Cordova, loyal partner, and friend, went to horse heaven on August 24, 2022 after 21 years on this earth, and 17 years of devoted service to the San Juan Nation Forest and the Pagosa Ranger District.
A buckskin stallion from Delta, Colorado, Cordova was a full-blooded Missouri Fox Trotter and has the seal and lineage to prove it.
Cordova was a working horse, ridden by Range Specialist John Garcia for 15 years throughout the San Juans, wrangling cows, bushwhacking through the back country, checking allotments, mending fences, and laying down the law. Cordova even served on fire missions with his trusted partner.
But it didn’t start out so heroic for Cordova upon arrival in Pagosa Springs.
When John arrived and began his service 15 years ago, Cordova was young and wild. No one would ride him because he had bucked a ranger a few years prior. Cordova was notorious around these parts.
But it was love at first sight for John and Cordova. And the rest is history.
So, if you’re reading this, and you have ever loved and lost a good horse, then raise a glass to Cordova and his dedicated service to the Range program here in the San Juan National Forest.
Nicole Holt
Pagosa Springs