NIGHT LATCH

As an equine rider, this is something I can heartily endorse. I read about it in a mule magazine article, but could never find  where to buy one, or any information about them. Why are they called a night latch, for heavens sake? this might shed some insight:

THE COWBOY NIGHT LATCH HAS BEEN A LONG TIME TRADITION AMONG OLD TIME BRONC BUSTERS, AND IS STILL USEFUL TODAY.
USING THE NIGHT LATCH ALLOWS YOU TO PULL YOURSELF DOWN INTO THE SADDLE MORE SECURITY THAN GRABBING THE SADDLE HORN.
DURING THE TIME OF TRAIL DRIVES WHEN THE ONLY SHUT EYE A TRAIL HAND MAY GET WOULD BE IN THE SADDLE, BY WEDGING HIS HAND FIRMLY IN THE NIGHT LATCH HE COULD DOZE OFF AND HAVE A CHANCE
TO CATCH HIMSELF PREVENTING A SERIOUS FALL.
OUR NIGHT LATCH IS FULLY ADJUSTABLE.
MADE OF 3/4″ WIDE HEAVY HARNESS LEATHER AND
LACED WITH PREMIUM LACE TO OFFER A GOOD GRIPPING SURFACE.
THE NIGHT LATCH IS INSTALLED BY BUCKELING AROUND
SWELL AND UP THROUGH THE GULLETT.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEATHER-COWBOY-NIGHT-LATCH-GRAB-STRAP-NEW-HORSE-TACK-/121033087459?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D3943083151925949663%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D2%26sd%3D180853179505%26

 

I wrote about this little item in my Mules, Mules and More Mules book, as it came in handy for me. Instead of having a “night latch” I found out that I could secure my old body deeper in the saddle when “incidents” ocurred, by making only 1 wrap around the latigo that hung by my other hand. This only works if your animal neck reins and you have a free hand. It has saved my bottom and head many times since I discovered how to do it. If you can stay on for the first jump of a spook, you have a super chance of regaining your seat and “whoaing” your animal. Try it and see if you like it!

Advertisement

The loss of an animal companion

A friend who recently lost her favorite horse, Aztec, shared this beautifully written tribute, and is allowing me to share on my blog. I know it will touch the heart of any animal lover or owner.
 After the death of my horse yesterday, I wanted to share this long but thoughtful piece that an old high school buddy sent me on Facebook. I am so humbled by the power of love on this planet. Such comforting words to all of us who love animals. We can cling to them for our times of sorrow and joy for the beauty that animals bring to our lives.
Sena

Written by: Charlie Gonzales

“Lifting his head and with a snort Aztec stands up pulling free from his dead and languished body. He glances down one last time to see himself laying there. He is done now, time to move on.
He then glances at the people in the cab of the truck up ahead that is pulling the trailer and gives thanks for the love they had shown him but he does not linger long, he has someplace to be. He then turns his head upwards and with a focused intensity, locks his gaze onto something high above. Looking towards the sky he shouts with a cry of exhilaration and leaps into the air with a focus and intensity so strong it brings a flame, like white fire to his eyes. His spirit free, and as strong as ever he bolts into the sky at a full gallop.
And he runs.
He runs pounding the air under his hooves with such force that thunder echoes across the land and little white clouds form under his feet, his steps crushing out the moisture as he uses the air to climb towards the heavens. His mane alight as if on fire, flowing as he blazes a trail upward, flying ever higher. His muscles rippling and flexing as he ascends, never wavering from his course. Then far above the clouds he lets out a cry of joy as his destination comes into view.
Before him is a gate, enveloped in a blazing golden light appearing as if it is on fire. Beside it two servants of the Lord stand holding it wide open as to not impede Aztec’s passage. He bolts through and continues on at a speed that defies description racing towards the magnificent mansion that he now sees ahead.
He reaches the courtyard of this grand mansion and then leaps for joy, prancing, dancing and bucking, singing a song of praise because he is home. Aztec has returned home.
Then he suddenly stops as he starts to feel a familiar sensation. A feeling of love fills his pounding heart. He turns to see a man like no other. A man that radiates love, life and truth all around him.
“Aztec old boy home so soon? I missed you my friend”.
Aztec steps up to nuzzle this man and presses closer to him, trying to return the love that he feels.
“I am happy to see you old friend. I watched you while you were away. You lived your life well and served others. I am so pleased. Welcome home my good and faithful servant. Enter into the rest that you have earned”.
They then both turn towards the beautiful mansion and start walking together.
“I have a place prepared for you here. This is where you will wait for a time. You know, you are no longer mine. You belong to those who loved and cared for you on earth and here you will wait until they can come and claim you as their own and you’ll be together again”.

Hershey

Hershey was a grand Doberman female. She belonged to Bob and enjoyed farm life. She helped Bob mend fences, burn trash, put up hay and all the things a dedicated dog companion can do. She passed away last Sunday from a heart ailment. We knew she was on borrowed time, but had been doing so well, it still came as a suprise. She passed away in the barn, watching the driveway for any intruders…cows, rabbits, squirels and the UPS truck. She was a gentle dog, good with cats, children and visitors. She was a member of our animal family for 9 years. She was a large part of New Acre Farm in Goshen, IN and in her last 6 months, here in Prescott, Arizona. Bob made a slideshow to remember her by. I hope you will enjoy it also.

 

http://youtu.be/eLi_8yAiH0Q