Here's an article from last year's "Caroling on Horseback"

On Dude! On Buck! On Hickory, On Rimrock...
Wait a minute. Those aren't the names of any reindeer.
They are, however, the names of some colorfully festooned horses that help bring a little Christmas cheer to area Ranches and Sun Lake Residents. Several years ago, Dane Hovey and Herman Tietgens had a wonderful idea. “Let’s go caroling on horseback”,

After a small start of a dozen or so horses, their group has grown to over 80 decorated horses. Dane and Herman have had to add hay carts pulled by tractors for all the non-riders that want to participate. But be advised; this is still a hoof affair.

The group starts out at the Sawgrass Preserve going ranch-to-ranch singing Christmas carols to amused residents. They end up at the entrance to Sun Lake Estates where residents receive them with snacks and hot chocolate. The fellowship is great since most of the residents are separated from extended families. Then then end up at the Wolcott Ranch for bonfire and party.

The Cowboy Carolers share carols such as "Silent Night" as well as joyful anthems like "Hark the Harold Angels Sing." Jingle Bells seems to be a crowd favorite as well. But don’t look for choir quality here. It’s the spirit that counts.

The horses are involved too. They keep the rhythm by pawing the ground with their hoofs, while most steeds are clearly embarrassed by the Santa hats, bows and multitude of flashing lights.

Caroling on horseback is a tradition Dane and Herman started twelve years ago. As their quarter mile-long parade draws more attention, the number of people asking to go along has grown. We had 80+ horses and twice that in non-riders last year. Cost - One unwrapped toy for Charity.

Riders put a lot of work into setup to prepare all of the gear. Every light strand needs a battery pack. Arrangements have to be made for the wagons and tractors. Pulling the resources together for safety. Some of the riders are Cowboy Mounted Shooters and are experienced Equestrians. They act as Trail Bosses.

But Dane and Herman approach it all with aplomb -- the event is one way they celebrate their Christmas – “Western style”. "Some people think it's crazy, Dane shared," "But it's a way of preserving a little bit of the way it used to be." And I believe there’s something special about that.

Edited by author 11-20-2009 07:50 AM

Needs a home 14.2h black white pinto mare

Anyone know of a home for a 14.2h black and white 8 yr old pinto mare? She's been used as a brood mare, she was started under saddle but has not been ridden at all recently. She would need to be restarted. She has not been tested for homozygous but her foals that I know of by solid stallions have been pinto, so most likely she is homozygous. Easy to handle, loads overall a good girl. Up to date on all hots, worming, etc current coggins. kriwai@aol.com 352-209-0027

Lone Wolf, I think Denny's "C" game is for "Chinks/Chapman". You would have to be an "L/McCrary" by his rules. I really enjoy reading this list.
You guys are great. Look forward to seeing everyone this weekend.

The two great shooting prospects are still available! Refer to earlier posts or e-mail to find out more about them. Both are reg. QH. one has had riffle shot off him! Both under 3,000! Meagan Wilson Msmilinjuscuz@aol.com 352 895 4683.

Mane N Tail products will be available at a discount at my trailer during the State match this weekend - and Deke will have his gunsmithing/guncleaning table set up there as well. We're also bringing some Suncoast Bedding to give away at awards and look forward to seeing everyone!

Denny, let Deke know that he needs to work on my rifle. Thankyou

Can not wait see everyone!!!!!

Deke and Denny will be there first thing in the morning. Deke might need some help setting up his work bench. He has everything loaded but Stephanie and I won't be up there until we get the horses taken care of at both farms. See you all tomorrow. I hope to have at least one outfit for sale tomorrow.

Dixie, I will be on the look out for Deke and do what I can to help him set up.

Well, the 1st day of the State Championship is completed. 65 SHOOTERS! Fantastic! Looks like no one at Level 5 wants to win though...LOL.

More updates - The Best Sportmanship - Outlaw Granny, Most Improved - Muleskinner Carol, Performance Horse - Hickory and Nutty Cowboy - Sundance.

New Board Members - Loco Shooter, Zoe James, Desporado Duke and Buffalo John. They will join the 2nd year Veterans staying aboard! Extreme thanks to our BOD for 2009 and Good Luck to our new board for 2010!

I like your new website - Congrats to Denny & Spanky on the Xtreme stage win yesterday. Everyone have a great time and enjoy your weekend - safe travels home.

Congrats to Outlaw Granny & Muleskinner Carol - Dane are you the Nutty Cowboy?

If anyone found a Las Vegas Harley jacket please let me know.

It's good to have experienced building contractors in the group. At the beginning of the last stage of the State Match, a horse went kinda through, sorta over the corner of the rail in the arena. Two whole sections of large pvc pipe were wiped out......broken in pieces. Not to worry. Buffalo Bert saved the day with this superior knowledge of building techniques. He took a roll of DUCT TAPE and repaired the whole mess in about 5 minutes. I wonder if that was on the contractors license test?

I want to thank everyone so much, for the Most Improved award. Although I have to say, nearly anything would have been an improvement over what we started with. Now I have to start practicing my gun handling so I can keep up with Sadie Mae.

What a great weekend! My first SASS match was soooo much fun. I really, really, really enjoyed the "kookey" patterns with the swoops and swirls. They were very challenging for both horse and rider. I was kinda worried about them before the match, but after we got going, it was so much fun. Thanks for the hospitality, and a special thanks to your outgoing Prez, Lone Wolf, for reaching out to Denise and I minutes after we arrived on site to offer his assistance.

You guys run a classy outfit, and you put on a great match. Thanks for all the hospitality. It was nice to meet other folks who enjoy killing balloons as much as I do..........Stay Safe Everyone!!!