Why I Am Not Making New Years Resolutions

Well hello there! I have not forgotten that I still have this blog, though I have greatly neglected it lately and for that I apologize. In fact when I started writing this post I realized that I had not wrote a post since May. Whoops. Once upon a time, I thought that since I have no children I should naturally have all this time on my hands. Negative. I'm busy. And I don't have the time to sit down and write the first thing that comes to mind everyday(you wouldn't want to read that anyways!).

Anyways, it's about that time of the year again folks. 2015 is nearly upon us. It's time for the whole 'new year, new me' BS that will be flooding your Facebook news feed. The pasta eating, beer drinking, cookie loving people (much like myself) will seemingly turn into a workout guru overnight and bore you with the unnecessary snap chats showing themselves on the treadmill at the gym. Prepare yourself people, the Facebook statuses are about to get real. #neverfeltbetter #healthy2015 #lovethegym #veggiesforsupper #omgshutup. As annoying as I find this, I once had the same mentality at New Years time, (although I refrained from the annoying Facebook statuses because I have a strict vow of celibaselfie (celibacy against taking selfies....I just made that up). I had all this stuff wrote down that I was going to do in the new year, such as workout 5 times a week, cut sugar out of my diet, blah blah blah.

 

For the past 5-6 years I have gotten all jacked up for the new year and wrote down my goals that I wanted to accomplish. I would hang that list next to my mirror and look at it for several months until I got bored, lazy or frustrated and I would take it down. When the end of the year would roll around I would dig that piece of paper out and be pissed because I only accomplished a few of the goals that I set for myself. It was depressing, really! I would look back and think to myself, 'jeez you didn't even do THAT?'

 

Anyone that knows me knows that I have a filthy habit and several years ago I made a new years resolution to kick that nasty habit. I quit cold turkey on the 1st of January and made it six months before I started that habit again. I felt like a failure. I had it beat! I made it 6 months and half way thru the year I thought, "screw it, this is too hard." One more failed New Years resolution down the drain!

Going into 2015, I'm gonna be a rebel. I am not making New Years resolutions. Why? See above. What I am doing instead is looking back at 2014 and reflecting on the things that I am proud of. What did you do in 2014 that made you satisfied with yourself? Give yourself credit for what you did even if it may be something small! Quit being so hard on yourself and instead of going into the New Year telling yourself you are going to do all these things that are most likely un realistic, look back, pick out the highlights from the year, give yourself a pat on the back and say "I kicked 2014's ass!" #boom.

 

Looking back at 2014 there's a lot of things I didn't do. I didn't magically trim down to a size 0, I didn't kick that filthy habit, I didn't make the Circuit Finals, I didn't do this and I didn't do that. You know what I did do? I started Yoga and started back to Tae Kwon Do after 10 years and have stuck with it. I read books, lots of them. I started watching Fox news in the morning (not that I'm really proud of that, but at least I have a better grasp on what's going on in this screwed up world!). I had a good summer on a green horse. I got back on a horse after breaking my back in 2013. These sound like little things, but hey I'm gonna give myself credit. I'm not focusing on what I didn't do or the goals that I didn't meet. So try it! But don't post a selfie with #soproudofmyself. I might have to defriend you.

 

Good luck in 2015!



Why am I using these old time cowgirl photos in a post about New Years resolutions? Because I think they are cool. #getoverit #iwilldowhatiwantcuzitsmyblog

Blue Star

"They told her she could be anything she wanted, so she became a cowgirl" - Unknown

Wicked Women of the West is stories and interviews I enjoy writing about some of the handiest women I know, so naturally I must write about my friend, Blue Borton.  When I hear the term 'cowgirl' I instantly think of Blue with her long, dark braided hair blowing in the wind beneath her cowboy hat. There is no doubt that this young lady was born to be a cowgirl.

Born in 1979 in Ronan, Montana to Alex & Claudia Ogilvie, Blue grew up horseback in the rugged terrain of western Montana near Flathead lake playing Cowboy's and Indian's with her older sister, Skye. It was almost a given that the daughters of Alex & Claudia would grow up with a fond admiration for horses. Alex started raising Quarter Horses in the 1950's and understood the value of a tough horse. Claudia worked for many ranches, moving, sorting and AI'ing cattle. In 1976, Claudia won the women's bronc riding at the Miles City Bucking Horse sale and won the women's bull riding at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1977. To say that "being a cowgirl" was bred into Blue might be an under statement.

 

In 1983, Alex & Claudia had a complete dispersal sale of their 125+ head of horses and packed up the girls and moved to Australia where they traveled the outback for six months teaching the western way of life to some of the ranchers.

 

Upon returning to the states, the Ogilvie's moved to Florence, MT, south of Missoula, where they made a living raising and training horses and making hands out of their daughters, Skye and Blue. Blue started homeschooling in the 5th grade, although she admits that she dropped out of Kindergarten to care for her goat herd!

Skye & Blue Ogilvie at a horse sale in Kalispell, Montana

Blue learned about business and marketing at a young age when her father would buy spoiled ponies out of the sale barn and send them home for his girls to gentle down. Blue would put many miles on her ponies and on occasion, ride them three miles to the local grocery store for a candy bar! 

 

Blue high school rodeoed in Montana, then attended the University of Montana where she received a full ride rodeo scholarship and went on to qualify for the CNFR three times in barrels, breakaway and goats. She later graduated with a degree in Business Management.

 

In 2004, Blue married Cory Borton and moved to the plains of South Dakota where they work on a ranch that runs 300-500 cows depending on the year. Blue credits her husband with teaching her how to drag calves to the fire, doctor sick ones in the pasture and keeping a cow on a tight rope.

Cory & Blue Borton roping in Arizona

When I think of good horses, I think of Blue's horses. Throughout the time I've known Blue, we always enjoy talking horses. Blue and I both have a deep appreciation for an "all around horse" that you can drag calves on at the branding and take to a rodeo in the evening and run barrels and rope on the same horse. Blue and her family successfully created that type of horse through her beloved stallion, Missin Freckle. Blue not only won many accomplishments on Missin Freckle, she then went on to have success on his colts that are well known for their versatility throughout the Midwest. I have always loved the Missin Freckle offspring and I especially love one of his daughters, my mare, Jazzy, who, like her sire is the one horse that I can do about anything and everything on!

Affectionately known as "Crockett", Missin Freckle was bred and raised by Dick and Brenda Pieper. Bred in the purple, Crockett's sire was Miss N Cash and his dam, the great mare named Miss Freckles Reed. Miss Freckles Reed was an outstanding producer that not only raised Crockett, but also raised two great sons of Playgun, PG Rey Gun and Silver Gun.


Little Blue!

Blue's interview: 

1) Growing up, did you always want to be a cowgirl?

BB: Yes, but I think if you were one of Alex Ogilvies daughter's it wasn't a choice, it was a given. I have always loved my horses and I can't imagine a life without having them. I love everything about horses from just catching one up and brushing them to the feeling I get when I am galloping across the prairie with the wind blowing my cares away.

 

2.) What is one thing you wish more people knew about the
ranching/western lifestyle?

BB: I wish more people realized how much we care for
the animals and the land. No matter the weather we go outside to do all we can to ensure the animals safety and continuation of life. It hurts us personally
every time we lose an animal. It isn't an easy life but there is nothing better than getting to see a calf that has just been born take their first breath and get up looking for something to eat. That helps make up for the sleepless nights checking heifers when its below zero.

Quite possible my favorite barrel picture EVER is this one of Blue running Missin Earl ( a son of her stallion, Missin Freckle)

3) Your favorite (or most
memorable) rodeo moment?

BB: The rodeo memory that means the most to me involves
two rather nondescript buckles that reside in my buckle case. Two years in a row I was voted by my peers in the Montana High School Rodeo Association as the
recipient of the Girls Sportsmanship award. Rodeo has many highs and lows but knowing that others appreciated my sportsmanship, that means the world to me.

4) Tell us about your late,
great stallion Missin Freckle?

BB: How long do you have? I could go on forever
about him. He was the most important thing in my life for a long time. Some people may know him as "Crockett". We bought him when he was four years old at the Hermiston, OR Horse Sale. He had some reining training but he was very bored with just arena riding so we rode him outside all we could. He didn't know how to stretch out and run so we would wrangle the saddle horses. I don't think a stud can bear the thought of a group of horses getting away and he learned that he could do more than slide and spin. We had just been playing around on the barrels with him and took him to a jackpot in January 1997 and ran an exhibition, his time would have placed so we decided to pay him into some futurities. My mom, Claudia Ogilvie and I both ran him. I will never forget the feeling of turning the first barrel on him. It was amazing! No matter how hard you pushed him he wouldn't go by a barrel. He won numerous go rounds and the average at one futurity. I really started roping on him after we moved to Wyoming. I could enter heading or heeling and know that I would never get outrun by a steer. I was able to go to rodeos and enter the Barrels, Breakaway and Mixed Team Roping. Such a blessing to have one horse to take to a rodeo that was capable of winning all three if I did my part. He won the Super Stallion Competition at the Black Hills Stock Show in 2003. His colts are like him in so many ways. They might make you want to pull your hair out at times but when it really matters they are there for you. It is unfortunate that we lost him to colic just as his colts were really starting to prove themselves.To this day I have a very soft spot in my heart for a bay with a snip.

Blue running barrels at the MSU college rodeo on Missin Freckle.

Blue heading on Missin Freckle

^^ Video of Missin Freckle

5) If given the choice,
would you rather go to a branding or a barrel racing?

BB: Both! On a perfect day I
would go to the branding, help gather, rope a pen and then go to the barrel race. All on the same horse.

6) What is your favorite
movie or tv show?
BB: Whatever will keep my mind busy while I cook or do dishes.

7) What is on your
iPod? 
BB: I don't have one but I have downloaded some songs on my phone. I get whatever is free on Google Play so I have a very eclectic mix. AC/DC, Nirvana, Fleet Foxes and Frank Sinatra. I will listen to about anything.

 

Blue won a steer riding buckle on this ride!

8) What is one thing most
people don't know about you?

BB: That my dad was 55 years old when I was born so I
feel that I skipped a generation. He was the same age as my friends grandparents. Sometimes I feel more at ease talking to my friends parents than people my own age. My dad's parents homesteaded in Eastern Montana near
Cohagen. How many 35 year old's can say their grandparents homesteaded?

9) What's on your bucket
list?

BB: I don't really have one. I have been fortunate to do many things that I wanted to do. Something that would be amazing is to go ride in another country like Mongolia or anywhere that has a horse culture. I believe that horseman
have many things in common worldwide and it would be amazing to learn from
them.

Blue & Missin Margaret ( a daughter of her stallion Missin Freckle)

10) And finally.....the
'handiest' person you know is?

BB: If I had to pick just one it would be my
husband, Cory Borton. He is amazing working with horses. I love the colts that he starts because they make me look good. He can fix about anything that needs fixed on the ranch. He has taught me how to keep horses quiet in the roping box and the branding pen. He makes sure that I never lose sight of what I want my horse to be in the end. He won't sacrifice the future of his horse to accomplish a single job. He may take more time to get a horse where he wants them but they are confident and solid horses when he is done with them.

 

Cory & Blue doin' what they love!

~ By Bailee Murnion

Born To Run Barrels - The Story of Biz & Raelene

Biz and Raelene running in the short go at the Calgary Stampede in 2000.

"If there was ever a match made in Heaven, it was Biz & Raelene." - Lois Hill

"That mare changed my life." - Raelene Konzak 

"The only bad part about being entered when Raelene and Biz were up, was knowing you were running for second place. They were tough everywhere!" - Holly Costello

 

Some champions are born destined for greatness. Some horses, like Bar Bee Buz (a.k.a. "BIZ") leave a lasting legacy that will not soon be forgotten. During a barrel racing career that spanned from 1992 - 2005, Biz would amass more than $200,000 in barrel racing earnings along with $20,000 in team penning winnings. Biz and Raelene dominated the Montana circuit with ten consecutive qualifications to the circuit finals and twice to the DNCFR. Biz and Raelene were a team with an unbreakable bond. They were THE force to be reckoned with. They were each others best friends in a time in both of their lives where all they truly needed, was each other. Their journey together is a tale worth telling  and here's how it all started: 

 

Biz in the beginning:

 

Longtime AQHA horse breeders, John and Lois Hill from Raynesford, MT have owned the great mare the majority of her life. In 1991, John and Lois attended a horse sale, in search of a mare by the Three Bars son, Bar Jay Bee. They had experienced a great deal of success with a mare by this stud, named Acute that went on to prove herself in the rodeo arena. Biz was the first horse in the sale and Lois was elated when she purchased the mare for less than half of what she was expected to bring. The odds were in Hills' favor as the day before the sale, a spring storm swept through dumping over a foot of wet snow on the ground, making the sale attendance less than normal. "I guess thirteen was our lucky number," said Lois. "Biz was born on April 13, 1987 and we bought her on April 13, 1991."

Lisa Scheffer running Bizz in 1995.

 

Biz was first sent to Lisa Scheffer to start on barrels. Lisa started Biz as a four year old and by the next year she was winning at the 5 year old futurities. Lois estimated that Lisa and Biz won over $60,000 in cash and awards at the futurities alone. Lisa went on to run Biz her derby year, as well. Unfortunately, when Biz became plagued with an illness that took several months to recover from, and Lois decided to bring her home to the ranch for some time off.

 

Raelene

Before I go into how Biz and Raelene got together I would like to tell you a little bit about the lady that I admire. I had always heard about what a good hand Raelene was from a friend of mine. When I started dating my future husband, he introduced me to his cousin, Raelene, and now I claim Raelene and her wonderful sisters as my own family! Since meeting Raelene six years ago, I have been able to spend time with her, soaking up all of her wisdom and knowledge. All the tales I heard about Raelene were in fact, TRUE! She is a hand with a horse. She does know a lot about rodeo and rodeoing the right way. She is a humble woman that deserves every bit of recognition she receives.

 

Raelene & Biz:

 

Biz was 8 years old and had been turned out in the pasture when recovering from an illness when Lois contacted Raelene Konzak to ride Biz. And the rest they say, is history. "Raelene and Biz were so connected it was a joy to watch," Lois said. Raelene and Biz developed a special bond while they dominated the Montana pro rodeo circuit in their 11 years together. "When they were at rodeos, no one other than Raelene could talk to Biz or she would lay her ears back." Lois explained. "When Raelene would leave the trailer, Biz would watch her so closely and knew the instant that she was back, even if she could only hear her voice." Biz and Raelene would go on to qualify for the Montana Circuit Finals ten times and be named the Montana WPRA Horse of the Year three times. They won PRCA rodeos at Plains, Livingson, Havre, Wolf Point, The NILE, Butte, Glendive, Augusta, Chinook and Sidney to name a few. Raelene and Biz qualified for the short go three times at the world famous Calgary Stampede, as well as qualifying for short go's at major rodeos such as Ponoka, Cody, and  Greeley. In 2001, Raelene and Biz were the 3rd highest money winners over the 4th of July. Raelene and sister, Darcy hauled together frequently when they were on the rodeo trail. Darcy had a great mare named "Rhula" that was equally as tough as Biz.  Raelene recalled one year while running at the Great Falls, MT pro rodeo when Biz and Rhula ran back to back and ran identical times. "Both of those mares that we ran were very high maintenance," Darcy recalled. "We had to travel with the lights on in the trailer and the two dividers open for both of them, because Biz didn't like being confined."

 

The success that Raelene had with Biz did not come easily. "Biz was a handful," Raelene laughed. "She was claustrophobic, so it was difficult to haul her in the trailer. After she destroyed my trailer the first couple times I hauled her, I decided to turn her loose in the trailer and she liked that much better!" Besides being claustrophobic, Biz had a deep hatred for men, especially Raelene's brother in law, multiple time NFR saddle bronc riding qualifier, Ryan Mapston. "She absolutely hated Ryan," Raelene chuckled. "He always tried to pet her and talk to her and she would pin her ears back and her whole body would shake."

 

Raelene and Biz likely had so much success together because they understood each other and Raelene could look past her faults. When Lois contacted Raelene about riding Biz, Raelene was not rodeoing full time, instead she was training horses, working several jobs and raising her daughter, Jimi Ray. When Raelene and I were recently talking about Biz, Raelene said through tear filled eyes, "other than Jimi Ray, that mare was my whole life. She loved me and she loved what she did. She was truly a gift from God."

 

In an interview before the MT Circuit Finals in 2012, Raelene was asked who or what event has been the biggest influence in your rodeo career? She replied: "A black mare "Biz" (Bar Bee Buz) of Hill Quarter Horses . . . she will always be in my heart." 

 

Biz spent 11 years with Raelene. She was still running at the top of her game at 19 years old. "Raelene and I kept wondering when we should retire her," said Lois. "But she was running so great and enjoyed it so much that we let her keep going." In the spring of 2005, Biz got bit by a spider, where she broke out in welts and the toxin settled in her feet. "We decided that maybe God was telling us that it was time to retire her," Lois said. Biz is now 27 years old and is enjoying her retirement with Hills'. Lois said it was a shock for both Raelene and Biz not to be together after all those years. "I think it was hard on both of us when I quit running her and she went back to her home," said Raelene. "She was just so tough that if her body would have allowed, she would still be running barrels to this day because she loved it."
Biz eventually settled into her life of retirement and motherhood. She has raised some exceptional foals, one of which is named "Barbie" that is owned by Raelene's niece, Raenee Mapston. Darcy says that the mare is a lot like her mother: tough and hard headed! Biz and is currently carrying a foal due in May.

"My memories of Raelene and Biz are that Raelene was probably the only person I know that could put up with Biz's personality. She was very particular; I think she kicked the back door out of a few trailers! I would hold my breath every time I saw them run because she would run so hard to that first barrel, it made me nervous! But she almost always turned it. They had a special connection that was so amazing to watch." -Rhonda Kountz

"I think what made that mare great was that she was just bitter tough. She had a tough spirit and I think that's why she has lasted so long!" - Darcy Mapston

"Biz had the prettiest turns. She bent around a barrel and headed to the next so fluid that she made it look effortless. That mare ran on any kind of ground and ran tough. I mostly saw those two run in the late '90's and early in 2000's, though I think she ran tough for longer. Raelene will always be a hand I look up to. She always has tough horses because she is a cowgirl that can twist them with any cowboy around! If she's entered, she's one to beat." - Holly Costello

Story by Bailee Murnion

The Legend Of Ann Secrest Hanson

Ann picking up at the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale

 

"Actually, 'Cowgirl Hall of Fame' could be considered pretty tame for Ann. 'Top Hand Hall of Fame' might be more fitting. In these times when you hear comments like 'she can do it just like a man', Ann can do it BETTER than most men when it comes to cowboying.....I know, because she has picked me off a lot of bucking horses." - Wally Badgett

I am thrilled to be writing this story about a cowgirl's life in a cowboy's world. There are few women around, quite like Ann Secrest Hanson. Ann is the type of woman I could only hope I could be half as handy as. Ann is a lady of many talents: wife, mother, horsewoman, poet, musician, National Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the only women to pick up at PRCA Rodeos.

This past January I traveled to the Fort Worth Stock Show and was honored to tour the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. I am not a museum lover, but I was enthralled with the Hall of Fame and it's rich history. The members of the Hall of Fame and their stories were fascinating to me. Pictures of the old cowgirls made me realize that they were just flat out tougher back then. The clothes they wore, the horses they rode - they were proud to be respected in their trade. Visiting the Hall of Fame inspired me to write this blog; To highlight and honor women that I respect and admire.  

 

I came across a picture of a lady picking up a bronc rider. The caption read 'Ann Secrest Hanson from Jordan, Montana picking up at the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale'. I was fascinated by this picture - a female pick up man! I thought to myself, 'you have to be some kind of hand to be a pick up lady!' I, oddly enough, had never heard of Ann. I immediately called my husband, who was raised his whole life in Jordan, MT. He scoffed and said "you've never heard of ANN SECREST?" I am apparently the only person in this area who didn't know about the handiest gal in Montana, (or anywhere in my opinion). When I got home from my trip I started trying to get in touch with Ann. I had to meet her. I had to find out who this gal was. Lo and behold I find out, she only lives a short distance from me. I called her, un sure if she would be willing to sit down with me for an interview. She gladly agreed and we met up for 4 plus hours, laughing and visiting. I learned so much in those 4 hours about rodeo and life in general. I knew immediately, I had never met a woman quite like Ann.

 

Anna May Fitzgerald, the second of eight children was born north of rural Jordan, Montana, and raised most of her life around the Fort Peck reservoir. She was brought up in the ranching lifestyle and developed a love for horses and western way of life. Team roping and barrel racing were some of her favorite events growing up. However, in a 1977 article published in WORLD OF RODEO, Ann said that barrel racing wasn't nearly as satisfying as snagging cowboys from the backs of snorting, bucking broncs. Upon graduating from high school, Ann attended Miles City Community College to study bookkeeping. Ann married in 1960 and has one son, Cotton. The Secrest family settled south of Jordan, MT at the small town of Cohagen, where they leased and eventually bought three different ranches and one farm. Walt Secrest was a pick up man that worked PRCA rodeos in Montana and surrounding areas, as well as the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. The Secrest's also hosted rough stock schools at their ranch where they awarded buckles and college scholarships to the winners. Ann helped with the pick up duties during the rodeo schools they hosted. On a rainy weekend at the Bucking Horse Sale in 1962, the committee was short one pick up man. Walt volunteered Ann to pick up that weekend, which started her pick up career that lasted over 30 years. Ann would pick up at the Bucking Horse Sale for the next 25 years. Her expertise would not only serve at the Bucking Horse Sale, but also at PRCA Rodeos, Indian Rodeos, bronc matches (including the legendary Home On The Range match in Sentinel Butte, ND) amateur, college and youth rodeos, as well as rodeo schools. Over the years, Ann and Walt picked up for stock contractors including Sonny Linger, Reg Kesler, JJ Smith, Harry Knight, and many others.

 

Did Ann experience discrimination as a female pick up lady? Absolutely. The only barrier she couldn't break was obtaining her PRCA card. "I tried to get a card, but they wouldn't sell me one," Ann said. "When I picked up at PRCA rodeo's, the stock contractor would have to call in to the PRCA to get permission for me to work their rodeo. The PRCA never turned me down and I appreciated that, but I would have liked to have been a member. Today they would have to sell me one or not let me work PRCA rodeo's. It would be called discrimination." Ann also experienced discrimination when she first started picking up at the Bucking Horse Sale, where the first two years she worked for a lower rate of pay. Eventually it was negotiated and she was paid equally as the male pick up men from that time on.   

"The best way I found to get along was to always ride a good horse, do a good job and don't say anything."

Ann was always known for riding good horses. Most of her good pick up horses came out of the Jordan, MT rancher and legendary Las Vegas gambling icon, Benny Binion's string of

Quarter Horses. "Benny was a good friend of ours. He was always real good to me," Ann explained. "Back then, it was nothing for them to have 500 head of horses come through that Bucking Horse Sale," Ann said. "So for two months before the sale, I would condition 20 head of horses for Walt and I to pick up on."  I asked Ann what one piece of advice she could give to pick up men these days and she replied, "ALWAYS have control of your horse!"

"I had a desire to pick up and I worked hard at it. I was tougher than hell back then."

 Besides picking up, team roping and barrel racing, Ann always wanted to learn how to bull dog. "I wanted to learn to bull dog in the worst way, but I was always two strides late getting down! The kids that hung around at our ranch for those rodeo schools, they always got a kick out of watching me try to bull dog. They were always trying to get me bucked off," Ann laughed. Although she watched many good bronc rides over the years, she never did want to try bronc riding for herself. "Oh hell no," she laughed when I asked her if she ever rode broncs. "I couldn't even ride a saddle horse when they bucked, let alone a bucking horse."

 

Wrecks? Yes, she's had a few. "In Towner, ND, a bucking horse ran under my pick up horse's neck and tipped us over," Ann recalled. "At the Crow Fair one year, a bucking horse came back out of the stripping chute and hit my horse broad side knocking him down and knocking me out for a little while. And one year at the Bucking Horse Sale, I had just picked up Larry Kane when my saddle turned and my pick up horse bucked us both off." Note: Star Photographer Mark Kron got a series of the photos in spite of Ann's begging him not to, the photos were published in the Monday morning paper! 

In the 1980's Walt and Ann would later divorce. In 2001, Ann married Robert Hanson and moved to the Logging Camp Ranch on the Little Missouri River in the Badlands of North Dakota. In 2003, Ann was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. "I'm sure picking up was the biggest reason why they selected me. I've always lived the cowboy life - lots of women have - but the pick up work is unique for a woman," Ann said. Ann had a surprise at the Hall of Fame induction. Multiple time World Champion saddle bronc rider, Dan Mortenson was on hand for her induction and gave a speech about Ann picking him up off his first PRCA rodeo bronc. Dan presented Ann and Robert with front row tickets to the NFR that year where they got to watch Dan not only win his 6th world title, but also tie Casey Tibbs for the most world titles in saddle bronc riding.

"Ann has the ability to do a man's job on horseback in the arena, yet can and does dress and act the feminine lady she is at the party at night." - Cy Taillion 

Ann does not disclose her age. When asked she replies as "I'm retired!" Nowadays, she enjoys watching barrel racing and studying bloodlines of barrel horses. She and her husband Robert have two stallions, a son of Sun Frost and a son of Fire Water Flit, that they run with their 20 head of ranch mares. She is an accomplished cowboy poet and enjoys writing western themed poetry in her spare time. 

"I've lived an interesting life and have a lot of aches and pains because of it. I think back on the many things I've done that others would have loved to do but didn't have a chance. There are women who are as good of hands, but they weren't able to exercise their potential. I thank God for all of my successes and overlooking my failures." 

In closing, I asked Ann if she had any advice for the readers:

"Always do your own thing, but not to the detriment of your family. Be yourself. Never let anyone make you be the under dog so they can glorify themselves. If you have a desire, work for it."

Grandma Ann, son Cotton and baby Jimmie Lee

"One of the craziest things I ever saw happen at one of the earlier Bucking Horse Sales was when Walt Secrest jumped from his horse onto a bucking mule. He rode him around the arena a little while and finally Ann came over to pick him up. Walt jumped onto the back of Ann's horse and sat back there, crouched on his knees. Then he began kissing and smooching Ann and the crowd loved it. Ann got mad and gave Walt an elbow in the ribs that knocked him off the horse and flattened him in the ground." - Owen Badgett

"I had the opportunity to see Ann in action in the arena picking up broncs and saving cowboys at the famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale for a number of years and other top rodeos in Montana. She earned herself the respect and reputation as one of the best in the business, and she can ride and rope as good as any cowboy that I have ever known." - Jay Harwood

"It wasn't until I left the ranch to rodeo on my own that I came to realize just what a "hand" my mother is. It was always a comfort to know that one of the best pick up men in the business was in the arena at my home. This accomplishment was often overlooked because she was just "Mom". She always had a home cooked meal or a bed for anyone who came home with me from a rodeo. The names of these young men, many of whom have gone on to rodeo professionally are too numerous to mention. Yet she will always be "mother Secrest" to all of them." - Cotton Secrest 

Article written by Bailee Murnion - author of Wicked Women of the West

 

The Wagon Wheel's Woman

Hello again friends! I apologize for not posting in a while, I have been working on some new interviews that I think you will all enjoy! Today we shall head down south (as us northerner's would call it) to the Wagon Wheel Ranch located in Lometa, Texas where Miss Kelsey Mosby works and trains horses. I first met Kelsey when I attended a team roping clinic when I was in junior high. Kelsey was one of the instructors at the clinic that I attended. That summer I traveled to some USTRC Roping's with Kelsey from Nebraska to Colorado to Montana (which was a long ways away from home for a little home schooled kid from Buffalo, SD). Kelsey is a kind hearted gal who I always admired as a kid. She could rope good and put a fancy handle on a horse - my kinda woman!

Kelsey grew up in California and now calls Rising Star, Texas home. Among many of her accolades is the 2013 Women's Ranch Rodeo Association World Championship where she and her ranch rodeo team, Push Hard Cattle Co., claimed the title in Dodge City, Kansas. Take note here boys, you could probably learn a thing or two about ranch work from this little lady!

I think while you’re riding, you’re always training – Kelsey Mosby

Kelsey & Gin Beam Merada

For more information on Kelsey, her horses and training, check out www.kelseymosby.com. And in the meantime, read this interview :)

1) Who do you credit your horsemanship/training styles to?

Kelsey: I can’t credit it to any one person, I am always trying to watch & pay attention to what other people are doing, especially people that I have admiration for and/or people that I think are a really good hand. I try to watch what they’re doing - some right ways, some not-so-right ways and I take note of all those ‘ways.’

2) Tell us about a typical day working on the famed Wagon Wheel ranch?

Kelsey: I have a string of Wagon Wheel horses that I’m riding, some to get them ready to start showing in RHAA and Ranching Heritage Challenge, while others I’m preparing for the annual Wagon Wheel Ranch sale on September 13, 2014. On days where we’re working mares, cattle or activities such as branding, I spend the day horseback. We start off in the morning after feeding the horses, we break for lunch around noon & finish up after lunch.

3) You have had a great deal of success in the Women's Ranch Rodeos, explain to the readers what a Women's Ranch Rodeo all entails.

Kelsey: It consists of four women on a team and there are five events: sorting, trailer loading, doctoring, branding & mugging. The team I’m on, Push Hard Cattle Co., we’ve never really practiced together but we all really think like-minded, so when it’s time to go compete we all pretty much just fall right into our spots & get our jobs done, while all riding pretty handy horses. In 2013 we won the WRRA World Championship for the year-end & also won the finals average at the WRRA World Finals Rodeo, in Dodge City, Kansas. My favorite event is… whichever one we win! Kidding aside, I really enjoy the sorting& the two roping events, mugging & doctoring… it’s hard to pick a favorite, I like them all!

 

Kelsey and her Women's Ranch Rodeo Team

 

4) What are the main traits you look for in starting young prospects?

Kelsey: I look at their papers – I like knowing how they’re bred. Of course, there are some cases one might not recognize anything on the horse’s papers & it turns out to be a good horse, but It’s always a good place to start. I look at conformation, a horse that’s put together well will hopefully move well which will transfer into a good riding horse. When I’m riding a horse, I want a horse that seems like he wants to get along with what I’m asking, instead of wanting to fight me.

5) How important are bloodlines to you?

Kelsey: Bloodlines are a great indicator of what the young horse could potentially be & what to expect from that horse. Bloodlines showing on papers are definitely helpful in resale. In breeding, it’s especially important, knowing which mare & stallion to pair up with one another to produce exactly what you’re wanting out of a foal. I think a good horse is still as valuable today as it ever was…

I’ve started a colt, I’m now training under saddle & my goal is to show it and win! It’ll be interesting to see if the experience I have with the colt is what it’s pedigree/bloodlines predict; for example, if the colt shows a high percentage of hybrid vigor, is the colt really [that] athletic…?

 



Kelsey roping at the USTRC National Finals in Oklahoma City



6) What's your favorite part of 'ranch life'?

Kelsey: Definitely it’s getting to work outside, getting to work with the horses… I joke with my friend that I don’t care to be known as a ‘cowgirl,’ but more so as a Horsewoman. Cows are good, but I wouldn’t enjoy working them, unless I was horseback - I don’t care to do it on foot! I enjoy being around animals & when people pay to get to do it on their weekend retreats, I get paid to do it daily and I LOVE IT!

7) I know you have traveled all over the country, but where is the coolest place you've ever visited?

Kelsey: I’m from the central coast of California, the weather and food are wonderful there, but I really love where I live now, in central Texas. When I travel, it always seems to be for horse-related events and there are so many close-by!

 

8) The handiest person you know is?

Kelsey: Several people come to mind that I look up to…

I compete in several different events like team roping & ranch horse shows. In each event, there are three or more people that I look up to & try to learn from… for example, in team roping – Lari Dee Guy, she’s really tough & extremely consistent & she wins a lot! Trip Townsend, he’s a really good hand, he rides well, he’s a tough competitor, consistent & he also wins a lot! I compete to win & I learn from all of those who win! While riding colts, I often ask my fiancé, Dylan Squires [a cowboy who day works], for advice on handling horses & working cattle – he’s a pretty good hand!

Kelsey & I - circa 2001? Maybe 2002?

 

Stay tuned ~ the next interview here at Wicked Women Of The West is on a National Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee originally from Jordan, Montana, any guesses?!

The Beauty of the Big Hole Valley

Hello again friends! I am thrilled to introduce you to the baddest of bad cats. I’m talking about the only girl I know that can out rope most men when it comes to ranch roping. I’m talking about the girl who could make every good team roper look like a klutz in the branding pen.  I’m talking about the handiest of all hands. I’m talking about my dear friend, Justine Reynolds Munns. Justine grew up in the heart of my favorite place on God’s green earth, the Big Hole Valley in southwestern Montana. If you don't believe me that this is the most wonderful place on earth, look here: 

She grew up with cowboying and ranching running deep in her family, being the great niece of the late World Champion and Hall of Fame Cowboy, Benny Reynolds. Justine and I first met while we were going to college at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana. We became instant friends. Justine is a humble, no nonsense type of person. She can outrope you just as fast as she can tell you to ‘get bent’, and that’s why I love her! 

During our college days, we rode and roped together quite a bit as Justine was training a sorrel mare named Jazzy. I begged and pleaded her to sell me the mare and she finally agreed. I immediately jumped at the opportunity to buy the mare that I had longed for. She was everything I hoped for. Justine made Jazzy the horse she is. Not me.  

Jazzy and I in 2012.

Justine has a way of training horses to do just about anything, and she isn't afraid to belly kick one either, another reason I admire her! She’s the toughest, hardest working girl I know.

 

Happy wedding day! Justine and I, along with our former college rodeo coach, Iola Else.

Mr. & Mrs. Caleb Munns ~ tied the knot in July of 2012

Justine's interview:
1) Tell us about a normal day working on the River Bend Ranch?
Justine: A normal day....it's hard to say what a normal day would be so I will tell you what a normal day during the summer time would be because summer time is my favorite season! Caleb runs horses in at 6:00am and we saddle our horses. Then we head over to the cook house and have breakfast. The rest of the the day we are riding through grass calves and heifers doctoring. I love being able to do this stuff with my husband!

2) What's the main quality you look for in a horse?
Justine:  A good mind! I like one with a ton of heart and willingness! I've been on some horses that were very physically able and put together perfectly but they just didn't want to work for you. And I've been on some that weren't put together as nice and maybe not so physically able but they would try their guts out for you. I would pick brains over beauty any day!
3) Tell us about the best horse you've ever rode?
Justine: Well....this is a tough one! I will start by saying I'm a mare rider! I truly believe mares have more heart. And they are strictly business all the time! Also, horses are like people, they are all different so it's hard for me to peg a best one! But right now my favorite horse is a bay mare I raised from a baby. Her mom still has colts for me. She's by a son of First Down Dash. This mare is bred only to run but she's still the cowiest horse I've ever rode! Since she's bred so hot I work really hard constantly to keep her quiet but that's my style of riding so we fit together really well! She has a fantastic mind. She loves to work. She wants to go 100mph all the time but I love the enthusiasm! I think it's safe to say she tries too hard a lot of times. I also have a young horse coming up that's by a son of Peptoboonsmal and she is by far the most physically capable horse I've ever ridden. She has a fantastic mind also!
4) What's the one piece of tack you can never be without?
Justine: This one's kinda tough too! I'll avoid the obvious such as a saddle. I really love to rope...I live to rope! So if it counts I'm gonna say a rope! Or I'd say my favorite snaffle because I know I could ride any one of my horses in it...if I didn't have anything else.
5) What's on your bucket list?
Justine: Going places for vacation is flattering but it's not really my thing. It would be cool to see the ocean one day but right now I can say if I never did, I wouldn't be too upset over it. Ever since I was young starting out roping I've always dreamed of being a fantastic heeler. I just think it would be so awesome to be able to hold my own against the best of the men out there. I want to get to the point where I can hold my own against the really great men out there as a whole! I mean as far as roping goes. That's the one thing I care most about and I constantly work very hard at.  
6) And finally, the handiest person you know is...
Justine:  There are a lot of people I look up to out there! And I can't pick one of them out so I will say my childhood hero, my great grandmother "Brownie". (She would be Benny's mom). I heard when I was really young how tough that lady was and how she could stick the rankest of horses! She was everything! A hell of a hand, a mother, and a wife! I still look up to her! I've always wanted to be just like her! Brownie passed way when I was 14, so fortunately I got to know her pretty well and I can still remember her really well.

And that, my friends, is Justine ~ isn't she a sweetheart?