© Jack Wessels

published in ANVIL Magazine, December 1995

The Christmas Pig

Winter was nearin’ and I was a fearin’
that starving would be my demise

Cause shoeing is slow when winter winds blow
and not being particular wise

I hadn’t saved back for in case of a lack
should befall my farrier work

My head fairly reeled, I swear I could feel
my backbone through the front of my shirt

Then just in the nick, some guy called, “Come quick –
got a yearling bad off, going lame”

Now corrective shoein’ takes a little doin’
so mentally I started counting my gain

But I thought I would choke when he said he was broke
and would I please work for a trade?

I was instantly hot, but said, “What ya got?”
holding back my verbal tirade

“Bring out your rig and I’ll give you a pig”
now I’ll say that left me agog

What kind of a twit would even admit
to raising both horses and hogs?

I’ll tell you right now that I prefer cow
beef is more to my taste

Then my brain got to tickin’ – at least it’s not chicken
so I said, “I’ll be there – post haste!”

Ham sandwiches! Link sausages!
Pork chops! and Bacon! and Loin!

My mouth fairly watered anticipating our barter

Oh, the foodstuffs I’d soon be enjoyin’

That colt was a case – had to make a brace
to heal up his deep flexor tendon

Then wanting what’s mine, I asked for my swine
and you know he seemed plum offended

He came back from the barn and under one arm
was a little bitty pig – just weaned

He claimed he said pig, not how big
and I wondered, should I hit him in each eye, or between?

But I cussed him up and down and headed for town
with the pig in the pickup with me

Here I was broke, but not alone in my poke
hoping none of my friends would see

Now the gal I’d been courtin’ was pretty important
she ran the local Dairy Whiz

With my natural charm and a pig under my arm
I strolled in and said, “Guess what this is”

“Merry Christmas” I said using my head
“This pig’s for you!” She cried!

“It’s a pot-bellied pig, it won’t get very big,”
“They make exceptional pets” – I lied

When I got her calmed down and finally looked around
the pig was nowhere to be seen

We found him in back where he had seriously attacked
a bucket of leftover ice cream

She thought that was cute and soon my repute
was coming close to being restored

I knew I was in when he nuzzled her chin
“Can I keep him?” she implored

Come a year later, I’m a cook and a waiter
Me and the pig have a home

I found marital bliss at the Dairy Whiz
serving up burgers and fries and cones

It didn’t take long to prove I was wrong
about the breed of her favorite pet

when he hit half a ton I thought he’d be done
but he weren’t through growing yet

He was a spectacle it’s true but what could I do
that pig was the talk of the town

so I broke him to drive and we’d go for a ride
every evening about sundown

But late last night, he tried to pick a fight
to prove that he could be rank

Like a Sumo he grunted, it was blood that he wanted
as he took on the propane tank

He let out with a roar, he’s a dim-witted boar
as he and the tank, they did roll

With gas spewing out, they wrestled about
but he never reached his goal

It took only one spark to light up the dark
and barbecue our curly-tailed pet

Now come over soon, we’ll start about noon
you’re welcome to eat all you can get

We’ll have ice cream and fries and a porky surprise
a self-serve meal sure to please

oh, and bring a ladder and rope, it’s your only hope
for picking roast pig out of all them there trees

 

I hope you join me as you get ready for the Holidays.

…………………………Have a Happy Holiday season.

Just WHINNNNNY and enjoy the ride!

Daily Oats: Livin for the whinny

Whinny’s

If you are looking for a way to keep your connection forever, why not try one of Knot-a-Tail’s horse hair bracelets.

Knot-a-Tail has a very large selection.

Knot-a-Tail’s horse hair bracelets make a great Christmas gift for any horse lover.
Knot-a-Tail’s horsehair bracelets

For even more wonderful whinny’,

Visit us at Knot-A-Tail Where your Passion Runs WILD!

Visit us on Facebook

Along the Dusty Trail

I found this poem on a friends page and thought it might touch a few of you. I hope you enjoy.

Along the Dusty Trail

This old horse, the Rancher said,
she’s seen some better days,
she’s eating up my profits,
and costs a lot for hay.

Another horse would suit me,
a stronger one at that,
shes seen a lot of miles
just like my cowboy hat.

This old horse, the Rancher said,
she helped me herd my steer,
I’m pretty sure shes magic,
I know I hold her dear.

Another horse would suit me,
one that can run fast,
maybe one that’s younger,
or maybe one that lasts.

This old horse, the Rancher said,
she’s long and far in tooth,
my children do remember,
her fondly from their youth.

Another horse would suit me,
a gelding in his prime,
one that needs less fixin’,
that helps me save a dime.

Why, they asked, then keep her?
why not trade her now?
bring her to an auction?
replace her with a cow?

The Rancher’s brow grew heavy,
he took a staggered step,
his eyes did show his hardships,
in wrinkles, as they crept.

His breath, he took in deeply,
as he poised to say his words,
it’s as if the earth grew silent,
that his message should be heard.

This old horse, the Rancher said,
has given me her life,
I wouldn’t trade for anything,
nor either, would my wife.

Another horse would suit me,
and perhaps someday will come,
but this old gal, I love her,
she is the chosen one.

This old horse, the Rancher said,
her service she did lend,
her and I, have seen the years,
this old horse, she is my friend.

Another horse would suit me well,
but her home is here to keep,
I owe her sanctuary,
my love for her is deep.

Another horse would suit me well,
and younger days for me,
and I will keep my promise,
until our last breaths, set us free.”

---

 

I sure hope you are getting ready for the Holiday season: Country style anyway.

Be the envy of your horse loving friends.

I have also been saving DIY Horse craft ideas on Pinterest that is fun and always being updated.

Come for a visit and let your imagination go.

I also have a board for Horse shoe nails and Barbed wire ideas. Some are so amazing. Lots and lots of ideas to take your passion to new heights.

I hope you join me as you get ready for the Holidays.

Have a Happy Holiday season.

Just WHINNNNNY and enjoy the ride!

Daily Oats: Livin for the whinny

Whinny’s

If you are looking for a way to keep your connection forever, why not try one of Knot-a-Tail’s horse hair bracelets.

Knot-a-Tail has a very large selection.

Knot-a-Tail’s horse hair bracelets make a great Christmas gift for any horse lover.
Knot-a-Tail’s horsehair bracelets

For even more wonderful whinny’,

Visit us at Knot-A-Tail Where your Passion continues!

Visit us on Facebook

DIY Christmas horse crafts: a horse lovers dream

Almost every horse lover I know is pretty crafty.

With the Holiday season coming up fast, I thought you might like this YouTube video on how to make this Christmas horse reef yourself.

Christmas horse reef:  How fun and it is way too adorable.

Be the envy of your horse loving friends.

I have also been saving DIY Horse craft ideas on Pinterest that is fun and always being updated.

Come for a visit and let your imagination go.

I also have a board for Horse shoe nails and Barbed wire ideas.  Some are so amazing.  Lots and lots of ideas to take your passion to new heights.

I hope you join me as you get ready for the Holidays.

Have a Happy Holiday season.

Just WHINNNNNY and enjoy the ride!

Daily Oats: Livin for the whinny

Whinny’s

If you are looking for a way to keep your connection forever, why not try one of Knot-a-Tail’s horse hair bracelets.

Knot-a-Tail  has a very large selection.

Knot-a-Tail’s horse hair bracelets make a great Christmas gift for any horse lover.
Knot-a-Tail’s horsehair bracelets

For even more wonderful whinny’,

Visit us at Knot-A-Tail Where your Passion continues!

Visit us on Facebook

For The First Time Shared by: Andi Harmon.

FOR THE FIRST TIME

Yesterday, for the first time, I was too tired to ride
Yesterday, for the first time, I was afraid I would be hurt if I was thrown
Yesterday, for the first time, I heard someone say my barn was too shabby
Yesterday, for the first time, I let someone tell me I was too pudgy to ride
Yesterday, for the first time, I realized I was old
Yesterday, for the first time, I had to face that I could no longer keep up
Yesterday, for the first time, I had to let go of my dreams
Yesterday, for the first time, I felt my heart break
Yesterday, for the first time, I turned my back on my friend
Yesterday, for the first time, I knew I was done

Today, for the last time, I felt warm, braided leather in my hands.
Today, for the last time, I ran my stirrups up so they wouldn’t bang my mare’s sides
Today, for the last time, I released the buckles on the girth and watched my girl sigh
Today, for the last time, I slowly dropped the bit so it wouldn’t hit her teeth
Today, for the last time, I gave my mare a cookie to thank her for the ride
Today, for the last time, I buried my head in her soft, warm neck
Today, for the last time, I inhaled the sun and the dust in her long winter coat
Today, for the last time, I closed the gate and trudged to the muddy porch
Today, for the last time, I tracked hay and horse hair into my house
Today, for the last time, I pulled off my boots and felt the sting of warm blood returning to my cold toes
Today, for the first time, I cried after my ride
Today, for the first time, I felt my hands shake as I set the saddle on its rack
Today, for the first time, I hugged my young trainer a final goodbye
Today, for the first time, I waited for the new owner’s trailer to arrive
Today, for the first time, I set my boots in a box to go to the Goodwill
Today, for the first time, I sighed at the wear on my riding gloves
Today, for the first time, I had no hay in my hair
Today, for the first time, I did not hear nickering when I opened my back door
Today, for the first time, I felt worse leaving the barn that I did when I entered
Today, for the first time, I had no one to check on before going to bed

Tomorrow, for the first time, I won’t have to buy hay
Tomorrow, for the first time, I can stay in bed longer
Tomorrow, for the first time, I won’t see the poop pile grow
Tomorrow, for the first time, I won’t be able to fly on four legs
Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be sorry I listened
Tomorrow, for the first time, I will regret letting her go
Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at God
Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at myself
Tomorrow, for the first time, I will cry the day away
Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be glad to die

Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will awaken in tears
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will know I was wrong
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will defy all the judgment
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will ignore my old bones
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will return the buyer’s check
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will bring my friend home
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will take my boots out of the box
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will be reborn

For the rest of my life, I will have a horse in my yard
For the rest of my life, I will ignore the cruel judging
For the rest of my life, I will watch the poop pile grow
For the rest of my life, I will have hay in my hair
For the rest of my life, I will track mud in my house
For the rest of my life, I will bury my face in her soft neck
For the rest of my life, I will let my soul fly

For the rest of my life, I will never be alone

REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS
OPTIONAL.

We make a Living by what we get, We make a Life by what we give.

Just WHINNNNNY and enjoy the ride!

Daily Oats: Livin for the whinny

Whinny’s

If you are looking for a way to keep your connection forever, why not try one of Knot-a-Tail’s bracelet kit.

Make your own FOREVER KEEPSAKE!

For even more wonderful whinny’, Visit us at Knot-A-Tail Where your Passion continues!

Visit us on Facebook

Horses loved and lost

In loving memory

 I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame
but I have you in my heart.
I will never stop loving you
For your hoof prints are running across my heart

 

Sometimes we just a place to remember, tell a life changing story, a place to release some of the sorrow for the horses that have captured our hearts, expanded our souls, brought our spirits to  a new level of life experiences and helped us to touch our hearts and souls to their  true  destinies.

This is a story of two  life long friends.

My life long friend, Terri Little with her horse Im a Cut-up Too.    Cut-up crossed the Rainbow Bridge this week.  She has had him since 1990.  The same year I bought my Sunny. They were both yearlings.   Our two horses grew-up together when they were just babies, just like Terri and I.   I will  miss him too, Terri.

Terri Little and Ima Cut-up Too

Here is Terri’s story.

Today I can honestly say was one of the very hardest days of my life…
I cried so hard and so deeply that I couldn’t catch my breath…
I had to send my friend and my heart song on his last ride without me in the saddle. For just a couple months short of 26 years he was my confidant and my strength when things got to where I wanted to just give up. He done everything ever asked of him both in the show ring and out always giving me the very best he had. I could put anyone on his back and know they were safe and I think just about everyone of my nieces and nephews made their first rides on him, even people who were afraid of horses enjoyed getting on him. There are several people I want to thank for making it possible for me to have such a wonderful creature as my all.
To my husband Thank you for such a wonderful gift and for always understanding just how much of my heart he holds.

To Lawrence Hiatt (Debi Hiatt) Thank you for being his breeder.
To Betty Hiatt Thank you for selling my boy to me.
And to Joey Jorgenson, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing me and in CutUp when we first came to you. You made a Champion of him while I laid in a hospital. From Halter to Reining he done it all and honestly seemed to enjoy every minute of it.

Cutup has never known another owner and for that I am truly blessed.

I also want to thank Dr. Kathy for making his journey quick and with out pain or fear. She was his vet since we moved back here from Ky. and she was the only one to help me send him on his way.

IMA CUT-UP TOO 4/14/1990 Final Ride 9/4/2015

Sire: Mighty Cutup
Dam: Shi Skippa Kitty

---

The loss is great to all those that love so deep.

Knot-a-Tail  often get letters and notes from our customers that tell about their great loss.

You can read some of their stories on Knot-a-Tail’s Memorial Page: Horses loved and lost.

For all the losses that horse lovers have endured and have shared with Knot-a-Tail on our memorial page,  Knot-A-Tail makes a $2.00 donation to our local horse rescue service here is Mesa.

 Your story will help save another horse’s  life. 

If you have a story to tell, send your pictures and story to roberta@knotatail.com

Happiness has a Smell

It is 6:30 am and I am off to my sisters for our weekly visit.

I jump on my mustang, or in it I should say: my mustang convertible, RED.

I take the 60  east for about 10 miles and head south.  Yes, of course I had to stop  Starbucks coffee.   Just a simple dark roast, tall with some cream added: way cheaper and a lot less calories.  I just like plain coffee.  Did I say like: I meant LOVE.

Anyway, enjoying my top-down, convertible ride as I head  down the highway when all of a sudden the sweet, sweet aroma fills all my senses.  Next, I find myself, hanging my head over the side the window, with my nose pointed up trying to find out where that wonderful smell is coming from, when I realized what I must look like to the rest of the cars around me.  I only could imagine what a dog must sense when they get a whiff of a familiar smell and up goes there noses, hanging out the window, sniffing the air.  Well, at that moment, that was me, like a old hound dog, sniffing the air.

See most of Arizona does not have grass, so they never have to cut it, no grass, no fresh cut grass smell.  Although I think that hay smells different then fresh cut grass, but it is that fresh hay smell that makes my heart go into the full delight mood.

The smell just filled me with that great fondness of complete contentment.  The smell of freshly cut hay, how it lingers and oh, how I love that smell.    Let the other drivers next to me  think that I look like a dog with my head hanging out the side of my car. I don’t care, I just want to find where that smell is coming from.

I just kept sniffing away, however,  I never did see where that smell came from, but I sure enjoyed the experience. It was a total delight to my senses.

Who else would ever hang their head out the window to see who was putting up hay beside a horse nut,  well maybe a cattleman, but most of those have horses as well.

Here is a hint for a happy life:  treasure even the littlest  things you love.: put you nose up to the sky, take a good sniff and ENJOY!

Always remember to Greet the world like your horse greets you, as if there is no tomorrow..

Just WHINNNNNNING out loud as much as possible!

Daily Oats: Livin for the whinny

Whinny’s
For even more wonderful whinny’s,

visit us at Knot-A-Tail Where the Passion continues.

Join us on Facebook for  horse hair prices and great gifts.

Barn sweetness

I do not want to find myself only happy when I am out in the barn.  Everything in the barn makes me happy, every the crap.  But just a few steps back outside and I can quickly be a goner.

In my life, I want more.  I want  more of  what truly  matters.  Along the way, someone gave to me a gratitude rock .  You might have heard of them.  Just a rock that you stick in your pocket.  Then every time you put your hand in your pocket, you count some of the blessings in your life.  It allows the word gratitude to sink into our minds and souls.

At my worst moments, shortly after  my husband died, I had to make a list and kept it on the frig. I would read it every time I opened the refrigerator door.  Here is a sad fact, but so true of many of us:  I learned more about gratitude for my life, after my husbands death  than every before.

I no longer want to wait till after some tragic event  occurs in my life to show those around me the blessing they are to me.  I want to offer than whenever they are around me the Symphony of the “Dancing with Horses:  a symphony for life.  I want to make sure that they know how much they  HAVE captured my soul: that deep contentment as if I was in the barn just brushing my horse and my soul is completely  satisfied.

For today, I will share the music “Dancing with horses”  and the peace that lives within their unconditional love, not only with the horses but with all those that cross my path.

I will “be the Gratitude “to  all the Whinnies that capture my heart.

Remember always, be the Whinny and greet the world like your horse greets you, with unconditional love to all the two legged creatures in your life as much as the 4 legged ones.

Sending extra whinnies your way.

Always remember to Greet the world like your horse greets you, as if there is no tomorrow.

Just WHINNNNNNING out loud as much as possible!

Daily Oats: Livin for the whinny

Whinny’s
For even more wonderful whinny’s, visit us at

Knot-A-Tail Where the Passion continues!

Visit us on Facebook

The 12 days of Christmas :: Cowboy style

Had to share.  Too cute.  The picture is from  a Facebook friend Barbara Moseley

The 12 days of Christmas :: Cowboy style

The rule is you have to Sing this one:: Love Santa

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: A mustang named “Whoa is me!”

On the 2nd day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: “Two lariats, and a Mustang named “Whoa is me!”

On the 3rd day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: “Three cowboy hats, two lariots, and a mustang named “Whoa is me!”

On the 4th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: four horseshoes, three cowboy hats, two lariats, and a mustang named “Whoa is me!”

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me: FIVE VETS ON CALL!, four horseshoes, three cowboy hats, two lariats, and a mustang named “Whoa is me!”

On the 6th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Six cowboys roping, FIVE VETS ON CALL, four horseshoes, three cowboy hats, two lariats, and a mustang named “Whoa is me!”

On the 7th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Seven shots of Rompin, six cowboys roping, FIVE VETS ON CALL, four horseshoes, three cowboy hats, two lariats, and a mustang named “Whoa is me!”

On the 8th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: eight bones a-mending, seven shots of Rompin, six cowboys roping, FIVE VETS ON CALL, four horseshoes, three cowboy hats, two lariats, and a mustang named “Whoa is me!”

On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: nine cowgirls cheering, eight bones a-mending, seven shots of Rompin, six cowboys roping, FIVE VETS ON CALL, four horseshoes, three cowboy hats, two lariats, and a mustang named “Whoa is me!”

On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: ten stitches waiting, nine cowgirls cheering, eight bones a-mending, seven shots of Rompin, six cowboys roping, FIVE VETS ON CALL, four horseshoes, three cowboy hats, two lariats, and a mustang named “Whoa is me!”

On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Eleven cowboys laughing, ten stitches waiting, nine cowgirls laughing, eight bones a-mending, seven shots of Rompin, six cowboys roping, FIVE VETS ON CALL, four horseshoes, three cowboy hats, two lariats, and a mustang named “Whoa is me!”

On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Twelve teeth a-missing, eleven cowboys laughing, ten stitches waiting, nine cowgirls laughing, eight bones a-mending, seven shots of Rompin, six cowboys roping, FIVE VETS ON CALL, four horseshoes, three cowboy hats, two lariats, and a mustang named “Whoa is me!”
We make a Living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.

Just WHINNNNNY and enjoy the ride!

Daily Oats: Livin for the whinny

Whinny’s

If you are looking for a way to keep your connection forever, why not try one of Knot-a-Tail’s horse hair bracelets,

We have a very large selection.  Knot-a-Tail’s horse hair bracelets make a great Christmas gift for any horse lover.
Knot-a-Tail’s horsehair bracelets

For even more wonderful whinny’,

Visit us at Knot-A-Tail            Where your Passion continues!

Visit us on Facebook

Check this out. Great find for any horse lover

Every week I get a new horse photo, and they are always very nice.

  The horse photos are just fun to find in my mail box.  Enjoy!!

Hope all is off to a great start for the Holiday season.

Whinnys Roberta

Photo for December 12, 2014

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” ~ Edith Stilwell

   Well there is no denying it, winter is here! It has been snowing all week here and it is white and beautiful outside…
Please visit my Gallery of winter images, use the password wintergallery. If any of my Northeast friends would like to ride or model in the snow for me, please get on touch, I’m game if you are!

Have a great weekend and stay warm!

Horse hair from From Ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY!

At Knot-a-Tail, we  take the ordinary, the very thing  that most horse lovers just throw away and make extraordinary come to life.  Strand by strand of horse hair is tediously braided, knotted,  woven together by the hands of generational  master craftsman to produce amazing masterpieces.

Each piece designed with the horse lover, you, in mind.  Creating priceless, wearable works of Art, masterpiece of  miniature braids and intricate knots.   Each piece a constant reminder of not only your love for the horse but captured in each piece is a vision of all your dreams, hopes and desires of the life you choose.

A life dedicated to the love of a horse.

You will discover the same passion that is within your heart  is  the same that creates these spectacular horse hair treasures.

Masterly hand-crafted for  your  pure pleasure and enjoyment.

It is a way to express  yourself and your love for the beauty of your horse with such a unique treasure. 

Find the perfect equine gifts  for all of the horse lovers in your life.  Knot-a-Tail  have been perfecting our collection for over 20 years with  extraordinary,  unique, and beautiful equine treasures for you to enjoy.

From Ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY!

Have a great WHINNY of a morning, everyone.

Just start WHINNNNNNING out loud as possible!

Daily Oats: Livin for the whinny

Whinny’s
For even more wonderful whinny’, Visit us at Knot-A-Tail Where the Passion continues!

 

We do have amazing gifts for the Holiday Season all designed for all the Horse lovers in your life.

From Knot-a-Tail a Unique horse hair watch.