So this is what is going on: Baxter has some health problems that have put him in the retirement bracket. He has loved speaking, writing and doing his TV & radio work all these years but sadly he is at a point that he has to stop.

Baxter Black's final column: A horse matters


By Baxter Black

I like living someplace where a horse matters.

There is just some country where horseback is the only way to get the job done. Places where the four-wheeler is a poor second, not to mention a noisy, track-leaving unnatural conveyance. Besides, it’s hard to throw a rope from.

Helicopters can spot and scare, if that’s what you need, but it’s helpless when you have to doctor a calf. It is a great feeling to be pushing a cow out of a mesquite thicket, packing a dude down the Grand Canyon or tracking a mountain lion on a high ridge, knowing you’re on the perfect tool for the job. You look at a horse different when he’s on the payroll.

I like being a person to whom a horse matters.

It puts me in such good company, Robert E. Lee, Teddy Roosevelt, Rudyard Kipling, Ray Hunt, Queen Elizabeth, Jerry Diaz, Casey Tibbs, cowboys, Mongols, Gauchos, teamsters, Lipazzaners and vaqueros of all kinds. Granted being a horse person doesn’t make me easier to get along with, better at spelling or richer. It simply gives me a direct connection to one of the most ancient, mutually beneficial interspecies relationships on the planet.

Winston Churchill said, “There is something about the outside of a horse, that is good for the inside of a man.”

I like being there when a horse matters.

When you can’t do the job alone; a cow in the bog, a race against time, a boulder to move, a detour to take, a mountain to cross, a crevice to leap, a war to win, a sweetheart to impress, or...when you’ve gone too far to walk back.

Shakespeare’s King Richard III said when fate hung in the balance, “A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!”

I’ve also come to believe that you either are a horse person or you aren’t. Many who are, never know it because they never have the chance. It’s a primitive acceptance, often mutual. A lack of fear. You see it in some children when they are first introduced to the horse. It always gives me a sense of wonder to be there and help them make their acquaintance. I believe the horse can sense the child’s innate trust. It is the beginning of a natural bond.

I count myself very lucky that I get to be a part of the wonderful world of horse sweat, soft noses, close calls and twilight on the trail.

I like living a life where a horse matters.

Baxter Black is a cowboy poet, former large-animal veterinarian and entertainer of the agricultural masses. Learn more at www.baxterblack.com.



This will be Baxter Black’s last column. Because of health issues, he is heading off into the sunset on his favorite horse.

Good ol' Baxter Black!!

I seen on fb that he was in hospice....

Yes

Thanks sycamore for that;




Well, that truly sucks.

Geno;
Evening to you sir, sorry to meet under these circumstances.

When we first got into horses nearly 30 years ago I see it was, I used to listen to a radio program called "Spirit of the West" which was a rancher up out of Kamloops - Hugh McLennan putting up his favorite cowboy music and poets.

That's where I first heard of Baxter Black.

Anyways I'll tip a wee dram to him and send up some prayers as well.

All the best to you all Geno.

Dwayne

Saw this recently.

A very nice man and a true gentleman.

Damn shame.
Enjoyed reading that, but I can't read it like he would tell it.

Sorry to hear this.

Always loved reading his stuff. Didn't know he was in hospice, but the world will be a bit dimmer once he's gone.

Always read the back page in the western Horseman mag when at the library.

He is one of a kind.

tip a dram, as you say, for me too Dwayne as I no longer imbibe.
Can't recall where I first heard of Mr Black, but it was a long time ago.

As a suburban kid I was never fortunate to have the pleasure of being around horses much. A bit at a cousin's place up in the foothills of SoCal. Kind of bummed that we have property now that could handle a couple, and square miles of public land behind us to ride on, but we're not situated to take on the responsibility.

Please send us some moisture.

"Minutia"

Pretty fancy word for a cowboy poet to use.

Hear hear to a great American cowboy and true gent. He ranks there with Paul Harvey.

Stayed in the saddle until the end. Can't quibble with that. See ya soon, pard.

I'll miss him.

Godspeed Baxter!

As a licensed veterinarian Baxter was exposed to and quite comfortable several big fancy words.
Great guy that as Dwayne so aptly put it “I’ve tipped a dram “with a number of times.

Dang, I hope he's comfortable in his last days. What a neat guy, he'll be missed.

Never did care for him.

Too bad he is sick though.

I just saw an article out of Amarillo I believe where Baxter's son-in-law said "yes, Baxter has home health care coming in once or twice a week, to check his medical issues, it is not hospice in the true meaning of the word." Hope it's true.

He is a well-known fellow down here - we almost bought a place next to his, but landed a short distance away. Not much local news on this.