Pioneer Horse Breeders: Coke Roberds, Si Dawson, the Peavys, Casements and Semotans

Coke Roberds and Si Dawson were both born in 1870, grew up on ranches and were life-long friends. They both moved to ranches in Routt County, Colo., shortly after the turn of the 20th Century, and raised cattle and horses. They were passionate about finding and raising the best possible horses for ranch work and racing. In 1914, 16-year-old Marshall Peavy acquired a nearby ranch and immediately shared his neighbors’ passion for breeding the best to the best. He married the local school teacher, Mavis Caldwell, and she went on to become a famous horse breeder as well. Another nearby pioneer family, the Semotans, joined in with the neighborhood horse activities. In those days horses were important for transportation and work, for gathering cattle and sheep, and for supplying the U.S. Cavalry with mounts to meet their needs. To the families of that time and place, their horses were a source of income, but also a source of pride and entertainment—for racing, roping and polo. Marshall and Mavis Peavy hosted an annual “field day” on their ranch, which included a variety of horse competitions, picnic lunches and lots of visiting. Another important family, the Casements, moved to this area near Steamboat Springs, Colo., and also contributed greatly to the development of the Quarter Horse and Appaloosa breeds. These early-day breeders bought, sold and traded horses among themselves and created a nation-wide demand for their equine off-spring. Many of their descendants are still involved with horses today. The 148-page book includes 185 black-and-white photos, mostly depicting the pioneer breeders, their horses and lifestyles. Text was generated from family interviews and letters, plus researched material.

Science & Math

Holmes, Frank

Roberts, Ed

Witte, Randy

Biological Sciences

Randall Witte

In his welcome to this chronicle of Western Horseman’s 75 years, current Publisher Darrell Dodds writes, “On the following pages, former Western Horseman Publisher Randy Witte has authored the most comprehensive history of the magazine that’s ever been written.”Even more important: “Witte also recognized that a magazine, when done well, can be magical in its ability to educate, inform, entertain and inspire.”That belief obviously focuses on the stock-horse industry. But the passion to deliver the “magic” has come from staffers themselves, horse owners as invested in the western lifestyle as the magazine’s readership.Among the magicians: Witte’s larger-than-life predecessor, Dick Spencer, and longtime Editor Pat Close, who rode 40 years for the brand, and many others on the magazine staff. All, Witte says, contributed to “take the readers to places they’d never go, meet interesting characters they’d never heard of and learn things they’d never imagined.”That the magazine continues into its 75th year is testament that throughout its history Western Horseman successfully has pursued these objectives.

History of Western Horseman: 75 Years Of The World's Leading Horse Magazine (Western Horseman Books (Hardcover))

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

Pets & Animal Care

Western Horseman

Readers can use this book as a guide to learn whether their horses are being shod properly or use it to learn to shoe their own horses. The book stresses good horse handling techniques and proper trimming. Correct trimming of the feet is the basis of good shoeing, and neither can be accomplished if the horseshoer cannot get the horse to stand still long enough to work on him-thus the importance of handling. To get really proficient at horseshoeing, it takes a lot of practice trimming and shoeing a lot of different horses. This book covers all the basics in plain, simple language, lavishly illustrated, and diagrammed.

Well-Shod: A Horseshoeing Guide for Owners and Farriers

Baskins, Don

UNKNO

Clinician, trainer, and four-time NFR qualifier Sharon Camarillo emphasizes approach, rate, and turn-making. An essential tool for barrel racers at any level.

Barrel Racing: Completely Revised

Camarillo, Sharon

Arnold, Darrell

Book by Steenberge, Patrick W., Weller, Don, Williams, Robert H., Witte, Randy

The Cutting Horse

Williams, Robert H.

Weller, Don

Steenberge, Patrick W.

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Books by Witte, Randy