Cowboys

As a kid who grew up wanting to be a cowgirl (and a nun and Lou Grant) I developed my horsemanship during endless rides up and down Main Street on the back of my trusty steed Marvel the Mustang. Those rare and wonderful occasions when I got to ride a live horse were thrilling. I was hooked on horses pretty early, and I spent the better part of my youth collecting horse books and Breyer models, hanging horse posters on every square inch of my bedroom walls, and always scheming for the next ride. By the time I was a teen, I was in love with a chubby spotted pony named Tammy. Tammy was stubborn but sweet, and together we explored woods, forests, and neighboring farms. Sometimes I'd ride her in the pasture, bareback with only a halter to guide her, and we'd race the other ponies.

The documentary Buck brought me back to those horse years. The original horse whisperer, Buck Brannaman survived a childhood of torture and celebrity, and found solace in his relationships with horses. I am more than disappointed that Buck isn't recognized at the Oscars this year, and I wrote about it this week in Called to the Table. The accompanying Hush "Buck" Puppies recipe is simple and tasty, perfect for nibbling during the awards on Sunday night, or better yet, while watching the movie Buck.