I wasn't much more than eleven years old out looking for summer work when I first met Virl Norton. I made the rounds throughout the Almaden ranches and finally knocked at the door of his little silver trailer boasting of my ample horse skills. I doubt he was very impressed by this skinny little kid, but he generously promised to call back if anything came up. I don't know if I waited more than 2 weeks before trying again. I even lowered my price to 50 cents per hour and agreed to clean stalls if needed. Another 3 weeks went by.

Finally on my third attempt, Virl must have thought the only way to send this kid away happy was to let him ride a little pony around for an hour or two. I remember this afternoon riding a burro bareback around the back field while Virl and others attended to an Arabian stallion. I found it a bit embarrassing and would have preferred the black/white Appaloosa (Apollo), however if this was how I could prove my determination, I would do so without complaint.

I'm not exactly sure what changed his mind, but at the end of the day, Virl invited me back to ride again. Over the course of this summer, I took on additional duties eventually becoming responsible for the regular endurance training for many of the horses and mules on the ranch. I showed up 3-4 days per week, chose which horses I would drive and which I would ride, and then trotted around the 1/4 mile track for a total of 10+ miles each day. This became an after school activity that lasted nearly six years.

These were special moments that I cherish to this day. I looked forward to spending time at the ranch even if I didn't feel like riding. I enjoyed the company of Virl, his son Pierce, and the many horses that became my friends. Most of all Leroy - a 17 hand mule slash puppy dog. I figure Leroy and I rode about 6000 miles around that track over the years, but my best memories are of quiet afternoons messing around the barn or daydreaming while laying against Leroy's back as he took an afternoon nap.

Virl introduced me to the sport of endurance riding and taught me that a horse could go farther and longer at a steady trot. He included me in Bay Area endurance rides like Drakes Bay 50 Mile Ride - I rode Leroy while Virl introduced Deacon (his 3rd mule) to endurance events, both winning the award for Best Condition.

I remember Virl as a gentle man with an encouraging nature and always happy to lend a hand. He was liked by many and I'm glad that the local community has honored his memory so appropriately. Maybe someday I'll be able to ride the Virl Norton Trail in Quicksilver County Park and reflect on the man who devoted so much of his life to horses and horsefolk.

I didn't get the chance to thank him for the great opportunities he lent me, and it's true I never made my 50 cents an hour (grin), but I benefited from knowing Virl and I appreciate the influence he had on my young life.