The meanings of two of the phrases are obvious:
Q&A Questions and Answers:
Hi Bob,
I'm wondering about the meaning of this line from the song "Night-Herding Song."
"I've circle herded, trail-herded, cross-herded too;"
Do you know the meanings of these types of herding?
Also the song "Chopo" refers to a horse that is "always in fix."
Do you understand the meaning?
Thanks in advance!
ANSWER:
Thanks for the interesting -- and challenging -- question! As you mentioned, Harry Stephens' original song said "I've cross-herded, circle-herded, trail-herded too." Possibly because he composed it while night-herding stage horses, some later versions added "night-herded" to that stanza.
The meanings of two of the phrases are obvious:
Circle Herding involved riding around the herd leaders or even the entire herd in order to keep them bunched up and to prevent straying or stampeding.
Trail Herding was the act of driving a herd some distance to a shipping point or market.
I've never heard the phrase "Cross Herding" in actual use, and I don't know that Harry ever defined it, but I'd guess that it refers to riding back and forth across from one side of the herd to the other as you push strays back into the main bunch.
As for "always in fix" in Jack Thorp's song "Chopo" I'll just have to guess that "in fix" is related to being "fixed" on something, as in focused on a target, or determined to tackle a job. ("I'm fixin' to bale that hay crop tomorrow.")
Chopo had a strong mix of Morgan, which meant he was able to be used either
under saddle or in harness. (My Saddlebred had a similar build.) I find it
interesting that the stanza in question centers on Chopo's use as a carriage
or wagon horse, harnessed as a single horse as well as in a two-horse or
larger team; traveling on roadways. Stream crossings are often a problem with
a skittish horse, but a key trait of the Morgan breed is its generally calm
disposition. Chopo was also part Arab. Morgans and Arabs both tend to be on
the small side, hence "my little Chopo."
With a single or double or lead of a team
Over highways and biways or crossing a stream
You're always in fix and you're willin' to go
Whenever you're called on my little Chopo
Thanks for the fascinating question. I hope this helps.
God bless!
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