When we were strolling historic Sheridan, a banner strung across the Main St. announced that our timing was perfect for us to attend the 38th Annual Don King Days.

Believe it or not, the day's event began with POLO. The largest polo tournament of the Big Horn Polo Club’s season is played over this weekend. Teams composed of players from all over the world, face off in tournament bracket fashion vying for the coveted championship buckle.

Polo you say! According to US Polo, "There is arguably no other club in the United States that is as dedicated and devoted to developing horses for polo than Big Horn Polo Club. Nestled at the base of the Big Horn Mountains, near Sheridan, Wyoming, the club has evolved from a culture deeply and passionately intertwined with the horse. The mountainous backdrop surrounded by vast expanses of land cultivates an urgent sense of adventure that is hard to ignore."

Polo was established in the area in the late nineteenth century by English nobleman Oliver Henry Wallop and Scotsman Malcolm Moncreiffe who brought with them thoroughbred horses. According to the Big Horn Polo Club website, “The Polo Ranch, which Oliver Wallop inherited from Malcolm Moncreiffe and in turn handed it down to Senator Malcolm Wallop, was the center of polo in the Northern Rockies until the early 1980s when the ranch was sold. The sale of the Polo Ranch forced the Big Horn Polo Club to find another field.” The search for a new location led to Big Horn Polo Club’s present day establishment at the Big Horn Equestrian Center with a remarkable seven fields.

Us newbies were given a handbook of what polo is all about. I found this list quite worth sharing. Polo Myths vs. Fact: The Tailgate Edition. "What you'll see at a Polo Match (probably): someone confidently explaining the rules, incorrectly; a dog that thinks it's part of the team; a perfectly curated tailgate setup next to a folding chair and a cooler; at least one person asking, "Wait- what just happened?"; champagne, beer, or something in a Solo cup- no judgement here; kids running absolutely feral during the halftime divot stomp (highlight of their week); someone dressed like they're headed to the Kentucky Derby... sitting on the ground; a first-timer who becomes an expert by the end of the second chukker; and tailgate contributors ranging from 'Pinterest Masterpiece' to 'We brought chips'... you know how you are."

Ancient History was our subject in today's lesson learned at the Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark.

The town was founded in 1882 and named after Union General Philip Sheridan by Civil War veteran John D. Loucks with whom Steve is standing.

An introduction lesson was had at the Don King Museum whiched offered a glimpse at life in the Old West through the years, and houses everything from horse-drawn hearses, taxidermy bears, moose, and elk, and rifles and handguns from some of America's most famous duels.

Founder of this amazing museum was Don King, a legendary Western saddle maker, roper, and founder of King's Saddlery and King Ropes, renowned for developing the intricate "Sheridan-style" leather tooling.

This one was made by Hollywood Saddlery and was crafted for actor Jackie Cooper.

Interestingly, Don's leather working tools were on display. I was so impressed.

While there, I 'met' and fell in love with Ann Stohlman (1924-2004). Ann was a keystone in establishing the foundation of modern leathercraft. Collaborating with her husband Al Stohlman, Ann assisted with leather projects, typed manuscripts, and produced many of the books that are still the best leatherworking resources available today.

When first wed, Al was still making saddles on his ranch in Hemet, California.  His work was very popular and he was having trouble keeping up with orders, so Ann insisted that Al teach her so she could help.  Within three years, Ann was making saddles all by herself, including the cutting, fitting, carving, dyeing, sewing, and finishing.  Ann preferred realistic designs of flowers and oak leaves for her saddles rather than the acanthus leaves and swirls that Al favored, which she referred to as “Texas cabbage”.

Southern California became too crowded to suit them, so the couple bought a 200-acre ranch in Cache Creek, British Columbia and moved there in 1969.  Although they continued their saddle business, they shifted their concentration on getting their knowledge into print while they were still able.  Together, they published over 30 how-to books on working with leather, as well as three expansive books on saddle making.

The day concluded with an explore and dinner in the historic downtown. Tomorrow, we will be spectators at Don King Days (steer roping, old style bronc riding, and polo). I can't wait.