Tony Amaral Sr

Was inducted into the National Reined Cow Horse Association Hall of Fame.

Known as Mr Hackamore and famed for training more winning hackamore horses than any other trainer on the West Coast, Tony trained and influenced many of today’s leading horse trainers and is recognised for bringing the western style of horse training to North America.


Today’s Blipfoto is one of Pat’s Uncle Tony’s Belt Buckle Prizes awarded in competitions.


Young bull calves are roped in the manner shown to brand, dehorn, inoculate and to harvest "mountain oysters".

Rocky Mountain Oysters


Pat has spent quite a lot of time lying in bed with ice packs applied to her back.

She would normally attend her Osteopath every month, but that has proved impossible during the "pandemic".

During these treatments she has been watching "Heartland" a series of TV programmes about ranching and training horses.

Very similar to that by her Uncle Tony.

Pat grew up on a cattle and dairy ranch.