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05-21-2007, 09:35 PM
A Proud Horse... a Real Cowboy... and A Ready Camera
Carrizozo Prepares to Host National Day of the Cowboy!
By Roland Caster - Carrizozo, NM<br><br>
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/Day_of_the_Cowboy_poster.jpg width=400 height=295 border=1 align=center alt="Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM - July 27-28!"><br><b><font face="Arial Narrow" size=2>Come Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM July 27-28.</font></b></center>
Carrizozo, New Mexico - May 20, 2007: This is a special story. We've published it exactly as written. We didn't change a word. It's told by one who was present that day and we felt it deserved to be published in the writer's own words. We think you'll enjoy it. Indeed, one day it may be part of New Mexico history. - T.G. Platt, WebMaster, Steppin' Out New Mexico<br><br><hr height=5 width=250 color="#EF9C32" align=center><br>"We gotta have a poster, guys."<br><br>"Yeah, it will be the first New Mexico poster for our Cowboys Days celebration."<br><br>The Carrizozo "Day of the Cowboy" committee of ranchers and businessmen pondered the question of creating a poster for the first celebration in Carrizozo for Cowboys.<br><br>"Do a photograph on the range," one suggested.<br><br>"Yeah, a photograph... if you've ever rid' a cowpony across the range, nothin' is prettier," all agreed.<br><br>The decision was made and Joe Smith was nominated to be the poster subject.<br><br>Now Joe is 87 years young and still very active in roundups, brandin', ropin', and such-has been all his life. Even after his successful career as a bronc rider that took its heavy toll of broken bones, knees, and ankles, no one was big enough to keep Joe off his horse.<br><br>An internationally known photographer, Mr. Richard T. Bryant, just happened to live nearby, and he didn't know it yet but he was destined to be selected for the photography honors.<br><br><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/Day_of_the_Cowboy_Joe_Smith_8704a_2x3_2.jpg width=300 height=450 border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM - July 27-28!">"Lighting is critical," Richard T. Bryant instructed the group. "If we are to do this right we must have a good picture taking scene and the beautiful red color from a setting sun."<br><br>The group waited patiently day by day for a cloudless sky so they could begin the picture shooting. The stormy New Mexico springtime weather did not want to cooperate this year...<br><br>Finally on a bright March morning it appeared that a clear day was imminent and the telephones began ringing signaling everyone to make preparations for the anxiously awaited shoot.<br><br>Joe selected his roan horse to ride... loaded his working saddle... put in his long chaps, and selected his everyday cattle punchin' spurs to wear.<br><br>Now the Roan horse is some kind of animal... really special, but we did not know just how special until this day.<br><br>Joe found "Roany" at an auction in Roswell, New Mexico. When that strawberry colored gelding walked into the auction ring, Joe's decision was made right then. "That pony is going home with me, tonight" Joe thought.<br><br>Sure enough the auctioneer banged his gavel "Sold!", as Joe called out the winning bid.<br><br>Over the next few years as Roany was ridden on roundups, cattle drives, parades, and trail rides, many insistent, and some downright demanding, offers were made for this proud, muscular, quarter horse, but Joe always chuckled, "He ain't for sale".<br><br>As Roany was being loaded on this crisp March afternoon for a photo shoot, he could sense that something different... something special was going to happen.<br><br>Horses do that, you know.<br><br>It was a short drive to the foot of the mountains where the selected photographic site was located.<br><br>When the caravan of trucks and cars arrived, cameras and photo equipment were unloaded and set up.<br><br>The door was opened to Joe's horse trailer; it was time to unload Roany. Looking over his shoulder, Roany carefully backed out of the trailer to the dusty road and looked around to give his approval of the picture sight.<br><br>Preparations were underway, tripods were set up, cameras mounted, and the photo site was inspected to make it ready.<br><br>Joe slipped on his leggin's, buckled his spurs and mounted the waiting Strawberry Roan. Joe positioned his feet in the stirrups, gathered the reins into his hand, took one last twist in the saddle seat and spurred Roany into a trot.<br><br>Then a change appeared to take place as Roany looked around at the expectant audience... and the cameras... and the picturesque mountain setting.<br><br>It almost seemed that Roany stood a little straighter, his ears erect and straight, his muscular chest proudly at attention, and feet carefully planted in the sandy ground with each step.<br><br><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/Day_of_the_Cowboy_Joe_Smith_8727a_2x3_2.jpg width=300 height=450 border=1 align=left hspace=3 alt="Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM - July 27-28!">The shoot was on... and the drama was intense.<br><br>Instructions were given for various poses and picture patterns for the next two hours. The sun slowly creeping closer and closer down to the western horizon. Clouds were beginning to form shutting out the precious needed light. Concern crept into the minds of all who were trying to arrange for the next shot. Worried looks passed as the crew glanced at one another.<br><br>But Roany... through it all... remained calm... regal... focused... and posed for each shot as though it were the most important.<br><br>"Look right, chin up, shoulder forward, turn in the saddle," instructions were fielded one after the other. Roany never tiring, never resting, always carrying himself with pride and honor and patiently standing, turning and looking intently focused for the camera.<br><br>Maybe he knew... more than the others present... just how special the moment was-that he represented the millions of cowponies that had for centuries gone before him and would follow after him.<br><br>Finally, just a few more minutes until the sun would sink below the horizon signaling the last light for the day.<br><br>The call came...<br><br>"Time for one more shot."<br><br>"This is the last shot Joe-Roany, I want a sunset, silhouette pose."<br><br>The rider and horse were carefully posed on a crest with the sinking sun behind them... camera placed in their shadow and focused in...<br><br>"Joe look straight ahead and pose one more time."<br><br>And then I saw it-<br><br>I swear-<br><br>I saw Roany smile!<br><br>He knew...<br><br>I know it was from satisfaction.<br><br><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/Day_of_the_Cowboy_Joe_Smith_8743a_2x3_2.jpg width=300 height=450 border=3 hspace=3 align=right alt="Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM - July 27-28!">He knew it would be the best shot of the day and he saved the best pose for the last.<br><br>The camera clicked...<br><br>the pose captured forever...<br><br>the moment gone... the horse relaxed...<br><br>The shoot was over.<br><br>"Good job Joe, Roany..."<br><br>"Yeah, good job guys."<br><br>Gear was carefully packed away.<br><br>Off came the chaps... the spurs... all the equipment... and Roany and Joe quietly loaded up in the pickup and the horse trailer.<br><br>It was time to go home.<br><br>The crew climbed into their vehicles to wind down the dusty mountain road and home.<br><br>But, before I left, as the rays of light faded into night... And I climbed into the last car in the caravan line, I stood and looked back at the shoot site where the shadows were quickly growing,<br><br>"Something very special happened here today," I thought, "what a demonstration of dignity, pride, and character."<br><br>Then I tarried for just a few more sacred moments... and turned... and thoughtfully drove away down the dusty New Mexico trail.<br><br><br>By R. Caster 5/9/07.
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/Day_of_the_Cowboy_Joe_Smith_8743a_2x3_3.jpg width=200 height=300 border=1 align=center alt="Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM - July 27-28!"><br><br>July 27 - 28<br>Carrizozo- National Day of the Cowboy</br><b><font face="Arial Narrow" size=2>Nothing more needs to be said, except... BE THERE!</font></b></center>
The day long celebration will begin with a cattle round-up followed by a festive parade. Prizes will be awarded to mounted groups, single riders and wagons. Chuck wagon food will be served during a three hour stage show. Also, old time ranch videos, an exhibit of live longhorn cattle and a western art show. Activities begin at 8am. Saturday; but we invite you to come early and enjoy our local Day of the Cowboy Art Show, on Friday, July 27th at Gallery 408 on 12th St. (www.gallery408.com (http://www.gallery408.com/) - 505.648.2598) Info. 505-648-2265.<br><br>Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce, RVCC 720 Sudderth Drive. 88345. 877-Ruidoso or 505-257-7395. fax: 257-4693. www.ruidosonow.com (http://www.ruidosonow.com/)
Carrizozo Prepares to Host National Day of the Cowboy!
By Roland Caster - Carrizozo, NM<br><br>
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/Day_of_the_Cowboy_poster.jpg width=400 height=295 border=1 align=center alt="Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM - July 27-28!"><br><b><font face="Arial Narrow" size=2>Come Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM July 27-28.</font></b></center>
Carrizozo, New Mexico - May 20, 2007: This is a special story. We've published it exactly as written. We didn't change a word. It's told by one who was present that day and we felt it deserved to be published in the writer's own words. We think you'll enjoy it. Indeed, one day it may be part of New Mexico history. - T.G. Platt, WebMaster, Steppin' Out New Mexico<br><br><hr height=5 width=250 color="#EF9C32" align=center><br>"We gotta have a poster, guys."<br><br>"Yeah, it will be the first New Mexico poster for our Cowboys Days celebration."<br><br>The Carrizozo "Day of the Cowboy" committee of ranchers and businessmen pondered the question of creating a poster for the first celebration in Carrizozo for Cowboys.<br><br>"Do a photograph on the range," one suggested.<br><br>"Yeah, a photograph... if you've ever rid' a cowpony across the range, nothin' is prettier," all agreed.<br><br>The decision was made and Joe Smith was nominated to be the poster subject.<br><br>Now Joe is 87 years young and still very active in roundups, brandin', ropin', and such-has been all his life. Even after his successful career as a bronc rider that took its heavy toll of broken bones, knees, and ankles, no one was big enough to keep Joe off his horse.<br><br>An internationally known photographer, Mr. Richard T. Bryant, just happened to live nearby, and he didn't know it yet but he was destined to be selected for the photography honors.<br><br><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/Day_of_the_Cowboy_Joe_Smith_8704a_2x3_2.jpg width=300 height=450 border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM - July 27-28!">"Lighting is critical," Richard T. Bryant instructed the group. "If we are to do this right we must have a good picture taking scene and the beautiful red color from a setting sun."<br><br>The group waited patiently day by day for a cloudless sky so they could begin the picture shooting. The stormy New Mexico springtime weather did not want to cooperate this year...<br><br>Finally on a bright March morning it appeared that a clear day was imminent and the telephones began ringing signaling everyone to make preparations for the anxiously awaited shoot.<br><br>Joe selected his roan horse to ride... loaded his working saddle... put in his long chaps, and selected his everyday cattle punchin' spurs to wear.<br><br>Now the Roan horse is some kind of animal... really special, but we did not know just how special until this day.<br><br>Joe found "Roany" at an auction in Roswell, New Mexico. When that strawberry colored gelding walked into the auction ring, Joe's decision was made right then. "That pony is going home with me, tonight" Joe thought.<br><br>Sure enough the auctioneer banged his gavel "Sold!", as Joe called out the winning bid.<br><br>Over the next few years as Roany was ridden on roundups, cattle drives, parades, and trail rides, many insistent, and some downright demanding, offers were made for this proud, muscular, quarter horse, but Joe always chuckled, "He ain't for sale".<br><br>As Roany was being loaded on this crisp March afternoon for a photo shoot, he could sense that something different... something special was going to happen.<br><br>Horses do that, you know.<br><br>It was a short drive to the foot of the mountains where the selected photographic site was located.<br><br>When the caravan of trucks and cars arrived, cameras and photo equipment were unloaded and set up.<br><br>The door was opened to Joe's horse trailer; it was time to unload Roany. Looking over his shoulder, Roany carefully backed out of the trailer to the dusty road and looked around to give his approval of the picture sight.<br><br>Preparations were underway, tripods were set up, cameras mounted, and the photo site was inspected to make it ready.<br><br>Joe slipped on his leggin's, buckled his spurs and mounted the waiting Strawberry Roan. Joe positioned his feet in the stirrups, gathered the reins into his hand, took one last twist in the saddle seat and spurred Roany into a trot.<br><br>Then a change appeared to take place as Roany looked around at the expectant audience... and the cameras... and the picturesque mountain setting.<br><br>It almost seemed that Roany stood a little straighter, his ears erect and straight, his muscular chest proudly at attention, and feet carefully planted in the sandy ground with each step.<br><br><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/Day_of_the_Cowboy_Joe_Smith_8727a_2x3_2.jpg width=300 height=450 border=1 align=left hspace=3 alt="Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM - July 27-28!">The shoot was on... and the drama was intense.<br><br>Instructions were given for various poses and picture patterns for the next two hours. The sun slowly creeping closer and closer down to the western horizon. Clouds were beginning to form shutting out the precious needed light. Concern crept into the minds of all who were trying to arrange for the next shot. Worried looks passed as the crew glanced at one another.<br><br>But Roany... through it all... remained calm... regal... focused... and posed for each shot as though it were the most important.<br><br>"Look right, chin up, shoulder forward, turn in the saddle," instructions were fielded one after the other. Roany never tiring, never resting, always carrying himself with pride and honor and patiently standing, turning and looking intently focused for the camera.<br><br>Maybe he knew... more than the others present... just how special the moment was-that he represented the millions of cowponies that had for centuries gone before him and would follow after him.<br><br>Finally, just a few more minutes until the sun would sink below the horizon signaling the last light for the day.<br><br>The call came...<br><br>"Time for one more shot."<br><br>"This is the last shot Joe-Roany, I want a sunset, silhouette pose."<br><br>The rider and horse were carefully posed on a crest with the sinking sun behind them... camera placed in their shadow and focused in...<br><br>"Joe look straight ahead and pose one more time."<br><br>And then I saw it-<br><br>I swear-<br><br>I saw Roany smile!<br><br>He knew...<br><br>I know it was from satisfaction.<br><br><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/Day_of_the_Cowboy_Joe_Smith_8743a_2x3_2.jpg width=300 height=450 border=3 hspace=3 align=right alt="Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM - July 27-28!">He knew it would be the best shot of the day and he saved the best pose for the last.<br><br>The camera clicked...<br><br>the pose captured forever...<br><br>the moment gone... the horse relaxed...<br><br>The shoot was over.<br><br>"Good job Joe, Roany..."<br><br>"Yeah, good job guys."<br><br>Gear was carefully packed away.<br><br>Off came the chaps... the spurs... all the equipment... and Roany and Joe quietly loaded up in the pickup and the horse trailer.<br><br>It was time to go home.<br><br>The crew climbed into their vehicles to wind down the dusty mountain road and home.<br><br>But, before I left, as the rays of light faded into night... And I climbed into the last car in the caravan line, I stood and looked back at the shoot site where the shadows were quickly growing,<br><br>"Something very special happened here today," I thought, "what a demonstration of dignity, pride, and character."<br><br>Then I tarried for just a few more sacred moments... and turned... and thoughtfully drove away down the dusty New Mexico trail.<br><br><br>By R. Caster 5/9/07.
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/Day_of_the_Cowboy_Joe_Smith_8743a_2x3_3.jpg width=200 height=300 border=1 align=center alt="Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Carrizozo, NM - July 27-28!"><br><br>July 27 - 28<br>Carrizozo- National Day of the Cowboy</br><b><font face="Arial Narrow" size=2>Nothing more needs to be said, except... BE THERE!</font></b></center>
The day long celebration will begin with a cattle round-up followed by a festive parade. Prizes will be awarded to mounted groups, single riders and wagons. Chuck wagon food will be served during a three hour stage show. Also, old time ranch videos, an exhibit of live longhorn cattle and a western art show. Activities begin at 8am. Saturday; but we invite you to come early and enjoy our local Day of the Cowboy Art Show, on Friday, July 27th at Gallery 408 on 12th St. (www.gallery408.com (http://www.gallery408.com/) - 505.648.2598) Info. 505-648-2265.<br><br>Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce, RVCC 720 Sudderth Drive. 88345. 877-Ruidoso or 505-257-7395. fax: 257-4693. www.ruidosonow.com (http://www.ruidosonow.com/)