LITTLE ROCK — A country song played in the barn nestled in the folds of the Ozark Mountains while Carroll Owens brushed his wife’s horse, Rascal.
“We play only the best music for our horses,” he said. “We gotta keep them happy.” Owens and several other horse aficionados in the northernmost corner of Pope County do more than keep horses happy. They work to preserve a way of life rapidly declining in the nation, that of the range-riding cowboy.
For a long time the folks at C&M Stables in Hector have ridden the mountain trails and relived outdoor traditions suchas camping under the open sky, cooking over a campfire, discovering the signs of nature, plunging in a mountain stream and enjoying the company of friends. “People who love horses are good, tender-hearted, down-to-earth people,” Owens said.
“After a long day in the saddle, a night under the stars and a big breakfast cooked outdoors just make the excursion that much more fun,” Owens said. “We are in God’s country and, naturally, we think the best way to see it is on horseback.” He said, “My wife, Martha, and I havebeen all over out west, and we have just as beautiful a place here to ride as anywhere. This is just the perfect location; we are right in the Ozark National Forest.” Owens said. “The National Park Service oversees the recreational activity on those hills and posts signs to keep the law and the Ozark ecosystem safe. We ride on the backside of White Oak Mountain where you can only walk or ride in.
“Even deer hunters have to walk in. They can’t take in their four-wheelers,” Owens said.
Fellow boarder Tracie Grumpenberger agreed. Originally from Kansas, she said, “I love coming over here. We have four children, and we love the country life. It’s breathtaking. Hector has great schools. It’s just a wonderful place to raise a family.”
Owens underwent knee surgery and only recently was able to ride again. He retired from trucking years ago and he was afraid he would have to retire from the stables as well. Then, Denise Campbell came along. She is a riding instructor certified through the American Riding Instructors Association, and Owens saw a chance for his passion to continue.
“It would have been a shame for us to have to let it go just because of my health,” Owens said.
The Owenses almost let it go a few years back. “We were going to donate our home to a therapeutic riding facility,” he said, “but then 9-11 happened, and we felt the financial atmosphere wasn’t conducive for a new venture, so we sent the donated money to the relief efforts.”
Campbell’s arrival from Hot Springs was a godsend to Owens, who had worked hard at building a reputable boarding business. “I had hoped to see someone take over the program, and in she walks,” he said.
Campbell’s qualifications allowed her the opportunity to train staff members of the newly established Equestrian Zone in Russellville. The nonprofit organization offershorseback riding combined with physical therapy for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Owens was thrilled his stables were able to serve in the manner he and his wife had embraced years ago.
Campbell partnered with Owens and brought her programming ideas and boundless energy to the stables. She teaches children as young as 5 the fundamentals of horsemanship and initiates young riders to the joys of riding and caring for the animals. In addition, she teaches rodeo techniques and formed a show team. “The River Valley has one of the largest horse shows in Arkansas,” she said.
She started a monthly Christian Roundup. Everyone is welcome to enjoy crafts, a Bible study and horse rides. This year, a summer camp for ages 7 - 17 will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 9, through Thursday, June 12. Camp participants will learn rodeo skills and will end the camp session with a rodeo and awards ceremony.
“I get emotional watchingthe children,” Owens said, “if it weren’t for us, they’d probably never be able to live their dream or make the connections they are making with those horses. It’s a beautiful thing to watch.”
While C&M Stables in Hector is a boarding stable, people do not have to own their own horse or be a certain age to participate. “Our main goal is to encourage people to buy a horse, board out here and explore the beauty of Arkansas with us,” Owens said with a laugh, “but we are here to promote horsing for everyone.”
Campbell agreed. “I have a 40-year-old who is taking lessons to ride English style. She had always ridden Western style. Even grownups fall in love with horses.”
Owens said, “People who go to a 9 to 5 job and go home to sit in front of a TV just don’t know what they’re missing.” He joined the other regulars at the stables, each working in sync to the sound of soft neighs and Garth Brooks…Wild horses keep draggin’ me away…wild horses just stay wild…wild horses keep draggin’ me away.
This article was published Sunday, June 1, 2008.River Valley Ozark, Pages 127, 134 on 06/01/2008
You Can View The Original Article Online HERE