March 2022 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN March 2022 Page 53 Outlaws Wanted: Be a Bandit with the Mason Dixon Cowboys the clothing to the saddles and guns. “The guns were shooting blanks and it was loud,” she said with a laugh. “It was a lot of fun, and we would definitely do it again.” Popadick said the reaction is always phenomenal. “Because they love horses, people stay and talk a long time and ask us to pose for pictures,” he said. “It’s a chance to touch the Wild West and the kids love it. My horse, Petey had his own entourage of kids. Now I have a Tennessee Walker named Mid- night.” Popadick bought Midnight in anticipation of retiring Petey. When he tried her out, he made sure he had his gun, to see how she reacted to gunfire. “She jumped a little but other than that was great, so I knew she’d be okay,” he said. “There are flags, crowds, bridges, streams, steam engines, bells and whistles and there are fire engines when we’re in a parade. It’s a lot.” The horses must also be fa- miliar with picket lines, campfires and people who don’t know much about horses. “I spent hours with my horse in the round pen, shooting the gun and teaching him to neck rein,” Moss said. Outlaws and Peacemakers Bob Alexander runs another cowboy group called Outlaws and Peacemakers. They organize the train robberies at Northern Central Railway in York County, PA. “We’re there in costume meeting and greeting people as they come into the station and answering any questions they have,” Alexander said. “We load the money and gold into the freight car. There is a little shootout, then we board the train and engage the kids in conver- sation and get the history and fun going. Many cowboys, with and without badges, are walking through the train, so people trying to figure out who each one is.” Alexander said the train stops in the small town of Seit- zland before heading back to the station. A script plays out, with outlaws locking lawmen into the freight car. The loot is carried off the train. When the good guys get loose, they head for the “hide- away,” confront the bandits, and a shootout develops. “The good guys always win,” Alexander said. “While we have other groups come in, the Mason Dixon Cowboys are the only ones mounted. They do a great job. I have so much respect for them. They know what to do, they are safe, and they’re great with their animals.” It is a fun day that is gratify- ing for all. “Seeing people, especially kids, get to touch a horse, smell a horse, and to see history that has died is satisfying,” Moss said. “When is the last western you’ve seen on TV? When people, like the kid in a wheelchair, come up and pet your horse’s nose, that means a lot.” The group appears at various Pennsylvania locations seasonal- ly, including the Northern Central Railway in New Freedom, three Wild West weekends at the Dan- iel Lady Farm in Gettysburg, PA, and the Pennsylvania Cowboy weekend. Moss encourages anyone who joins be as accurate as possible. Popadick agreed. “Start with a pair of pants and a shirt and we will go from there,” he said. “Between John and I we have enough gear that we can lend someone.” Both men said cowboy ca- maraderie makes it special. “We love this stuff,” Moss said. “Everybody helps each other set up, break down and load up. And studying the histo- ry is gratifying, too. One year I studied the shootout at the Okay Corral. I took courses in how to make fake wounds. I studied the wounds of Morgan, Virgil and Doc Holiday and put them on our actors.” Those who are interested in joining the Mason Dixon Cow- boys can call Moss at 610-350- 7279. “It’s pretty exciting to be galloping around shooting guns,” Popadick said. “There are times I’m in the store and I’ll tell some- one, I need to go because I have to rob a bank or rob a train. Hors- es are exciting in themselves. Add the clothes and the guns and it is special. After all, everyone wants to be a cowboy!” (Continued from page 51) Daniel Lady Farm, Gettysburg, PA May 7 and 8, Aug. 6 and 7, Oct. 29 and 30 Danielladyfarm.com Northern Central Railroad, New Freedom, PA May 21, June 18, July 17, Aug. 20 Northerncentralrailway.com wnortherncentralrailway.com Mason Dixon Cowboys 2022 Schedule Old Bedford Village, Bedford, PA June 25 and 26 Oldbedfordvillage.com New Freedom Town Celebration, New Freedom, PA September 17 Newfreedomheritage.org Pennsylvania Cowboy weekend, New Freedom, PA October 8 and 9 Northerncentralrailway.com