Road Stories

On Thursday we drove from Fort Worth to Colorado Springs in the company truck and trailer. Friday was the last day that the historic Western Horseman building, built in 1949, would be used by the magazine, and we were there to close the building and pack up furniture, files, artwork, etc.

Upon arriving, associate publisher Ernie King said, “I still can’t believe after 61 years that tomorrow is the last day Western Horseman operates out of this building. That is as wrong as Pikes Peak is tall.”

Friday was a sad day. Staff members who had worked there for years came to pack up their belongings, say goodbyes, take photos and shed tears. Many of them stayed late helping the crew haul boxes and clean out offices. That’s the kind of work ethic Western Horseman staff are known for.

During the day, a man showed up with his big palomino gelding and led him into the office. The last horse to step inside the building. We took pictures, and the man talked about how his grandfather subscribed to the magazine. Visits like that are common and are what has made our building unique.

We will spend the rest of this weekend emptying the Springs office. And the artwork, furniture, files and equipment will be moved to Fort Worth in two large Uhauls and the company truck and trailer.

I’m confident that Western Horseman will continue to be a great magazine. The staff and I will do everything we can to ensure that. But no doubt, with our beloved building closed, things will never be the same.