Richard Beal's Blog

Country Singer Lyle Lovett

richardbeal — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:00:02 +0000

My wife Kathy and I saw went to see Lyle Lovett and His Large Band Thursday night. (Kathy in the yellow blouse, I’m to her right in a black plaid shirt) It was a special concert because it’s the last one that will be held at the famous Paolo Soleri Amphitheatre in Santa Fe before it is demolished. I hadn’t known that Lyle has played there more than any other performer.

Lyle currently lives North of Houston and has been buying back, piece by piece, the ranch in Klein, Texas, originally owned by his great-great grandfather on his mother’s side. He calls it his proudest achievement.

Lyle is active in breeding horses and the reining cow horse world. He joined other celebrity riders at this year’s Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) annual event to help children from the Make A Wish Foundation of Oklahoma. Lyle Lovett took home the winning ride for the second year in a row. Lovett is the owner of reining, reined cow horses and race horses.

From Wikipedia:
“Lyle Pearce Lovett (born November 1, 1957) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. Active since 1980, he has recorded thirteen albums and released 21 singles to date, including his highest entry, the #10 chart hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, “Cowboy Man”. Lovett has won four Grammy Awards, including Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Album. It’s Not Big It’s Large was released in 2007, where it debuted and peaked at #2 on the Top Country Albums chart. A new studio album, Natural Forces, was released on October 20, 2009 by Lost Highway Records.

“Lovett was born in North Harris County, Texas in the community of Klein, the son of William and Bernell Lovett, a marketing executive and training specialist, respectively. Lovett attended Texas A&M University, where he studied German and journalism, and was Robert Earl Keen’s roommate.

“Lovett’s music career began as a songwriter, but he soon signed with MCA Records in 1986 and released his eponymous debut album. While typically associated with the country genre, Lovett’s compositions often incorporate folk, swing, blues, jazz and gospel music as well as more traditional country & Western styling. He has won four Grammy Awards, including Best Country Album (1996 for The Road to Ensenada), Best Country Duo/Group with Vocal (1994 for “Blues For Dixie” with the Texas swing group Asleep at the Wheel), Best Pop Vocal Collaboration (1994 for “Funny How Time Slips Away” with Al Green) and Best Country Male Vocal (1989) for Lyle Lovett and His Large Band).

“Lovett has acted in a number of films, including Robert Altman’s films: The Player (1992), Short Cuts (1993), Prêt-à-Porter (1994), Cookie’s Fortune (1999), and composed for Dr. T & the Women (2000). More recently, he has acted in The New Guy (2002) and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007). His television acting forays include Mad About You, Brothers & Sisters and Dharma & Greg.

“Lovett was given an award called an “Esky” for Surest Thing in Esquire’s 2006 Esky Music Awards in the April issue. The magazine said of Lovett: “The secret of Lyle Lovett’s endurance comes down to the three C’s: class, charisma and consistency… In the studio and on stage with his giant orchestra, he’s spent two decades gracefully matching genuine song craft with A-list musicianship”.

“Lovett’s personal life was brought to the fore in 1993 when he married actress Julia Roberts. The couple had met on the set of The Player in 1992. After a three-week romance, they eloped and married in June 1993 in Marion, Indiana. The couple divorced less than two years later, in March 1995.

“His small-town life was again brought to the public’s attention on March 28, 2002, when Lovett was caught by a bull and rammed into a fence on his uncle’s farm in Klein, Texas, before being pulled to safety. He fully recovered after six months and began touring again in the summer of 2003.”

If you want more information, the New Yorker magazine had a good article about Lovett that you can read by clicking HERE.

You can get more information at his official website by clicking HERE.

If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.

Santa Cruz Cattle

richardbeal — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:00:15 +0000

From the Breeds of Livestock website:

“King Ranch Santa Cruz cattle represent more than seven years of intense research and development aimed at creating a more market acceptable beef animal that produced superior results as both a feeder and seedstock animal. The new cattle are a composite breed, produced by first crossing Santa Gertrudis cows with Red Angus and Gelbvieh bulls. This initial union produces 1/2 Santa Gertrudis and 1/2 Red Angus males and females; as well as 1/2 Santa Gertrudis and 1/2 Gelbvieh males and females. These half bloods are then crossed back on each other to produce a 1/2 Santa Gertrudis, 1/4 Red Angus and 1/4 Gelbvieh composite animal, the finished product. This is King Ranch Santa Cruz, as composites are then bred to composites, fixing the characteristics desired in the cattle and demanded by today’s beef market.

“Stephen J. Kleberg, Vice President of King Ranch, Inc. said that King Ranch Santa Cruz cattle have “excellent conformation, perform extremely well in the feedyard, and obtain maximum results at the packing plant.” Hal Hawkins, King Ranch animal physiologist, described the cattle as “very fertile, both male and female, reaching an early sexual maturity at 12 – 14 months of age. Weaning and yearling weights are excellent, and they are very gentle cattle that demonstrate good mothering instincts.”

“The new breed produces both polled and horned individuals. In color, they range from a light red or honey to a Santa Gertrudis cherry red. Mature weight in cows ranges from 1,100 – 1,200 pounds, while bulls tip the scales from 1,800 – 2,000 pounds. The cattle have proven very heat resistant and adapt extremely well to South Texas’ harsh climate and environments. They range far and wide and work the large pastures of King Ranch very well.

“Early in 1987, the need for a more market acceptable beef animal at King Ranch was the topic of conversation from the working pens to the board room. Top producers in the beef and livestock industry were brought in to aid in the project. Educators from the major agricultural universities across the United States were invited to share their knowledge with King Ranch. Twenty-six professors from fourteen universities participated in the formulation of a master breeding plan. These specialists in the various research fields which undergird progressive livestock operations, like King Ranch, included carcass and meat experts, reproduction and physiology scientists, breeds and breeding selection specialists, geneticists, nutritionists, botanists, veterinary scientists, and climatologists.

“As a result of these meetings, King Ranch set some short and long term objectives in its breeding plan. Short term objectives included improved production (reproduction and fertility); improved market acceptability (carcass quality – grade and tenderness); and, cull cattle on strict economic considerations. Long term objectives included single breed type mating system using a composite breed; genetic policy that would produce a phenotypic look-alike; and, early sexual maturity with superior carcass quality and grade. The Santa Gertrudis breed was maintained, improved, and made more competitive.

“Two breeds were selected to add to the Santa Gertrudis to achieve these goals. Gelbvieh were chosen for their fertility, high growth, early maturity, shortened gestation length, and moderate milk production. Red Angus were selected to add early fertility, ease in calving, high carcass quality, efficiency, and polled characteristics.”

Singing Donkey

richardbeal — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:58 +0000

If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.

Moms Old Fashion Potato Salad

richardbeal — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:00:48 +0000

I’ve written before about our friend Craig Goldwyn and his Amazing Ribs website. Here is his great recipe for potato salad.

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“It is better to be looked over than overlooked.” Mae West

Easily overlooked, a good potato salad is the perfect foil for barbecue. And yup. This is the stuff. Just like Mom made it. And she won’t like me telling you this, but it’s not hard. The secret is that the dressing is a blend of mayo and sour cream. It is still be a good idea for you to read my article on the Zen of Potatoes first.

Serves. 8
Preparation time. 30 minutes

Ingredients
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 scallions, chopped into pea-size chunks
1 small red bell pepper, chopped into pea-size chunks
1 stalk celery, chopped into pea-size chunks
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2 pounds waxy potatoes
1 egg
Salt & pepper to taste

Note. If you want to turn Mom’s Potato Salad into Dad’s Potato Salad, dice a jalapeño and throw it in. Better still, get 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, chop it finely, and mix it with the mayo. This will give the whole dish a slightly orange color and a rich, earthy, smoky heat.

Low fat version. Substitute more sour cream for the mayo.

Do this
1) Mix all the ingredients except the egg, potato, and salt in a large bowl.

2) Scrub the potatoes thoroughly. If the skin comes clean, you can leave it on. If not, get rid of it. Now cut them into 1/2″ cubes. Put them into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add the egg. Bring to a boil and add the 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Turn the heat down to a simmer. After about 15 minutes remove the egg and run cool water over it for at least a minute. Crack, peel, chop, and add to the bowl with the other ingredients. Cook the potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool.

2) When the potatoes have cooled, add them to the bowl and coat with the dressing. Salt and pepper to taste. Chill.

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In this classic footage from the movie “Broadway Rhythm” (1944), the Ross sisters, Aggie, Maggie and Elmira, sing and move in ways that don’t look humanly possible. Their real-life names were actually Vicki, Dixie and Betsy Ross.

If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.

Cooling Down Your Horse

richardbeal — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:00:33 +0000

Today’s guest blogger is EN Jio.
This article first appeared on ezinearticles.com.

Trail riding is a great way to spend a lazy summer afternoon – you and your horse will enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air, plus a little bit of exercise never really hurts an animal. However, as much as you’re having fun, it might not be a bad idea to head back a little early and cut your ride a little short – why? Because you’ll need to ensure you’ve spent a sufficient amount of time cooling down your animal before turning him in for the night.

Steps to cool down your horse

Upon returning from a hard day of riding and exercise, you’ll probably notice a sheen of sweat on your horse’s body. Even in the winter, it’s important to cool your horse down and make sure his breathing and pulse have returned to normal. Horses that aren’t cooled down properly can catch a chill and get very sick as a result of improper care. Here are some steps for cooling down after a workout:

1. Walk the last bit home – when going for trail ride, take it easy on the last stretch and walk the last couple of Kilometers.

2. Take a load off – remove your tack once you get back to the stable and give your horse some room to breathe – you can leave the saddle pad on if you’d like.

3. Cool him down or warm him up – in the summer, your horse will enjoy a nice hose down with cool water first. Otherwise, start rubbing the animal down, paying special attention to the area where the saddle has been, as well as around the neck and flank area.

4. Rug up – if the weather’s particularly chilly or windy, put a cooler on your animal to keep him warm.

5. Walk and cool down – lead your horse around at a steady walk, keeping up a brisk pace as a sluggish horse tends to cool down too quickly. His breathing and heart rate should return to normal.

6. Lead your horse to drink – don’t give your horse anything to drink until he has cooled down as cold water in a hot belly can upset your horse’s stomach or even lead to a bad case of colic. Make sure the water is cool but not cold and let him have about a third of a bucket.

7. Check his legs – look for any signs of injury that he may incurred during the ride. Remove any stones that are lodged in his shoes – they’re particularly painful and can critically lame your horse.

Names For Your Horse

richardbeal — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:00:23 +0000

Here’s a website with thousands of horse names called Fun Horse Names.

You can get more information at their website by clicking HERE.

Bronc Rider Kenny McOsker – Rest In Peace

richardbeal — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 09:00:10 +0000

Galisteo is a small town (population 265) five miles south of our home in New Mexico. The 1896 settlement was where the Spanish setup their operations when they returned to New Mexico after the 1860 Indian Revolt.

For the past 39 years Galisteo resident Rudy Sena, his extended family and volunteers have put on a typical two day small town rodeo with the usual events. I like these small rodeos better than the big Hollywood style ones – you know most of the people attending, you are close to the action, and it is very casual and fun. This year I rode in the parade before the rodeo.

A week ago today, on the last day of the rodeo, there was a tragic accident. After a successful bronc ride a competitor was fatally struck in the head by his horse’s hoof as he attempted to dismount. You know that rodeos can be dangerous and injuries are not uncommon given the animals and speed, but death is rare and strongly felt by everyone. My wife Kathy and I saw the accident and your heart just comes to a stop and time is suspended.

Kenny McOsker, a bronc rider from Edgewood, New Mexico died doing what he loved. “How many people can say that?” his father, Martin McOsker of Albuquerque, said.

Besides his parents and grandparents, McOsker is survived by his wife, Tay, who is expecting their fourth child; 14-year-old daughter Bailey; 6-year-old son Kole; and 17-month old son Zeb.

McOsker was an only child who grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from Sandia High School. He graduated from The University of New Mexico with a degree in construction engineering and was working for a civil engineering firm in Corrales.

His father said McOsker fell in love with rodeo when he was a sophomore in college. Friends introduced him to bronc riding. “He got hooked,” Martin McOsker said. Kenny McOsker was a member of the New Mexico Rodeo Association and traveled the rodeo circuit around the West.

Kevin Cox, his best friend, will take some of his ashes and scatter them at rodeo grounds around the West. His epitaph will read, “Better 8 seconds in the arena than a lifetime in the stands.” His father said, “It’s a quote from (singer) Chris LeDoux, who was kind of Kenny’s hero.”

A memorial fund in Kenny McCosker’s name has been established at Wells Fargo Bank to benefit his family.

The video below has pictures from last year’s 2009 Galisteo Rodeo and my wife did a blog entry for that same rodeo you can read HERE

If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.

Today is National Day of the Cowboy

richardbeal — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:37:43 +0000

Today is National Day of the Cowboy!

I posted a blog entry last year regarding this day that you can read by clicking HERE.

New Book – Bridles of the Americas: Indian Silver

richardbeal — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 09:00:36 +0000

This first-ever definitive book on bridles by Ned and Jody Martin with Robert Bauver includes descriptions of the styles and origins of bridles used in Mexico as well as by Native Americans in the Southwest. It features 500 stunning color images in an impressive 12” by 13 1/2” hardback format. The Navajo and Southern Plains Indians loved the flash of silver to adorn their horses and themselves. This book traces the evolution and use of silver bridles as well as gorgets, pectorals, hairplates and concha belts, all of which were first obtained through trade networks, and later made by the Indians. The second volume of this series will be published in 2011 and includes quilled, beaded and cloth bridles of the Northern Plains and Plateau. The 3rd volume will cover South American bridles, prison horsehair pieces, and vaquero, cowboy and buckaroo bridles.

You can order the book with free shipping at my Beal’s Cowboy Buckles store by clicking HERE.

Federal Roundup of Wild Horses Resumes

richardbeal — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:27:36 +0000

From USA Today:
By Oren Dorell

A federal roundup of wild horses in Nevada was scheduled to resume Thursday and to continue through this weekend despite nearly two dozen animal deaths since it began.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) says three of the deaths were due to injury and 18 due to severe dehydration following a drought.

Horse activist Laura Leigh, whose lawsuit put a temporary halt to the roundup July 14, blames the deaths on the BLM, which she says allowed the horses to become dehydrated and held the roundup during the hottest season of the year.

“This is foaling season, it could have been done earlier, it could be done last fall,” Leigh says. “This is not following the mandate to manage and protect our horses. It’s just wrong.”

She and other activists also complain that the BLM has blocked them from observing the roundups to control the flow of images and public opinion.

The BLM will escort up to 20 members of the media and the public to observe roundup operation today and Saturday for the first time since the roundup began July 10.

The BLM says the roundup of wild horses is a necessity because the mustang population is growing so fast that horses are running out of food and harming the native land and wildlife. Agency estimates show 38,000 mustangs and burros roam 10 Western states; half are in Nevada.

Leigh and other activists say the agency is moving the animals to clear the way for livestock grazing and energy interests.

Elliot Katz, founder of In Defense of Animals, which joined Leigh’s lawsuit, says wild horses are a low priority nationally because they don’t produce a profit.

“They’re just in the way of corporations who have cattle interests or want to do mining,” Katz says. “There’s been a gradual continuing effort to get rid of them.”

BLM counters that it is required by law to balance the needs of multiple interests on public lands, including wild horses, wildlife, mining and livestock. Wild horses, which have few predators and double their population every four years, can damage habitat shared by endangered and threatened species such as the pygmy rabbit and the lahontan cutthroat trout, says Heather Emmons, a spokeswoman for the BLM in Nevada.

“If we let them eat everything and we started having mass die-offs of protected species, can you imagine the outcry?” Emmons says.

This latest wild horse controversy started after a BLM contractor using a helicopter moved 250 horses on July 10, when the Tuscarora gather began. By the next day, seven horses had died from dehydration, according to the agency.

“These horses were without water for several days,” Emmons says.

U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks stopped the roundup July 14 but lifted his order two days later after BLM attorneys said an emergency existed on the range and that hundreds of horses could die of water starvation if the roundup did not resume.

BLM plans to remove 1,137 to 1,197 horses in three phases and to leave 337 to 561 in the 482,000-acre area, which it says is 30% drier than normal this year.

Horse activists say the drought was predicted last March and the emergency could have been averted.

“If there’s a water issue it’s created by fencing,” says Deniz Bolbol, wild horse campaign director for In Defense of Animals.

Bolbol says she flew over the Owyhee area, where the roundup began, and saw cattle lying in water at nearby Black Creek Reservoir, which is on BLM land.

Emmons says ranchers pay the state to provide water to livestock. Many, including the rancher who leases Black Creek, leave their gates open for wild horses, but some horses get used to a certain watering hole and don’t move, she says.

The last roundup in Nevada, the Calico gather, removed 1,922 horses from December to February and resulted in 104 deaths.

“Litigation dragged out the gather, so it happened three weeks late,” Emmons says. By then, “they didn’t have any food in their stomach and when we introduced them to food…they reacted to it.”

Bolbol says that after she and others reported what they saw in Calico, Don Glenn, chief of BLM’s wild horse and burros program, reneged on a commitment made in December to allow public access to roundups.

“All our gathers are open to the public,” Glenn said at the time. “We will accommodate them as best we can.”

Bolbol points to another YouTube clip, dated June 14, where BLM manager Lili Thomas describes dealing with the public’s reaction to “videos without explanation” disseminated on social networking sites from the Calico roundup.

“It’s caused us to have a really hard time in terms of trying to explain what’s happening,” Thomas says. “Working with wild horses is not a pretty sight. It’s very complicated.”

Bolbol says BLM has since instituted “a virtual blackout.”

Glenn says he never meant that roundups would be open to “a bunch of people running around willy nilly wherever they want to be.”

Public access can be granted “within reason,” he says, but the landowner who owns the corral where the first phase of the current roundup occurred refused to allow public access.

“He can tell us and private individuals we can’t come in if he wants to,” Glenn says.

The next big roundup, called the Twin Peaks gather, is scheduled for August in California. BLM plans to remove 1,855 horses and 210 burros from the wild and leave 445 horses on the range.