1. If the stage team runs away or you are pursued by Indians, stay inthe coach and take your chances. Don't jump out, for you will be either injured or scalped.
2. In cold weather, abstain from liquor, for you are subject to freezing quicker if under the influence than if you were cold sober. But if you are drinking from a bottle, pass it around. It is the only polite thing to do.
3. Don't smoke a strong cigar or pipe on the stage especially when women and children are present. If chewing tobacco, spit to the leeward side.
4. Don't swear, snore or lop over on your neighbors when sleeping. Let others share the buffalo robes provided in cold weather.
5. Don't shoot firearms for pleasure while enroute, as it scares the horses.
6. Don't grease hair with bear grease or buffalo tallow as travel is very dusty.
7. Don't discuss politics or religion.
8. Don't point out sites where robberies or Indian raids have taken place.
9. And don't imagine you are going on a picnic, for stage travel is inconvenient.

From 'Out Montana Way' by Sam Reynolds

Wild Horse Annie -- Did You Know?

Annie received her special recognition when she was branded with a lip tatoo bearing the marking US #1 in 1970, one year before federal legislation was passed to protect wild horses and burros. As a foal, Annie was rescued by the BLM in the Pryor Mountains in Montana on September 4, 1970, along with her twin sibling and mother. The three were found in poor health, and Annie was the only survivor. She was cared for and sponsored by the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros throughout her life.

Annie was also the first horse to be registered by the Wild Horses of America Registry. Genetic testing showed that Annie had Spanish ancestry, and therefore was a descendent of the horses reintroduced to North America by the Spaniards in the early 1500s.

More Bits 'N' Pieces about real horses in the next newsletter.

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