It may have taken six months, but the mystery “cowboy family” on horseback in NYC’s Central Park referred to in our post A “cowboy family” on horseback spotted in New York City’s Central Park, has been solved! Just as we were losing all hope of verifying the story and getting to the bottom of things, thanks to the power of the internet, we tracked down the riders. To be fair, they actually reached out to us after seeing and reading our article. On behalf of FillyFans everywhere, we thank them again for doing so. Not only because this story was so bizarre and we wanted our own answers, but because when we first published the article, we got all types of feedback. Some readers were simply amazed, while others were downright skeptical. They said “unbelievable” as in, “we don’t believe you” LOL!! Without pictures to back up the story, who could blame the skeptics? After all, the chances of seeing a group of people in full cowboy gear (hats, chaps, lassos, etc.) riding around in New York City’s Central Park, on horseback, on any given day, is about as likely as seeing a black swan!
Well, not only did we catch up with Cliff Schadt Jr., one member of the “cowboy family” for a quick interview (which we will share below), but for all you skeptics and curious FillyFans out there, we now have Cliff’s pictures of that day too! Those of you familiar with New York City’s Central Park will notice the landmarks in the background of the pictures, further proving their authenticity. Along for the ride that day, and filling out the “cowboy family,” were Greg Robinson (winner of the 2011 Extreme Cowboy Race in Pomona), his son Bucky Robinson, and Cliff’s girlfriend Danielle. As you will read below, this wasn’t a stunt, ploy for attention, or a hidden camera prank. These were genuine cowboys and cowgirls out for a ride. Greg and his son are from Texas, (not a surprise to find cowboys from there), but as it turns out, there are also legitimate cowboys living in the suburbs of Manhattan! Who knew? Cliff lives on the Eastern end of Long Island, a couple of hours outside of the city and his “life as a cowboy” sounds like it’s worthy of its own book. Read on for our interview with Cliff, and the answers to the questions we’ve all been wondering…
Was this your first time in Central Park dressed up in full cowboy gear?
What was your family doing in the park that day…photo shoot, movie, pleasure ride?
How did you get your horses to the city that day and what did you do with the trailer(s)?
Are you connected to the story about the cowboy riding along Broadway on the Upper West Side of Manhattan early in the morning?
Where are you originally from and how did a cowboy end up on Long Island?
What kind of horse training do you offer and how can people get in touch with you?
Click here to read the original article: “A Cowboy Family On Horseback Spotted In New York City’s Central Park”
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Well New York City’s Central Park was originally designed with horses and carriages in mind. There are bridal paths that extend through the park. Unfortunately, since there are so few horses using the bridal paths these days, pedestrians have taken them over. When horses/riders actually do use the Central Park bridal paths, they often come into conflict with the runners who prefer to run on the bridal paths because they provide a softer surface (which is better for their feet and knees). There have been stories of runners and riders yelling at one another. And of course, when a horse happens to do its “business” on the bridal path and leaves a “present” for the runners, the Central Park runners aren’t too happy!
My husband, a friend of ours and I have ridden in Central Park a couple of years ago. We met up with a group from the NYSHC and were given a guided tour with the NYC Parks Police. It was an awesome day 🙂
Parking the trailer has always been the big issue for me. I’d go to Central Park in a NY minute – from Long Island.
Thanks Kimberly! You can either click on the shirt in the article, or scroll to “FillyGirl Apparel” on our site.
great story. how can i get one of those adorable cowgirl tshirts for my daughter at the bottom of the other article?
I must admit, I was a bit skeptical myself, but seeing is believing!