In Loving Memory
of
James Caler
Founder of P. J. Ranch

 

Pokie

1970-1998

  

                                              

Pokie was the Original Stallion Jim purchased from the girls. Pokie was Jim's Best Buddy.

Here at PJ Ranch my father got involved in miniature horses back in 1973, helping two girls that wanted to go to college. He specialized in horses for kids and these girls knew he would take care of their little horses. They had to sell them for money to go to college and asked him to buy them. Wanting to help these girls, he bought them wondering what in the world he would do with them. But much to his surprise they were to be the rest of his life.



It wasn't long before he became ill from diabetes, had to retire early and moved from California to Missouri. Of course those little horses made the trip too. There was no registry at that time and not very many of those little horses anywhere. They became his full time job along with a leather business, building carts, wagons and a miniature stage coach.

Soon he realized just what these little guys could do for so many people including himself. He would take them to rodeos, parades, senior center, day cares, grand openings, schools and on and on. To see a small child look eye to eye with one of these little Mini's or a elderly woman in a wheelchair love on that mini and remember things she used to do years ago. OH THOSE SMILES......and how he loved making people smile and it brought a warmth to his heart.



Later in years, he became confined to a wheel chair and he could still handle those little horses from his wheel chair. A baby was born the last time he was in the hospital. His doctor loved horses too and knew how much it would mean for him to see that baby horse. Mom took that baby to the hospital, the doctor met her outside and put that baby under his coat and up to the room they went. I remember the smile and tears that baby brought to his eyes and it wasn't long he was back on the ranch taking care of that baby again.

So you see, it goes with out saying, THE OUTSIDE OF A HORSE IS GOOD FOR THE INSIDE OF A MAN.......

Back to top of page

     

      

Web design by Randy Watson updated 11-13-05