Ambassador Roughneck

Ambassador Roughneck Subhead Local taxidermists create unique longhorn mount bound for Stockyards Nathan Diebenow Editor Wed, 06/05/2024 - 06:24 Image

• Taxidermist Larry Golden (center, right) took the lead in moving an eight-and-a-half foot longhorn mount across Highway 22 with Meridian city workers Gary (left) and Garrett Rohrer (center, left) and fellow taxidermist Micah Golden (back) to the Bosque County Courthouse for a photo op with Meridian City Secretary Tiffany Gentry (right) and other city and county officials and community members on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune
• Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune
• Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune On Thursday, May 30, Russell Fairchild, a rancher based in Lampasas, (from left) moved Roughneck into his trailer with the help of local taxidermist Micah Golden, his brother Joe, and fellow taxidermist father Larry for a one-way trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards where the longhorn will be on display.
• Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune Russell Fairchild, a rancher based in Lampasas, (from left) wrapped up Roughneck in a few tarps in his trailer with the help of local taxidermist Micah Golden, his brother Joe, and fellow taxidermist father Larry bound for the Fort Worth Stockyards where the longhorn will be on display before millions of people.

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Historic downtown Meridian buzzed with excitement and anticipation for local taxidermists completing their latest project.

Last Wednesday, May 29, Larry Golden and his son Micah unveiled a full-body longhorn mount for Lampasas-based rancher Russell Fairchild on Bosque County’s courthouse square.

The intricate and impressive piece was destined for permanent display at KO Trading at the Fort Worth Stockyards Station in Fort Worth.

The project began when Fairchild –known for his longhorn meat and mounts– needed a skilled taxidermist to handle “Roughneck,” a special eight-and-a-half-foot long longhorn.

This was no small task, as it required finding a taxidermist capable of handling such a large and intricate project.

After extensive research and interviews with several taxidermists, Fairchild found Larry Golden and his son Micah, an experienced professional team based in Meridian, who were up to the challenge.

The process of creating the longhorn mount was labor-intensive and meticulous.

'We put close to 1,000 stitches in it,' Micah said, detailing the care required due to the animal’s short hair.

The preparation involved several stages, including skinning, shaving, tanning, and molding.

'The skin had to be shaved down to almost like a deer skin to capture all the texture and detail,' Micah noted.

The mount’s form, a mannequin or mold, required modifications to match the longhorn’s exact measurements.

'We had to cut and rebuild parts of the form to get it just right,' Larry added.

All in all, the project took approximately 80 man-hours to complete, involving detailed measurements and careful handling over the course of several weeks this spring.

Roughneck –originally raised by a child who eventually entered the U.S. military and later acquired by Fairchild– was known for his bossy behavior toward other longhorns (but gentle around humans) and a tendency to escape his enclosure.

Fairchild decided to turn the animal into an ambassador for the longhorn breed for display in the DFW area where millions of people will see him each year.

During Roughneck’s reconstruction process, the Golden family’s taxidermy shop –strategically located in the heart of Meridian– became a local landmark where folks can catch a glimpse of the project’s progress.

'Everyone in the county walks by sooner or later, whether they’re getting car tags or paying their taxes,' Larry remarked. 'We've kept the lights on at night, so people passing by can see it through the windows.'

Residents and local officials showed great interest in the longhorn mount, planning a photo session to promote the city before the mount was transported to Fort Worth the next day.

The logistics of finding the right spot for the photoshoot involved various discussions because the 400-pound mount needed a sturdy and accessible location.

'We thought about the parking lot, county property, and even city hall,' Meridian City Secretary Tiffany Gentry said. “We needed to make sure it doesn’t sink into the grass, so the walkway by the courthouse was ideal.”

Meridian city workers Gary and Garrett Rohrer and Ivan Oviedo assisted the Golden's in moving the longhorn mount to the courthouse from their shop.

The longhorn mount not only showcased their craftsmanship but also brings a piece of Meridian’s culture to a broader audience.

But Roughneck is just the beginning. Fairchild has already commissioned another full-body mount, this time of a cow named 'Catch It,' known for her striking brindle and white coat.

As he continues to expand his collection, Fairchild is on the lookout for more impressive specimens to immortalize through taxidermy.

Beyond taxidermy, Fairchild's ranch also produces high-quality, grass-fed, and grass-finished beef.

Fairchild emphasized the health benefits of longhorn beef, which is low in cholesterol and fat compared to other red and white meats.

His dedication to providing nutritious and delicious beef is backed by research from institutions like Texas A&M University, which highlights the superior health profile of longhorn beef.

For more information about Fairchild Ranch, visit FairchildRanch.com.

For more information about Golden Taxidermy, visit www.facebook.com/ goldentaxidermy.

Outside the Bosque County Courthouse in Meridian, local taxidermists Micah and Larry Golden proudly posed with Roughneck, an eight-and-a-half-foot long longhorn they mounted for Russell Fairchild, a rancher based in Lampasas.