Equestrian Network Magazine



	The Last Drive
	by D.T. Johannsen

	We've herded these cattle, fer' nigh on half a year! From Abilene to Montana, through torture and fear.

	Across rivers so wild, they foamed at the top. And draggin' cows from the quicksand? God, I thought would never stop!

	From the mighty Red River, to the soup of the Platte, then on across th' Yallerstone, I 'bout drowned there at that!

	Through deserts so dry, a soul would die a'thirst. Lord, but I think, the wind was the worst.

	Those "northers" in Texas, could only be beat, by the "blows" in Nebraska, or that Montana sleet.

	I've seen trees so scarce, and prairie so flat, that th' tallest thing standin', was under my hat!

	I've feared for my life, when the storms, come a'rumble. Scared that in a stampede, my 'ol pony would stumble!

	With rustlers so bad, that to sleep was in strife. Afraid a'gittin' shot, or stabbed with a knife.

	We lost Billy that way, just outside of Colby. We buried him deep, 'neath that 'ol mission 'dobe.

	But, we got 'em ta' Butte, like we said that we would do! Yeah, we lost some good cowboys. It was a "heckuva" crew.

	So, I've been ta', "Hell and Back", and now, I'll say this to you; That when it comes ta' cowpunchin', I'm done, Mister. I'm through!

	D.T. Johannsen bustedcinch@hotmail.com



	Horses are people too
	Harold Roy Miller

	Some equine folks have the point of view That their horses are people too. To me that saying never did click Until I saw my favorite horse get sick.

	I noticed him leaning against the shed wall Over in the far corner of his stall. He seemed to be in a foggy daze And there was misery in his gaze.

	I called his name and he responded, Because my horse and I are tightly bonded But he moved toward me much to slow His feet were dragging and his head hung low.

	A million things went through my head And each one of them filled me with dread. Was it Colic, west Nile or naviculer disease? I was hoping he hadn't contacted any of these.

	My thoughts were starting to run wild I was heartsick and I felt like I was losing a child. But I refused to let this horse be lost Regardless of how much it was going to cost.

	I quickly ran into the house And relayed the news to my spouse. I yelled all the vet honey and do it quick Because one of our string is awful sick

	It's my horse and I am awfully worried? I said he is kind of lethargic and hanging his head. His back leg seems to be stiff and sore And he is looking kind of weak and poor.

	My wife said our concern is quite moving But your memory sure enough needs improving I told you twice but I'm sure that you forgot The vet came yesterday and gave him a shot.

	Feeling under the weather is just one side affect, And stiffness in the legs is something you can expect. There's not much you can do but just let things run their course And hopefully you will soon have a normal healthy horse?

	The vet and my wife were both right in that regard But that experience really hit me hard. I realize also how much I share other equine folks point of view And that is: That our horses are people too.


	Do you have a short story, adventure or poem you would like us to publish? Send us your story, along with a picture of yourself, and we might publish it. Stories must not have been previously published or copyrighted. All photos must be taken or owned by you, and you must have full rights to them. Send your story to info@equestmagazine.com and write "horse story" in the subject line. All stories must be less than 800 words and have no typographical or grammatical errors. Who knows, your poetry may get published like D.T. Johannsen and Harold Roy Miller.


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