"If only it could talk, this old saddle might say..."
Don't you wish sometimes that something old and sentimental to you could talk and tell you where it had been, what it had seen ,and whom it had known? I felt that way this weekend when Jessica brought from my parent's home, to our home, my Dad's old saddle. She had planned on using it in a photo shoot, but the sun went down too quickly, and we were unable to get the right shot. We will go a different day and use this great, old piece of leather. I will share those photos a different day. :)
My Dad lived on a ranch for over 70 years. He is 82, so I'm sure this saddle has to be close to 70 years old. I wonder how many horse's backs it sat upon? I wonder how many times he cinched it? I wonder how many times he was so saddle sore he could hardly walk?
Look at the beautiful detail etched in the seat. I wonder how many cows were herded while my Dad sat in this saddle? (Our ranch had 30,000 acres of range land, and we had over 700 head of cattle.) I wonder how many late nights he removed it from a tired, dirty, sweaty horse's back and hung it up getting ready for the next day of "Cowboying"? He , himself, being tired, dirty, and sweaty.
I wonder who made this saddle? Where did my Dad get it? Who took the time to etch the leather so intricately?
I wonder whose hands touched this horn? My Dad's, my Grandpa's, my uncle's, my cousin's, my neighbor's--just who and just when? How many stayed on a galloping horse because they held on to this horn for dear life? I sure would like to know...and, I'm sure it was worth the ride!!
Yes, I wish this old saddle could talk. The stories it could tell...
One thing I know for certain about this saddle, though, is that it was owned and used by a man who worked hard, saddled up no matter how tired, and had the courage to always do what he should and do it right. The legacy he has left our family has far greater worth than an old saddle will ever have.
John Wayne said, "Courage is being scared to death--and saddling up anyway." I hope, everyday, that we can "Saddle Up" anyway...
It will be worth "the ride"...
Be Nice to People,
Julie
6 comments:
What a great post Julie. What a wonderful heritage in that saddle. Can your dad share more about the saddle? What an interview that would make!
Great saddle - and yes if they could talk! Looks like it was mighty comfortable too.
I love this post. It reminds me of my dad and he had a saddle similar to that.
You are so right, if they could ony talk, what a story they could tell.
Maxine
Another inspirational post, Julie. What a legacy, indeed.
I hope all's well in your part of the world...
What a great post. I too have an old saddle of my Dad's and have wondered about the horses it has been on.
I also LOVE the music. Twang is where it's at. Nothing beats Gene Autry and Roy Roggers.
Thanks for sharing!
Julie...My Gosh..I could have written those exact words about my Dad and his saddle. Your post took my breath away. But it was soooo goood! Thank you so very much!
Friends, Susannah
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