The mission of Heroes and Horses is to “un-program the programmed.” Founded by veteran Micah Fink, the program offers veterans an alternative solution for defining and approaching their physical and mental scars. A solution that does not include prescription medications, or traditional psychotherapy, but rather the opportunity to use tools to redefine their purpose, rediscover their inner strength, and maximize their potential by taking ownership of their lives for the first time since leaving service. We are proud to support Heroes and Horses and proud to bring you this story from our friends at Modern Huntsman.

The post that follows is the third contribution from our friend, Ivan McClellan. If you missed the first couple, you can check them out

Historians estimate that one in four cowboys was Black in 1900. Yet, Black cowboys go largely unrepresented in the fact and fiction of the West. It begs the question: How many stories have been left untold, heroes left unidentified, and identities left mischaracterized? Larry Callies wants to preserve this history because it matters. History flows through his veins, which makes him the perfect person to share it.

Photographer Ivan McClellan shares pictures and thoughts from his visit to an all-black rodeo in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

Todd Sanders is a neon pop artist who builds vintage-style neon signs out of his shop in Austin, Roadhouse Relics. We had the opportunity to interview Todd (transcribed below) and shoot some photos for Tecovas Ranch Wear as he did his thing. Todd’s a great example of what it means to Walk Taller, to not give up and to listen to that voice in your head that tells you to keep chasing your dreams. You can view and shop Todd’s work at Roadhouse Relics in Austin and at

Betting on your own dreams is one of the boldest moves in life. For Nick and Elliott Reese, the bet smoldered and grew for most of the last decade until recently, when they put it all on the table.

Ivan McClellan catches up with Abraham Alexander, a singer and songwriter from Athens, Greece, before he heads on out on his national tour with Leon Bridges.

Interview by Byron Pace and photography by Tyler Sharp for Modern Huntsman.

Photographer Ivan McClellan shares the story of Julius Tillery and Jamaal Garner of BlackCotton, a business creating hand-made home décor, jewelry, and accessories from cotton they cultivate and care for.

We sat down with Tyler Sharp in his Montana home to talk about his history with Tecovas, the origins of Modern Huntsman, and what lies ahead.

We spoke with veteran Mike Sarraille about Legacy Expeditions and his efforts to raise money and awareness for Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Before winter renders the opportunity too treacherous, our partners at Modern Huntsman ventured to Idaho to catch up with Jillian and Robbie. Between conquering their inspiring day jobs, they’re putting every ounce of extra energy they can muster into building the homestead they’ve long dreamed about.

Photos and story by Paige Southwood

Photos by Wes Walker and Words by Paige Southwood

When Grace Askew was in her 20’s she was exploring her identity vicariously through the “rough n tumble” lifestyle of her songwriting heroes - Blaze Foley, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, and Tom Waits. That’s no easy group to keep pace with. Today, she’s a wife and mother and has almost 3 years of sobriety under her belt. The best part, she never had to hit a rock bottom to get there. When our new women’s boots arrived we immediately thought of Grace and sent our friend Heath Herring out to shoot her near her home in New Mexico. Here are some of those shots and a conversation that followed.