A RANCHMAN'S RECOLLECTIONS 



THE OL' COW HOSS 



When it comes to saddle hosses, there's a difference in steeds ; 

 There is f ancy-gaited critters that will suit some feller's needs, 

 There is nags high-bred an' tony with a smooth and shiny skin, 

 That will capture all the races that you want to run 'em in. 

 But for one that never tires ; one that's faithful, tried an' true ; 

 One that alius is a "stayer" when you want to slam him 



through, 

 There is but one breed o' critters that I ever come across, 

 That will alius stand the racket — 'tis the Ol' Cow Hoss ! 



No, he ain't so much fer beauty, fer he's scrubby an' he's 



rough, 

 An' his temper's sort o' sassy, but you bet he's good enough ! 

 Fer he'll take the trail o' mornings, be it up or be it down, 

 On the range a-huntin' cattle or a lopin' into town. 

 An' he'll leave the miles behind him an' he'll never sweat 



a hair, 

 'Cuz he is a willing critter when he's goin' an5rwhere. 

 Oh, your thoroughbred at runnin' in a race may be the boss. 

 But fer all-day ridin' lemme have the Ol' Cow Hoss. 



When my soul seeks peace an' quiet on the home ranch of 



the blest, 

 Where no storms nor stampedes bother, an' the trails are 



trails o' rest; 

 When my brand has been inspected an' pronounced to be 



O. K, 

 An* the boss has looked me over an' has told me I kin stay. 

 Oh, I'm hopin' when I'm lopin' off across that blessed range. 

 That I won't be in a saddle on a critter new an' strange; 

 But I'm prayin' ev'ry minnit that up there I'll ride across 

 That big heaven range o' glory on an Ol' Cow Hoss. 



— ^A. A. Brininstool, in Los Angeles Express. 



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