A Day in the Life of a Texas Border Tours Horse

Published on April 7, 2025 by Texas Border Tours

The South Texas dawn creeps over the horizon, a soft pink blush painting the mesquites, and at Texas Border Tours, the day starts with a low nicker from the pasture. That’s Don—our wise old soul, the leader of the herd, and the steadiest horse you’ll meet this side of the Rio Grande Valley. He’s been with us the longest, a serious gent with a heart as gentle as the evening breeze, and today, we’re letting you peek into his world. From sunrise oats to border fence trails, here’s a day in the life of Don—a horse who’s more than a mount; he’s the heartbeat of our ranch.

Don’s a legend around here, guiding riders through dusty fields and past that towering border fence with a quiet confidence that’s pure South Texas. He’s got a soft spot for carrots and watermelons—offer him a chunk, and that stern face lights up like a kid with candy. It’s not every day he gets spoiled, but when he does, you can feel the joy radiating off him. Saddle up with us as we walk through his routine—a tale of hoofbeats, treats, and the rugged beauty of the Texas border.

Morning Rituals: Oats and a Carrot Crunch

It’s 6:00 AM when the roosters start their racket, and Don’s already at the gate, his dark bay coat glowing in the first light. Those deep, knowing eyes scan the ranch as the herd—Poke, Diamond, Pat, Ghost, and Indy—shuffle in behind him. Breakfast is a ritual: a scoop of oats, a pile of hay, and a crisp carrot snapped in half. Don doesn’t rush; he munches with purpose, savoring the crunch like it’s his morning coffee. Fun fact: he’ll nudge your hand if you’ve got more carrots stashed—those and watermelons are his kryptonite, turning his serious demeanor into pure delight.

Grooming’s next—out comes the curry comb, sweeping off the night’s dust. Don stands like a statue, head dipped, letting out a contented huff as we work through his coat. His mane’s got a touch of gray now, a sign of his years, but he’s still solid, a working horse with a quiet pride. No fancy spa days here—just a good brush-down under the South Texas sun, the mesquites whispering in the background. It’s his moment of zen before the day ramps up.

Mid-Morning Prep: Ready for the Ride

By 9:00 AM, the ranch is alive—birds chirping, a faint breeze stirring the caliche dust. Don’s seen plenty out here, from jackrabbits darting through the brush to the distant hum of life along the border. We saddle him up, the leather settling over his broad back like an old friend. His tack’s weathered but reliable—bridle snug, stirrups set for the two-mile haul to the fence. He lifts each hoof for a quick check—clean, no stones, shoes tight—patient as ever, like he’s doing us a favor.

The herd’s restless—Poke’s sniffing for snacks, Diamond’s tossing her mane—but Don’s the rock. He knows the drill: fields of mesquite, caliche roads, and that steel giant waiting at the end. We toss him a watermelon chunk before we go—his eyes brighten, and he crunches it down, juice dripping, a rare grin breaking through that stern facade. It’s his fuel for the trail, a little sweetness to kick things off.

The Trail Ride: Don’s Domain

Come 10:00 AM, riders roll in—maybe a couple, maybe a lone adventurer (see our Top Tips for First-Time Horseback Riders). Don’s the pick for newbies; his steady vibe calms jittery nerves. We head out, the sun climbing, and Don leads the way—his hooves hit the caliche with a rhythmic crunch, setting a pace that’s slow but sure. The fields sprawl wide, mesquites twisting in the wind, grain bins glinting like old watchmen—a South Texas scene that’s raw and real.

The trail’s a two-mile trek to the border fence, and Don owns it. Halfway there, the steel slats shimmer into view—30 feet tall, stretching east and west, a monument of metal and history. It’s a jaw-dropper, a piece of the border debate you can touch, and Don’s unfazed. He’s seen it all—quiet rides, dusty days, even the occasional Border Patrol sweep kicking up clouds in the distance. At the gate, he pauses, ears twitching, the Rio Grande’s murmur a half-mile off. We slip him a carrot here—he munches it down, steady as ever, king of this wild edge.

The fence looms, casting shadows across the caliche, and Don stands tall—a gentle giant against a giant of steel. It’s not just a ride; it’s a journey to the edge of something bigger, and he carries it with grace.

Afternoon Wind-Down: Pasture Peace

We’re back by noon, unsaddling Don and turning him out to pasture. The herd scatters—Poke hunts grass, Indy dozes—but Don claims his spot under a big mesquite, grazing slow, keeping an eye on things. He’s the leader, the one they all lean on. We sneak him a watermelon slice—his favorite—and he chomps it down, the pink juice staining the ground. That serious face softens, a rare moment of indulgence in his steady world.

Afternoons are his downtime—nibbling hay, swatting flies with that thick tail, maybe a dusty roll if the mood strikes (it’s rare, but he’s got a playful side). The South Texas heat hums on—hawks soaring, roadrunners skittering by—and Don soaks it in. He’s earned this calm, a quiet reward for leading the pack.

Evening Wrap: The Wise Old Soul

By 6:00 PM, the sun’s sinking, draping the sky in amber and rose. Don gets his last feed—oats with a drizzle of molasses, a final carrot for good measure—and a quick brush to close the day. He settles into the barn with a soft snort, his dark coat gleaming under the fading light. The ranch quiets down, just the rustle of mesquites and the distant call of a coyote. Don’s day is done, but his presence lingers—a steady force in a wild land.

He’s not flashy—just a horse with years of wisdom packed into those gentle eyes. Carrots and watermelons bring out his softer side, a treat-fueled joy that’s rare but real. He’s the soul of Texas Border Tours, and we’re lucky to have him.

Why Don’s Day Matters

At Texas Border Tours, every horse has a story, but Don’s is the backbone. He’s the wise old man who’s led us through countless rides, from dusty fields to the border fence’s steel shadow. His routine—feeding, grooming, trailing—anchors us, and those carrot-and-watermelon moments remind us why we love this life. He’s not just a horse; he’s South Texas in motion, a living link to the land and its tales.

Want to meet him? Book a ride and see the border through Don’s steady gaze. Bring a carrot or a watermelon chunk—he’ll greet you with a look that’s worth the trip. This is his day, his domain, and we’re proud to share it.

Article by Grok, with a tip of the hat to Don’s quiet reign and Texas Border Tours’ heart.