Keeping Stories Alive
Tenaya Wilson is a horse trainer with a knack for discovering the hidden potential in horses that life has tossed aside. She and her husband own the aptly named Rough Diamond Ranch, which has become a home to several on her string while also providing the opportunity for a temporary training bond before others went on to their forever home.
The work of a true artist is like a secret, with a little bit of the hidden truth revealed in each depiction of both reality and imagination. For artist Cat Davenport, portraying horses means highlighting the beautiful detail of what is present while also drawing the observer’s mind to the hidden possibilities. You can look at her sketches and find yourself drawn into the eyes of the animal, contemplating their thoughts and personality. Her work brings the creation to life, making it apparent that she knows her subject matter inside and out.
When land grant universities were founded in the 1800s, many had a special clause in their charter to allow for research to be shared with …
“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
I first met Tenaya at a ranch rodeo when we were both helping our friends at Cavvietta Quarter Horse and Cattle Co. She exuded a quiet confidence and as we chatted in between welcoming guests I began to learn bits and pieces of her story. She had worked with horses in Australia and throughout the US, and it became clear she both knew horses and that she loved them. Her time inside the show barn world of hunter jumpers was as impressive as the ease with which she could switch to talking about working cattle. I’ve since had the pleasure of visiting Rough Diamond Ranch and learning more of her story.
