Search - Michael Martin Murphey :: Horse Legends

If you love horses, this is for you

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 08/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whatever reason you love horses for, there is something to interest you here. This is not a cowboy album, although it will no doubt appeal to lovers of cowboy music. Michael wrote several of the songs, but also covered some classic equine songs.



There are two songs about thoroughbred racing, Run for the roses (Dan Fogelberg's ode to the Kentucky Derby) and The running blood, a more general song. There is also a song about quarter horses (Quarter horse rider).



Ponies was first recorded by Michael Johnson in the eighties and was later lovingly covered by Lynn Anderson (an expert equestrian) on her Cowboy's sweetheart album, which also included Run for the roses.



Tennessee stud (featuring Johnny Cash) was originally a Jimmy Driftwood song, but has been recorded by (among others), the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on their original Will the circle be unbroken album, recently re-mastered.



Wildfire is a re-recording of Michael's own hit. The original recording would have sounded out of place on this album, and the Amazon editorial noted it was a re-recording, so the earlier reviewer who complained has only himself to blame.



Each and every song is wonderful, and will give pleasure to horse lovers everywhere. There are plenty of other horse songs which could have been included - Stewball and Strawberry roan to name but two. I hope Michael does a second volume some day."

A Horse Lovers Delight.

Joy Braswell (sambwell@concentric.n | Buda, Texas | 12/23/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have never enjoyed another CD as much as I have this one. Others may put this recording down as just "cheap romanticism" and horses as "contrary and ornery" but it will strike a chord with horse owners and enthusiasts. There is a unique bond between humans and their equine partners that can't be explained away as sentimental, romantic drivel and this album was written and put together by a horseman for other horsemen and women.I feel there is something for everyone on this recording. I particularly enjoyed The Running Blood and hearing my mare's bloodlines listed in Quarter Horse Rider gave me goose bumps. Running Shadow is not a fable. There was a steel dust stallion that became a legend of the plains. One Blackfoot tribe called him "Ponokamita" or vain elk-dog, others called him The Ghost Horse of the Plains, The Phantom, etc. and although many tried, no one was ever able to capture him. Many stories of the Old West mention this horse and the song is a fitting tribute to his legend.I enjoyed this recording the first time I heard it nearly a year ago, and it's charm has not worn off, but then I don't see horses as onery and I get up every two hours to break ice on water troughs. Go figure."

Romancing the Horse from an equestrian point of view.

Ruella Yates | 08/01/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Horses are "onery and contrary" only if you (the untrained human) haven't studied the horse and understood his genetic code. Horses have two very strong genetic emotions: fight or flight. Anyone with the proper training can have the complete trust and obedience of just about any horse. But the trainer has to be dedicated - it takes knowledge and patience and time. It's people who don't understand all the nuances of the horse's behavior who think horses are contrary or onery. MMM knows the loving side of horses. Until you do, don't berate the horse. This is a great album and every little cowkid who has or ever wanted a pony will love "The Pony Man". The WEST is embodied in this album."