OklahomaHorses Magazine November 2023

4 OklahomaHorses • November / December 2023 A s we approach the holidays, warm memories sustain us, and fresh goals beckon us into the new year. Perhaps we can add some unusual adventures to our tried-and-true experiences. For example, have you ever wondered what it would be like to work on a dude ranch? Read Kim Redo’s colorful firsthand account of doing exactly that — and finding a fulfilling new outlet for her love of horses and the people who are drawn to them. Equine rescue work in Oklahoma is not limited to horses. Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue in Perry is part of a nationwide effort started on a small scale two decades ago by Mark and Amy Meyers of Texas. Their efforts have saved thousands of donkeys from neglect and abuse. Several groups in Oklahoma bring horses and horse activities to a wider population in Oklahoma. The U. S. Marshals Posse keeps history alive and in front of the public through parades, school visits, and other events. Students from the Oklahoma School for the Blind enjoy the annual Western Heritage Day, sponsored by the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association, Connors State College Equine Program, and Silver Spur Western Lodge. Carol Mowdy Bond tells us about famous Oklahoman Ben Johnson, a real-life cowboy and the only person to have won both an Oscar and a rodeo world championship. His adventures and charisma on the ranch and on the screen still inspire fans today. So make some holiday memories, form some goals for the new year, and reflect on all the ways you can enjoy the equines in your life — now and in the future. Marilyn, with Fred and LeeRoy P.S. A huge thank you to Liz and Jim Wise for their generosity in sponsoring the ad for Horse Feathers Equine Center! Please put them on your Santa list! Volume 6, Number 6 PUBLISHER Marilyn King 918.520.0611 mking@oklahomahorsesmagazine.com EDITOR Rowena Mills 918.274.9251 hrmills444@yahoo.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Amanda Bullock WEB MANAGER/AD SALES Steve Kirkpatrick 918.230.2493 steve@oklahomahorsesmagazine.com ADVERTISING SALES Marilyn King 918.520.0611 mking@oklahomahorsesmagazine.com Steve Kirkpatrick 918.230.2493 steve@oklahomahorsesmagazine.com Leigh Ann Matthews 918.869.8873 leighann.okhorsesmag@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Casie Bazay Carol Mowdy Bond Lindsay Humphrey Leigh Ann Matthews Kim Redo Kelsey Warren-Bryant www.oklahomahorsesmagazine.com P.O. Box 14128 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-1128 ©2023 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. FROM THE PUBLISHER Fred & LeeRoy On the Cover Basil, a one-half Haflinger, owned by Marta Koenig. He has been shown in dressage and lately has been her granddaughter’s partner. Cover photo by Lisa Jewell, Art by Jewell.