by Terry Lidral
The amazing horns of Poncho Via the Texas longhorn steer won him the world record in 2019 for the longest horns of any Texas longhorn in the world. At an oustanding width of 10 ft. 7.4 in., Pancho Via’s horns reached wider than the width of 2 grand pianos. And also wider than the face of the Statue of Liberty.
The steer was 6 years old at the time he earned the record and his horns weren’t done growing. By the time he was 9 years old, his horns had reached roughly the height of an adult elephant at 11 feet, 4.5 inches.
The horns of a Texas longhorn continue to grow throughout the life of the animal.
Poncho Via was purchased by John Pope of Green Acre Farm in Goodwater, Alabama when the steer was 6 months old. Pope liked Texas longhorns and decided he had to have one. The gentle giant Poncho Via became the pet of the Pope family.
In 2019, Poncho Via’s horns were measured and officially determined to be, at that time, the longest horns of any Texas longhorn in the world. Because of the width of his horns, it was dangerous for the steer to travel in a trailer. So, the Popes made visitors welcome at Green Acre Farm to admire their world class superstar.
As of 2021, Poncho Via was living with Dr. Seth Taylor at Twin Creeks Veterinary Services in Ashland, Alabama. He could be found hanging out in the pasture with his friend Lefty the white donkey, enjoying head scratches and eating marshmallows provided by his loyal fans.
