We all find hope in different places throughout life. I once heard a preacher say that we find moments of beauty and joy scattered throughout the world like Easter eggs God has planted. At a time when the world is in desperate need of hope, it is extra special to meet people who remind you there are still a lot of things worth believing in.
Ryder Carothers is a young man who does just that. His character makes me hopeful that there will still be good neighbors, good men, good Christians, and good cowboys in the years to come. The son of clinician and master horseman Tim Carothers (see the feature entitled “A Kentucky Cowboy”), Ryder comes from a long line of horsemen, stretching back at least ten generations. While he has the wonderful support that goes along with such heritage, he is not simply stepping into a predefined role, and has his options open to his own dreams and preferences. Yet thankfully for all of us who care about cow horses and intuitive horsemanship, Ryder has the love of the work in his heart, and being a cowboy is his chosen path. When you consider his gentleness, grit, and integrity, which is paired with an endless amount of “try,” and then consider that he is only 11 years old, you know that his name is one you’ll want to remember.
I have had the pleasure of being on a team with Ryder sorting cattle, spent time hanging out roping a dummy with him, and been fishing with him. All of these moments were paired with his strategic thinking, quick wit, and compassion for both people and animals. He’s a lot of fun, hardworking, and understands the value of a dollar. He’s also mighty good at trading and is known for leaving horse events with all kinds of new stuff he has made a deal for.
While you can probably find Ryder right now riding alongside his dad, helping doctor cattle and helping out at Tim Carothers Horse Man Ship Clinics, in a few years you’ll be able to find him in the high school rodeo arena. He has aspirations to continue on with goat tying and do calf roping as well. Knowing he was familiar with pro rodeo competitors; I asked him who his favorite horseman/calf roper was. He replied, “my dad.” If that doesn’t make you smile, perhaps knowing that this young man plans to operate a working cattle ranch in New Mexico when he grows up will. Not to mention, he has already cowboyed in New Mexico, and which point he became attached to the beautiful landscape and terrain.
I have no doubt these dreams will come to fruition, as he works at them daily. He has been in the saddle since he was four, being ponied alongside his dad on a red pony named Biscuit. As his dad recalls, the day Ryder got tangled in some trees with Biscuit and said with frustration that it would sure be easier if his dad would just turn him loose (not pony him) was the day Ryder started riding on his own and has been ever since.
Ryder has gone along as a reliable hand for cow catching, pasture roping, pasture doctoring and rode pen like a grown man. He is known for having a keen eye and the ability to spot sick cattle before the cows themselves know they are sick, which is an invaluable tool in the industry.
This past Christmas Ryder got his first horse to train on his own, a beautiful black filly he named Holly, after Holiday. Their journey has only just begun, and yet he has already begun thinking about what will happen to this filly when he outgrows her small frame. His kindness and selflessness are apparent in his thoughts on this as he is considering passing her on to another young child, or maybe even having his own children ride her one day. As his father added, it’s the cowboy way to pass on these blessings and give others the opportunity to experience them.
Ryder, thanks for being a genuine and kind individual, and sticking to what you know is right. You’re a special young man, and we are all cheering for you on your cowboy journey.
