Horse of the Year 2009
The Covered Wagon Ranch is proud to announce that we had two horses tie for Horse of the Year in 2009, Joseph and Deuce. These two stars of the Montana Dude Ranch industry both provided excellent and flawless service on 47 days of the possible 95 work days of their season. Please come and visit the Covered Wagon Ranch this summer, and when you do, tip your hat to these great Montana dude horses.
JOSEPH
Joseph is the patriarch of the Covered Wagon Ranch. A true gentleman of 25 years, he has lived on the ranch (according to our records) for over 20 years. His specialty is the younger, less experienced rider; but this year (because of his good size and wonderful temperament) he helped several adult riders enjoy their stay as well.
DEUCE
Deuce has been a favorite on the ranch since JT and Debi purchased him 3 years ago as a ranch trained gelding. Currently 13 years young, he gave many of our intermediate (and higher) level riders a great experience through the course of the summer. His gentle and steady personality leads us to take him for granted sometimes, but this is the second year in a row in which he has been the star of our herd at the end of the season.
Please give a round of applause for these very hard working employees and trusted steed!
I know Trigger could not have been far behind in this standings race!!
Kym
I know in his heart he was No. 1 and he definitely made the top 10!
Joe and I had a special relationship the two summers that I was a wrangler. Two old guys that understood each other. He has always been rock steady and taken care of his “dudes”. I don’t know Deuce so my vote would have to be for Joe. Then again Chum would be right up there also.
Frank, it’s so good to hear from you. Thanks for the kind words on Joe. We still talk to people who remember you from wrangling and ask how you are doing. Deuce is a great horse also, and Chum is doing really well! Thanks for writing. You’re always welcome here if you’re in the neighborhood!
I was just feeling very nostalgic for the couple of times that I spent at the ranch – very special and never to be forgotten times back in 2001 – so I thought that I would have a look at the website and was thrilled to see that Joseph was one of the Montana Dude Horses of the Year!! He was the horse that I was given to ride the first time I visited and being a novice rider I was a bit nervous of him at first – but he soon sorted me out and made me feel safe, (along with the brilliant tuition from Will and Tim)! It’s lovely to see that from the website that everything still looks so special at the ranch. If you are still in contact with Will and Tim & Gerry, please could you send them my best wishes (if they remember me!)
Congratulations to you and to Joseph! I’d really like to visit again one day.
Penny Lyons
(from England)
Thank you for your wonderful comments Penny! I will definitely tell Will you said hello and will certainly give Joseph a treat! He just had his semi-annual check up and he’s still going strong. We’d love to see you again one day, and the ranch has been given a lot of tender loving care. Best wishes, Debi and JT
When I went to covered Wagon ranch I rode Deuce. He was the bestest horsie ever for me. I’m thirteen and ride once a week, so thats why im intermediate rider. I remember I was so sad to leave and say goodbye to Deuce. I think Joe was the horse my sister rode. Covered Wagon Ranch was a wonderful experiance, and I hope my dad and grandparents will take us again sometime. it was so fun. I was there during fourth of july, so I got to go to a rodeo. It was realy fun and I had a great time. It’s been almost a year and I still miss Deuce. Thats how great a horse he is.
What a wonderful thing to say Taly! I most definitely know exactly who you are. Deuce and Joe are doing awesome and say “neigh” to you!! I know your parents and grandparents have talked about getting back here some time in the future, so I hope it happens too!! I’ll give Deuce a treat from you and keep riding!