Laura Pittman - Keeping Stories Alive

Running Barrels and a Resort

Elora Swann is one of those individuals whose quietness speaks loudly. It tells of dedication, compassion, and hard work, all of which make up her lifestyle looking after animals and pursuing her goals as a barrel racer.

By day, Swann manages a pet resort in Wake Forest, North Carolina known as the Cobble Hill Bed and Biscuit. She keeps things running smoothly by handling everything from grooming to payroll and has helped make a menagerie of animals from birds to potbelly pigs feel welcome. When not offering hospitality to local critters at the resort, she is either taking care of her own horses and foster animals or hanging out with her husband

Clay Ranch Quarter Horses

Like many folks, I enjoy seeing pictures of handsome horses’ flash across my social media feeds. Several caught my eye, and I began to notice a trend in the account they were being shared from Clay Ranch Quarter Horses. As I began to learn more of their story, as told by Dan Mullin and family, I was even more impressed with this family’s devotion to producing quality quarter horses that serve as partners for riders in both the United States and in the ranch’s home country of Canada.

Barrel Racing Breakaway Roping Horse Training Horses Ranch Ranch Rodeo Team Roping

An All-Around Cowgirl

I learned about Katie through seeing her kind offer to help a mutual friend getting started in the world of breakaway roping. I was later able to chat with her some, and discovered the many talents and passions of this Colorado cowgirl.

The ranch and the lifestyle have trickled down through the generations in the Jolly family, but Katie has made another name for herself while competing in barrel racing, team roping, and breakaway roping competitions. In addition to competing, she trains horses and manages her own herd of cattle.

Clothing Company Horses Team Roping

Jenny Gilbert’s Message: Go Rope

When I first came across the clothing brand Go Rope, I was impressed with the designs, functionality, and especially the slogan. When I learned the backstory behind “Life is Short, Go Rope”, I was even more intrigued, and grateful to get to chat with founder Jenny Gilbert about how her passion grew into the company.

Cutting Horses Veteran

A Cutting Horse Man

“To me, cutting is the epitome of horsemanship. The horse has a job and knows the job, the rider and the horse have to work together and trust each other. The rider gives some cues and a little direction but then has to let the horse loose to do their job. The horse has to trust the rider not to get them into danger or the wrong position. It’s a balance. And, there is no other ride that is so exhilarating than the feel of the cutting horse working a cow.” – Mick Rankin, discussing cutting

Country Singer Horses Ranch

Singing of Tradition: Sterling Drake

At a time when ranchers are battling calving in the frigid temperatures, one young man by the name of Sterling Drake is tending to calves …

Laura's Story Letters

My Favorite Juxtaposition

As I got to know my husband Keith, I began to see how many things he was on the fence about in the best possible …

Horses Mounted Shooting

Saddles and Smoke in Steel Town

Pennsylvania horsewoman Mollie Himes social media handle “cowgirlwithgoals” is an accurate description of how she goes through daily life and strives to keep dreams from only being dreams. The name arose out of her wish as a young child to one day win a belt buckle. As she got older, she realized the only way this would become a reality was if she made it a goal and put in the work. She has done just that, accomplishing the childhood dream and much more.

Horses Quarter Horse Breeder Ranch Tie-Down Roping

Keeping a Passion Alive

In the cow horse world, there are different types of people. There are folks who thrive off the adrenaline of the crowd, and there are folks who need no encouragement other than the love of the game. The latter are the ones who have the most heart and grit, and know a buckle is no substitute for a job well done under tough conditions. While a mixture of both is healthy and the lines certainly blur, it is the purest appreciation of the sport that will keep it alive and thriving for future generations. As a young woman with a love for the game and an ongoing desire to learn, I was especially encouraged to get to know Oklahoma calf roper Tony Graves, who exhibits the finest characteristics of the industry.

Horses Ranch Youth

On His Own Two Feet

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.

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