In addition to being an equine veterinarian in Abilene, Texas, for the last two decades, Dr. Randy Lewis is also quite the comedian. His bio on the West Texas Equine Clinic’s website certainly hints at this characteristic, but, when asked if he’d be interested in an interview about what he does outside of the arena, Lewis, 49, didn’t skip a beat.
“I had no idea you all knew I was a male gigolo.”
He followed up the icebreaker with a hefty chuckle, leaving the impression that it’s probably mighty fun to sit arena-side with this 6 heeler, who emphasizes the value of relationships when it comes to his actual professional endeavors.
“That’s my favorite part, for sure. I mean I enjoy the horses, no doubt, and I truly do, but I enjoy the relationships I make with people as much as anything. I graduated in 1997, so it’s been 22 years. The personal relationships that I’ve made with my clients and seeing their kids grow up and compete with their horses and be successful, those are the ones that stand out—when I get to see those kids go from play days to junior high school rodeo to high school rodeos and some go on to rodeo professionally and to see those transitions and be around those families as they’re on their journey, that’s what I remember the most.”
Lewis shares his life with his wife—a small animal veterinarian whom he met in vet school—and their teenaged son, 19, and daughter, 16; but his love of roping is all his.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
At Home With
Whether he’s home in his native Brazil or here in America, Lincoln Figueiredo ropes all day every day. Heeling is his favorite—he’s an 8.5 on the back side—but he’s packed all kinds of roping into a very full 46 years. Figueiredo lives in Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo, Brazil, with his wife, Marina, and baby girl, also Marina.
Zane Tisdale's Leather & Life
Although header Zane Tisdale has a lot of pride in his leatherwork, it’s a passion that shares space with a full-time job, roping and, most importantly, his growing family. —G.R. Schiavino.
Torres Brothers Missing Main Mounts
The Torres Brothers—Joshua and Jonathan—have consistently been Top-30 team ropers in recent years.
What Pro Heelers Prefer And How To Get Your Horse To Drag It The Right Way
Here’s a glimpse of what pro heelers prefer and how to get your horse to drag it the right way.
How Smoothing Out Your Start And Your Handle Will Speed Up Your Runs
How smoothing out your start and your handle will speed up your runs.
Remembering the “Answer Man”
This spring, the rodeo and roping world lost a man who spent his life in its folds, shaping its functions: Hugh “Rooster” Chambliss.
Randy Lewis: Horse Vet
For heeler Randy Lewis, DVM, becoming a horse doctor wasn’t a choice he made. Instead, it was just a fact of life since as long as he can remember.
Disciplining Yourself Is Key To Regaining Your Horse's Composure In The Box
Disciplining yourself is key to regaining your horse’s composure in the box.
Luke Brown On Earning His Spot Among The Best
Luke Brown on earning his spot among the best.
The Battle Of The Bubble Boys
The bubble. It’s not the place anyone wants to be right now, but it’s inevitable that there are teams put in that position every season.