Salt and Light

“Salt and Light” features a young friend on mine, Danli Valdez and her special mare, “Ruby”, aka “RO Dual Pep Chex”. I was fortunate to spend several days last fall at her families JO- ranch north of Animas, New Mexico. That morning the crew had gathered pairs from the South Lawrence then sorted and branded calves at the Uhl pens at the southeast corner of the ranch. The weather was very warm and the southwestern light made for a fun day to photograph the livestock and crew.

Danli and “Ruby” made especially good models as Danli incredibly handy and her parents, Bobby and Erica make certain that she is always well mounted. “Ruby” is a great example of this. She came to the JO- as a yearling from the ORO Ranch in Arizona. She is 13 now and is an all around ranch horse as well as the 2021 AQHA VRH World Show Champion Youth Barrel Horse. Danli not only carries her weight at the ranch but holds her own in roping, speed and cow horse events and cutting in the National High School Rodeo Association.

Danli’s leggings are a work of art by Frank Potter of Red Rock, New Mexico. Her hot pink boots were custom made by RC Custom Boots and she is riding her Truth Saddlery sponsor saddle.

It was truly a joy to work Danli into one of my pieces and I’m sure you will see more of works featuring her in the future. She is a very talented horsewoman and cowgirl as well as a young woman of character. She and her family are truly “salt of the earth” folks.

““You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.””Matthew 5:13-16 NIV