The Forgotten Book Series
January 10th, 2025
Dennis Dilts' memories
Two old Waldo Stockbreeders’ Association members, Dennis Dilts and Jack Cutts come to life in ‘Cowboy Memories’ written by Dilts. Jack is a legendary Elko horse trader, cowboy, and storyteller, and Dennis is an author, cowboy, bush worker, and owner of the WD Ranch.
The Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History is currently working with the Waldo Stockbreeders Association in a new online exhibit to document the Stockbreeders’ organizational history and membership since 1939. Association members continue to produce a large volume of cattle for local and broader distribution.
Dilts in ‘Cowboy Memories’ very aptly catches the essence of these men and women still on the ranches of East Kootenay. His horse inspired the poem ‘Billy Bay’ featured in the book.
Billy Bay
Jack Cutts brought him through the Rockies.
From out Alberta way.
For no particular reason,
He called him Billy Bay.
They said he was a reject,
Not worth the wasted time,
So they gave him to old Jack,
For not even one thin dime.
As soon as I laid eyes on him,
I knew this little horse was fine.
I couldn’t help but dream,
Of the day that he’d be mine
Now old Jack, he’s a horse trader.
He knew I wanted him bad,
So he wasn’t really satisfied,
‘Til he took every nickel I had.
I took him home and fed him,
And gave him some TLC,
It wasn’t very long,
Until he became friends with me.
I finally got him broke,
It sure was a fight.
But, the pleasure it was riding him,
Filled my heart with pure delight.
He could walk along so graceful,
And run like the wind blows.
He never lost a single race,
As far as anybody knows.
He sure was a neck reiner
One of the best out on the range.
He could turn on a nickel,
And give back a little change.
I must have rode him a million miles,
Over mountains, hills, and plains,
And to think that I had spoiled him,
You’d have to be insane.
Now, I’ve rode a lot of horses,
But none near as fine,
As the one, they called a reject.
That little bay of mine.
Jack has a reputation:
The best horse trader in the land,
But I got the best of that deal,
when God dealt me the winning hand.
Then one day, God up and took him,
To his pastures far away.
And I wouldn’t be surprised,
If He’s riding Billy Bay.
