Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Cowboy And Stallion Influences

Most little boys were inspired to become cowboys decades ago when Westerns dominated theatres and television.

For the majority it was a passing craze soon forgotten as sports, girls, and other ventures dominated lives.

That was not true for everyone as there were a limited number who still “always wanted to be a cowboy.”

There are countless who must be credited for providing continued inspiration for life’s goal.

Foremost were parents who were lifelong horse enthusiasts insisting their son always wear cowboy boots. When they finally gave in to acquiring his own horse when he was 11 years old, the “real cowboy” goal enhanced.

Everyone with a horse was a hero as opportunities expanded through training for and becoming close friends with working cowboys.

Recent passing of world-renowned cowboy acknowledged Quarter Horse breeder-elite Duane Walker brought reflections of his many positive influences.

Tribute to Duane and his gray stallion Jackie Bee are in the syndicated “For The Love Of Horses.”

“Everybody’s friend” is the best description of Duane Walker yet national notoriety came through Jackie Bee. He was “ahead of his time” in color, size, quality, and disposition carried into offspring.

Jackie Bee did not have showring or performance genes, or even local popularity, but importantly Duane Walker’s insightfulness of potential.

First impact of Duane and Jackie came when acquiring a mare bred to a son of Jackie Bee. The brown foal called Fella was a winner in every competition climaxing as champion at a regional fair. As a gelding, he was gentle, pretty, and a nice riding horse.

Of course, a gray offspring of Jackie Bee was desired but everybody else thought the same. Gray foals sired by Jackie Bee sold for record prices at Duane’s annual Tee Jay Quarter Horses Sale.

Gray babies were unaffordable, but fortunately a fancy “brown” colt nicknamed “Tee Jay” became purchasable. First day in the barn garnered praise for the colt which claimed local show titles. Finest demeanor under saddle, “Tee Jay” never claimed prominence while siblings became world champions.

Continually wanting to own a gray Jackie Bee offspring, a grandson is as close as it came. The Duane Walker-Jackie Bee influence continues in the half dozen gray broodmares grazing ranch pastures.

Reminded of Psalm 112:9: “His deeds will never be forgotten. He shall have influence and honor.”

+++ALLELUIA+++

XVII–33–8-13-2023

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