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Santa Rides a Reinsteer

© Joy Butler

For eons, Santa Claus has been associated with a sleigh full of toys transported over rooftops by eight tiny reindeer with the names of Donder, Cupid, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, Blitzen, and Vixen. Of course, we've all heard how he employed the use of Rudolph's shiny red nose one foggy Christmas Eve. I understand that, ever since then, Rudolph remains on standby every Christmas Eve in case of bad weather.

All reindeer are accustomed to the snowy arctic regions and harsh winter weather. They are sure-footed and strong enough to pull heavy loads but Santa's team seems to have extraordinary powers of strength, speed and flight while Rudolph is quite talented in leading them through all kinds of rain, sleet, snow, and fog to insure the delivery of gifts worldwide on Christmas Eve. However many people don't know that reindeer, even Santa's, do not perform well in warmer climates. Lesser known is the fact that the jolly old soul has given his reindeer a break by contracting another team to substitute for them through the southern territories - a rough, tough team of reinsteers.

Actually these reinsteers are Texas Longhorns, the rugged symbols of the spirit of the Old West. Their long legs, lanky bodies, and hard hooves built for speed qualify these tough bovines for Santa's long trail.

The Texas Longhorn breed results from the Spanish stock and English cattle brought to Texas by pioneer frontiersmen in the early 1800's. Free-roaming Longhorns developed their lean muscles, their famous horns of 8 or 9 foot span, a strong sense of smell, and the ability to forage on marginal rangelands. They were able to live off mesquite, cactus, and many kinds of weeds. Through adaptation to their harsh environment, these rock-steady bovines are truly an example of "survival of the fittest". By 1860, there were over 4 million Longhorns in Texas. However, cattlemen began introducing other breeds to 'improve' the herds and around the turn of the century, true Texas Longhorns numbered less than 2500.

"To recognize the Texas Longhorn as a distinct breed in order to protect the unique heritage of the Texas Longhorn and its link with the history of America", a group of cattlemen formed the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America in 1964. Its 4000 members have now swelled Longhorn herds to over a quarter million head.

No one knows just when Santa started using the Texas Longhorns for his Christmas Eve run but, at some point in history, he must have recognized that he needed their toughness and endurance to complete that grueling flight. In northern areas, he may arrive in a red sleigh powered by eight tiny reindeer but in Texas where the heat and sparse grazing take a toll on reindeer, he can be seen in Goliad's annual Christmas parade, sitting astride his trusty reinsteer.

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