07/08/08 Buffalo Bill's horses

Life for the typical horse in the 1800's was hard. There were few horse whisperers, horses were regarded as tools to be broken and used hard. There were exceptions and there were devoted owners. One of these was Buffalo BillCody. Stay tuned after the break to learn how the flamboyant horseman helped the world to see horses in a new light . While Buffalo Bill's Wild West show showcased the history of the horse, it was the man himself who elevated it's status. Here is Susan Allen. Your right Jeff, whether Cody was letting a Russian Grand Duke hunt off his beloved mustang, Buffalo Bill, ( the horse who gave him his name and sealed his reputation)or performing on his white charger Tucker, forever immortalized by the famous painting, Buffalo Bill Cody honored his horses. In his performances even the bucking stock like Ta- Ra- Ra-Ra- Boom-de-ay became celebrities. Heartbroken when Charlie, an equine partner in many performances died on a sea crossing Cody lit candles throughout the ship deck and assembled the cast to sing Auld Lang Syne as old Charlie was wrapped in a flag and lowered into the water. Buffalo Bill is credited for improving relations with Britain. Apparently Queen Victoria was so overcome by beauty of western ponies and riders running with our America Flag that for the first time in history a British monarch stood and bowed to Old Glory and in words of Buffalo Bill, became an " emblem of peace and friendship to all the world."