Country newcomer Kylie Frey adds a new layer of emotional power to her family-focused ballad, “Horses In Heaven,” enlisting the booming vocals of Randy Houser. Saddling up for a tribute to those lost but not forgotten, and the legacy they leave behind, it’s a ranch-life anthem with a heart of gold.
Deeply personal and originally appearing as a solo ballad on Frey’s Rodeo Queen EP, the sentimental slow-talker was written by Frey as a tribute to her late grandfather. He was the hardworking, tied-to-the-land hero who laid the foundation for Frey’s horse-centric lifestyle, instilling strong values and an anything-is-possible spirit. The Louisiana native went on to become a state champion in goat tying before committing to her musical passion, and “Horses In Heaven” was her way of saying thank you — but now it’s even more moving.
Adding tasteful harmony baritone to it, Houser first met Kylie Frey when they both performed at the National Finals Rodeo — the most-prestigious rodeo event in the country. But it wasn’t until hearing the track for himself that Houser decided he needed to be on it.
“I was driving around Dallas with a couple of buddies, and one of them played Kylie’s music,” shares Houser. “When I heard ‘Horses In Heaven,’ it got to me. I felt like it was telling a story I knew. Right then, I wanted sing on the track.”
“I was so honored to have Randy on this song,” Frey adds. “His vocals are unparalleled and really added the perfect touch to make it even more special than it was when I recorded it the first time for the EP, which was hard to even imagine. I am so grateful that he connected with it, but even more so because of how much this song means to me.”
“I don’t know if he’s rounding up a herd of cattle / Or going for eight in his old bronc saddle / Or teaching a young buck a hard-learned well-earned lesson / I don’t know if he’s roaming around just to pass the time / Somеwhere up therе on the other side / Checking a fence line just as the sun is settin’ / But y’all I’m sure that he’s riding horses in heaven,” goes the heartfelt chorus.
Kylie Frey’s original “Horses In Heaven” is currently spinning at country radio, and her Rodeo Queen EP is out now.