TO A COWBOY, HEART IS THE RARE INSTINCT IN AN ANIMAL

that directs it to meet every trial with extraordinary courage and perseverance. Stockmen look for gameness and heart in their livestock. If a horse is game he will have an illustrious life. if not, he wil be ordinary. Certain cattle are game, others are ordinary. Others are downright cowardly. Sometimes heart is inherited, but often it's not and an animal with a tacky sire and dam can be as brave and noble as any thoroghbred.

Heart in people and animals is shown in the way they stride out and rustle the best living they can in any country. It also shows in the way they confront an adversary to protect themselves, the way they withstand hardship and the way they absolutely give themselves away for their young. An animal, two-legged or four can't be trained to have heart. It's in him, or it isn't. Sooner or later, if he has it, he will show nobility, courage, and stamina. Heart makes the stockman happy no matter where he finds it.

written by J.P.S. Brown

I found this article while I was thumbing through the April/May 2008 issue of American Cowboy. There is more to the article, and a great read if I may add. I hope it touches your heart the way it touched mine. 

I'm currently waiting for my horse to heal. I moved to Texas to be closer to the all of the big Barrel Racing action in July of 07'. In August 07' my mare got caught up in the "HORSE PROOF" fence and tore about 1/3 of her foot off...yes hoof and all. She has about another 6 months od pasture rehab until we can get back to work. I can't seem to get motivated to ride any of my other horses right now.