Straight from the Horse's Heart

Part I of a Series by R.T. Fitch ~ author of “Straight from the Horse’s Heart“

Three Old Cowboys, a Pitcher of Tea and a Half Baked Idea

Jerry Finch with Harley and R.T. Fitch, Pele voices opinion of the BLM ~ photo by Terry Fitch

After the whirlwind events of the past several days we are going to step back for a moment and publish a series of articles that reflect upon the sequence of recent events that has brought us to where we are today.  It’s a story of love, trust, faith and vision.  Today we start with installment one:

The Inception

Way back in 2009 a rather amazing event occurred; a force and a power was molded into action and its influence has already touched the lives of many horses.  Let me take you back:

Picture a quaint BBQ house, in southeast Texas, brimming with the smell of BBQ and the pungent odor of burning mesquite.  It’s a busy place, filled to capacity with happy Texans enjoying the local culinary delight.  Off over in a dark corner 3 gray haired old men huddle over their table savoring their BBQ and washing it down with unsweetened iced Tea.  They were deep in a discussion and true to their rustic Texas surroundings they were talking about horses.  Obviously they felt great passion over the topic as they appeared to be speaking in loud tones between mouthfuls of pulled pork and ribs. (or maybe they were hard of hearing)

“I am sick and tired of reading all of the BS in the mainstream media over horse slaughter” roared Jerry.

Steve said, “Then why don’t you do something about it.”

“As if you don’t think we have over the past 10 plus years?” added R.T.

“If you have you haven’t been very effective”, chuckled Steve.

Steven Long ~ Editor/Publisher "Horseback Magazine" photo by R.T. Fitch

“What we need is to be able to respond quickly and to the point” Jerry stated, “A task force that is not only out front of the issues but also able to respond to inaccuracies and garbage quickly before the misinformation has even had a chance to set in with the public.”

“I’m good with that but we should not just limit ourselves to the slaughter issue as there are a lot of other equine related problems floating around in the mist out there,“ R.T. piped in, “There is the entire wild horse thing with the BLM doing its best to eradicate our western national icon from our public lands, Steve would you pass the Tabasco, please.”

“Sure, and there are a variety of cruelty and legal issues that need challenging and addressing.”

“I am liking where this is going as I have spent the better part of my adult life rescuing those who have been abused, neglected and fall outs from the current court system.  If we could correct the problems on the front end perhaps the flood of horses into the  gates of Habitat for Horses might slow down to just a gallop.” Jerry confessed.

“True,” said Steve, “But you aren’t going to be able to do that with your 501c3, to litigate and lobby you would need to form a 501c4.”

“Let’s do it.” said R.T. as he raised his hand in the air, knocking his hat off the end of the table.

“Yeah, let’s do it.” agreed Jerry.

“Then blinking do it and quit talking about,” said Steve while sipping his ice tea.

Jerry asked, “What will we call it?”

“How about ‘The Old Cowboy’s Drinking Club and Horse Rescue?” hollered R.T.

Dead silence.

“Better yet,“ said Steve as he looked over his glasses at R.T. ”define who is going to do what to get your show on the road.”

“I’ll get the paperwork ready,” said Jerry, “Been there, done that, have the saddle sores to prove it.  No big deal.”

“I’ll run it as you don’t have the time, old man”, R.T. winked at Jerry, “You’ve got your hands full with HfH and you don’t need another burden.”

Prolonged pause.

“And what are you going to do, Steve?” Jerry asked.

Steve let out a big ‘harrumph’ and said, “Run my magazine and tell you guys how you are screwing up.”

All three laughed, shook hands, parted ways and “Habitat for Horses Advisory Council” was born.

Tomorrow: A Whisper to the Soul