Story and photos by Erika Haight
Some angels have wings, and play harps – others stomp around this Earth in 16” customized ostrich skin boots, advocating for human compassion.
Although my first introduction to Jonnie was through a phone call set up by a mutual friend a few nights prior to us actually meeting in person, it didn’t prepare me for that which is Jonnie Jonckowski. She came somewhere from the back north 40 – taking large strides towards me. Slender, tall, and seemingly serious. I recall her ostrich skin boots personalized with her name tooled across the shin, a silver cross hanging from her neck, and concho belt which probably wouldn’t fit around my left thigh. It was all business at first. She was slightly concerned about attire, and what might look best for the photo shoot. Two or three leather coats were pulled down from a hanger just inside the doors of the wood encased chapel. From my perspective, all were brilliant choices, from leather fringe with hairpipe beads, to intricate native stitched feathers and symbols. (I remember the chapel being extremely warm compared to the bitter Montana wind on the other side of the door.)
We decided that a buggy might make for an interesting shot. Together we worked at pulling it out from the tight space in her barn. A series of sharp turns and heave-hos got the job done. Getting it out was one thing – putting it back proved to be another story. This was the beginning of our friendship.
Getting Jonnie to talk is not difficult. She has no problem taking the bull by the horns inside or outside of the arena – if you know what I mean. She is by definition a vivid story teller. My mind raced with thoughts from can this lady be real? to if only my life could be as exciting as hers. I do recall asking her at one point if there was anything that she hadn’t done…which was immediately followed up with something else she had.
She was able to list one accomplishment after another.
From being a two time World Champion woman bull rider, Cowgirl Hall of Famer, American Gladiator, Triathlon winner, who went on to become a licensed physical therapist – not to mention survivor of a life-threatening tumor, and numerous close calls in the rodeo arena. Despite all the accomplishments she reminds me of how the experiences have humbled her, and that all the success did not come without failures. “It’s been an amazing wild ride, moments of both grandeur, and depression,” she says.
What most may not be aware of is that for the past twenty- eight years Jonnie has devoted her life to her beloved non- profit organization Angel Horses Inc. She offered up her personal home, finances, and countless hours working to make it happen. It’s her focus – her obsession – her passion.
Our afternoon consisted of touring the property, digging through a plethora of photographs, and collaborating on ideas to save Angel Horses Inc. She speaks passionately about the impact Angel Horses has had on the elderly residents and at-risk youth who came to spend time with her on the ranch. “Their faces light up while they are here, and it’s devastating to watch as they leave.”
The Vision Is Grand – the private 10-acre ranch is the perfect blank canvas for Jonnie’s idea for a miniature, “Dodge City.” Complete with a livery stable, general store, Longbranch saloon, Delmonicos café, and Doc’s place (which would serve as a resting place for the elderly). She envisions a place where residents can come spend a day, work, enjoy the outdoors and companionship of the therapy animals – a place where they can essentially escape the mundane. “Thus, a town, a destination, not an end place, but a beginning to a swelled heart. Loneliness kills… man and beast,” Jonnie says.
Currently situated on the grounds is an indoor arena, barn, chapel, gazebo, bridge, and teepees. There is much to offer, but as in life, nothing is free. There is no charge for those who come to enjoy the facility, but for Jonnie it’s been a constant struggle to pay expenses. Horse feed, vet bills, upkeep, transportation, and structural additions all take a heavy toll. The therapy animals which are all rescues add a significant importance to the cause. The animals which now reside on the property were all being sent to kill pens due to their age or the inability to be cared for by their owners. Angel Horses gives them a second lease on life, and in exchange they go on to help provide comfort, stress relief, and grant end of life wishes for all those that come to Jonnie. Each animal or human that come to Jonnie has a unique story, and finds a special place and purpose…beautiful any way you look at it.
Angel Horses solely relies on fundraisers, private donations, and its volunteers. Covid 19 shut down the world for over a year, and with that the economy taking a serious dive, caused Jonnie to almost have to pull the plug on the operation last year. Through both prayer and a generous donation from a private source, Jonnie’s beloved Angel Horses was spared. This once again reaffirming in her heart that this is what she is meant to be doing.
“All this energy – Jonnie points to a wall covered in mismatched frames, and plaques that tell a story of accomplishments and a life lived to the fullest – has now been concentrated into making Angel Horses a success.”
It’s a tremendous undertaking, as she currently works 60+ hours a week with just her grounds keeper by her side. Prove others wrong, make a difference, forge a path – for Jonnie that is how she has spent her whole life. “Quit,” is not in her vocabulary. I was struck most by her unwavering faith, strength, and determination to finish what she has started. If anyone can get it done, she can. I feel blessed to know someone with a heart such as hers.
We eventually ended up at Jonnie’s personal residence just a hop, skip and jump from the ranch. We sat in her modest A frame home kicked back on some pillow covered leather sofas with a fire lit and a re-run of Gunsmoke playing on the television. Dust webs waving to me from the rafters above, I patiently wait for Jonnie to pour me a drink. I should have known – Yukon Jack Whiskey and Diet coke strong enough to put hair on anyone’s chest. Every slow sip I took gave me a glimpse into the life of Jonnie Jonckowski. Wild, bold, daring, unstoppable, dangerous. And with that, keeping in mind that the legal blood limit in Montana is .08, I decided I best be on my way. Some greasy Mexican food from Guadalajara’s to sop up the liquor, and a forty-seven mile road trip home proved to be one of the best days of my life.
I may not be able to hold my liquor like she can, but I’d go back and shoot the shit with her any day.