Rescuing Big Joe -- A Salute To Rancher Don Mickelsen

The caption on this YouTube video reads: 

This horse is named Big Joe. He is a draft cross that was donated to the Horseshoeing School a few years ago. Riley trained him to ride and taught him the basics. Riley’s father, Don, owner of Rocking M Quarter Horses, found him to be a phenomenal ranch horse. Joe found his home at Don’s Horse ranch in central Idaho. 

A few days ago, Joe fell into a deep hole in a pasture while checking cows. The hole was made by a leaky water mainline and was just big enough for Joe to wedge his whole body in. Thanks to quick thinking by Don Mickelsen, they saved him, and he is making a full recovery.

The description of the video that I saw online stated: 

"Joe’s near demise. Ranching isn't always romance. Often, we are in the middle of a crisis. This morning, we nearly lost Joe, one of our good ranch horses. Thanks to River and Bre, we managed to save him. Pay no mind to the fat guy doing all the yelling. Enjoy the video. We sure didn't enjoy making it. My good wife, Cathy, stayed there through the whole thing, filming it. Thanks to her, we have it recorded."

To me, Don Mickelsen epitomises the can-do spirit of the American Cowboy and the resilience of American Ranchers. He is a prime example of the sort of man who tackles problems with fierce determination and a "never quit" attitude. Cold, wet, and exhausting didn't matter. So yes, if Americans today need an example of toughness and what it is to do right in a stressful situation, this is it. 

I salute Mr. Mickelsen. He's the sort of American that others can learn from. As for River, Bre, and Mrs. Mickelsen, who filmed the rescue, God bless you all.   

Tom Correa