Gary Cole of Penrose, Colo., and Marlene Reynolds of Yoder, Colo., are mounted and ready to ride into the arena to open the National Western Texas Longhorn Show.

Marlene sung the National Anthem and Gary Lake of Ellicott, Colo., foreman of the Searle Ranch, offered a benediction, in which, among other things, he thanked the Lord for the nice weather during the two-day Longhorn show. See the story and results in this issue.

Send us your favorite unique Longhorn photos!

We would love to share some of them here in the ITLA's E-Drover.

Larry Lonero,

President of ITLA

We Are Off to a Strong Start

The ITLA just completed its' 2014 Judging Clinic webinar and it was a grand success measured on several levels. First (and most important) we had great participation. We had participants from Canada, Belgium, Israel, Australia and the United States. Eighty Five (85) breeders from around the world joined in our two evening presentation on cattle evaluation, breeding and selection. The webinar was emceed by Darol Dickinson with assistance from Lana Hightower and Lizz Huntsberry.

Most exciting to me was the support and participation from TLBAA members and their leadership. Traditionally, there has been a wide chasm between the ITLA show circuit and the TLBAA show circuit. While the ITLA has always had a breeder-centric show program the TLBAA has always focused on a more single trait, beef cattle oriented approach. As they study ways to modernize their show program they have looked to the ITLA Certified Judge system to help. I want to thank TLBAA Show Committee Chairman Kevin Rooker for his support and participation in the webinar.

ITLA Founding Member Stan Searle said it best:

"The judging/evaluation webinars are continuing to break ground--world wide--in preserving and promoting the Texas Longhorn breed!

The only way to maintain the Longhorn's intrinsic virtues and value is to educate those who aspire to raise these cattle. Left to short term economics, we could easily forfeit the long term economic value of the breed. Adaptability--the composite characteristic resulting from the diverse "genetic gold mine" championed by Dr. Jan Bonsma and Dr. Stewart Fowler--will be lost if we replace accepted breed standards with a narrow, single trait evaluation. The best hope is in practical education through webinars, seminars, field days and published articles.

If the primary "education" taking place is at high profile sales and shows, we will most likely wind up chasing the wrong rabbit. One has to look no further than Herefords, Collies and Quarter Horses to see where exclusive focus on show rings and auctions will take a breed."

In the macro, the goal of the ITLA show program is to maintain the intrinsic virtues and values of our breed. In the micro, the Judging Clinic is one powerful tool to educate breeders on how to do just that. When you have two breed associations that are going in polar opposite directions in defining what characteristics are important to our breed it is sure to harm our chances for long term success. When all organizations can agree and pull in the same direction our success is guaranteed. Any time the ITLA and TLBAA can share common values and goals our industry and our breeders will benefit. I hope that this is the first of many ideas that both breed organizations can agree upon and cooperate on.

We are off to a strong start for 2014. Coming off of the amazing 9,800 free registrations and transfers during the ITLA/TLMA promotion and this months' ITLA Webinar with participation from the TLBAA I can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings. But whatever it brings, I can promise you that it will involve the ITLA reaching out across our industry, regardless of affiliation. In my twenty plus years in the Texas Longhorn industry I've heard many people say, "it's all about the cattle." The ITLA is determined to live that value every day.

Sincerely,

Larry Lonero

President ITLA

Texas Longhorns at the National Western Stock Show

By Randy Witte

Denver's big winter event, the 108th annual National Western Stock Show, ran January 11-26, featuring some 70 livestock breed shows including the Texas Longhorn show. For the eighth straight year, the stock show was kicked off with a Longhorn cattle drive along downtown Denver's 17th street, and the crowd was bigger than ever.

Stan Searle rides point while leading his cows down through Denver's financial district

Stan Searle of Monument, Colo., provides the cattle. Ranch foreman Gary Lake of Ellicott, Colo., provides the cowboys, and Denverites crowd along both sides of the street to cheer as they watch a bit of the Old West come alive. Gary said the crowd was the biggest yet-"at least 35,000 people watched it this year," he said.

The good-looking Searle cows enthralled an estimated 35,000 spectators during the National Western Stock Show parade in Denver last month.

Stan always rides point, and visits with by-standers, reporters and photographers as the herd travels through normally busy intersections, passes over steamy grates in the street, and parades past the venerable Brown Palace Hotel.

Longhorns returned to the stock show grounds for five days, which included a two-day show that created a bit of history in that the show was sanctioned for the first time by both national associations-the International Texas Longhorn Association and the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America.

Seventy-three head of cattle were entered in the show, which was produced by the regional affiliates of both national associations, the Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association (ITLA) and the Mountains and Plains Texas Longhorn Association (TLBAA).

The two affiliates pooled their efforts for the first time a year ago, when Mountains and Plains invited Mountain States to help hold an open show at Denver's National Western, and then worked together to have the 2014 show sanctioned by both ITLA and TLBAA.

Since then, a lot of these regional Longhorn breeders have become members of both affiliates and both national associations.

So, for the first time in the National Western show's history, cattle could be registered in one or both associations, with show points counting toward qualification in championship / world shows of both ITLA and TLBAA respectively. Cattle were shown and judged in classes together, and exhibitors had the option of having points tabulated for their cattle in one or both associations.

Another first for the show this year came in the form of beautiful trophy belt buckles for top winners, in addition to the ribbons, banners and $5,370 in premiums.

Lana Hightower of Van, Tex., judged the show, and she was well suited for this role. She and her husband, Dr. Gene Hightower, have produced 13 TLBAA world champions, one reserve grand champion and one grand champion. She has judged Texas Longhorn shows throughout the country, including the ITLA Championship Show and the TLBAA World Show trophy steer division. Lana is also currently serving as a TLBAA director.

There was also a youth/pee wee show, and Barb Fillmore of Elbert, Colo. (left, rear) assisted her grandson, Brody Weston, daughter Ashley Fillmore, and grand-daughter Savanah Weston, as they led their cattle around the arena.

Jim Civis of Lamar, Colo., served as announcer. He and his wife, Betty, have been longtime Longhorn breeders, although they are sitting out of the breeding business these days because of the prolonged drought in their part of the state. Jim was ably assisted with his announcing duties by John Nelson of Wellington, Colo., who with his wife, Darlene, also produced a slick, colorful program for the show.

Lana Pearson of Fowler, Colo., for years has been the "go to" person at the Denver show, and again she was the "first to arrive and last to leave" during the five days the cattle were exhibited in the historic Denver stockyards. The show itself included a haltered and non-haltered division that spanned two days. The rest of the time allowed cattle to be viewed in pens by stock show visitors. Questions were asked and answered, and a hospitality tent was set up adjacent to the pens, offering hot drinks and snacks to visitors. A special "tent party" was held for exhibitors following the Friday show.

Gary Lake served as ring steward for the halter show, and then ramrodded the cattle movements from pen to pen during the un-haltered show. Kenny Richardson of Greeley, Colo., assumed ring steward duties for the un-haltered show. Kenny is also current president of Mountains and Plains, and made a point of inviting "everyone from ITLA" to the Mountains and Plains annual banquet Saturday night.

The National Western Texas Longhorn Show Committee, which consists of equal representation from both affiliates, cordially invites one and all to enter the 2015 show. Entries are due in November - watch for details later.

See below for the results of the 2014 show.

National Western Longhorn Show Results

submitted by Randy Witte

Haltered Show

Tom Matott and his son, J.R., both of Castle Rock, Colo., with Grand Champion Senior Heifer in the haltered division, Cindra CB

Junior Bulls (born March 1 - April 30, 2013):

First is Anders Maple Syrup (Jet Master Black Anders x Anders MW Maple Wish), owned by Haley Anders of Crawford, Nebraska. Second is Rio Solomon (Warrior 11 x Caf� Rio), owned by Clyde and Virginia Peek of Franktown, Colorado.

Senior Bulls (born May 1 - August 31, 2012): First is Golly Moses (Bat Man x Good Golly), owned by Clyde and Virginia Peek.

Senior Bulls (born January 1 - April 30, 2012): First is Anders Midnight Shadow (Anders Safari x DL Jet Black Midnight), owned by Haley Anders. Second is Brave Heart (Mile High Magic x Ducey Lucy), owned by Gary Geisert of Calhan, Colorado.

Senior Champion Haltered Bull and Grand Champion Haltered Bull is Golly Moses. Reserve Champion Haltered Senior Bull and Reserve Grand Champion Haltered Bull is Anders Midnight Shadow.

Senior Heifers (born May 1 - April 30, 2013): First is M2 Rio Delilah (Samson 26 x BL Rio Dandy 818), owned by Tom Matott of Castle Rock, Colorado. Second is WF Rolls Royce (WF Checkers x Trophy Top), owned by J.R. Matott of Castle Rock, Colorado.

Senior Heifers (born January 1 - April 30, 2012): First is M2 Cooter Mountain (Cowboy Chex x Cooter Hill), owned by Tom Matott. Second is M2 Diamond Boogie (DNA Temptations Boogie x Inita), owned by Tom Matott.

Jodi Richardson of Greeley, Colo., showed her dad's cow, KCL Kerosene, to Grand Champion Haltered Mature Cow

First Calf Heifers (born 2011): First is Cindra CB (Cimmaron EOT 24/8 x Allmendra Gail 756), owned by Tom Matott. Second is FCL Gypsy Queen (Over Kill x Shy Speaker), owned by Kenny Richardson of Greeley, Colorado.

Champion Haltered Senior Heifer and Grand Champion Haltered Heifer is Cindra CB, owned by Tom Matott. Reserve Champion Haltered Heifer and Reserve Grand Champion Haltered Heifer is FCL Gypsy Queen, owned by Kenny Richardson.

Mature Cows (born 2010 - 2007): First is KCL Kerosene (Sailor x PV O Suzie Q), owned by Kenny Richardson of Greeley, Colorado.

Mature Cows (born 2006 and before): First is SV Buttons and Bows (Two Eagles 644 x Two Eagles Just Because), owned by Kenny Richardson.

Grand Champion Haltered Mature Cow is KCL Kerosene, owned by Kenny Richardson. Reserve Grand Champion Haltered Mature Cow is SV Buttons and Bows, owned by Kenny Richardson.

Non-Haltered Show

Junior Heifers (born May 1 - June 30, 2013): First is Merida (Gee Whiz x Prickly Sarah), owned by Gary Geisert of Calhan, Colorado. Second is Keechi Blue Nellie, owned by Julie Balzan of Wheatland, Wyoming.

Junior Heifers (born March 1 - April 30, 2013): First is Geez Louise (Rangers Gun x Gee Whiz), owned by Randy and Marsha Witte of Peyton, Colorado. Second is Windy Point Delvira (Apishapa Black x Windy Point Dixie Charis), owned by Ron and Lana Pearson of Fowler, Colorado.

Clyde Peek and his Grand Champion Haltered Bull, Golly Moses, posed in the winner's circle with his son, Kevin, and wife, Ginny.

Junior Heifers (born January 1 - February 28, 2013): First is Windy Point Jada (Apishapa Black x Windy Point Shawnee Red), owned by Ron and Lana Pearson of Fowler, Colorado. Second is Windy Point Trixy (Apishapa Black x Windy Point Spice A 20x), owned by Ron and Lana Pearson.

Champion Non-Haltered Junior Heifer is Geez Louise owned by Randy and Marsha Witte. Reserve Champion Non-Haltered Junior Heifer is Windy Point Jada owned by Ron and Lana Pearson.

Senior Heifers (born May 1 - August 31, 2012): First is CB Mordrag (Drag Iron x GT Mormoraia), owned by John and Darlene Nelson of Wellington, Colorado. Second is Texas Fancy Yahtzee (Little Big Horn 7 x Texas Fancy Domino), owned by Robert and Julie Balzan of Wheatland, Wyoming.

Senior Heifers (born January 1 - April 30, 2012): First is Jake's Sweet Hussy (Bar H Jake x Sweet Hussy), owned by Randy and Marsha Witte of Peyton, Colorado. Second is Pretty Savy (Bar H Jake x Mile High Lady), owned by Randy and Marsha Witte.

Champion Non-Haltered Senior Heifer and Grand Champion Non-Haltered Heifer is Jakes Sweet Hussy owned by Randy and Marsha Witte. Reserve Champion Non-Haltered Senior Heifer and Reserve Grand Champion Non-Haltered Heifer is Shamrock Angel Baby owned by John and Darlene Nelson.

Mature Cows (born 2010): First is Rangers Gun (Winchester x Rangerizm), owned by Randy and Marsha Witte of Peyton, Colorado. Second is Smokin Dot (St Smokeabull x 7-11 Pokadot), owned by Randy and Marsha Witte.

Marsha Witte and Gary Lake escort Marsha's heifer Sweet Hussy out of the pen and into the show arena where Sweet Hussy was named Grand Champion Non-Haltered Heifer.

Mature Cows (born 2009): First is Good Golly (Mile High 3-1 x Molly Miss May), owned by Clyde and Virginia Peek of Franktown, Colorado. Second is Keechi Ghost (Matador Monarch Ranger x Keechi Nellie), owned by Robert and Julie Balzan of Wheatland, Wyoming.

Mature Cows (born 2008 - 2007): First is Shadow Dancer (Superstitious x Unfeathered) owned by Randy and Marsha Witte of Peyton, Colorado. Second is RRR Miss Anna 809 (WS Road to Prediction x Anasazi Appeal), owned by John and Darlene Nelson of Wellington, Colorado.

Mature Cows (born 2006 and before): First is Hot Ta Molly (Senate Style x Hot Spot), owned by Barbara Fillmore of Elbert, Colorado. Second is Windy Point Dearest 2 Red (Windy Point Red Shadow x Windy Point Dixie Charis), owned by Ron and Lana Pearson of Fowler, Colorado.

Grand Champion Non-Haltered Mature Cow is Good Golly, owned by Clyde and Virginia Peek. Reserve Grand Champion Non-Haltered Mature Cow is Hot Ta Molly, owned by Barbara Fillmore.

Bulls (born April 1 - June 30, 2013): First is Golly Jasper (Warrior 11 x Good Golly), owned by Clyde and Virginia Peek of Franktown, Colorado. Second is Sunrise 2013 (Classic Sittin Bull x Gemelli Rossi), owned by Robert and Julie Balzan of Wheatland, Wyoming.

"Henry," Grand Champion All Age Steer at NWSS. Owned by Barnes / Searle partnership

Bulls (born January 1 - March 31, 2013): First is I'm Hip (Gee Whiz x Hippy Lady), owned by Randy and Marsha Witte of Peyton, Colorado. Second is Warrior's Beau Cephas (Warrior II x Mile High Molly), owned by Clyde and Virginia Peek of Franktown, Colorado.

Champion Non-Haltered Bull is I'm Hip, owned by Wittes. Reserve Champion is Warrior's Beau Cephas, owned by Peeks.

Junior Steers (born May 1 2013 - December 31, 2012): First is Bullett 242 (Bar H Jake x Celine 20), owned by Gary Cole of Penrose, Colorado. Second is Hoss (Patriot Games x I'm a Hossy), owned by Randy and Marsha Witte.

Senior Steers (born 2011 and 2010): First is Shoot Em Up (Winchester x Lady Zhivago), owned by Stan Searle of Monument, Colorado.

Senior Steers (born 2007 and before): First is Henry (Shadowizm x Country D'Lyte), owned by Doug Barnes of Centennial, Colorado. Second is PRL Son of a Sailor (Sailor x PRL Dangerous Curves), owned by Gary Cole of Penrose, Colorado.

Champion Non-Haltered Steer is Henry, owned by Doug Barnes. Reserve Champion Non-Haltered Steer is Homer, owned by Randy and Marsha Witte.

Thank You to Everyone for a Great Show!!

Sincerely,

Randy Witte (MSTLA President) and Kenny Richardson (MPTLA President)

Co-Chairmen of National Western Texas Longhorn Show Committee

Midwest Texas Longhorn Association (MTLA) Holds January Meeting

MTLA logo_Midwest Texas Longhorn Association Members of the Midwest Texas Longhorn Association braved the elements to attend our quarterly meeting this past January. This year we anticipated Mother Nature's cruel sense of humor (as she has shown us past years) and offered INDOOR parking as guests of the Eiteljorg Museum American Indians and Western Art in downtown Indianapolis. In all, almost 40 members attended as a chance to visit and see the largest collection of western art east of the Mississippi.

On arrival, members were greeted by the museum staff, given VIP badges and escorted to a private area adjoining the restaurant where we could hold our meeting. After ordering lunch the business portion of the meeting was held.

Most of the meeting concerned the MTLA qualifying show to be held this June 7th at the Dearborn County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceburg Indiana. Arrangements have been made for the Youth, Showmanship, Haltered and Open classes. Sponsors have been lined up and committed and the Lewis family is talking with the Casino across the road in an effort to bring their guests to the show. It promises to be our best show yet. There was talk of having Bovine Bingo again as this was one of the most fun parts of the day. Dave Hackney has a few ideas he will follow up on to locate a heifer to raffle. Members were asked to bring items for the silent auction as this is our only fundraiser of the year and the results go a long way toward paying for the show expenses.

Gayle Cox, Board Member of the Museum gives an overview

Chrissy Perry brought all the Tshirts and sweatshirts with our logo that had been ordered. Courtney Tomey has been hard at work coming up with activities to promote our youth program since she was appointed to head this new committee. We also welcomed new members Ed Callan from Newburg Ohio and Connie Cohen from Perrysville Indiana who joined that day.

After the business portion, the meeting was turned over to Gayle Cox to welcome our group and offer a guided tour. Gayle serves on the board of directors at the museum and had a wealth of knowledge about Indian culture and western art. The group viewed the exhibits for several hours then due to the weather people started heading for home. All in all it was a great get together during our rough winter.

Below, the club takes a moment to pose for a picture.

submitted by Tim Mills

Jim & Jodi Small 765-793-0266 longhorncattle.tripod.com hdwe@hotmail.com

Contact: Trey Whichard Family Trey@FourWRanch.com

Kathy Berryman (1950-2014)

Kathy Berryman, 63, of Angleton, TX passed away Thursday, January 23rd at home after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. She was born to J. J. and Queen Farmer on March 1, 1950.

She is survived by her husband, Kenny Berryman; sons, David Wolf of Sugar Land, TX, Stormy Wolf (Lori) of Lake Jackson, TX and stepson, Jimmy Berryman (Victoria) of Highlands, TX; grandchildren, Bryton Wolf, Chaney Wolf, Caylynn Wolf, Kelly Wallace, Dustin Lacaze, Cody Lacaze, Alexis Berryman, Chesney Berryman and Kiersten Berryman. Her greatest joy was to be a "gran" to her grandchildren.

The family would like to send a special thank you to A-Med Hospice and a special angel, Mary Joseph, your grace and kindness in our mom's final hours will never be forgotten.

source: http://southpark.tributes.com/our_obituaries/Kathy-Berryman-98697362

Gary Don & Joanna Taylor 9314 220th St NE Okarche, OK 73762 405-919-5210

www.TaylorRanchLonghorns.com

Texas Longhorn Judges Use World-Wide Webinar

Glen Rose, Texas -PRESS RELEASE

The International Texas Longhorn Assn (ITLA) of Glen Rose, Texas just completed the 28th Judges Training Clinic with 85 participants, thanks to world wide webinar technology.

ITLA has developed a judging system that is designed to protect the legendary Texas Longhorn cattle breed's unique nature-designed anatomy. For over 500 years this first cattle breed in North America has evolved to have special qualities of longevity, stamina, calving shapes, substance, athletic form and colors as original as a rainbow.

Although most cattle breeds have lost the identity of their colorful individual history, the Texas Longhorn industry is working to preserve special value traits with breeder/trained judges who respect what natural selection has perfected.

The ITLA has conducted 26 Judges Clinics with over 400 graphic power point illustrations. Aspiring judges have traveled great distances to train under live, all-day clinics. Now, with world wide webinar technology, each judge can take original or refresher training on their own internet. The February 4 and 11 clinics were the 28th of these detailed training efforts.

Texas Longhorn evaluators participated in five countries for 6 hours with 85 on line for a total webinar broadcast of 33,420 minutes of professional training.

Texas Longhorns are judged somewhat like other cattle breeds, yet with more scrutiny concerning bone structure for fertility, longevity and lean beef efficiency, often 100% grass fed. Certain anatomy details are preserved in consideration of unique breed form, value colors, disposition, and ancestral horn development.

Presenter/instructors included Lana Hightower, Van, Tex, Lizz Huntzberry, Smithsburg, Md, ITLA President Larry Lonero, Brenham, Tex, and Darol Dickinson, Barnesville, Ohio. Technical concepts and production coordination was orchestrated by Kirk Dickinson, Barnesville, Ohio.

Both the Texas Longhorn Breeders Assn of America and the International Texas Longhorn Assn worked together for this joint effort.

President of ITLA Larry Lonero states, "It is imperative that the associations protect the integrity of this famous breed and not fall into a common generic mold of bovine "sameness." It is a special breed and the approved show judges system will assure it retains these nature-designed qualities."

* * * *

The 28th ITLA Judges Clinic was available February 4 and 11 world-wide on high speed internet systems. Training of Texas Longhorn cattle judges was received by 85 potential judges from 5 countries for a total clinic teaching session of 33,430 webinar minutes.

LEGACY X

Tomorrow is the last day to book your

Legacy Sale X hotel room

at the reduced price!

Book now and don't miss out on the savings !

>>CLICK HERE BOOK YOUR ROOMS NOW!<<

Watch History Being Made...

The First 90"Cow Ever to Be Sold

So plan on being part of Longhorn history

on March 14-15 at the

Legacy X

To get more information contact us at:

thelegacysale@gmail.com or 512-556-0300

Texas Longhorns the center of Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive

Downtown cattle drive kicks off rodeo

BY VIANNA DAVILA MySanAntonio.com

SAN ANTONIO - It was a Texas traffic jam - just a stone's throw from the Alamo.

About 100 head of Texas longhorn cattle trotted down Houston Street on Saturday morning, flanked by cowboys on horseback and a couple of cow dogs for good measure, as scores of onlookers cheered them on.

If there's one rule of thumb about herding that many Longhorns through a major urban center, it's this: They walk as fast as they want to.

"You just let 'em walk out," said Wayne Zamzow, one of the dozens of cowboys who guided the cattle through downtown. "You can't push them."

The Longhorns, part of a herd from Adkins, led the seventh annual Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive, kicking off the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The rodeo begins Thursday and runs through Feb. 23.

"The Longhorns have been released," said Clay Carabajal, the event announcer, as the parade started around 11 a.m. The procession began under Interstate 35 near Christus Santa Rosa Hospital and then snaked down Houston Street, ending just past the Alamo.

Even before the parade began, Bentley Ray, 3, swung his lasso around in the air as he waited for the big herd to rumble by.

"I'm going to round up the cows," he said, despite the fact that his cowboy hat was perhaps a size too big and kept slipping down over his eyes.

"This is a treat," said his grandmother, Linda Valdez. The family lives on a ranch in Floresville, which is apparently a kind of cowboy country of its own, at least according to Bentley.

"I live in the wild west," he said.

The parade featured an array of groups representing different aspects of Western heritage: the San Antonio Charro Association, the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Association and the Spanish Cultural & Historical Society. There were wagons and stagecoaches. Children "oohed" and "aahed" as miniature horses from La Vernia trotted down the street.

Sandi Ward and her family moved from San Francisco to San Antonio three years ago, but this was their first time checking out the cattle parade.

"This is why you live here," she said, as her daughters Lola Grace, 2, and Stella Rose, 4, squealed at the passing cattle and horses.

Two strangers who'd grabbed viewing spots closer to the street offered to hold the girls so they could get a better look at the action.

"I see horses! I see cowboys!" cried out Lola Grace.

The fact that the cattle drive runs right through the middle of downtown perhaps seemed a little odd at first, Ward said.

But, she said, "I think that's what makes Texas Texas."

Roger & Carol Hutton
Argyle, Texas www.cloud9longhorns.com 214-402-3587 roger@cloud9longhorns.com

BARLCATTLE.COM Larry@BarLCattle.com

BUSINESS BITS: Reminiscing about LS Ranches and Longhorns

YourGlenRoseTX.com: Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Your

Late one Saturday afternoon, I turned on the television to relax after a long day. On the screen was "Centennial," made from James Michener`s best-selling novel that chronicled the settling of the West. This account, written in third person because I do not like to use the word "I," will give us all a respite from my earlier articles on economic development and those yet to come.

In late 1977, Larry Smith of LS Ranches, named after family members who all had LS initials and owned an interest in the family ranch, was contacted by Universal Studios in California about shooting a movie in Texas. They would require large open spaces, no fences, electric lines or poles in the background and a lot of Longhorn cattle. Smith, who was already building a large herd and providing locations using Longhorns, buffalo and other symbols of the state for local print and television advertising, knew he couldn't supply their needs around Fort Worth or on his 3,500 acre Sundown Ranch near Meridian in Bosque County. He immediately picked up the telephone and called his close friend Happy Shahan, who owned a large ranch at Brackettville. Shahan's ranch was home to the "Alamo" set, an authentic western town that had been used in numerous movies and used by John Wayne, as well as a large herd of Longhorn cattle.

Shahan had recently been elected president of the then San Antonio-based Texas Longhorn Breeders Association and was anxious to bring another movie to his set and Texas. He especially liked the opportunity to showcase the Longhorns. Problem was he only had a few hundred head and Universal Studios required a minimum of 500.

After more visits between Smith and Shahan, they decided to combine their resources and truck - not trail drive - more Longhorns to Shahan`s 12,000-acre ranch. Smith and his sons, Larry II and Lee, hauled four truckloads of their own cattle, a small group from his good friend, Dan Coates of Weatherford, and Smith bought another herd in Rockdale to finish out his commitment. The movie rentals almost paid for the Rockdale purchase. His daughter, Lori, who kept the ranch books, stayed home.

photo courtesy yourglenrosetx.com

Shahan`s son-in-law, Hadley Wardlow, had another 16,000 or so acres nearby, where much of the filming would be done. After filming began, the entire Smith family returned to watch and visit with the filmmakers. On one visit, Smith invited his parents, Sid and Bernice Smith of Groesbeck, to join them. As a young man, Sid Smith had managed movie theaters in Dallas and later built and owned the Limestone Theatre in Groesbeck.

Sid was intrigued by seeing an actual movie being made after a lifetime of showing the finished products. Smith`s mother, Bernice, never met a stranger and spent her time visiting with actors, directors, stars, bit players, Indians, caterers, crew, etc. It did not matter. That is how she was and they seemed to enjoy it, too. She especially enjoyed her time with Cliff DeYoung`s mother and her young son, who played a special role in the movie. Dennis Weaver was the star in this episode entitled "The Longhorns." Temperatures reached up to 104 degrees on some days during filming.

There were many highlights and sidelights to the experience, but for Smith, it was watching his family - a father who spent his entire adult life in the movie business but, had never seen one filmed; a mother who thrived on life itself, having a family, friends and meeting new people; and three teenagers who gained special once-in-a-lifetime memories.

When watching the movie, if you watch real close you might catch a glimpse of the LS brand. Smith had branded his Longhorns to make them easier to sort for the trip home.

After they were trucked home, one unnamed steer belonging to Larry II had a horn begin to droop. It was assumed that the steer's horn was injured during hauling. However, when televised, a roping and branding scene showed this steer being roped and taking a head first tumble. That somersault must have created enough pressure on the horn to cause a temporary loss of blood flow. As the blood flow resumed, additional drooping stopped, but the horn was permanently positioned lower than the other. That steer was given the name Centennial. Visitors always asked why that steer`s horn drooped, and after being told the story, asked why insurance was not collected. Smith`s reply was always that the insurance company would expect to receive the steer, he belonged to his son and no pain existed. Besides, it was too much fun telling the story.

Larry P Smith

There are many more stories about the "Longhorns" of LS Ranches - none as vivid, nor as timely or timeless as Centennial. There was Red River who became Neiman Marcus` living logo and Santa Anna who appeared in "Centennial." Both resided at Happy Hill Farm for awhile. Then Duke, who was President Ronald Reagan`s pride and joy at Rancho del Cielo in California; Big Tex, who when saddled, carried numerous celebrities, most notably, Santa Claus during a Texas snowstorm to deliver toys in 1986 and of course, Texas, USA, the 1986 Texas "Sesquicentennial Bull" who possessed a near perfect natural map of Texas on his forehead. That amazing Longhorn made an appearance at Tres Rios near Glen Rose that year.

Smith`s oldest son, Larry P. Smith II, served multiple terms as president of the International Texas Longhorn Association, which has its headquarters in Glen Rose. He and his wife, Heatherly, live in near Glen Rose in Somervell County.

Larry P. Smith is a former president of the GlenRose/Somervell County Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the recently organized economic development steering committee and council. He is a community columnist for the Reporter.

Here's some quick bites from around the web...

Longhorn featured on menu...

The Juicy Lucy

Lowbrow

Montrose's newest hotspot is Lowbrow. This place has everything. Hipsters. Artists. Astrodome wallpaper. A bearded chef. A non-bearded chef.

Whether this new pub from the Free Press crew is a bar with great food or a casual neighborhood restaurant with a solid craft beer selection and appealing late night hours remains to be seen. Either way, it's already attracting a steady crowd of locals eager to sample chef Rachel Merk's menu.

Among the early highlights is a Juicy Lucy. That's a Longhorn beef patty stuffed with Fontina cheese and jalapenos. Lowbrow serves brunch, too, with classic entrees like chicken fried steak and matzah brei.