Rosie and Roxie in Prime Time
Rosie and Roxie really need no introduction if you've visited the Clover Cliff Ranch recently. They're
the two shiny black Percheron horses that welcome you as you make your way to one of the houses
for an official welcome. They came to Chase County in June and have been busy with a wide variety
of assignments since then. We haven't asked them, but we think they like their new home in the
Flint Hills tall grass prairie. Although they provide a number of amazing and entertaining stories, their
highest profile appearance so far was at the Christmas parade in Lawrence, Kansas.
This festive old-fashioned parade featured every imaginable horse-drawn vehicle: buck boards, covered
wagons, stagecoaches, pony carts and more. The horses were all decked out in their finest. Rosie and
Roxie acted like they do this every weekend and were pretty fancy pulling that shiny red wagon! Maybe
it was the red and green satin bows against a backdrop of greenery on the wagon that inspired them to strut
their stuff. Or maybe it was the Harshmans in period costumes: Warren and Spencer sporting
black felt cowboy hats, gray wool coats, white shirts and red silk scarves; Susie in a faux suede
gray skirt, black fur-edged cape and an old fashioned hat. It might even have been the non-stop
chorus of Merry Christmas greetings filling the air, punctuated with the ring of antique sleigh bells
on the Clover Cliff wagon. Whatever their motivation, all of us were proud of Rosie and Roxie!
We were also happy to know that 5 Flying W Hoys were with us on horseback - Josh, Gwen, Josie
and Jim along with Casey Socha. Such exceptionally capable out-riders! Cathy Hoy, Greg and
Stephanie Stollsteimer rode with us in the wagon for additional support. Crystal Socha helped get
Rosie and Roxie ready for the spotlight and rode with Warren and Spencer, who always appreciate
her equestrian expertise. We had so much fun!
We look forward to more entertaining adventures from these two black beauties. Don't forget to look
for them on your next visit.
