Goodbye to Our Horse Trainer
Steve and Jake with Ladd on Jake's birthday.
Years ago when we were looking to purchase good, broke horses for my children to ride, we met Steve Prewitt and his family. We were struck by his honesty and knowledge. Steve was a working cowboy at the time as well as training to be a preacher.
We ended up purchasing a paint mare that we named Cheyenne from him. My dad was sold when he saw the picture of Steve standing in the saddle swinging a rope. The young mare just stood still, completely desensitized. My husband fell in love with this horse and he rides her every chance he gets.
Steve also helped us find another mare. We named her Roxie. It was not even his horse, but he drove us out to the stables where she was kept and let us ride her in the parking lot. It was getting very dark. The parking lot light threw shadows all over the ground, which will spook most horses. With only a halter and a lead rope, our family rode her around. She did not spook. She responded to our commands without a bit.
Now my son Clayton rides her. He loves Roxie and together they work well together. If it is riding around Cross Creek Cattle Company, down a busy street during a parade, or in the rodeo arena, Roxie and Clayton make a good pair.
My son, Jake, and Steve hit it off immediately. They both have a passion for horses. When our ranch first hired Steve to train and work with our horses, he spent hours with Jake training him as well. For a while there, I thought I would get sick of Steve’s name because he is all Jake talked about. I appreciated the fact that Steve took the time to be a good role model for Jake. Not only is he a good man, but Steve made time for Jake.
For one of Jake’s birthdays, we had a family and friend trail ride. I think he was more excited when Steve Prewitt drove up with his wife, Dee, to present Jake with a brand-new rope. It meant a lot to Jake; therefore, the act meant a lot to me.
Steve has helped Lane be a better rider. They worked together to be able to open and close gates on horseback. Lane has watched and taken mental notes of how Steve does groundwork in the round pen. Lane, too, has enjoyed Steve working here on the ranch.
Now Steve is moving. He has found a great job about an hour away. We are excited for him and his family as they embark on a new journey. It is a bittersweet moment for us, though. We are losing a great cowboy, horseman, and role model.
Thank you, Steve, for being a part of Cross Creek Cattle Company. We appreciate all that you did for us. And, we wish you the best in your new adventure. We are going to miss you.
Tags: cowboy, horse trainer, Jake DeHaven, role model, Steve Prewitt
