Throughout life one experiences a lot of things, but one thing that not everyone has experienced is the riding or caring of horses. Horses are the central theme of today's episode of The Apple Seed. They have been a key player in history, in western migration, in poetry and in storytelling. Songs, short stories, novels and poems have centered around the ‘Cowboy’ and therefore the horse for a long time. Many folktales and songs have been connected to life through the vision of a horse. There is always something new to be learned- whether it’s through hearing about one’s connection to their horse, some of the tales behind the hope that horses carry on their backs, or just a funny tale involving the majestic beasts, all are welcome. So let us all sit down together and learn something new, feel the wind on our face, and imagine the freedom that horses and the love of land and animals can bring.

On today’s episode, enjoy the following:

“The Squire’s Bride” by Ed Stivender from Classics Revisited (5:53)

Famously called “the Robin Williams of storytelling” Ed Stivender has worked as a storyteller since 1977 after he quit his teaching day job in Connecticut. He has since worked with festivals, orchestras and many other artists to connect his stories to his audience. In this story about an arranged marriage, he includes voices and singing to narrate beyond the written word.

“The Iron Horse” by The Three D’s from Heritage (2:19)

Figuring out what to name a band can be tricky. This particular band went through names like ‘The Salt City Three’ before resting on a classic play on names- The Three D’s; Denis, Duane and Rick transformed to Dick to make it work. And the name stuck! Their career was heroic and inspired children and families everywhere. In this upbeat song, "The Iron Horse", The Three D’s describe a train and the magnificent image of the exploration of the new world.

“The Blind Harper” by Paddy Tutty from The Roving Jewel (5:30)

Paddy Tutty is best known as a singer of traditional songs. Her repertoire encompasses ancient ballads, songs from a woman's perspective, magical and seasonal pageants, songs with a twist, and songs about the world around us. Singing songs that weave traditional tales from all over Britain, Canada and Ireland, she enchants parents and children alike. In this story/song, Paddy sings the tale of a horse and stealing of horses. She teaches us to be thankful for what we have and what we sometimes must do to keep things we love close.

“Dream Mine” by Paul Bliss from Pure Bliss (2:24)

Paul Bliss is an English singer/songwriter that has traveled the globe backing famous bands and writing for himself. He has written many songs for other artists and continues to be adored by families all around the globe. In this wonderful poem Paul describes preparing for a storm and the treasures of it; how mining can be scary and sacrifice-inducing. There's even a lesson about how to push ourselves forward even through our own fear.

“Anthem” by Jerry Brooks from Shoulder to Shoulder (6:27)

Jerry Brooks is a storyteller that focuses on southern folklore. In this beautiful poem she relates the visions of the wind and land as they stretch before her. Of beautiful pastures and refreshing air, of the jingle of their jeans and the life that they miss. Jerry helps us all reminisce on these wonderful stories and experiences that we all must come to appreciate.

“Bill Greenfield and the Mosquitoes” by Joseph Bruchac from Adirondack Tall Tales, Volume One: The Bill Greenfield Stories (8:22)

Joseph Bruchac is a writer of books relating to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, with a particular focus on northeastern Native American and Anglo-American lives and folklore. He weaves poetry, stories and novels together to entrance families wherever he goes. In this entertaining story, Joseph describes massive mosquitos and the fight against them. This story can teach us how to fight for what’s right and how to appreciate what you have.

“Going to Granny’s” by Liz Weir from Boom Chicka Boom (4:40)

Liz Weir is a storyteller and writer from Northern Ireland. She was the first winner of the International Story Bridge Award from the National Storytelling Network, USA, which cited her “exemplary work promoting the art of storytelling”. She enchants audiences all around the globe. This story is a cute rendition of learning what one needs and how to enjoy oneself in a new place.

“Hooves, Hide and Mane” by Sam Payne and Ryan Shupe from The Saga of the Sanpitch (3:06)

You already know Sam Payne, the host here on The Apple Seed. Ryan Shupe is the lead singer of Ryan Shupe and The Rubberband. This fun song is about the feeling of running as a horse and the thrill of it all.

“Grandpa Al and Max” by Glenda Bonin from Family Gazette (16:49)

Connecting with a story is highly important for Glenda Bonin and each story she tells is always connected and filled with love and care. She treats each story like it’s own being and any audience member can feel it. In this fun story, Glenda describes her grandpa and how she always remembers him wearing a cowboy hat and the story of Max. Max was a rugged horse that he connected with.

“Hooves of the Horses” by Wylie Gustafson from A Western Jubilee: Songs and Stories of the American West (3:18)

In this delightful song, Wylie Gustafson describes how horses can trample any sadness one might have, and it may be true. So let us all keep moving forwards and run like the wind.