I have a story I’d like to be told:
Our daughter was a young lass eight years old,
We were on vacation in Wyoming
And planned a horse ride one early morning.
We saddled up our steeds to start our dia
Father, Mother, Grandparents, Alicia
Her maiden voyage started peacefully
As we rode to the cowbow grill with glee.
We finished breakfast in a gentle rain
And remounted our horses once again.
On the trail ahead was a broken branch
That snapped back into her horse from the ranch.
The startled horse raised itself in a fright
And our daughter fell off him to her right.
We dismounted and quickly came to aid.
And decided right then to help our maid
By picking her up and replacing fears.
On the saddle once more after some tears.
Phase two of our plan allowed her to roam
On a ranch near granny and ba-ba’s home.
Taking lessons each weekend for a year
Gaining skill and balance, learning the gear.
Riding bareback at first on old Brandy,
He wasn’t Black Stallion, but was dandy
The owners of the ranch had a good plan, too
They began seeing what Alicia could do.
Her next rides they determined could now be
On a liver chestnut mare they could see
Would be perfect for Alicia’s new skill.
She saddled her and hoped she’d fit the bill.
Tigo and her were like one from the start
It was difficult to pull them apart.
Friday night sleepovers watching the moon.
Saturdays were spent from dawn ‘till afternoon
Brushing her, currying, riding, washing
Staying with grandparents, T.V. watching
These things were the norm for many a moon
Then came the chance to purchase Tigo soon.
First, Billy Robertson’s place on the Kern
Was enjoyed with Tigo as they both learned.
Berkshire’s on Brimhall was next in line
They had fun together, oh, it was fine!
Rides with Mom and Druval were a delight
Both of them relished these times spent ‘till night.
On to Grubb’s place was the next stopping point
For a short time- then we bailed from the joint
And settled at Rio Bravo a spell.
Seven years of good times riding pell- mell
Up and down the trails she talked and laughed on.
She rode from the dawn till the sun was gone
Growing closer to Tigo all the time
And enjoying her through every clime.
Granny on Jessie and Mom on Shorty
And her on Tigo made quite a posse.
Moving on to Valley Tree they were three
Amigos sharing good times, they were carefree.
When she could come home from marriage and school.
They were both maturing- it was so cool!
In her absence mom, granny and ba- ba
Took care of her pal, even her pa- pa!
Two years ago Mom lost her pet, Shorty
And Rio’s been a handful, but sporty.
Ba-ba’s ridden Tigo when she couldn’t,
Alicia rode Tigo when most wouldn’t.
Her love for her pal was not unnoticed.
Tigo whinnied and pranced, we knew she wished
For Alicia on her rushing ahead
Over hill and dale and through green orchard.
Like old times together they both could share
All the memories from that first days care.
Her pal and best friend for many a year
Was beginning to slow and we had fear
She would someday not be able to ride.
Alicia came home to be by her side,
When she could, and she loved hugging her mare
And caring for her –they were still a pair!
Lately she couldn’t saddle her at all
But being together helped her to recall
The wonderful memories they had shared.
Her husband came to know how she had cared
By listening to stories of their deeds
And watching Alicia even do her leads
When she rode her pal almost to the end.
And looking at pictures at every bend.
Alicia visited her just days ago
One last final time, but she couldn’t know.
Tigo bravely stood so she wouldn’t show
How much she was hurting, she couldn’t flow
With her friend on her back-her leg would bow.
Thank you Jesus she saw her Tigo
Before you took her up for her last rides
She is surely waiting by the angel’s sides
We know these past days have not been easy,
But God in heaven has been real busy
Training her friend for a mighty warrior
Coming to Earth with our Lord and Savior.
—Warren Pechin
Warren Pechin has lived in Bakersfield since 1951 and joined WOK about one year ago. He is currently refreshing a twenty-year old novel he wrote with an architectural theme, Retribution, and a non-fiction book, Historical Bakersfield Buildings, both hopefully completed early next year. He is a licensed CA architect.