Article author E. M. Dickey and a cross-bred range horse. (photo courtesy - The Vermont Horse and Bridle Trail Bulletin, October, 1941) I knew Frank for almost half a century and can recall seeing him at the Bill Show, when it was showing in l893 at the World's Fair in Chicago. He was 22 years older than I and as a lad of 10 years recall him, riding alongside of Bill Cody tossing glass balls for Cody to shoot down.
		22. "I Knew Frank for Almost Half a Century" A Letter from Edward M. Dickey Howdy Amigo Mio, Your recent letter pertaining to Mr. F.T. Hopkins received, but due to my condition have been unable to get off an answer. My eyes have been going haywire for several years and despite a specialist trying to prevent an operation it was necessary to operate and remove a cataract in my right eye. This took place last May 22nd and was doing OK, when the eye became infected. I was not able to pass the eye test for glasses, there after numerous tests was tested and the glasses made, but did not receive them until the first week of September, going for almost 3 months without glasses, did not help, I reckon. The doctor warned me that it would be a long time before my eyes would adjust to these heavy glasses. I can see fine at times but can only read for a short period, when my eyes get so tired I must cease. As you all know what it means when first to use bifocal glasses; some folk never seem able to get accustomed to them! My glasses make me dizzy and much depend upon another person, holding me by the arm, to prevent having a fall. I am 85 years of age, and unsteady on my feet due to old bones, broken and tangled up during my riding days, and was forced to stop riding in l946, and have never rode a hoss since, as all the medicos I saw warned me that I get my neck broken unless I halted, as I might black out, due to low blood pressure and anemia. This meant quitting all work, and a long period of time in Santa Fe N.M. into California, Sacramento, hence ___Nevada, where I thought I'd stay with a rancher ______. My doctor had given me permission to go west as he felt the change would benefit me, but as there was some 55 miles to nearest doctor, and again getting dizzy spells I headed east, where my doctor was available. It took a year and a half just "sittin" round before I got able to do anything again. Now I am again a hombre in Malo condition. I may be able to find some info which might help you, but it sure will be a spell before I can get anything together. But it will depend upon my eyes again getting so I can see. Sabe? Please understand that if I was at all able to do so I'd be willing to help, but presently it is impossible, "The Larame Kid" (FTH) was one of my dearest friends, and one of the finest men I've ever known, and also a friend of Mrs. Hopkins. I knew Frank for almost half a century and can recall seeing him at the Bill Show, when it was showing in l893 at the World's Fair in Chicago. He was 22 years older than I and as a lad of 10 years recall him, riding alongside of Bill Cody tossing glass balls for Cody to shoot down. Well, Amigo must halt this. Hope you can read these lines, which I've gotten down, with my eyes only about 6 inches above the paper. Best of luck on your book. Adios, Edward M. Dickey (Nevada Dick). Edward M. Dickey,was a show rider, Spanish Horse historian, and Friend of Frank T. Hopkins.
		22. "I Knew Frank for Almost Half a Century" Dickey, Edward. (Robert O. Easton Collection, courtesy American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming), 1960s.

		this site sponsored by The Horse of the Americas Registry, & IRAM - the Institute of Range and the American Mustang email:info@frankhopkins.com