Wednesday Mini Mag

Saturday, September 26 was the Kansas Horse Council Region 2 trail ride at Randolph State Park, coordinated by Pattie Stalder.

The event drew 32 riders on a warm and sunny Saturday!

Guest Speakers over the lunch hour included Olivia Huddleston of Kansas Trails Council, Luc Valentin, a dedicated trail steward, Diana Skinner with Back Country Horsemen of KS (accompanied by Sheila Watkins-BCHKS) and Todd Lovin, the Tuttle Creek Parks Manager.

Trails there are technical and Ozark like, which provided a nice challenge to the riders. Age of riders was 6 years on up to 70+. The overarching goal of this Region 2 event was to

encourage support of the park trails, maybe develop a chapter of BCHA-KS folks or a Friends group to help steward and maintain the park trail system as there is not currently a group in place (just a few individuals) for future continuation of maintenance and improvements.

While most of the riders were from Wichita, there were several within an hour distance who were interested in helping if a workday is scheduled in the future. Workday planners will notify KHC and we will share news with BCHA-KS. All parties will post these workdays on FB to encourage volunteer support. It was also reiterated that any group riders using these trails do help to keep them cleared, just by usage! Bring your friends to Randolph and ride some trail!

A Cowboy’s Faith By Frank J. Buchman

Descendants Continue Farm Tradition

“Just ask Bobby McNeill he’ll be able to tell you.” That was the response when someone wondered about weather, market prices, any information from decades gone by. The Newton farmer had the best memory of happenings in agriculture, family and community for 90 years. Heartfelt sadness streamed after a call that the uncle-in-law passed away. Since death of his wife Dolores two years ago, Bobby remained active first consideration for family and farming. Yet, in recent clearly written cards, he admitted loneliness missing his spouse of 64 years. When ailment intruded the lengthy lifetime, Bobby was intent to stay in his farm home. Six daughters and two sons, affectionately calling him “Pa,” were dedicated loving caretakers. Growing up on his Mom’s family farm, Bobby experienced hardships of the Dirty 30s Great Depression. Actually appreciated in maturity, Bobby was expected by his grandfather to do a man’s work as a boy. Modern technology was limited as horse and mule teams powered farm machinery. Work was done by hand milking cows, gathering eggs, slopping hogs twice daily. (Appropriately, Bobby harnessed ponies Trigger and Pat to the carriage for leaving the church on personal wedding day 48-years ago.)

Born into a devout family, prayer was present all of Bobby’s close-knit farm life. Regardless blizzard or smoldering summer, church was every Sunday. It was a long 20-mile journey each direction for Bobby’s family with a team and carriage before automobiles. Sisters, resembling each other, married an uncle and his nephew Bobby making relatives on both sides of the family. When Bobby proposed to Dolores despite apparent love, her demand was saying the rosary together every day. His promise was never broken. Farm burdens existed without remorse while family devotion persisted as the children were always in their parochial school chairs. Generally having some off-farm income, Bobby was forever generous helping others during harvest, silo filling, whatever must be done. Donating five gallons of blood during his lifetime, Bobby was a leader in church and community. Seldom missing morning coffee shoptalk with farm cronies, Bobby regularly attended farm auctions and weekly livestock sales. Appropriately two of Bobby’s tractors followed the hearse in funeral procession. Into eternity Bobby’s service will remain through his children, 27 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. Reminded of Esther 8:27: “Generational traditions shall be continued by descendants.” +++ALLELUIA+++ XIV--42--10-18-2020