Well another Christmas... I have a lot to thank Christ for, Too much in fact to list, I couldn't probably remember all the times I thanked him, surviving several totaled cars, amazing free climbs up hundred foot cliffs with no ropes, wild spins out of control and somehow recovered in light air craft.....all by myself and no one to help. Let's not mention the dozens of times I've come off a horse not just a bounce, but a rodeo, couple of times hung up in the iron dangling,  just waiting for the hit.... I dunno it wasn't my time, and now.... I  have the news another good friend, Dwight Bailey, an old die hard horseman, passed before my last visit, taken by that bastard cancer.  Harder to take than a broken rib or a separated shoulder. I don't know if you would appreciate it, but those old cowboys put their time in, trying to get a ride and make a horse better. Not an easy life but a lonely road to pass along, a few people notice, but most just look and walk along, satisfied to" buy" that ride not" make it".

I guess my life has been full of admiration of these guys, like Dwight. they put their life in horses and never looked much beyond it, following their heart and trying to breed and /or train that better horse! Trying to be the good horseman who found a special one, and let it shine. Never letting go of a dream, and never letting go of  principles.... that I admire as much as anything.... what I find most lacking today, with so called "trainers"..... with a fat pocket to back them, Sure, it's easy if you have the money....lay down  some euro's and pick up a made one...everyone sees you in the winners circle. Who made that horse? Who brought it from nothing to a winner/I understand the "fame" attraction, but I also understand the "satisfaction" of the one who recognized something special and brought it to life.

Dwight,  if you can see this writing or know my thoughts, "hats off" to you for being true. Some don't like it and few understand it. But I want you to know I believe in it and always will remember you holding to your beliefs and honesty..... Some laugh at old "cowboys" but to be real horseman you'd understand, the bright lights only shine after a long days work.

Clay Jackson 2012