Carrying Your Love with Me

By Delores Kuhlwein

Countless horsemen can directly attribute their love for all things equine to a beloved family member, and many have their grandparents to thank for sharing their passion.

Being able to have a tangible reminder of that love, however, is truly special indeed.

That’s what Addie Jones of Scottsdale, Arizona is blessed to have from her grandpa, “Pappy” Nelson – a pair of chaps he wore while herding cattle and riding all over the country.  She wore them for the first time at the APHC Copper Country POR at WestWorld of Scottsdale, where she was showing her Appaloosa, Justa Zippos Dream, in All Breed classes, on December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025.

“His barn name is Boots, and he’s fantastic,” explains Addie. “I loved him when I got on him the first time, and I have loved him so much ever since.”

Addie was at Copper Country to show Boots, who she keeps with Owen Performance Horses, in All Breed Ranch Conformation, Ranch Rail, Ranch Riding, and Ranch Trail.

The leopard spotted Appaloosa, by Zippos Country Cat and out of Justa Tender Dream, made his own beautiful statement at the show amongst the splashy Paint Horses, and the show also stood out for Addie’s family because of the chaps she wore as a reminder of Pappy’s love.

“My Pappy Nelson went all over the United States with these chaps, and herded cattle in them. He wanted to give them to me as a nice gift because I’ve loved horses ever since I was born,” she says. “I just love him and I’m glad he gave these to me because they’ll always be a reminder of him every time I wear them, especially when he passes.”

Nelson Mellow is alive and well, she explains, and she planned to send him a photo as a surprise after he classes were completed.  “He’s a truck driver, so he drives all over the U.S. So I’m going to send him pictures after I’m done today.”

“Grandpas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever.” ~unknown.