Good Horse in the Morning
Howdy friends, Floyd Beard here, the Short Grass Philosopher. We have made it to the runt of the litter 2026. Twelve months in the litter and one comes up short. And often that has proven to be good. February can be a cold, difficult month to work outside. But there is still work to be done. Cattle need to be fed, water frozen over needs to be opened so livestock can get a drink. But often this time of the year vehicles and machinery often won’t start or won’t operate correctly.
Not only does the machinery react differently but the animals react differently also. Cattle that were easy to find and handle may now be hiding down in the draw or back in the cedars out of the wind, and they do not want to come out in the weather. I cannot blame them. Often the wind chill is the real culprit that cuts right through man and beast.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch we are feeding the cows some 20% protein cake (range cubes). And, we have put out protein lick tubs containing 40% protein and trace minerals and vitamins. These supplements help the cattle keep up their energy and body condition as they weather the cold and survive on short, dry grass.
You may also be able to relate as I go out to do chores in the frigid conditions, I am often so bundled up in layers that I am almost immobile. If I did happen to slip on the ice and fall it would not be so painful with all the padding from layers of winter clothing. The real danger is whether I could get back up without help of some kind, say maybe a crane or lift of some type.
Come ride along with me as a cowboy extols the benefit of a good dependable horse on a cold February morning.
Good Horse in the Morning
I hear her a purring.
As she jumps in my lap.
I’ll just sit here a while,
And take me a nap.
No need to hurry,
Outside it is cold.
Maybe I’m lazy,
Could be, truth be told.
That sun will warm things,
Just give’er a chance.
Then I’ll catch up old hoss,
And we have us a dance.
Hoss is sure fresh,
I brush ice off his back.
He don’t seem very fond,
Of his blankets and kack.
I let him stand,
His saddle to warm.
Just maybe we can,
Avoid us a storm.
We both are a’ dreaming,
Of a warm summer breeze.
With grass green and waving,
up round our knees.
But it’s February,
With ice all around.
There’s still work to be done,
Least that’s what I’ve found.
I lead hoss out,
Turns him this way and that.
‘Til I see that the saddle,
Has laid down kind of flat.
Then I pulls his head round,
And throws a leg over.
Hoss steps out just fine,
Like we’re riding in clover.
I stays to the ready,
For quite a long while.
Then I pats him on the neck,
And take on a smile.
“Old boy you’re a good ‘un,”
I says with a grin.
I takes down my rope,
And gives ‘er a spin.
The sun’s up and warmin’,
This day will be fine.
A good horse in the mornin’,
Makes a cowboy’s life shine!
