Show Notes
In this episode, Lisa and Meghan tell two incredible stories: the story of Sergeant Reckless, a Korean horse made an American Marine (yes, she was really a Sergeant!), and Nan Aspinwall Gable, the first woman who rode across America on the back of a Thoroughbred in 1910-11.
Cocktail of the Evening
The Lady Ellen – A Clarified Punch
Recipe should make a batch of 2 cocktails.
Ingredients
- 1 cup bourbon (or your favorite whiskey)
- 1 cup dark or spice rum
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup simple syrup, maple syrup (or as we used, maple cream — we used less cream and thinned it out with water)
- 2 cups milk
Directions
Combine all ingredients and let sit for at least 1 hour but this can be left covered overnight. Using a fine mesh sieve, cheese cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter, SLOWLY pour the now curdled mixture into the cloth. It will take a LONG time to filter. Be patient and let the curds build. We used a fine mesh bag for making nut/oat milks. The first bit may come out a bit cloudy. Pour this back through the strainer once a foundation of curds has settled in your strainer.
The result should be a very clear and very smooth cocktail that is now shelf stable. Bottle and gift to friends or pour over a large ice cube and garnish with nutmeg.
Sergeant Reckless, America’s Korean War Horse
Sergeant Reckless was a true United States Marine who ran into battle, saving a number of wounded soldiers during the Korean War… and oh yeah, she’s a horse.
Lisa tells the story of the 13-hand red filly, Sergeant Reckless, a Korean born horse who was purchased by a U.S. Marine Lieutenant. Reckless was used to transport a recoilless rifle that weighed hundreds of pounds and fired 75mm rounds that weighed 24 pounds each. More astoundingly, the battle-tested Reckless continued her duty, providing ammunition to the recoilless rifle platoon even after her managing Marine was called to different a different station. Unmanned, Sergeant Reckless continued her job, transporting ammo and wounded soldiers to and from the front lines.
A United States Marine if we’ve ever heard of one. Hoorah.
Links:
The First Woman to Ride Solo Across America
Nan Aspinwall is a name you probably haven’t heard before and truly, for no good reason. This cowgirl’s story ranks among those of a real life Annie Oakley, as at 31 years old, Nan Aspinwall became the first woman to ride solo across North America, from San Francisco to New York City. For the lengthy journey, Nan chose a Thoroughbred mare named Lady Ellen.
Nan started her life in a small town in Nebraska before joining a vaudeville show and creating a character, the “Montana Girl” — a professional roper, rider, and trick shooter. The origins for why Nan decided to embark on the journey are unclear, but we speculate. As we tend to do. But after 310 days in the saddle and a number of mishaps along the way, Nan arrived in New York City, making her the first to complete the cross country journey alone.
Links:
- The Cowgirl Who Crossed America by Thoroughbred, Diary of an OTTB
