at it as soon as I could so I continue
to see the love for horses grow in the
hearts and minds of these students,
just like the 4-year-old.”
Kontogeorge said most people who
don’t have a love or understanding
for horses, don’t truly understand the
friendship you develop.
ever imagine.”
One of the greatest equine friends
she had was the stallion Poco Bueno,
who lived at Wagoner Ranch in Texas.
She and her husband, Arnold, worked
at the ranch.
“Arnold and I went to work at
Wagoners in 1966,” said Margaret. “All
three of us—Arnold, me and Poco
Bueno—were the same age. We were
all born in 1944. At that time, we
didn’t know how lucky we were to be
there—to be part of Poco Bueno.”
Poco Bueno had retired that same
year and was living at the Santa Rosa
Roundup grounds. “It was part of the
Waggoner Ranch,” explained Marga-
ret. “The ranch itself was 500,000 acres
and Santa Rosa had show barns along
with polo and rodeo grounds.”
Poco Bueno was given the run of
Santa Rosa. He had his own pasture,
but the gates were left open so he
could come and go as he pleased. His
stall was a large, round one, with heat
lamps in the ceiling. Nothing was
spared when it came to his comfort.
Margaret Kontogeorge, in her 70s, continues to ride
He suffered from arthritis and
in horse shows and teach children how to ride.
walked with most of his weight on
“Those who have experienced a
his back feet. “I can remember Fagan
friendship with a horse will totally
Miller calling him the ‘old man,’” said
understand this reason. When you
Margaret. “Arnold and I borrowed a
develop this friendship, you develop
camera so we could take pictures of
one of the best friendships you can
Poco Bueno. We still have them.”
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