Many times I saw Tom when he first got on a horse, especially a colt, he might just sit there on the colt before riding off, not always just at times. At the end of the day he might sit and visit with someone before dismounting. I often heard him say? “It all depends.” On […]
In this section, Margaret Dorrance will be contributing memories and sharing stories about Tom.
A Favorite Poem
This was a favorite poem that Tom would recite, changing it to suit the occasion. “I wish that you could read My thoughts “For then I’m sure you’d see The many ways “In which your love Brings happiness to me. “I wish that I could tell you “Of the many wishes too I’m sending now […]
Musing about Learning
“One of the quotes Tom liked to use in a funny, but also serious way was one he borrowed from the beloved cartoon character Dennis the Menace. The quote was ‘Learning is hard because its something you don’t know!’ If someone was struggling with an idea or getting frustrated, this would get them to laugh […]
Beats Walking
“One time Tom went out to catch a horse for himself and his brother Jim to ride. I wasn’t there and the horses were not close, so Tom did what I usually did. I would get a little grain and stand on the hill (if the horses were in sight), then call my horse. Tom did just the same, only […]
Directing the Feet
One of Tom’s many talents; being able to teach people how to direct the horses feet and know where the horses feet are. Video by Tom Johnson Margaret Dorrance riding
One of Tom’s Favorite Poems
One of Tom’s Favorite Sayings
I think Tom used that on cattle also, while riding with Tom on a cattle drive this particular bunch of cattle seemed to always want to go in the opposite direction that was wanted of them to go. Tom started moving them in the direction they wanted to go. Then turned them in the direction Tom […]
HORSE’S HIND FOOT FIRST – Some thoughts on this idea…
Tom worked with me starting the horse’s hind foot first. I will say, it is not easy to get the feel and timing that goes with it. Tom and I rode the same horses, and once a horse learns this it is easier to get them to start from behind. I am sure most of my success was […]
Tom Put Cotton in Pup’s Ears
Tom took ‘Pete and Jack’ the pups with him out on the ranch each day when it was fit for the pups to go with him and with the grass and all they would get stickers in their ears. Then it was off to the veterinarian to get the stickers out. So Tom put cotton in […]
A TEACHER CAN’T DO EVERYTHING
I was over to Randy Leighton’s and I will say Randy has a great way of helping people ride their cutting horses, also other types of horses. He goes through the horse to the person and in turn the horse becomes better very soon. A friend was cutting on my horse, the horse kept coming […]