December 2013 by The American Horse

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In This Issue.. .

Page 6: Bridlewise by Richard Shrake Page 12: An Answered Prayer Page 16: On the Cover Page 20: Getting to Know A Champion Page 68: Interview with An Artist PAge 76: My Final Notice Page 80: 2013 Farnam Superhorse Page 84: NEWS! Page 86: Art I Sweet

For Advertising Information: 1-800-341-2650 advertising@theamericanhorsemagazine.com For Story or Photo Submissions: 1-800-341-2650 submissions@theamericanhorsemagazine.com For Billing & Subscriptions: 1-800-341-2650 THIS ISSUE: Contributing Authors: Richard Shrake On The Cover: Etched In The Stars HAVE A STORY? Tell us about it and your story could be in an upcoming issue of The American Horse! Please submit stories or story ideas to: submissions@theamericanhorsemagazine.com

Page 90: Thank You Page 68 Page 76

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Bridlewise by richard shrake

Picking The Right Horse

f there’s anything I’ve learned in my 30 years of being a horse trainer, judge and instructor, it’s that one of the main keys to success is pairing the right horse with the right rider. I’d even go so far as to say that the combination of these two is what makes world champions. When a horse and rider complement each other, success is much easier to attain. A great horse and rider team is made up of much more than finding the prettiest horse in a rider’s price range yet often times, looks and price are the only things considered. We should also be looking at such things as age, temperament, quality of gaits and size of horse.

The old saying, “Old horses for young riders, old riders for young horses,” has a lot of truth to it. Older horses are worth their weight in gold for young riders or beginners because they are safe and instill confidence. Though the fifteen-year-old gelding may not be as sleek and pretty as the green three-year-old filly, he is a better teacher and friend for the novice, youth and beginner rider. I always cringe when I hear parents talk about buying a young horse for a young rider so that “the two of them can grow up together.” This is one of the surest routes to heartache for both the youth and the parent. A green horse needs an experienced rider to be his teacher. Putting beginner with beginner just doesn’t work; it’s like asking a nine-year-old child to test fly a jet. It’s important that horse and rider have temperaments that work well together. The hyperactive, nervous rider should ride a horse

that’s more laid-back, very relaxed and most of all, forgiving. A calm, quiet and unexcitable rider usually will get along with a horse that is more sensitive. A rider who doesn’t have well-developed powers of concentration needs a horse that will stay focused even when the rider’s focus is interrupted. A rider who is a perfectionist needs a horse that will tolerate repetition in doing things over and over again. Quality of gaits varies widely from horse to horse, and is something you should consider any time you’re buying a new horse. What will the horse be used for, and who will be riding him? If he is to be an equitation mount for a young or novice rider, his gaits need to be very smooth and steady. If he’s to be an open western pleasure horse, his gaits must be pretty to watch as well as smooth to ride. If he’s to be a pleasure trail horse, he needs a steady but ground-covering walk, and a controllable trot and canter. If he’s to be a games or gymkhana horse, of course, the first requirement is that he be fast and spontaneous. The size of horse and rider should be matched to present a pleasing picture. A petite, short-legged rider looks out of proportion on a bulky 16.2 hand horse, and a tall, longlegged rider looks out of place on a slightly built 14.2 hand horse. Before deciding on a purchase, put the rider on the horse, stand back, and let your eye tell you whether or not the overall picture is pleasing.

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When a horse and rider are evenly matched in these categories, a partnership is formed that can be positive and rewarding for both horse and rider. A positive partnership is the result of careful planning and common sense. Be sure you remember that the next time you are “shopping” for a horse, keep all of these facts under consideration. Even one of these being negative can eventually create a “wreck” for the rider and the horse. My philosophy is to always think of the rider that will work and bond with the horse in a lasting, growing relationship. I want the rider to be happy and grow in the horse business and that isn’t possible without taking all of the above into consideration. The same for the horse, the matching of horse and rider will create a bonding that few people outside the horse world have ever experienced.

“A great horse May you always ride a good horse........Richard and rider team is Shrake made up of much more than finding the prettiest Profile on Richard Shrake: The Master of Horsemanship do some horse people succeed, while others fail? There horse in a rider’s Why are a number of reasons. Among them...the presence of someprice range..... ” one you can model yourself after...a teacher whose profession-

al capabilities and personal qualities are worthy of respect and a teacher who has already achieved and gives people the tools to succeed themselves. Unfortunately, role models are few and far between, that’s why Richard Shrake fills all the needs of the goal oriented horse person. It is not hard to understand why Richard Shrake is such a phenomenal success. Shrake is considered by his peers as the “Trainer’s Trainer,” and shares his extensive knowledge and humane training techniques to all who know him. The Richard Shrake method of teaching allows all who follow his riding and training methods to gain the greatest possible insight into their horse’s minds and their riding ability. His gift of being able to break down each problem into a very solvable situation is what makes his teaching far above all other trainer’s methods. As you can see, if you want to excel in your riding and training skills, you’ve got to have a mastery of fundamentals and be aware of your talents and have the teacher who has the credentials to take you to the level you want to go. Richard Shrake has devoted his life to training horses and instruct people to reach their top goals, and he did this by reaching the top in the horse business himself. By using his flawless teaching techniques you can see why he has earned the title “The Master of Horsemanship.”

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An Answered Prayer “Without God, none would be possible.”

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hane and Natasha Snyder from Santa Fe, Texas always wanted to own and show Appaloosas. And, Natasha’s dream horse was a black and white Appaloosa with a blanket. Their current journey started when Shane took a side trip to Ohio to visit friends and family on his way to Pennsylvania on a business trip. While visiting his best friend, Shane saw a beautiful horse and commented to his friend, “wow, better not show my wife....she has always wanted a black & white Appy with blanket!”. But, it seemed that this was not to be, Shane’s friend informed him that the horse was sold and was going to be picked up by his new owners soon. Figuring it was safe, Shane told Natasha all about the black and white stallion. Natasha, disappointed that her dream horse had been so close, yet so far away, started to pray for a black and white Appy of her own! Her prayers where answered when the call came in from Shane’s friend in Ohio. The deal on the gorgeous Appaloosa stallion had fallen through and he was again up for sale! Shane’s parents live in Ohio and went to see the stallion, instantly falling love. Pendra Lee Snyder, Shane’s step-mother made the investment for the family and Natasha’s dream came true when Winspyre came home to Texas.

Natasha’s prayers, there was much more to Winspyre than his gorgeous exterior and dreamy markings. With his 2010 Reserve World Champion and National Grand Champion titles, along with his top quality bloodlines, Winspyre had all of the pieces of a sound investment and the makings of an excellent halter breeding stallion. Since arriving in Santa Fe, Winspyre has proven himself to be a character around the ranch. His laid back and mellow personality couples beautifully with his expressive nature and gentle disposition. The Snyders plan to continue standing Winspyre at home, with his first foal crop anxiously awaited for 2014. Faith Horse Training, home of Winspyre is located in Santa Fe, Texas. Here, Shane and Natasha specialize in breeding, training, and showing quality halter horses. Their other specialty is training bomb proof horses. Honesty, integrity, and their faith in God are all an integral part of how Shane and Natasha run their business.

Winspyre’s 2014 stud fee is $750 LFG and you can obtain more information on breeding to him by contacting Shane and Natasha Snyder in Sante Fe, Texas at 281-508-7237 or 281-508-8705. You can also visit them Despite the feeling that God had answered online at www.faithhorsetraining.com. TheAmericanHorseMagazine.com | December 2013 | The American Horse | 13

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On The Cover....

clipse Quarter Horses is home to the double registered son of Deck of Stars, Etched In The Stars. Purchased as a youngster by owner, Debbie Jowett, from highly respected Quarter Horse breeder, Judy Pryor, Etched In The Stars fit exactly what Debbie was looking for. Carefully trained and shown, Regis (as he is known around the barn), has developed in to an accomplished and highly versatile breeding stallion. His accomplishments include qualifying for the AQHA World Show three times, placing in the World Show Top Ten, Top Ten National Year End, an ROM, and multiple NSBA and Futurity Championships in Open and Amateur classes. As a sire, Regis crosses well on all types of mares, including full 16 | The American Horse | December 2013 | TheAmericanHorseMagazine.com

Thoroughbred mares. His first foals are just now hitting the show pen and are proving themselves to be successful competitors. One such foal is Staring My Boy Toy, kept by Debbie Jowett and ready to start his show career in 2014. Regis is a joy to be around, with his playful personality and excellent disposition. His high trainability has made it possible for him to succeed in everything from Pleasure Driving and Hunter Undersaddle to Halter. Regis passes on his versatility to his foals, siring Hunter types as well as Western horses. Eclipse Quarter Horses is a small farm located in Wisconsin that is dedicated to breeding quality horses for HUS, Western, Driving, and all around. They are pleased to offer several foals sired by Regis for sale year. In order to provide better breeding services, a state of the art breeding lab at Eclipse Quarter Horses is now fully operational. Ensuring quality semen and timely shipments as well as the best care for your broodmares.

Etched In The Stars 2014 Stud Fee: $850 for APHA & AQHA mares. For more information: Debbie Jowett N14041 Bloom Rd Fairchild, Wi 54741 (715) 896-6235 debjowett@aol.com www.eclipsequarterhorses.com

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Getting to Know A Champion

John Simon

Owner, Erin Bradshaw, talks about her stallion. The striking bay Tobiano stallion, John Simon, has had a stellar show career in his seven years. With ten PtHA World Champion and multiple APHA World Champion and Reserve World Champion titles, Erin Bradshaw has a lot to talk about when someone asks about her stallion, which is frequently! Erin was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions from us, so that we can all get to know John Simon. 1. How did you come to own John Simon? I found John Simon through one of my past horse trainers Scott Suggs. I was in my first year as an amateur and my youth horse at the time (Maximum Zippo) had become severely injured. It took months and many vets to figure out what was causing the odd symptoms he was having, we later found out through a very complicated surgery performed by Dr. McCaroll that he had a rare spinal column injury and would need to be put down. I was very devastated so my parents had Scott start looking for a replacement. John was at home with his owner/breeder Vicky Holt in Argyle, Texas. She ended up sending the young stud over to Scotts for a few days for us to try. I had no experience with owning a stud that would show, the only studs we owned growing up were my dad’s halter studs that we bred. At first we were a little weary at the idea of buying a three year old stud for me but his gentle mind set had us completely hooked the first week I rode him and we ended up purchasing him from Vicky. It was the best horse purchase we ever made. We never expected for him to go on and do what he has done and on top of it go on to be a breeding stud, overall it was a win win situation for us. 2. How did you decide he was the right horse for you? I knew he was the right horse within

the first couple of times I rode him. Vicky was generous enough to let us take John over to Scotts place and try him out for as long as we wanted to make sure it was the right fit. I had never been around such a sweeter and kind eyed horse and to think that on top of it he was a stud said it all for us. The first time I rode him he moved with such a grace and a natural ability to do the western pleasure, he was not a “horse trained” pleasure horse, he was naturally born to do his job and did it without any trouble. I had never been on a horse that moved so natural and with me only wanting to do the western pleasure I knew that we weren’t going to find another horse as naturally talented as he was, and on top of it he was only three! The deal was sealed the first time I stepped foot on him. 3. What can you tell us about his personality? We get asked this question a lot because he is a stud and many wonder if he acts as calm in the show pen as he does at home or the breeding farm. John is without a doubt one of the sweetest horses I have ever been around or owned; he is better minded than any gelding I’ve owned to date. He is a gentle giant and would not hurt a fly. You can walk right into his stall at a horse show or the breeding farm and he will lean over for you to love on him, he loves when you hold his nose and kiss him (something people always see me doing!). He wants no part of any trouble and truly loves his job and his life. He is a once in a lifetime horse and we are so blessed and pleased to have him be a part of our family, he holds a very special place in our hearts and will stay with us for the rest of his life.

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try. 8. Where does John Simon stand at stud? John stands at Joan Schroeder’s ranch in Gainesville, Texas with the legendary Blazing Hot. Joan has done an outstanding job standing and caring for John and we have no plans to change that.

4. Please tell us some of his competition highlights:

2010 APHA World Champion 2011 APHA World and Reserve World Champion 2012 APHA 2x Reserve World Champion 2013 APHA World and Reserve World Champion 10x PtHA World Champion 1x PtHA Reserve World Champion Reichert Celebration Champion 2x Southern Belle Reserve Champion

5. Does John Simon have any foals in the show ring? Johns first foal crop was born this year so not yet. There are two yearlings by him one of which I own so we are very excited for his babies to hit the show pen soon! 6. What are your future plans for him?

John Simon’s 2014 stud fee: $1,250.00 Discounts available for: Proven or World Champion mares, multiple mares and returning breeders. Standing at: Schroeder Ranch Inc. . 6736 East Highway 82 Gainesville, TX 76240 Breeding Contact/Inquiries: Joan Schroeder schroederranch@suddenlink.net Cell: 940.727.3474 Ranch: 940.668.6469 Erin Bradshaw johnsimonbradshaw@gmail.com

John will spend most of his time at Joan Schroeder’s where he has his own large grassy turnout and oversized stall (very spoiled). He will, for the most part, stay on You can also contact us on Facebook at vacation while we focus on his offspring and www.facebook.com/johnsimonbradshaw a new stud that we recently purchased. As of now we don’t’ have future show plans for him. I want to take this time to focus on his babies and his future as a sire in the indus22 | The American Horse | December 2013 | TheAmericanHorseMagazine.com

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COMPAQ PLAYER

Stallion Alley OBVIOUS CREATION

MR ICE TE

SPIN IT N WHIZ IT

WHATA VESTED ASSET

CHILLEN

SET FOR LIFE

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Twist N Boogie 2008 Black APHA Tobiano, Double Homozygous,16.2 H.HYPP N/N APHA Breeders Trust. Producing outstanding foals. Shipped Semen Only. $700 Stud Fee. Even Haven Horses (605) 270-1214 www.evenhavenhorses.com

In It Only To Win It APHA Bay Homozygous Tobiano. N/N for 5 panel Sire By Appointment Only 2014 Stud fee is $650.00 Cooled semen available. LCFG. Will be in APHA Breeders Trust for 2014. Nelson Performance Horses www.nelsonperformancehorses.com

Huerfano River Blue 2010 Black Stallion, own son of Mecom Blue. full brother to Mbob LTE $22,519.18, and Mucho Macho Mecom LTE $91,048.62. 14.3 HH 1050 #. Gentle with lots of bone and cow sense. Currently in training with Steve Lewis. $400 Stud fee. Dr. Kynan Sturgess. (806) 364-1331

Designed by Tin Man 2001, 15.2 h.h. Sired by APHA Champion Tin Man out of Mr. Small Town Jack. Unshown due to injury as a foal. Excellent personality and movement that he passes on. Negative for his 5 panel test. $500 Stud fee, discounts available. Rising Water Quarter Horses www.risingwaterqh.com

Phenomenal Creation 1998, 15.3 h., Red Dun, AQHA. Sired by WC sire The Phenomenal. WC & sire of multiple WC/RWC Halter horses. N/N for 5 panel. Rising Water Quarter Horses www.risingwaterqh.com

Obvious Creation 2010, 16.0 h., AQHA. Sired by WC Phenomenal Creation. Obvious Creation is a 10 x WC/ RWC & AQHA regional champion. AQHA Superior in Halter. Homozygous for Dun. $1,000 Stud Fee. Discounts Available. Rising Water Quarter Horses. www.risingwaterqh.com

Go Joe Ranger HZ Black Dun Roan Stallion AQHA-FQHA-APHA LISTED Stud fee is $500 (includes 150.00 booking) Mare care is $10.00 a day wet or dry. AI Fee is $300 + shipping. Ginger McGovern 509-990-5233

FG Kids And Fellas 2009 AQHA Palomino Stallion HYPP N/H PSSM N/N Palomino World Champion AQHA ROM in Open Halter with limited showing. 2014 stud fee $1500 including first shipment AQHA Incentive Fund, Go For The Gold Futurity. Ultimate Acres 561-795-7344

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KIDSLOOKINTOUCHABLE Kids Classic Style x Lookin Touchable x Touchdown Kid. 2005 NH Buckskin Stallion. AQHA Top 10 Stallion; Sire of WC, RWC, Superior Halter and Futurity Champions, Nominated to Multiple Futurities - BHF, MSSA IL Paint Horse, NWSSA, Go For Gold and More! $1,000 Stud fee. Rees Ranch 209-327-3206

SPOOKS HIRED GUN N/N for 5 panel, LWOS N/O and tests SW2 for splash gene. 2011 bay overo stallion by SPOOKS GOTTA GUN out of Champion and champion producer MS TRIPLE SCRIBBLES. Will be accepting select mares in 2014 private treaty. Calico Quarter Horses 604-746-7630

One Good Invitation 15.2 hands ABRA AQHA Buckskin. Sire: Good Version Dam: Invite Me Too/Invitation Only Due to demand for shipped semen he will be standing at Select Breeders Southwest for the 2014 season. NSBA AQHA If Enrolled, ABRA World Champion producer, NSBA Champion producer. $1,000 Stud fee. Ruth Angle 806-435-5571

Patches Lucky Straw “Lucky” Buckskin Tobiano, 14.3hh. Lucky is our beautiful APHA buckskin tobiano stallion. He is homozygous for tobiano. This guy is bred and built to be a working horse. He is well put together with a beautiful head, great conformation, and good bone. By Design Farm 608-606-2563

Theres No Telling Bay AQHA Stallion Sire: Coats N Tails, Congress & World Champion Dam: Powered By Visa. Congress Top Ten in Hunter Under Saddle, Open Hunter Under Saddle ROM, and Futurity Top Five in Longe Line. First year standing in 2014. Stud Fee: $1000 Sure A Winner Farm 756-414-6837

Mr Ice Te 2004 AQHA Buckskin Stallion 2007 AQHA World Champion AQHA Reserve WC, Congress Grand Champion Amt Stallion 2008 Congress Res Grand Champ Open Stallion, 3x Congress Champion, Sire of WC/ RWC, AQHA, APHA ,ApHC, ABRA , Palomino and European Champion. 16.2h 1650lbs Tin Star Ranch 319-350-9228

Holidocs Lil Peppy “Badger” Brown Stallion, Homozygous Black, N/N 5 panel, 15 hh. Sired by Holidoc & out of Prima Badgerina. Holidoc has lifetime earnings of over $120,000 with offspring earnings nearing the Million Dollar mark! His Dam is a NCHA money earning and producin g daughter of Peppy San Badger. $700 Stud fee. By Design Farm 608-606-2563

Set For Life 2005 AQHA Black Stallion by Gucci Only & out of a point earning and producing daughter of Snazzy Story. He is homozygous for black & is N/N for HYPP, HERDA, & OWLS. He offers the desirable wither high conformation. His beautiful head neck have been a stamp on his babies, as well as the awesome mind this stallion possesses. He is easy to be around, kind and gentle. Awesome mind, exquisite form, with movement to match! Stud Fee $750 Shipped Semen Available, LFG. oaksqh@yahoo. com, www.enchantedoaks.com 817 447-2371 or 817 832-4520 Contact: Charlen McBride

SLOW MOUNTN MUSIC 1992 homozygous dun AQHA stallion. This stallion has several points in multiple events,reining ,halter, lungeline,trail, western and english.Sire of nearly 300 foals all dun factored! Sweet,gentle disposition that he passes onto his foals.Standing to a limited number of mares in 2014 $650. LCFG APHA approved. Calico Quarter Horses 604-746-7630

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Whata Vested Asset The total package! Over 25 World & Reserve World Championships including over 9800 combined LTP back his world class pedigree! Standing 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122;1, he has the size,talent, trainablilty, disposition,beauty and color genetics to produce well balanced, athletic foals. Look for his first foal crop to start arriving early 2014. Five Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ranch 678-0406

Zippos Gold Rolex 15.1 hand, 2000 model Stallion by the late Zippos Old Gold and out of Shiloh Deluxe (superior producing dtr of the late Dynamic Deluxe). Rolex has offspring with multiple Superiors, an AQHA Champion, an AQHA Top 10 World Champion, multiple all around championships, multiple futurity money earners and Championships (in such shows as The Tom Powers Triple Challenge, The Reichert Celebration, The NSBA BCF and World Show, and many others). $750 Stud Fee. Shipped Semen Available, LFG. oaksqh@yahoo.com, www. enchantedoaks.com 817 447-2371 or 817 832-4520 Contact: Charlen McBride

Too Slick Two Watch 1998 AQHA Buckskin, NFQHA 92%, AMRHA Earner of 56 points in three AQHA events - Heading, Heeling, Calf Roping. ROM Dally Team Roping in first two shows, Qualified 2002 AQHA World Show Open Jr Heading, Open Jr Heeling. Beautiful head, correct conformation, high caliber competitor, and charming disposition. Produces color on any color mare, even sorrel or black. Approved for APHA and ApHC mares. Suzie Davis Quarter Horses 574-656-3202

Truly Priceless 16.3H Gray AQHA Stallion - Homozygous for black Sire: Only Blue Sky, Congress Champion Dam: Slew of Grace (tb), multiple Congress Top Ten producer. Congress Top Ten in Hunter Under Saddle, Congress Top Five in Longe Line, multiple Circuit Champion in Hunter Under Saddle, Open and Amateur Hunter Under Saddle ROMs. Oldest foals of 2011 and already the sire of a Circuit Champion and Congress Top Ten. Stud Fee: $1500 Shipped Semen available. Sure A Winner Farm 756-4146837

Advertise Your Stallion! Ad rates as low as $35/ issue Multiple stallion discounts available! Call today! 1-800-341-2650 ext. 1

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Interview With An Artist.....

Artist to the champions, Linda Massey, chats about herself, her career, and whats next!

ew people have the opportunities artist Linda Massey has to get up close and personal with the stars of the equine world. From APHA World Champions to Kentucky Derby winners, Linda has painted them all and now tells us what that is like.

to try reining, then some of my friend talked me into entering Working Cow Horse to fill a class at the State Show… “Come on, Linda, you know he’ll be fine in the dry work.” So, somebody lent me some romels and into the ring I went. Reining work went great, then when they sent the cow in with us, I was so Tell me a little about yourself: scared that I just started laughing so hard I thought I would fall off. Well, over the next I am a full time artist. I have a small horse year I decided to take it serious and my little farm in Wisconsin. I was so fortunate to 14.1 hand cow pony who HATES the cows have been blessed with parents who un- ended up to be very good at it! We won the derstood the ‘horse bug’ that stings 5 year Amateur the next year! old girls. My mother, Pat, had been raised in Kansas with horses and became quite an ac- How did you come to be an artist? complished rider. Even once evading a tornado on horseback! My sister and I received Since I was very young when I wasn’t at the “Duke” and “Duchess” after years of beg- barn I was drawing or painting when ever I ging and scheming. My pony, Duchess, was could. I went to school for commercial art a black and white shetland and at our first and illustration. All the while I was painting show coming home with third place in “Pony horse portraits. I met the great artist Orren at Halter” the deal was done. Oh, what that Mixer and he taught me that my dream of yellow ribbon started! becoming an equine artist could come true. I had two wonderful arabs after that who taught me to ride with grace, balance and patience. After that my dad made a deal with me, “If you want to get a new horse, you can buy the next one for whatever amount you sold your last one for.” and so, at 15, I began buying a new 3 year old each spring and staring him myself, showing one year and starting over the next year. After many years of showing all around I really wanted

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When did you start painting professionally?

What mediums do you use?

I paint in oils on board. Oils paint helps me deMy first job out of college was as a Federal scribe the fluidity of horses in action as well Courtroom Artist. You know those sketches as the depth of color and contrast. Because you see on the television news, when cam- there is no ‘true black’ pigment in nature I eras cannot go in the court room. That was mix each of the darks and lights in my paintmy job. I still do it occasionally. It helped me ings using color combinations. It is subtle to work fast and also to capture a likeness of but really helps the painting become “real” my portrait subjects. to the eye. I paint on board rather than canvas because I find the pattern of the canvas Soon after that I got a job painting billboards. distracts form the reality of the image. The Talk about trial by fire! I LOVED it! For many eye immediately focuses on the image and years I painted images of everything from 20 foot tall chocolate sundaes and 22 foot tall Budweiser Clydesdales and it gave me the best training I could possibly get for the life of an artist. Sadly, my rather unique job, was taken over by ‘progress’ and they are all printed now. I became a Creative Director for an advertising agency, until the painting muse called me again and I decide to concentrate on it full time. I have study equine anatomy extensively. You really have to know the inside before you can paint the outside believably. I still love to paint life-sized paint- action. My style is not strictly high realism. ings. In most cases you can see the brush strokes as I use them to build the roundness of the Tell me a little about your artistic ac- muscles and tension in the movement. complishments: Looking back on all of the horses you I was recently named Top 100 Best Of Amer- have painted, which was the most inica Artists by the National Oil and Acylic teresting or challenging? Painters Society. Wow… I got a chance to paint Kentucky My art has won several International Best Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide. He Of Show awards, The Jeff Galler Memorial had quite a personality, but I noticed he hatAward of Distinction and The Windsor New- ed getting a bath, which I thought was funton Prize. Most recently my painting of fox- ny considering how many times a racehorse hounds won Best On Show at The Interna- gets a bath. I decided to paint him with this tional Art of the Animal. I was also the World sorrowful look he had in his eye every time Show Artist for the American Paint Horse As- the hose would come out and the water hit sociation. My work has appeared on several his back. magazine covers. 70 | The American Horse | December 2013 | TheAmericanHorseMagazine.com

Painting horse portraits has introduce me to some of the finest horses in the world and given me a chance to meet the best horsemen and women, as well. Getting a chance to meet people like Bob Baffert. When I met Mr. Baffert, at Keenland, I, literally, was speechless. To me, he is racing royalty. I literally forgot my own name AND then I spilled coffee on him. He was nice and just laughed and brushed off his jeans, but I still felt like a complete horse nerd! Also, I love the days in my sunny studio with my JRT and constant companion, “Willy The Wonder Dog”. He keeps me very entertained and keeps me motivated to “bring home the Milk-Bones” I wouldn’t put down my brushes for any other job in the world!

What is the process for having you do a painting? I usually love to meet the horse and owner when ever possible. Really spend time getting to know them. Do some sketches. When thats not possible, like in posthumous portraits or when travel is impossible, I’ll chat with the owner and we will figure out a image together that best conveys that individuals personality. What really brings that horse to life. What are you future plans/goals for your artist career? My goals for the future are to continue to explore, to keep learning, to strive towards mastery. To keep painting horses and create work that resonates with people. As my mentor, Orren Mixer said, “Enjoy getting to know every horse you meet and your painting will reflect his personality.” What do you enjoy most about painting horses?

I strive to capture the essence and energy Above: Funny Cide not liking his bath! of the horse. The way you feel every time Do you personally have horses? If you lead a horse out of the stall, let him so, please tell me a little more about loose in a pasture or swing a leg over the them: saddle there is a connection in which you feel a one-on-one relationship. Obviously I do. I have a reining and working cow horse, we are all dawn to the beauty and grace of Lynx Tari, a 17.2 hand hunter under saddle the horse, but the energy and primal feelmare by Alotta Luke and a 29” miniature ings they bring out in us is what I hope to horse, Abbey who is the BOSS of the pas- capture in a single painted image. My goal ture. is to sustain that feeling and interest in each painting for years to come. TheAmericanHorseMagazine.com | December 2013 | The American Horse | 71

Do you offer any products with your paintings? I have a special series of portraits called “Outside The Box” series. These are oil portraits that are painted of your horse on masonite, then I cut the image out and mount it ready for hanging. The drop shadow effect gives the painting a 3-D image of your horse coming right off the wall. They are VERY dramatic and quite unique. I’ve been doing those for several years and people love them!

I paint almost daily and update on the progress of my horse portraits on my Linda Massey Artist Facebook page and people can tune in to see what I am painting... people love watching and commenting. I also have contests to ‘WIN a free portrait’ every once in a while for visitors if they can be the first to guess the horse that I am painting!

Linda Massey started her studio, 16 Hands in 2000 and has been doing equine portaits full time since then! Her website can be viewed by going to: www.16handsstudio.com

Whats next on your easel? I am so excited! The NEW AQHA Super Horse is UN Forgettable and I am painting his portrait!! How can people learn more about what you are painting now? 72 | The American Horse | December 2013 | TheAmericanHorseMagazine.com

My Final Notice AQHA Congress Champion and Sire of Champions in The USA and Europe!

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iverside Ranch, located in Sultan, Washington is home to the stunning blue roan stallion by Dynamic In The Dark, My Final Notice. Owner Cindy McCraw gives us some insight into her unique horse with the big personality! What’s his barn name? Carson.

about the dented hood! What’s his favorite treat? He has an apple tree that branches out over his turn out pen and during the season he loves hearing an apple drop to the ground. What’s he like to ride?

How would you describe his personal- Carson is like riding a very smooth rocking ity? horse at the lope. He just floats and has so much natural lift. The best thing about Carson is an absolute entertainer for sure. the way carson moves is that he does it by If you see him in his stall or turned out in nature, you do not have to prepare him to his pen he is just mellow as can be hang- move well, he just does. ing outand as soon as he sees a person he starts trying to get your attention. During How long have you owned him? the breeding season he is definitely more focused I had seen a video of him as a weanling lopon the activity of the other horses that pass ing in an arena in slow motion while playing by his stall. and tossing a cone outside of the arena. His lope was so rhythmic and he never missed When were you the most proud of a beat while playing. I wanted to own him him? the second I had seen him move, but he was sold to another party before I could organize During his show career days I was so proud the purchase. As fate would play out the of him every time he entered the arena and new owner put him in training one year later people always commented on what a beau- to be broke and the purchase was made two tiful mover he was and how slow and natu- months after he was started under ral he looked. I was so taken by how long it saddle. would take to get him from the arena back to his stall as people would continuously What do you see for his future? come up and ask about him. His color is such a smooth even and unreal looking blue His future is already paved. His babies are that it would draw the attention of people winning across the United States, Canavery easily. da, and overseas. My hopes are that like his sire and grand sire he will one day apWhat’s the funniest or most amusing pear on the leading sires lists. I am the thing he has ever done? luckiest person in the world that I can sit on my back porch and watch this incredible Carson was spinning a ball on a rope over his gorgeous animal every day. head with great speed. When he released the ball high over his head it landed on the What are some of his biggest accomhood of the car of a visitor. Well the visitor plishments in the show pen? was specifically here to see Carson in person, they were so impressed As a young horse in the show pen he made at the maneuver that they did not say much top placings at the Congress including TheAmericanHorseMagazine.com | December 2013 | The American Horse | 77

Champion and the World Show and had many wins at some of the most prestigious futurities. He was very striking in the show pen and could have continued to be a show horse for years. The decision was made to let him start earning a living in the breeding shed and let his offspring pave the way in the show pen and they are currently doing that in a big way. His first foal ever born “My First Notice” earned his superior in the show ring quickly. My Final Notice now has produced multiple NSBA World champions as well as a Congress Champion. He has had offspring appearing on the national leaders list as well as European champions and year end leaders.

What’s your favorite thing about owning him? My most favorite thing about owning such a special horse is that his babies are the best minded most trainable horses I have ever owned or bred. I love that it is a continuous ongoing reward when people that own one of his offspring call or email me with the great reports of how much they love their horse. They comment how fun they are to own, how good minded they are, how like daddy Carson they are playful and entertaining, how easy they are to train and how they always get comments on how pretty they are. About Riverside Ranch.... Riverside Ranch is owned by Donnie and Cindy

McCraw of Sultan Washington. The Ranch originated in the township of Sultan back in 1985 along side the Snoqualmi River nestled in the foothills of the Cascade mountains. This is where the Sire of “My Final Notice”, Dynamic Deluxe ,stood and became a leading sire of quarter horses in the world. Then, in 1996, the Ranch was re-located to Weatherford Texas where the legendary Dynamic Deluxe was laid to rest and ln his footsteps pathing the way of the great bloodline was his son Dynamic in The Dark who was made famous by Cindy Stephens at that time, by earning the titles of National High Point Rider and Two year old western pleasure horse. In the wake of a bad relationship, Cindy left Texas and relocated Riverside Ranch back to Washington state. Life can unexpectadly hand out some hard turns but the one thing that always kept Cindy on top of the world was her love of horses. After many years of hard work and dedication to the horse industry and this bloodline, Cindy continues the dream by owning and standing the blue roan grandson of Dynamic Deluxe, My Final Notice. Today, the McCraws now enjoys the horses together and it is a joy to work on a smaller operation where precious time can be put into every prospect that is born on the ranch. Gone are the days and ways of having to herd the horses into a pen and rope them just to get a halter on. Today’s prospects are handled everyday and time put in daily on lessons that make them better show horses for the rest of their lives. A rewarding life style filled with work that is loved. You can visit Riverside Ranch on line at riversideranch.com and also visit My Final Notice on Facebook.

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2013 Farnam Super Horse AQHA crowned the 2013 Farnam Superhorse and Oklahoma City Leading Owner at the AQHA World Show. Courtesy of: The American Quarter Horse Association

uring the past week, the top exhibitors and horses from around the world have competed at the 2013 Bank of America Amateur and American Quarter Horse Association Open World Championship Show at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. The 2013 Farnam Superhorse Award is the top honor at the AQHA World Show. It is awarded to the horse that earns the most points in three or more events in two categories during the show. This year, 50 contenders competed for the Farnam Superhorse Award. Un Forgettable was crowned the 2013 Far-

nam Superhorse on November 23. Un Forgettable is owned by Laura Te Grotenhuis of Marshall, Illinois. The 2007 gray stallion, sired by Iron Enterprise and out of A Walk In The Sky by Skys Blue Boy, was bred by Nancy Swarm of Ocala, Florida. Purchased by Grotenhuis 14 months ago, Un Forgettable has been under the guidance and training of several trainers in his campaign for the Farnam Superhorse title. “Well, it’s a beautiful team that has been assembled,” Grotenhuis said. “In my opinion, the dream team in the equestrian world. I couldn’t ask for better or more. (AQHA Professional Horseman)

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Keith Miller has worked with him in under saddle and did some cart with him in North Carolina.”

Placing fourth was Romancing The Chics, who is owned by Joyce Tisdall of Castle Rock, Colorado. The “I also want to thank Sandy Vaugn for starting him in 2006 bay gelding, sired by Chic Please and out of RS the driving and Lee Paul Shinn for qualifying him,” Lilly Starlight, was bred by Kurt and Angie Harris of Grotenhuis said. “Appreciation also goes to Brian Hol- Whitesboro, Texas. Romancing The Chics earned a tomes and David Connors for their help.” tal of 34 points, earning reserve championship titles in senior heading and heeling. The gelding was shown by Un Forgettable was shown in five classes by Bill Ellis Yates and Kimberly Leiter of Westlake Village, Caliof Colts Neck, New Jersey; Nancy Sue Ryan of No- fornia. cona, Texas; Jerry Erickson of Sanger, Texas; and Joey Shortino of Lutz, Florida. The team earned a total of 38 Placing fifth was Im A Tuff Bueno, who is owned by points. Un Forgettable won a world championship in Penelope Knight of Hillsboro, Oregon. The 2003 gray senior pleasure driving, reserve championship in senior stallion, sired by Tuf N Busy and out of Miss Bueno hunter under saddle and placed fifth in senior hunter Lena, was bred by Mike and Rene McLean of Benson, hack, sixth in performance halter stallions and 12th in Arizona. Im A Tuff Bueno was shown by C.R. Bradley senior working hunter. of Collinsville, Texas, and Tim Finkenbinder of Collinsville, Texas. The stallion earned a total of 25 points, The Farnam Superhorse receives $25,000 plus $2,000 placing third in senior tie-down roping, fifth in perforof Farnam product, a WeatherBeeta blanket, an original mance halter stallions and eighth in senior heading. Lisa Perry bronze and a rose bouquet. The third- through fifth-place Farnam Superhorses each Blue Sky Serenade was named the Reserve Farnam Su- receive $2,500 plus $500 in Farnam Product. perhorse. Blue Sky Serenade is owned by Rodger Call of Fort Worth, Texas. The 2008 brown gelding, sired by The Farnam Superhorse award is made possible by Skys Blue Boy and out of Spooky Detail, was bred by AQHA Corporate Partner Farnam. Farnam has been the Brenda Larsen of Webster, Wisconsin. Chuck Briggs of official fly control, deworming, grooming and condiAzle, Texas, showed the gelding in four classes. The tioning products supplier of AQHA since 2004. Whethpair earned a total of 37 points, earning the reserve er you’re at a show or on a trail ride, it takes time and world championship titles in junior hunter hack and dedication to make your horse look his best. As your pleasure driving. He also placed fourth in junior hunter partner in horse care, Farnam continues to offer produnder saddle and junior working hunter. ucts people know, use and trust. The Reserve Farnam Superhorse received a price package that included $10,000 plus $1,000 in Farnam Product.

AQHA also named the 2013 Oklahoma City Leading Owner and Reserve Leading Owner at the AQHA World Show tonight.

Placing third was Mr Fritz Wood owned by Lincoln Figueiredo of Brazil. The 2008 buckskin stallion, sired by Mr Junewood and out of Fritz Lovelady, was bred by Sam Shoultz and Ken Matzner of Bellvue, Colorado. Mr Fritz Wood was shown by Jay Lyn Wadhams of Pueblo, Colorado; Luke Jones of Allerton, Iowa; J.D. Yates of Pueblo, Colorado; and Aaron Hall of Kechi, Kansas. Mr. Fritz Wood earned a total of 35 points in four classes, earning a world championship in junior heeling and reserve championship in junior heading. He also placed 13th in open performance halter stallions and 15th in junior tie-down roping.

The Oklahoma City Leading Owner Award is given to the ownership that earns the most points at the AQHA World Show. To be eligible for the award, at least three horses must be entered, shown and in the same ownership. Josh Weakly of Shelbyville, Illinois, was named the 2013 Oklahoma City Leading Owner. Weakly had six horses qualified and earned a total of 86 points, competing in six classes during Bank of America Amateur Week and six classes during AQHA Open Week at this year’s show.

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Weakly earned world championship titles in amateur aged mares, amateur 2-year-old mares and amateur weanling mares. Weakly’s horses earned reserve world championship titles in amateur 2-year-old geldings, amateur yearling mares, open 2-yearold mares, open weanling mares and open aged mares. Weakly’s horses also placed fifth in the open yearling mares and sixth in the open 2-year-old geldings. The Oklahoma City Leading Owner received a prize package that included a specially commissioned bronze, presented by the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and a rose bouquet.

3-year-old geldings and open weanling geldVernon Habighorst of Phoenix, is the Re- ings. His horses also placed fifth in amateur serve Oklahoma City Leading Owner. Hab- 3-year-old mares, sixth in open yearling ighorst qualified and showed seven horses, geldings, sixth in open 3-year-old mares and earning a total of 82 points in seven classes seventh in amateur 3-year-old geldings. during Bank of America Amateur Week and seven classes during AQHA Open Week at The Reserve Leading Owner received a silver cup, presented by The American Quarthis year’s show. ter Horse Journal. Habighorst’s horses earned world championships in amateur aged geldings, amateur AQHA News and information is a service of weanling geldings and aged geldings. His the American Quarter Horse Association. horses placed third in amateur 3-year-old For more news and information, follow @ geldings, amateur yearling geldings, open AQHAnews on Twitter, watch the AQHA Newscast and visit www.aqha. com/news. P H O T O G R A P H Y : Un Forgettable 1st page: Quarter Horse Journal This page: SR Images (top) Quarter Horse Journal (bottom)

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News!

Achievements of top horses and exhibitors celebrated at APHA World Show Most noteworthy honors bestowed upon high point and all-around competitors FORT WORTH—The American Paint Horse Association recognized the top equine and human athletes of the APHA World Championship Paint Horse Show with High Point and All-Around honors. A total of 935 horses and 2,583 entries were judged over the course of the association’s premier 11-day show, which was held November 6-16 at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition to naming 168 World Champions over the course of 11 days, APHA held a total of 242 classes and paid out more than $500,000 in cash and prizes. All World and Reserve World Champions received custom Gist Silversmiths trophy buckles to commemorate their win; with Top 5 finishers all receiving prize packages due in large part to the generosity of sponsors. Amateur, Novice Amateur and Open division high point and all-around awards were presented to the most outstanding equine and human athletes. Each received a bevy of prizes for their achievements, including cash, saddles, custom trophies, tack, grooming supplies, embroidered gear and photographs. Hart Trailers awarded one-year use of a threehorse aluminum slant-load trailer to the All-Around Horse.

ALL-AROUND OPEN HORSE + OSCAR CRIGLER CATTLE AWARD + HIGH-POINT WESTERN HORSE ROLEX BAR TWISTER 2005 bay tobiano stallion A Tru Rolex x Odes President Gal Owner: Ron & Marie Kettle of Craig, Colorado Exhibitors: Jack Wright, Rodger Montgomery, Jay Wadhams RESERVE ALL-AROUND OPEN HORSE + RESERVE OSCAR CRIGLER CATTLE AWARD + RESERVE HIGH-POINT WESTERN HORSE GAY BAR DRUMMER 2000 dun tobiano stallion Drum N Up Spots x Gay Bar Gold Dust Owner: Joni Voloshin of Craig, Colorado Exhibitor: Jack Wright of Penrose, Colorado SUPER GELDING DEZ ADD TO THE ASSETS 2004 chestnut overo gelding Hes Got The Assets x Added Dimension Owner/Exhibitor: Tammy Botsford of Rockyview, Alberta, Canada HIGH-POINT ENGLISH + RESERVE SUPER GELDING BIG EXPECTATIONS 2007 sorrel overo gelding The Big Sensation x Expectations of Gold (QH)

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Owner: Rockin Bar S LLC of Magnolia, Texas Exhibitors: Peyton Weldon, Nancy Smith, Jerry Erickson RESERVE HIGH-POINT ENGLISH ILL BE SENSATIONAL 2004 red roan overo gelding Zippos Sensation x Hidin My Lace Owner: Daranne Folino of Plano, Texas Exhibitor: Ryan Painter of Pilot Point, Texas HIGH-POINT EXHIBITOR JACK WRIGHT of Penrose, Colorado Exhibited: Rolex Bar Twister, Gay Bar Drummer, Gay Bar Lucky Jac, QTS Cajun Cub RESERVE HIGH-POINT EXHIBITOR SARA BETH SIMONS of Aubrey, Texas Exhibited: One Flashy Sensation, Friends With Benefits, Radicalized, Best Of Barbie, Inthesweetshop, Ms Silver Sensation, The Original Cowboy ALL-AROUND MASTERS AMATEUR COLEEN BULL of Reed City, Michigan TIMELESS ASSETS (2005 bay overo gelding) Frozen Assets x This Times Divine RESERVE ALL-AROUND MASTERS AMATEUR KELLI FOSTER of Mount Pleasant, Utah FLEETS SERENITY (1998 sorrel overo gelding) Fleet Machine x Sonnys Serenity (QH) ALL-AROUND CLASSIC AMATEUR ASHLEY WILDES of Lakeside, California HEZA TEXAS HOBO (2001 sorrel tobiano gelding) HF Skip The Rest x Dinah Dee Dude (QH)

RESERVE ALL-AROUND CLASSIC AMATEUR TAYLOR PRINCE of Las Vegas, Nevada ONE FLASHY SENSATION (2005 sorrel overo mare) Zippos Sensation x Flashy MJM (TB) ALL-AROUND NOVICE AMATEUR BARBARA ANN FLETCHER of Salinas, California UNDEEFLEETED (1999 chestnut overo gelding) Fleet Machine x SR Magee Dee RESERVE ALL-AROUND NOVICE AMATEUR TAUNYA MOMBERGER of Dawsonville, Georgia DONT TRY THIS AT HOME (2003 bay tobiano gelding) Special Invitation x Solid Zippo Corporate sponsors who support the mission and membership of APHA yearround include: Farnam, Gist Silversmiths, Hart Trailers, Purina, LubriSyn, Markel Insurance and Merial. World Show level sponsors include: Arena Werks, Big D, Blue Ribbon Custom Tack, Classy Courses Inc., Cowboy Bronze, Hodges Badge Company, iEquine, Jerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Weatherford, Larry Williams Photography, Metro Golf Cars, National Reining Horse Association, National Snaffle Bit Association, Paint Horse Journal, Platinum Performance, Ranch Sorting National Championships, Saratoga Horseworks, Southern Belle Invitation, Video Horse World and World Conformation Horse Association. For more information about the American Paint Horse Association, visit apha.com or connect with Paint Horse fans globally at facebook.com/ americanpainthorse or on Twitter @ APHANews and @WorldShow. Article courtesy of the American Paint Horse Association.

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Art I Sweet

A championâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well deserved retirement home! him. Then to my surprise, and relief, in February his owner called me back and we came to an agreement on me purchasing him. I had him home for Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. How did you decide he was the right horse for you?

I had met Artie in the early 2000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s while at a horse show. Just fell in love with his looks and personality. I Told myself that sometime in the future I would be breeding to him. (never did I imagine I would someday be lucky enough to ometimes the best horses come in and own him!) At that time I was out of our lives several times before they strictly showing and raising halter horses. finally come home. Owner of Art I Sweet, De- With that being said he was not the stallion nise Finley, tells us how her boy came home that would work with my program. I am so to the Wine Country of California. happy that all these years later I just went with my gut and that little voice in my head How did you come to own him? when I found him offered for sale. I just knew that I had to offer him a place in my In the summer of 2012 I heard that Artie heart and my home. Let me tell you I do was being offered for sale. I did not put not regret for one moment my decision to too much thought into him, just thought it purchase him! was sad that such a nice boy was going to be bounced to another home in his retire- What can you tell me about his personment years. Several months later he came ality? up in conversation again. I wondered who Artie is a character, he is just big sweet lovhad bought him and where he ended up. er boy. I have never been around another Then good old Facebook, I happened across horse in all my life with his easy going pera post about him being for sale. There was sonality. He is a big ol puppy dog who loves this voice in the back of my head telling me his peppermints. I have been told by several I just had to follow up on him at that point. people who own his offspring that they also I contacted his owners who were involved have his wonderful personality. I am lookwith a large Sport Horse Farm and did not ing forward to my first crop of Art I Sweet have the time to stand or manage a stal- babies who are due this spring and hoping lion . We had several conversations about that they take after him. him. Honestly I did not think that we would come to an agreement on me purchasing

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Can you tell me a little about his show record? ART I SWEET earner of $21,311 and 348 points in 8 events: High Point Working Hunter Stallion & Hunter Hack Stallion; Congress Millers Open Hunter Under Saddle Futurity Reserve Champion; 6th, World Show Amateur Equitation, 7th, Open Senior Hunter Hack; 6th, Congress Senior Hunter Hack; 3rd, Congress Junior Hunter Under Saddle; Southern Belle Invitational 2-Year-Old Open Hunter Under Saddle Champion; Tom Powers 2-Year-Old Open Hunter Under Saddle Futurity Co-Champion; Superior Hunter Under Saddle, Hunter Hack, and Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation. Please tell me a about his successful offspring? Art I Sweet has sired over 450 AQHA Foals with 249 being pointer earners of 5785+ points 112 ROM. He has sired 16 World and Congress Champions and Reserve Champions. A 2013 Quarter Horse Directory Top 20 All-Time Leading Hunter Under Saddle Sire, and a 2012 AQHA Top 25 All-Time Leading

DLE SIRE RANKINGS LIFETIME TO 12/31/2012 1994 - 2012 #18 ART I SWEET What are your future plans for him? My plans for Artie are to keep him healthy and happy for many years to come!!! I am excited about the 4 foals I have coming by him this Spring. Being his first foal crop for me I bred him to different types of mares to see how the cross would work. I have a AQHA/PHBA 5x Reserve World champion halter mare, a AQHA/APHA/pinto All Around mare, AQHA/APHA Western Pleasure mare, and a tobiano working ranch mare bred to him. I recently added a lovely daughter of Fabuluke to Arties girlfriends and am very excited about the foal that she and Artie should be having in 2015. He has been retired from the show ring for many years. I do occasionally ride him around the barn. For the most part he just hangs out with one or two of his girlfriends,

QUARTER HORSE NEWS | EQUISTAT TOP 400 ALL-TIME PLEASURE HORSE SIRE RANKINGS (HH,HS,LL,TR,WH,WP,WR) 1994 - 2012 #82 ART I SWEET ALL-TIME HUNTER UNDER SADTheAmericanHorseMagazine.com | December 2013 | The American Horse | 87

Do you stand him at home? Art I Sweet does stand at home and has enjoyed live covering his handful of girlfriends. However I do haul him to my breeding manager Briana Stroud who helps me collect and prepare shipments for mare owners who need shipped semen. What is his 2014 stud fee? looking pretty and being my best friend. Being an older stallion who knows how long he will remain breeding sound. We are hoping to freeze semen on him this breeding season. I will continue to stand him at stud for as long as he is up to it. Once he can no longer breed he will just continue to be a family friend and bringing me joy each day I get to spend time with him.

For 2014 Art I Sweet has a $1000 stud fee. We offer payments on this fee, $250 booking fee (which includes first shipment), $250 due when mare checks in foal, $250 due by September 1, 2014, and $250 due by February 1, 2015 If the mare owner prefers to pay the full fee before time of breeding we will reduce the fee to $800.

Art I Sweet is AQHA,APHA, Aphc approved and American Warmblood First Premium Stallion Tell me a little about your farm? AQHA Incentive Fund No Bucks Ranch is located in the heart of APHA Breeders Trust Sonoma County California Wine country. We NSBA have vineyards on 3 sides of us. The ranch is more of a mini ranch than a true farm. I Please visit Art I Sweet on Facebook...ART I make the most out of what we have. It is not SWEET or online at www.artisweet.net fancy but it is functional. My horses are true back yard horses. I can lay in bed and hear For additional information please contact if the horses are banging around. I know Denise Finley at 707-481-9836 or email what normal sounds should be coming from Nobucksranch@aol.com. the barn, and when I should be going out there to check. I can walk out my back door and within 30 seconds be with the horses. 88 | The American Horse | December 2013 | TheAmericanHorseMagazine.com

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Thank You!

During our year, we have had the pleasure of meeting many new people and have enjoyed the support and enthusiasm of both our new friends, our old friends, and our families. We would like to take a moment to say thank you for your endless support and encouragement over the past year. We look forward to all of the new people we will meet during 2014 and continuing the relationships with the current “family” of The American Horse. Charity Swift-Swift Performance Horses For your endless enthusiasm, encouragement, and for your sunshiney personality! (and the great video!) Amber Baxter For being a valuable member of our team, your loyalty, and hard work!

Brent & Brandy Naylor-Naylor Performance Horses For being our first cover! Lexi Heney-Looking Glass Farm For your ideas and support of The American Horse.

Richard & Anna A. For the mountains of support, endless encouragement, advice, and most of all, friendship.

Shannon R. & Family Wow! You’ve been here since this was just an idea. Thank you for your endless support, constant prodding to do better, and just always being there. Thanks Buddy!

Heidi Gearheart For your support and many contributions over the last year.

Jim & Sharron W. Thanks Dad & Mom for all of the support and encouragement!

Tiffany Martin For believing in The American Horse since the first issue!

Allan & Debbie C. Pop & Mom for always being there and believing in hopes and dreams.

Ronnie Ford For your excellent stories!

Sharon B. Granny-for showing and not just saying “never give up”!

Trisha Davis For your support, ideas, and beautiful photos.

“Buddy” For being our ever faithful office mascot, guard dog, & foot warmer!

Stefanie Grubb-Sovereign Performance Horses For your encouragement, loyalty, and support.

And, all of our loyal advertisers and readers! The staff of The American Horse wishes everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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