D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | V O L . 0 8 N O . 2 Jack Cutts brought him by the Rockies. From out Alberta way. For no particular reason, He called him Billy Bay. They said he was a reject, Not worth the wasted time, So they gave him to old Jack, For not even one thin dime. As soon as I laid eyes on him, I knew this little horse was fine. I couldn't help but dream, Of the day that he'd be mine Now old Jack, he's a horse trader. He knew I wanted him bad, So he wasn't really satisfied, 'Til he took every nickel I had. I took him home and fed him, And gave him some TLC, It wasn't very long, Until he became friends with me. I finally got him broke, It sure was a fight. But, the pleasure it was riding him, Filled my heart with pure delight. He could walk along so graceful, And run like the wind blows. He never lost a single race, As far as anybody knows. He sure was a neck reiner One of the best out on the range. He could turn on a nickel, And give back a little change. I must have rode him a million miles, Over mountains, hills and plains, And to think that I had spoiled him, You'd have to be insane. Now, I've rode a lot of horses, But none near as fine, As the one they called a reject. That little bay of mine. Jack has a reputation: The best horse trader in the land, But I got the best of that deal, when God dealt me the winning hand. Then one day, God up and took him, To his pastures far away. And I wouldn't be surprised, If He's riding Billy Bay. Ode to Billy Bay #2409.0052: The last of the horses from Ernie Desrosiers ranch. Bottom right photos (descending): #0102.0118 Alem and Minnie Dowker on a horse-drawn wooden sleigh ca. 1935 and #2409.0017 Desrosiers' untamed horse - Images courtesy of the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History and Valemount Historical Society
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