Inspiration, by Texas Longhorn Cattle
- Mar 24, 2015
- 2 min read
We have been on the hunt lately for some special hair on hides in the rich orange shade of the UT Longhorns. But what about the inspiration for the color - the cattle themselves? And what IS that shade of orange really called?
May Pantone suggest....
When we source hides, we often pick a general color or "look", and can anticipate from the manufacturer (based on our relationship with them and their knowledge of hides) what we'll get. Every one is unique because the animal is unique. Don't think about it too hard, it can become morbid. For hair on hides, unless they are dyed to a specification and are a brilliant shade of unnatural green, blue, red or pink, they can come in a variety of browns, blacks, blonds, brindles or greys.
May Nature suggest...
This particular search took us to discover a little more about the Texas Longhorn cattle breed. Longhorns can be brown, orange (also known as "red" or "Longhorn red") or black, with varying degrees of white. Their direct descendants have been in the new world since they were brought over by Christopher Columbus to the Carribean island Hispanola. (Here's a nice synopsis on the breed.)
A little background - which turns out to be much more interesting than one might think - from the Longhorn Alliance states "between 1493 and the mid-19th century, feral longhorns flourished in the Americas. During that three hundred fifty year period, they used principles of natural selection to develop hardiness, disease resistance, ease of calving, strong mothering instincts, and other traits vital to their survival. What evolved was an animal which could survive in harsh environments, one which had sound legs and could walk miles to water, to breed, and to utilize available forage, and one which could also produce and raise a live healthy calf year after year." Not too shabby.
For our part, this hearty breed intrigues us for their hides - to use on reupholstering chairs, ottomans, and the like. Hair on hides can be especially unique and create great conversation piece furniture that is sure to be noticed.
Beautiful insight into both color and character. Just like a Nepal tour, where every journey feels unique and shaped by nature, each Texas Longhorn hide tells its own story—natural, authentic, and full of history.
Really interesting read! I love how the unique history and resilience of Texas Longhorns is reflected in their hides. That natural orange shade is stunning—just like the vibrant landscapes on a Kanchenjunga Short Circuit Trek, where every step feels unique and memorable!
This is a really interesting post. The way Texas Longhorn hides show unique color and strength makes me think of the EBC via Gokyo trek, where every part of the trail is different and full of natural beauty.
This is a fascinating post that beautifully connects color, nature, and history. The way design inspiration is tied to the natural character and resilience of Texas Longhorn cattle adds real depth to the story. It even brings to mind adventures like the Everest Three Pass Trek, where raw landscapes, natural colors, and endurance come together to create something truly unforgettable.
The topic “Inspiration, by Texas Longhorn Cattle” is a powerful reminder of strength, resilience, and natural beauty found in heritage livestock. Texas Longhorn cattle symbolize endurance, adaptability, and bold character, making them a true source of inspiration for artists, ranchers, and designers alike. Their iconic horns and rugged appearance translate beautifully into creative branding and visual storytelling. Capturing such detailed inspiration requires precision, much like digitizing a logo for embroidery, where every line and curve must reflect authenticity and character. This blend of tradition and creativity highlights how natural inspiration can be transformed into timeless, high-quality embroidered designs.