexpectedly at driver in his own right, winning the RangeCalgary Stampede, Dick Cosgrave suffered his ranch in Rosebud, Alta. land Derby in 1967 and 1969. a devastating setback when a fire destroyed From his birth on the Blackfoot Reserve Sponsored by Canadian Western his barn. Four of Dick’s horses and three to becoming a rodeo competitor, producer Natural Gas, in 1939, artist Charlie Biel belonging to fellow chuckwagon driver and manager, being among the first to was commissioned to create a bronze Lone Breeze all perished in the fire. It was use Thoroughbreds en route to being a sculpture of a racing chuckwagon. For a a heartbreaking loss, but three of Dick’s World Champion Chuckwagon Driver, chuckwagon driver to take permanent fiercest competitors—Gene Goettler, Sam and finally helping to shape the Calgary ownership of the trophy, he had to win the Johnson and Slim Fenton—supplied Dick Stampede into the “Greatest Outdoor Show Rangeland Derby three times, starting in with horses so he could compete at the 1942 on Earth,” Dick Cosgrave was an incredible 1940 and moving forward. Even though Rangeland Derby. He won. Dick came back individual. It’s been over 50 years since his Dick won his eighth championship that in 1943 and won again. It was the tenth passing, but Dick Cosgrave will always be year, he needed two more victories to win time he won the Rangeland Derby, but more remembered as a “Cowboy’s Cowboy” and the coveted trophy outright. importantly, he became the first man to get a true trailblazer. c

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THE WESTERNERS

BREATHE, BELIEVE

BE BRAVE

The Remarkable Journey of Chris & Keeper

I

sn’t it every girl’s dream to have a wild horse of her very own?

For Chris Murray, the 1975 Calgary Stampede Princess who hails from Water Valley, Alta (an hour northwest of Calgary), it’s a dream come true.

Murray and Keeper—a 15.3 hh eight-yearold gelding born into a free-roaming herd of wild horses in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies—have forged a deep, trusting bond.

“Riding this amazing horse has made me believe that humans can do better and be better,” Murray says. “We need to be kind

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and patient with our animals, as well as with people. Force doesn’t work when you deal with animals, and force doesn’t work with people.”

Murray and Keeper’s connection has brought them into the spotlight. The tiny (5’4”) rider and her wildie have won multiple awards in the exacting Extreme Cowboy discipline: 2024 Extreme Cowboy Alberta Provincial Novice Champion, 2024 Extreme Cowboy Alberta Novice Class High Point Champion, and High Point Champion, Extreme Wild Rose Club. And it’s

taken them to the 2024 Extreme Cowboy Association World Championship in Glen Rose, Texas, where, as of press time, they were sitting second in the novice standings and 24th overall, with Keeper the first Canadian wildie to ever compete in the Open Mustang category. [Americans call wild horses “mustangs,” and Western Albertans call them “wildies.”—Ed.] Even longer than the drive from Alberta to Texas and back, is the journey that Murray and Keeper have taken together to build their relationship.

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

PHOTO BY PAIGE AARSBY

BY JACQUELINE LOUIE

PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS MURRAY

THE WESTERNERS

Born and raised in the Crossfield area, Murray, 69, grew up riding, and for many years, her focus was trail riding. After taking a Jim Anderson horsemanship clinic in 2014, she became hooked on obstacles and competing. That same year, she and her papered quarter horse, Noah, competed in the Extreme Cowboy Association World Championship. They finished in the middle of the pack, “but it was an amazing experience,” Murray recalls. Just a year later, Noah tore a suspensory ligament and had to be rested for 18 months.

During that time, one of Murray’s friends came across a young wild horse, all by himself, southwest of Sundre, Alta.

“He came out of the brush, a little wild stallion, one-and-a-half to two years old,” Murray recalls. “He wanted to buddy up with their team of horses.”

Her friend brought the young wildie to Murray, who adopted him in 2017 through the Wild Horses of Alberta (WHOA) Society.

“These horses have been around for centuries,” says Murray, explaining that many people believe Alberta’s first wild horses trace their lineage from Indigenous people bringing horses north for trading.

Murray has had Keeper’s DNA tested

by Texas A&M University, which found his lineage is a combination of Missouri Fox Trotter; Venezuelan Criollo, a Spanish breed dating from the second voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1493; and American Cream Draft, an extremely rare draft horse.

Because these wild horses have lived in the Alberta foothills for so long, with a distinct DNA profile, the Alberta WHOA Society and Help Alberta Wildies Society (HAWS) want to have the wildies declared a breed unto themselves—the Alberta Mountain Horse.

“You literally can’t touch them when you first bring them in,” Murray says. “You have to be extremely patient. They are very curious but also very suspicious of everything you’re doing. Their instincts are to save themselves, no matter what. I can get after my quarter horse, but I can’t get after him—he takes it personally. He wears his heart on his sleeve.

“I’m not a trainer, I‘m just a rider; I do it for pleasure. Keeper has taught me as much as I’ve taught him. He’s a calming factor in my life. I’m a two-time cancer survivor, and

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Keeper working at liberty at the Calgary Stampede

he was there through all of it—both of my horses were amazing. I’m not saying that Keeper is the best-trained horse—there’s just a spirit there that is magical. This horse is so totally devoted to me and loyal. It’s heartwarming.”

In addition to competing in Extreme Cowboy, Murray and Keeper do liberty demonstrations. Keeper will bow, lie down, pick objects up off the ground, count, smile, and hug, among other tricks.

Murray emphasizes that she hasn’t done it alone; she’s had the support of Lyle, her husband of 44 years, and a strong circle of friends and trainers.

EXTREME COWBOY Extreme Cowboy Alberta welcomes everyone looking for a new challenge, from children to adults of all ages.

Extreme Cowboy Alberta has no restrictions on breeds; from papered horses to mules and ponies, they all compete.

The club runs play days and clinics to help make the sport easy to get into.

For more, visit, extremecowboyalberta.ca.

Other sites of interest: extremecowboyassociation.com wildhorsesofalberta.com helpalbertawildiessociety.com

Murray “has gone the farthest of anyone I know with a wildie,” says Kade Mills, a horse trainer and clinician based in Sundre, who worked with Keeper and Murray in the first year. “Riding wildies is a really neat concept, but it’s a concept that comes with a lot of work. It’s great—but it’s not a simple journey.

“The reason the bond is so strong between Keeper and Chris is that when Keeper lost his herd, he got Chris,” said Kade. “She did all the hard work; she taught him to load in a trailer and have him be comfortable with people. She spent a lot of time gaining his trust and confidence. Her approach is definitely the reason he is the way that he is—I commend her for not giving up. She took things to the point where Keeper is her favourite horse to compete on at Extreme Cowboy. That’s an amazing accomplishment, and she deserves a lot of credit. A lot of people competing down there are competing on horses bred to accomplish things like that. She has taken a horse that was completely unknown, and worked with him to get him into shape to compete. She stayed resilient and loved him enough and kept going with him until they made it.”

Extreme Cowboy Alberta chairman Blake Wickland also appreciates the strength of the connection between Murray and Keeper.

“I think the bond between those two is something that’s special,” he says. “There has to be big-time trust. You have to really come together as a team. He’s coming from a bloodline of horses that have had to fend for themselves for survival. So he had to really develop that relationship, with him trusting her to take him into situations that he would never have been exposed to in the wild.”

Wickland adds: “We all love having Chris around—she’s always so full of joy. She exemplifies the Western way of life. She’s just a fantastic person. She’s overcome some major struggles in life, and I think Keeper was a big part of that.

And she’s probably helped him through a lot of things. When he was in the wild, he didn’t have any friends; now, she’s his best friend.”

And how did Murray and Keeper fare in Texas at the World Championship?

Stay tuned for the next issue of Canadian Cowboy Country Magazine to find out. c

35

LIVING LEGEND

BORN TO BE A COWBOY Rob Dinwoodie

PHOTO FROM ROB DINWOODIE COLLECTION

BY KEN MATHER

Rob on his mare, Quill, an Appendix Paint that he trained.

36

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

LIVING LEGEND

R PHOTO FROM ROB DINWOODIE COLLECTION

From left, poet Ken Mather, The Open Range Band, rhythm guitar singer/songwriter Rob Dinwoodie, mandolin player Dixon Zalit, and bass player Kevin Bader.

ob Dinwoodie was born on a farm in central Alberta, east of Edmonton, on land that his great-grandfather from Scotland had homesteaded. One of six children, he did his share of farm chores, looking after cows, pigs and chickens. His love of horses came early when he got his first horse at the age of eight years to ride to school. He recalls spending much of his school time daydreaming about the places he could ride after school and on weekends.

Rob’s earliest exposure to the life of the cowboy came from Will James’s classic 1927 book, Smoky the Cowhorse, that he got from the school library. Rob was particularly taken by James’s illustrations in the book and studied them and began to draw, and later paint, his own depictions of the horse and cowboy combination. This began Rob’s lifelong commitment to cowboy art.

Although he has never had formal training beyond a few basic workshops, he has created hundreds of sketches and paintings.

He has provided the images for two books, horse-trainer, Miles Kingdon’s Beyond the Next Ridge: A Cowboy's Story (2019) and historian Ken Mather’s Ranch Tales – Stories from the Frontier (2014).

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Rob’s love of horses and cowboy life continued after his family moved to Armstrong, B.C. in 1969. He took part in high school rodeo in bareback riding. After high school, Rob kept his rodeo permit and also worked as a rodeo clown and bullfighter.

He was in Manitoba playing hockey when he met and married his life partner Jocelyne Lussier. They lived in Alberta for a time but, in 1982, moved to Winnipeg to study at the University of Manitoba, where Rob obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. After graduation, he worked in the Plant Science Department at the university.

One cold night in Manitoba, a friend introduced Rob to Ian Tyson’s CD, Cowboyography and Rob saw the way he could combine his love of the cowboy and his love for music. When they moved to Vernon, Rob began experimenting with cowboy music. His interest stayed as a spare-time hobby when, in 1991, he got a job working for the B.C. Ministry of Forests in range management. But his connection to cowboy music took a turn for the better in 1992.

As Rob tells it, “I saw a sign at the O’Keefe Ranch near Vernon, promoting a Cowboy Festival, and so I pulled in to see if I could maybe sing a song or two. Ken Mather was the manager and not only agreed to me singing a song but signed me up for the weekend and allowed me to show my art…

that was it, I was hooked.” Rob’s “one-andonly” cowboy song, Born to be a Cowboy was well received and was the first of dozens of songs that he would go on to write.

After his successful debut in the O’Keefe Cowboy Festival, Rob was approached by the owner of the restaurant at the ranch to ask if he was interested in entertaining buses of tourists arriving for supper. Rob agreed and for the next eight summers, he and Jocelyne entertained tourists, mostly from Germany, who were fascinated by cowboy life and music. One year, the couple entertained for 48 different bus tours!

Before long, Rob and Jocelyne were getting invited to cowboy festivals across Western Canada and were featured on the “Window on the West” stage at the Calgary Stampede for fifteen successive years.

Rob has always looked for ways to share his cowboy music with audiences. In the early 2000s, he staged a program entitled “Lasso the Moon” at the Powerhouse Theatre in Vernon. This was followed by cowboy dinner shows at Lone Pine Ranch.

In 2009, Rob contracted with the O’Keefe Ranch to host a Cowboy Dinner Show featuring his songs accompanied by Dixon Zalit and Ken Mather’s history and cowboy poetry. Almost every year since then, Rob has performed a cowboy dinner show with a different theme to entertain locals

37

LIVING LEGEND

A pen and soluble ink drawing called "Winter Feeding"

30 years managing the rangelands of the Okanagan Shuswap in the southern interior of B.C. Rob’s schooling at the University of Manitoba gave him the opportunity to embark on a career in the field of range management. As Rob describes it, “The ranges of the Okanagan are varied due to climate and topography as well as the evergrowing populations around the many lakes that occur there. With this comes the challenges of community watersheds, integrated resource management, recreation and the ongoing threat of wildfire.”

Ink drawing, "Early Christmas" (notice the cow and her new calf)

38

Rob was instrumental in developing beneficial management practices that could be used by ranchers and licenses to minimize the impact that livestock can have on things like water quality and wildlife habitat.

Understanding cattle and the resource needs was critical to Rob’s ability to work to resolve many of the issues facing B.C. cattlemen.

Rob has recently retired from his range officer job but continues to work as a consultant working with ranchers and farmers developing grazing management plans to help both mitigate the ongoing issues and assists in making operations more profitable. A project Rob is proud to have been involved in is “Targeted Grazing.” This is where livestock are used in combination with forestry activities to reduce the risk of wildfire around communities. This both reduces the risk of wildfire and provides ranchers an opportunity to graze areas next to communities.

Rob resides in Vernon on an acreage with his wife Jocelyne, three horses and two border collies. The couple have three daughters who have given them six grandchildren.

If you would like to see more of Rob’s artwork, visit RobDinwoodie.com, or to listen to some of his music, visit Spotify. "…I was born to be a cowboy, born to ride the range, Born a hundred years too late, ah, but some things never change…" c

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

ART BY ROB DINWOODIE(2X)

and tourists alike. Rob’s cowboy music has been captured on five albums that he has recorded with various bands. He has been part of several groups, the latest calling itself “Open Range.” Rob has performed on many stages and has produced numerous shows, including the popular Cowboy Christmas.

There are two things that make Rob’s music and art special. The first is his faith, his commitment to the Creator of the incredible country in which he has been placed.

Rob’s Christian faith is not just something he believes in—it is who he is. His care for the people around him, whether they be family, friends or strangers, is matched by his career of caring for the rangelands that include some of the most beautiful places in the B.C. interior. His faith is also reflected in the music he has written. Rob has even been known to do some preaching at Cowboy Church and has been a staple at Falkland Stampede for over 25 years.

The second thing that earmarks Rob’s music and art is his deep sense of the history of British Columbia. His interpretation of ranching history that began in the 1990s at the O’Keefe Ranch has carried on in many of the stories that his music relates.

His work with the ranchers of the B.C. interior has put him in touch with families that have been ranching for generations.

A story of Rob’s life would not be complete without mentioning his love for the open range and the fact that he spent over

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WHAT WORKS FOR US

Trembling Aspen Ranch

BY TERRI MASON

40

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

WHAT WORKS FOR US

—Interview with Logan Dolen Ranching the regal Canadian elk is a whole different world…

How elk rancher Logan Dolen got into raising this majestic ungulate was unusual.

“It was me and my sister who were actually the first to buy elk,” said Logan.

“We had convinced Mom and Dad first, so I saved up my 4-H money, and we bought three animals. We boarded them at a neighbour’s place for the first year till we got our facilities built.”

Facilities are an understatement. Elk fencing is a huge cost; it must be 8-foot-high page wire because they can jump anything under that.

Once the Dolen family completed their facilities, everyone was into elk, and the family started increasing the herd size.

These days, it’s just Logan and his parents.

“I just always thought they were a really cool animal,” said Logan. “And at that time, the Alberta government was really pushing diversification in the farming field.”

The herd size has remained static for a while now but will increase as more fencing projects get completed.

There are some similarities to cattle; Logan has cross-fenced pastures and rotational grazes the herd “as best he can.”

It’s tough because of time constraints

cowboycountrymagazine.com

between the elk, his oil patch job, marriage, kids, etc.

So, what does a year in the life of an elk herd look like?

“Cow elk start calving around the middle of May,” said Logan. “I go out and check daily for new calves and try to ear tag them when they’re born. When they’re first born, for the first week or so, they’ll just lay there a lot of the time. If the mom’s not too close, I can jump out and tag them and then jump back in the truck.”

AT A GLANCE NAME: Trembling Aspen Ranch ESTABLISHED: 1998 OWNER: Logan Dolen NEAREST TOWN: Spirit River (1 hour NW of Grande Prairie, AB) SIZE: (Elk Facilities) 400 acres (160 ha) ELEVATION: 1,970 ft (600 meters) PRECIPITATION: 18 inches (455 mm) BREED: Canadian Elk HERD SIZE: 120 head (60 cows, 60 bulls)

He also begins graining the cows in the feed bunks during calving season, just to keep the herd quiet.

“The cows stay on the grass with their calves until the fall. At the end of August, I sort for breeding pens. The last couple of years, I started AI (artificial inseminating) about 15 or 20 head of cows to improve the genetics.”

Breeding season is about mid-September to mid-October, and after the breeding season, the calves are weaned, treated with Ivomec™ (deworm), vaccinated and treated for ticks. Logan also places the AI’d cows in one of the other breeding pens for a backup bull to cover anything that didn’t catch.

Bulls, too, require special treatment.

“I generally start graining them about the middle of February to improve their condition because they start growing antlers between the middle of March to the start of May,” he explained.

“Bulls shed their antlers between February and April, so roughly 60 to 70 days after they shed their old antlers when they’re just getting ready to split for their fourth and fifth point, I harvest the antlers from

41

WHAT WORKS FOR US about half my bulls when they’re still in the velvet, and that is done with veterinarian and industry-approved procedures.

It is monitored, and we all adhere to an industry-standard training and certification program.

“The velvet antlers are a health supplement used for arthritis and joint and muscle recovery.”

The other half of the bull herd grows out hard antlers. “If I have some breeding stock, or some really good animals that I think will be potential breeding stock, I grow them out just so I know what their top end looks like,” he said. “Once the bulls are five, I want to grow their antlers out, so when I’m marketing that product for the next year, I can say, ‘This is what he looked like last year.’”

Their top money market is shipping bulls to Saskatchewan and the States to hunt ranches. “I keep my bulls until they’re about six years old, and then I ship them,” he said. “They’re generally 6X6 (or more),

Evan, Josie, Logan, Rachel and Henry Dolen

and they’d [Boone & Crockett] score in the 400–450 mark.”

Logan also contributes to the meat market, which is quite strong right now. In Alberta, there’s a meat Co-op, and sometimes he markets through them. “Right now, I’m in the process of getting my onfarm slaughter permit,” he said.

Can people come and see them? “I know people like to see the elk, but we don’t do farm tours because of biosecurity. I’d be open to it, but it also carries a lot of biosecurity risks. Chronic Wasting Disease has always been a concern, but we’re fairly isolated, so it hasn’t been a problem here.”

So far, Logan has been breeding elk for 26 years, and it is still his passion. One look at the regal bulls, and you can see why.

“As long as we can export our bulls to the States, we’re making good money. Governments changing regulations can be a concern, but those of us in the elk industry work closely with the government, and that’s what works for us.”c

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46

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

Traditional Christmas

For hundreds of years, roast turkey has held the starring role in our holiday feast traditions.

48

A Turkey Board is a great way to use up leftovers

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

PHOTO: TURKEY FARMERS OF CANADA; JAIME MILNE

COUNTRY COOKING

COUNTRY COOKING

ROASTED SPATCHCOCKED* TURKEY WITH GINGERBREAD GLAZE AND GRAVY Courtesy Turkey Farmers of Canada Serves: 10-12 Prep time: 30min Cooking Time: 2.5hrs

INGREDIENTS

•2 cooking onions, skin on, sliced into rounds • 1 orange, sliced into ½” rounds • ½ bulb of fennel, sliced into ¼” slices • 5 kg whole turkey • 1 Tbsp canola oil • 1 tsp salt

STUFFING • 2 Tbsp olive oil • 1-½ cups diced onion • 1 cup diced fennel • ¾ cup diced celery • 1 large Cortland apple, medium dice • 3 cups soft brioche breadcrumbs • 3 cups soft cinnamon raisin bread, cut into 1” cubes • ¼ cup melted, unsalted butter • 1 cup turkey or chicken stock • 1½ tsp salt • 1 tsp coarse black pepper • ½ cup chopped flat leaf parsley

YOU WILL ALSO NEED:

An instant read thermometer

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350˚F * "Spatchcocking" is removing a backbone to butterfly a turkey. I looked it up. — Ed.

GLAZE • 2 tbsp canola oil • 1 shallot, minced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 4 tbsp chopped ginger • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon • ¼ tsp ground allspice • ¼ tsp ground ginger • ¼ tsp salt • 2/3 cup fresh orange juice • ¼ cup molasses • 2 Tbsp ketchup • 2 tbsp maple syrup

GRAVY •A ll the drippings from the turkey pan • Remaining glaze • ½ cup apple cider • ½ cup water • 1/8 tsp ground allspice • 1/8 tsp ground ginger • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon • Salt and pepper to taste • 2 Tbsp cornstarch • 4 Tbsp water

cowboycountrymagazine.com

Step one: Make the stuffing 1. In a large frypan on medium high heat, add oil, diced onion, diced fennel, celery, apple and sauté until tender (5-8 minutes).

2. Scrape vegetables into large mixing bowl.

Add brioche crumbs, raisin bread cubes, melted butter, turkey or chicken stock, salt, pepper and parsley.

3. Using a large spoon, combine ingredients until well blended.

4. Stuff the cavity of your holiday turkey with ¾ of this delicious dressing, reserving the other ¼ for the upper end of the bird. *For additional holiday cheer, add ½ cup fresh cranberries before stuffing turkey.

Step two: Cook the turkey 1. Lay the onion slices, orange slices and fennel on a large, rimmed baking sheet.

2. Lay the turkey on top of the vegetables, breast side up and tuck the wing tips under the turkey. Rub canola oil all over the turkey and season evenly with salt.

3. Cook on the middle rack in the oven for 1 hr 15 min.

4. Meanwhile, get started on the glaze. Add the canola along with the shallot, ginger and garlic to a pot that’s set over medium heat. Cook for 3 min until everything is soft and translucent. Add the remaining ingredients for the glaze and bring to a

simmer. Simmer on low for 8 min. Pour the glaze through a sieve, pushing the liquid through with the back of a spoon. Discard the solids.

5. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (do not hit the bone). When the temperature reads 140˚F, begin basting the turkey with the glaze every 10 min.

6. Once the thermometer reads reads 180˚F, remove the turkey from the oven. Cover the turkey and let it rest for 20 min.

Ensure the stuffing reads 165˚F. 7. Prepare the gravy by pouring all the drippings from the turkey pan into a medium pot. Add the remainder of the glaze along with the apple cider, water, allspice, ginger and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4 min.

8. Whisk the cornstarch with the water until it is fully dissolved. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the gravy and cook another 2 min.

9. Carve the turkey and serve with gravy.

TURKEY BOARD Courtesy Turkey Farmers of Canada + Everything Delish Inc

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup leftover cooked turkey breast, cut into pieces • 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes • 1 cup leftover stuffing • ½ cup gravy • ½ can cranberry sauce • Handful of fresh rosemary, chopped • 2-3 sprigs of thyme • 8 sandwich rolls • ¼ tsp pepper, or to taste • ¼ tsp salt, or to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. Cut cooked turkey breast into small pieces.

2. On a small wooden board, layer mashed

potatoes and stuffing to cover the entire board.

3. Add dollops of cranberry sauce and gravy all over the board, followed by turkey breast pieces.

4. Drizzle more gravy over the turkey. Finish with rosemary, and thyme and season with salt & black pepper.

5. Serve with sandwich rolls or buns and enjoy! c

49

COWBOY POETRY

A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer

BY S. OMAR BARKER

I ain’t much good at prayin’, and You may not know me, Lord — For I ain’t much seen in churches, where they preach Thy Holy Word.

But you may have observed me out here on the lonely plains, A-lookin’ after cattle, feelin’ thankful when it rains.

Admirin’ Thy great handiwork. The miracle of the grass, Aware of Thy kind Spirit, in the way it comes to pass That hired men on horseback and the livestock that we tend Can look up at the stars at night, and know we’ve got a Friend.

So here’s ol’ Christmas comin’ on, remindin’ us again Of Him whose coming brought good will into the hearts of men.

A cowboy ain’t a preacher, Lord, but if You’ll hear my prayer, I’ll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere.

Don’t let no hearts be bitter, Lord. Don’t let no child be cold.

Make easy the beds for them that’s sick and them that’s weak and old.

Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we’re after, And sorter keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter.

I’ve seen ol’ cows a-starvin’ — and it ain’t no happy sight; Please don’t leave no one hungry, Lord, on Thy Good Christmas Night — No man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet I’ll do my doggone best to help you find ’em chuck to eat.

I’m just a sinful cowpoke, Lord — ain’t got no business prayin’ But still I hope you’ll ketch a word or two, of what I’m sayin’: We speak of Merry Christmas, Lord—I reckon You’ll agree—

S. Omar Barker (June 16, 1894–April 2, 1985), was an American cowboy poet, politician, rancher, and teacher in New Mexico. He published many books, including Vientos de las Sierras (1924), Buckaroo Ballads (1928) and Rawhide Rhymes: Singing Poems of the Old West (Doubleday, 1968).

50

Canadian Cowboy Country December 2024/January 2025

STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ RABBIT75_FOT

There ain’t no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain’t free!

So one thing more I ask You, Lord: just help us what You can To save some seeds of freedom for the future Sons of Man!

The

Stella Stevens Show Dan Davidson