Long ago, when I was just a kid, the TV airwaves were full of westerns. There were only three channels available to watch, not like today, when even without cable, there are almost too many options with a wide range of topics. I spent hours with my feet almost touching the base of our large black and white television console, captivated by the cowboys and horses galloping across the screen. I was so young; In fact, he believed that if he put a hole big enough in the glass front of the set to get through, he could take part in the shows and live in the old west. Just knowing the severe reprimand from my parents prevented me from carrying out my plans.
Being so young when I first discovered cowboys and horses, my love at first was not with handsome cowboys, but with their horses. When I laid my head on my pillow at night, my last thoughts upon waking were of “Stop, Silver!” I could imagine myself on the back of that white horse as it reared up and kicked the sky. I always wondered how the Lone Ranger managed to stay. Much later, I rode a horse that would perform the same trick and found that while it looked impressive, it was quite easy to stay on board. He even loved Tonto’s horse, Scout. Since I couldn’t have a real horse, I started collecting plastic ones. My collection started with Silver and the Lone Ranger and the second addition was a Breyer pinto pony which I of course named Scout.
Who didn’t love Trigger? I really didn’t like Roy Rogers that much, and Dale Evan’s horse Buttermilk was definitely nice, but Trigger wasn’t just beautiful, he was smart too! He could perform over 100 tricks and the palomino’s tactic was impressive. I can’t say that I was pleased to learn that Trigger was dissected and exhibited after his death. For me, it was a rude disappearance for such a magnificent animal.
By the time Trigger left my life, color television was becoming more popular, as were weekly westerns. We didn’t have color TVs when they started showing up in local appliance stores, but my grandparents did. It was a special treat to be home on Sunday night and see “Bonanaza” in “bright colors.” I was beginning to be interested in both cowboys and their horses. You might think he would have been a fan of “Little Joe” (Michael Landon), but my sister claimed him. For some reason that I still can’t explain, I liked “Hoss”, (Dan Blocker). When it comes to Ponderosa horses, I chose the buckskin that Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene) rode. Buffs were popular in old westerns and I liked Ben’s horse as much as the buff in “Gunsmoke.” Who knew they were the same horse!
When “The Virginian” and “Laredo” aired, we finally had a color television. I don’t think there was a girl out there who didn’t like either James Drury or Traps (Doug McClure). The Virginian was riding an Appaloosa and Traps was riding on buff. I never knew the names of any of their horses. Laredo provided more teen heartthrob with rangers Chad Cooper (Peter Brown) and Joe Riley (William Smith). Once again there was an ante in the series ridden by Joe Riley. Chad Cooper’s horse was actually owned by actor Peter Brown. But the only one whose name he knew was the horse ridden by Reese Bennett (Neville Brand). Reese talked to his horse frequently, so I knew his name was Cactus.
I think the last western that captured my imagination was “The High Chaparral”. The show was well written and remains one of my favorites. I fell in love with “Buck” (Cameron Mitchell) and his horse, Rebel. Buck was a bit rough around the edges, but he had a sweet nature that shone through. His bay horse was a mixed breed, as were most of the horses used in the show. I loved Rebel’s arched neckline and headphones with a bridle adorned with some feathers. Manolito (Henry Darrow) was a close second with his fun-loving character and rode a beautiful sorrel horse, Mackadoo, with a Spanish twist. I’m happy to report that this show, along with many more of my favorites, is currently available for viewing. During an episode of “The High Chaparral”, I was impressed by a stunt involving Rebel & Mackadoo. The Apaches were chasing Buck and Manolito. They stopped behind some bushes, dismounted, and made both horses lie down, hiding until the Apaches galloped past. The horses get up and quickly remount.
For a long time, he had decided that the name “Sirocco” would be a splendid name for an energetic horse. I never had a horse that fit, but I kept it in my memory anyway. It was during a recent broadcast of “The High Chaparral” that I discovered where the idea originated. Blue (Mark Slade) had captured a wild stallion. I don’t think there was a western where someone, at some point, didn’t catch a wild stallion. He was fighting for a name when his father, Big John Cannon (Leif Erickson), suggested “Sirocco” explaining that it meant hot wind. I was very surprised to realize that I remembered that name for so many years without connecting it to its origin.
I remember the names of many of the television horses that I have loved over the years. I know they played an important role in my attachment to horses throughout my life. I have a plaque hanging on my office wall that says, “Dogs leave footprints on your heart.” Given that sentiment, I must add, “horses leave hoof marks on your soul.”
© 2013 Kristie Allison