Iconic Cowboy musician Ian Tyson passes

If you are a fan of Cowboy music then you know by now that Ian Tyson passed away yesterday. Born in September 193, Ian was 89 when he passed on 29 December 2022 on his ranch in Longview, Alberta Province, Canada. As my wife and I would may trips to horse events, more often than not one of his music CD's would be playing in the truck. His music and persona will live on as long as there is one Cowboy left. I am included my favorite song of his in the music video below....it would be nice if the news of his passing, sad as it is, prompted a resurgence of his music.

The Season for Giving - Supporting our own in need

I think everyone believes that Christmas is the season for giving. We can give in many ways - prayers, time, attention and of course, money. There are several people from our community, and I mean the community of the horse, that are in need. The latest tragedy happened to Josh & Anna Meyers of Meyers Silver, and their two young children.

The Art of the Cowgirl Facebook page posted the following yesterday:

Tragedy struck the Western Arts Community. There are multiple personal auctions going around to help this sweet family, and we plan on hosting our own in the upcoming days. Below is more information on how you can help the Meyer's in their time of need.

As many of you may have learned today, Josh & Anna Meyers of Meyers Silver need our help. This past Saturday, December 17th, their home in northern California burned to the ground- losing everything. Praise God the four of them are safe and thankfully have wonderful neighbors allowing them a warm house to stay in for the time being.

Now is the time for our ranching and artist/maker community to come together and do what we do best- help others. I have been talking with Anna and she has given me permission to share her Venmo and Paypal. If you are able to help this family and dear friends of mine this Christmas season through monetary donation, it would mean the world.

Venmo: Anna-Allen-2
Paypal: horsecountry66@mac.com

Additionally, while there is not yet a group formed to support the Meyers, there will undoubtably be Makers and Artists in the Art of the Cowgirl and extended family that will be making/selling their creations to raise money for the Meyers. Emily McCartney, the creator of the this Facebook message and owner of Road Runner Gallery will be listing an auction item in support

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12

The Art of the Cowgirl Event is held annually and this year from January 18-22, 2023, at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, Queen Creek, Arizona. 

Tammy Pate, the better half of Curt Pate, founded this event to showcase women in the horse and related industry. Or as they say "showcase through an annual gathering that celebrates cowgirls and their artistic contributions to western lifestyle. And raising the necessary funds to support emerging artists in expanding their knowledge and skills via fellowships with master artists in their field." The Art of the Cowgirl hosts a trade show, women's ranch rodeo, horsemanship clinics and demonstrations, roping and cow dog competition, music, art and horse sale.

National Day of the Horse

I hope everyone enjoys and reflects on the National Day of Horse. These wonderful creatures that God gave us have meant so much to so many over the centuries. Horses have taken us into battle; tilled fields for crops; pulled wagons and carts; and many, many other tasks.

On average horses haven't been treated that well by humans. But those of us who have horses in our lives move that ledger more in the horse's favor. Really, all they want from us is a fair life....they give us so much more in return. And to quote an old saying "If there aren't any horses in Heaven, I don't think I want to go."

Cowboy Knives

I have often been asked where someone could obtain a sheath knife they see me carrying. And over the years I sent a few local people to my knife maker. Unfortunately, he passed away a couple years ago. Since then I have referred people to several other makers or sites who carry custom maker's knives.

However, recently I found a company who makes really nice Damascus knives of the style I like. I bought a couple of them earlier this year and have used them to cut hay twine, rope, boxes, plastic buckets and scrap salt blocks. They held up well, although I am not testing them like you see on the television program 'Forged in Fire' where they beat knifes in car hoods and cow skulls. I have yet to ever have to do that with a knife. But I did think highly of these knives to buy a couple more and put them on the prize table for the Arena Challenge I ran a couple months ago.

Recently I obtained several more of them and will offer them through this site. I have added a coule to the store. These are not custom made knives. They are production knives and that is why I can offer them at so affordable a price. Anyone who has any questions on these knives can contact me at: brad@functionalhorsemanship.com

Update:  These knives are now added to the store, click here to go to the store.

Each knife will cost $60.00 plus shipping 

Both knives are of the same design, but I have two options on the handle. These are of a full tang design with 7 inch fixed blade having a blade cutting length of 3 inches and a thickness of 1/8 inch. One has Cattle Bone scales (handle) with a fiber liner (see top photo). The other knife has stabilized Indian Rosewood scales with a fiber liner (see bottom photo).

Both come with 45 degree canted sheaths that are reversible for right hand or left hand draw. This design has a finger choil which is handy keeping it positioned in your hand even wearing gloves.  These knives sit low in the sheath like I like them and I braid a leather popper style tail for easier draw.