Intro

[Loretta Kemsley]

I'm a lifelong horsewoman. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, not far from Fat Jones's stable. Dad had a herd of ponies for pony rides and movie work.

I learned to ride from Dad, a slew of other horse people and our equine friends. One was Dad's smallest Shetland, who managed to buck me off most everyday. I'd march back up our dirt street and catch Prince again, ride him back up to the wash just to get bucked off again. I suspect I finally managed to ride him past that spot because I'm not still trying and getting bucked off.

Gene Autry was my first boss. He hired me to ride for Nancy Gilbert in The Buffalo Bill Jr. series. I was eight. Ace Hudkins, owner of the Hudkin Brothers Movie Stable, was my father's friend and used our ponies when a pony was needed. We owned the pony used in the Mickey Mouse Club and the pinto used in the Annie Oakley series, to name a couple. Ace is the one who introduced us to Gene Autry.

Les Hilton, trainer of Mr. Ed, who also worked at Fat Jones stable, lived across the street from us. I was lucky enough to assist him with various routines for Ed. Ed's TV mother was our palomino gelding, Nicker. He was given to us in his 20s. A former parade horse, he was already skinny. We never did get much weight on him. Les worked on the set with various movie horses boarded at Fat's place, including Flicka and National Velvet. He trained and was the only person who could work with Black Diamond, who was famed as the wild stallion seen rearing and galloping across the plains in numerous movies. He had a steel door on his stall so he couldn't get out and attack people, but with Les, he was as mild as a baby.

Because of my work with people like Les and my father, I was welcome in all of the local movie stables, including Fat's place, As I reached my teen years. I also began showing quarter horses. There's lots more to tell, but that seems to be long enough. Oh, one more thing: Dad was a friend of Fats and his brother, Buck, (not the movie star). Buck once told me he'd wanted to open a pony track but couldn't because the Kemsley brothers had all the best locations: 18 in all.

[Drifter]

You’ve certainly had great connections. Loretta Kemsley and to the

[Karol]

Loretta Kemsley to the

Have fun with us!

Very interesting to read about all the wonderful things you've done and with whom you've come into contact through riding!

[BarbT]

Welcome to Bonanza Boomers Loretta!

Your introduction was fascinating!

[January]

to Bonanza Boomers Loretta Kemsley

Take a few minutes to check out our guidelines for the board. You can find them here

We’re happy to have you here with us. Have fun!

[Oxgirl]

Great to have you @Loretta Kemsley, hope you have fun here.

[Oxgirl]

Great to have you @Loretta Kemsley, hope you have fun here.

[Loretta Kemsley]

I have to admit, I feel in more control on horseback. It will take me awhile to figure out this forum. Until then, I hope I don't break too many rules or wander too far off into the weeds.

[Loretta Kemsley]

You’ve certainly had great connections. Loretta Kemsley and to the

I was lucky. First, by being born as Dad's daughter. Second, by his choice of where to live and work. Third, by the trainers and others being so generous with their time and knowledge.

All the movie stables of that era were close to us. I knew Stevie and Joanie Myers who were located up on Foothill, but I didn't ride up there too often. Same for Ralph McCutcheon, owner and trainer of Fury and King Cotton. They were located on Parthenia close to Sepluveda.

The last one was Glenn Randall's. They were on Sherman Way between Fats and Hudkin's. I rode there quite a bit too. Pedro was the groom in the star barn, and he took his time teaching me to groom, especially those long manes and tails. Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Rex Allen all kept their horses there, along with others. Pedro's knowledge sure helped me throughout life since I trained show horses. I got to ride Buttermilk every so often because he was a cutting horse, and Dale was a novice rider. It was my job to ride him until he was tuckered out before he went to the movie set to be on camera with her.

I learned a lot from all these different people and horses, but I've barely touched upon them. Wonderful memories.

[Nettle57]

Welcome @Loretta Kemsley Interesting introduction.