I’ve been watching Clinton Anderson’s Outback Adventure on YouTube. One of the things that I enjoyed the most, aside from the really first rate horse training of a wild brumby stallion, is his inclusion of the local aboriginal cowboys in his video.

I grew up in central Texas working with cowboys of Scotch-Irish, German, Sicilian, African American, and Mexican origins. I even unknowingly worked with descendants of Cherokee and Blackfoot indians. How ‘bout that “He’s a cowboy and an Indian , a little bit of both!” And don’t forget Czech descendants! That mixture of languages and cultures made for a rich experience in my teens!

A year ago I found myself standing on top of Medicine Mound, near Quanah,Texas. It is the Comanche equivalent of the Vatican, in the Texas Outback. As I heard and felt the drum, and the chants, not understanding a word of Numunuh, the Comanche language, I felt the same as when hearing the Australian Aborigines speech and their didgeridoo.

There were scenes of them working with, and riding, horses, catching wild bulls, and roping camels. Similarities with the Comanche horsemanship came to mind. Seemingly primitive tribal people becoming adept at equestrian art, which is thought to be a Eurasian invention brings something exotic and mystical to the table. I’m curious to know more of their ways and their skills and knowledge.

Knowledge is power, and the Comanche’s knowledge of horsemanship, and well as the geography, botany, and of the water supply in west Texas, gave them the power to resist the invasion of a technologically advanced European society for seventy five years. Quite a feat for primitive stone age tribes!

Then my weirdly wired mind goes to the cartoons of Stan Lynde, “Rick O’Shay” where the indian chief had a TV in his Tipi, and a cadillac convertible parked beside it. Now Mr. Lynde would have to add a Mac computer and internet connection. I Wouldn’t be surprised to see Aborigines with electric guitars run by solar batteries!