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The Paisley Magazine Pony of the Month: Tiggy Winkle Gerry Pearson: A Remarkable Lady Chuck Nifong: Sportsmanship & Tradition
Publisher
Cindy Taylor thepaisleypony@aol.com
Office Manager & Billing Services
T H E
PAISLEY
For Ponies
& Smaller Equines
M A G A Z I N E
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The Importance of the Stock-Type Division at the AMHA World Show- By Macy Plemmons
22 24 28-35 36 38 43 44 50-51 52 56 57-61 62-79 81-82
Patrick- The Miniature Ambassador Wilbur’s Posts The Gypsy Horse Feature Tail Tips Rider to Writer: Scott Kemery INSIDE: Pony Profiles: Thalia Gentzel Let’s Get Started Business Card Directory The Miracles of Equine Therapy Cover Art: Mammano US Womans Open Tournament Photography & Design The Marketplace www.facebook.com/mammanophotographypage Who’s Doing What Model: Starfire’s The Five Card Stud Things We Love Pony Profiles: by Thalia Gentzel
Junior Rider Profile: Adam Edgar
New Marketplace! Sales & Service
Volume 9, Issue 5
www.starfiregypsy.com
Barbara Delano - 732-489-3591 Barbpaisley@aol.com
Art Department
Jennifer Valania jennifer5373@gmail.com Maria Hudgins Jeff Phillips
Web Site & Newsletter Tamara LaTorre
Contributing Writers
Thalia Gentzel Scott T Kemery Ruth Larson Kris Morris Chuck Nifong Macy Plemmons Charlotte Pletsch Bill Rube Lizzy Simonian E. Hunter Taylor, Esquire Wanda Wellbred Wilbur the Horse
Advertising Sales Wanda Wellbred page 28
Junior Rider Spotlight Adam Edgar page 6 The Paisley Magazine PO Box 262 Millville, NJ 08332
Jamie Mammano: Featured Photographer page 40-41
Ph: 732-684-4565 Ph: 732-489-3591
The Paisley Magazine is America’s Only Magazine for Ponies and Smaller Equines (generally 15 hands and under)! Our goal is to showcase and highlight the diversity of the great many pony and smaller equine breeds & disciplines out there...driving, reining, cutting, hunters, jumpers, eventing, endurance, polo, westernMiniatures, Fells, Arabians, Welsh, Caspians, Connemara, Gypsy Vanners, Quarter Horses...the list goes on and on!
We have a very diverse readership that includes both children and adults of all ages. We offer ad options of all sizes and prices- there is NO DESIGN FEE for making the basic ads! We also have free fun promotional features such as Who’s Doing What, Foal Announcements, product reviews and contests.
* Cindy Taylor * 732-684-4565 thepaisleypony@aol.com * Carol Earnest 209-404-0884 (PST) (call or text) cstarswept@aol.com * Sue Haag 803-448-5017 (EST) thepaisleymag@gmail.com * Brie Quinn * 856-266-6693 (EST) showpony93@yahoo.com Fax: 856-506-8115 www.thepaisleypony.com Like us on FACEBOOK!
The Paisley is published six times a year (Jan/Feb * March/April * May/June * July/Aug * Sept/Oct & Nov/Dec) The magazine is distributed free of charge at horse shows, association meetings, auctions, equestrian events, as well as select tack & feed stores across the country. It is available in its entirety on our Facebook page and on our website. It is also available by subscription (on our website) for those wishing to receive it at home. $24 for 6 issues.
Our goal is to have all pony breeds and disciplines represented in each issue!
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Junior Spotlight: Adam Edgar
Photo by Steve Edgar
Age: 15 Where are you from: Leesburg, VA How long have you been involved with horses? Since I was a baby, we used to live on a farm! What made you want to be involved with them? It was the one thing that I could do and not get bored of. I tried soccer and baseball but riding was the only thing that felt right!
What trainer(s) do you work with? I work with Carol Eichner riding ponies at Everready Farm, I work with Bill Schaub on Ditto, and also Winn Alden on Ditto! What people in the industry do you admire the most and why? I really admire Tori Colvin, because she really built her way up to the top. She has pure talent and works very hard to be where she is!
What are your horses/ponies names? One More Time- “Ditto” is a large pony that I ride, He is absolutely amazing!! He is black and almost a little roan! He has a huge personality around the barn and loves playing with his Jolly Ball! He is hilarious to tack up, I often get distracted playing with him or giving him treats because he’s so cute! He is a great jumper and has a big stride which I love and he always tries his heart out for me! Thanks to Anna Rossi, his owner, I am able to ride an amazing pony!
Besides horses, what other things do you do for fun? I love singing! I’m in Show Choir at my high school which is pretty much like Glee Club! I also love acting! I’m in our schools production of “You’re a good man Charlie Brown” playing the role of “Linus”.
Damingo- I don’t show Damingo anymore but he has a very special pIace in my heart. I got the opportunity to ride and show this truly amazing pony for 2 years. He took me from showing in my first “A” show to being champion at Upperville. Damingo is the sweetest gentlest pony there is. He is a paint, 13.1,16 year old Welsh Cross. He will always try his heart out for you and is worth his weight in gold. I am truly blessed I had the opportunity thanks to Carol Eichner to even know this pony!!
Other favorite things: Movie: The Maze Runner Color: Blue Book: Misty of Chincoteague
What is your favorite subject in school? My favorite subject would have to be math! It comes really easily to me and I love the challenges!
What music is on your Ipod: A lot of todays hits! And Chris Brown who is my favorite singer!!
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Photo by Ashley Johnson
What is your favorite thing about competing? My favorite thing about competing would have to be putting in an awesome round and getting awarded for it! There’s nothing better than working hard and seeing it pay off!
out of 100 large ponies at pony finals with Ditto. Also, winning the 2013 VHSA Pony Medal Finals with Damingo, an amazing medium I had the opportunity to ride and show for the 2013-2014 Show season. Pony Finals was my last show with him!
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect? The most challenging aspect for me is staying calm. I often get myself worked up so I have to remember to stay calm and know that’s it’s just another horse show.
What is your goal for next year? My goals for next year would be to qualify for a lot of the Pony Medal Finals (WIHS, MHSA, USEF) and to qualify for indoors!
What do you consider your greatest accomplishments to date? My greatest accomplishments to date would have to be; placing 16th overall
What are your long term goals involving horses? My long term goals would be eventually to do the Big Eq, and to show at all the Equitation Finals!
Photo by Bailey Harach
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An adventurous story of Faye and Penelope, two tween best friends who share their love of horses and more. Description Over Hill and Dale is the story of Faye and Penelope, horsecrazy BFF’s who go on an adventure together and support each other through the highs and lows of their young lives. This is the perfect book for all the horse-crazy tweens in your life. Over Hill and Dale is uniquely special because Cynthia re-located the manuscript after her mother’s passing, only to discover her mother had written the book when she was just a girl. While Cynthia’s mother Virginia did not have the courage to publish this wonderful story, her daughter Cynthia displays the same courage as Faye does in Over Hill and Dale and she is bringing her mother’s dream into a reality as co-author of this wonderful book. All of the artwork in the book was done by Virginia Cresswell when she wrote the book as a young girl more than 50 years ago. To order personally autographed copies for only $12.95 each, e-mail Cynthia directly at aikenhorses@aol.com
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Oak Grove Hunters proudly offers for lease
“Friday� walks in the ring with a very brave attitude, a great jump and an easy change.
Superstition 2007 Welsh/TB 13.2 mare ~ Alra Blue Radiance x Swooney Girl
2014 Pony Finals - Green Medium Pony 17th over fences, 28th overall Available for lease to an approved barn
Sue Haag Oak Grove Hunters
803-448-5017 sue@oakgrovehunters.com
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Deadline for the next issue of The Paisley Magazine is January15th!
PONY OF THE MONTH
“Mrs. Tiggy Winkle”
O
a.k.a “Tiggy”
on September 30, 2013 when returning a pony who we had on lease, Grace first met Mrs. Tiggy Winkle. Tiggy’s owner Brie had told us she had been her daughters lead line pony when Rachel was about Grace’s age, even winning lead line at the National Horse Show and that Tiggy was now 28 years old. We also heard Tiggy had taught many little girls the love of riding and pony kisses, hugs and how to show in lead line.
Grace at the time was a year and a half old, her brother was due to be here in six weeks and the last thing I was thinking was how Tiggy was going to become Grace’s first love and lead line pony. Well, I was certainly wrong! On January 19, 2014, my husband hooked up the horse trailer, we loaded almost two year old Grace and eight week old Jack in the truck (along with some girls from the barn) and headed to pick up Tiggy.
Do you have a special pony or smaller equine that you think should be our “Pony of the Month” Let us know! Email to: thepaisleypony@aol.com
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When we first got Tiggy home, all the girls, including Grace, wanted to groom and pamper her. I was a little nervous at first because here comes Grace with a brush bigger than herself to brush the pony! Tiggy stood like a statue for as long as Grace could brush and groom her. When the older girls started to help, Tiggy didn’t want much to do with them and kept an eye on my little one. I knew from that moment on we had made the right decision to bring her home. Tiggy is by far the best babysitter out there. There were many hot summer days when I had other things to attend to around the barn that Tiggy got put in the wash stall for Grace to giver her a bath! She stood there while Grace washed the same leg and rinsed it at least 20 times before moving to her next leg. I have also given her quite a few baths before shows and she does not quite stand as still for my 20 minute baths as she does for Grace’s hour long, no hot water left or shapoo left, baths! Grace showed in her first lead line show May 10, 2014 and after that, expected Tiggy and her to be attending every show we went to all season. We couldn’t have been more blessed to get to use this pony to teach Grace how to care and love a pony. I can see why so many little girls we have been meeting at IEA shows and open shows are still riding and loving ponies after learned on Tiggy. The stories we hear from having her on the hot walker to walk for hours, to how she used to trot into the barn checking every stall for food before finally ending
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up in her own, or how once you reach the height and weight restrictions she is done with you, are all what make her so special. I cannot thank Brie Quinn enough for the smile that is constantly on Grace’s face when she is around Tiggy and getting to ride and show her. She will always be Grace’s first love, the pony who made her pony crazy and she will be a hard act for any pony in the future to follow!
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Gerry Pearson...a remarkable lady Charlotte Pletsch
Every child dreams of owning a pony. The lucky ones get to pursue their dream in the form of riding lessons or even leasing or owning a horse. For some, that dream continues into adolescence but wanes away when the priorities of adult life take over. However, for some people like Gerry Pearson, the bite from the horse bug never fades. Pearson is 83 years old and cares for her menagerie of cattle, sheep, dogs, chickens, and ponies entirely herself, along with showing her seven carriage ponies. Pearson has been riding all her life, owning her first pony Bonnie Lee at age 7. As a teen, she showed in the jumpers at a riding academy in Portland. “I rode a very good jumper through high school and think I set a local record of jumping a 6 ft oxer during a jump off,” Pearson said. As an amateur, she moved to her current farm in Oregon where she fox-hunted and bred and raised horses. “A horse I bought from the track, and showed as a hunter for two years was a silver medalist in Three Day Eventing in the 1972 Olympics. After the games, I sold him [Good Mixture] to the Team and he was Horse of the Year after that,” Pearson said. Pearson currently competes in carriage driving but did not get serious about the sport until her later years. “I had always done some driving; draft horses, haying, farm work, but got serious about it when I “rescued” a pony and had him trained,” Pearson said. “I currently have seven driving ponies and compete with them.” Pearson has an impressive list of accomplishments to boast, including head of education for the American Driving Society and president of her local driving club. She also holds judges cards in driving for both the ADS and USEF.
She has owned her primary competition horse, Flying Comet Surenuf (Comet), since 1997. “He is a bit of a character,” said Pearson fondly. “Always comes when he is called and often acts as my walking stick without a halter or rope when I am puttering around my hilly pasture.” Comet is 13.2 hands and is by Penrhyn Artful Dodger and out of Christmas Fair of Penrhyn. He was bred by Debra Landrem in Baton Rouge. LA and is now 21. “He loves to eat the lawn around my house and often parks himself on my back porch when he’s finished eating,” said Pearson. Although she does all the work of caring for and showing her ponies herself, Pearson does not find it difficult. “I awake at around six, feed the ponies and barn cats, feed the dogs and chickens and house cats,” said Pearson. “Have breakfast, work on the computer as needed. Then either drive a pony or two, turn out the rest of them, clean the stalls, put down hay for the evening. “Carriage driving, while no less demanding than riding, has allowed Pearson to stay actively competing longer than just riding might have. Not all of us will be able to live the life Pearson does at 83, but to those who would like to try, Pearson has some words of advice. “I think the thing about continuing with one’s love is not to stop, and to make adjustments that are practical and give one satisfaction,” she said. “I am always delighted to learn more about the sport and to compete successfully.”
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Just a few of the great gift ideas you can find at Just for Ponies!
1- Carstens Horse Lover Slumber Bag 2- Carstens Plush English Throw Pillow 3- Sweet Pony Hand Beaded Coin Purse 4- Puff Pony Sheet Set 5- Horseware Rambo Newmarket Throw www.justforponies.com
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Chuck Nifong: On Sportsmanship and Tradition... being disrespectful is not. No matter how good of a rider you are there will always be someone better. If you must act in such a manner please feel free to do so in your truck, trailer or behind the barn... NOT in front of the Judge or anyone else on the show grounds. Someone has to set the example, starting with the adults. How can we come to expect a proper attitude from our children or students if we, as grown- ups don’t set a good example. Well turned out ponies & riders at Devon
Let’s talk about Sportsmanship. It seems to have been forgotten at most of, if not all, levels of Horse Shows. From open to schooling shows and yes, even breed shows! I have personally witnessed adult amateurs throw ribbons back at the announcer. Children being disrespectful to their parents, coaches, trainers and even at times the judge. Exhibitors cutting other riders off on the rail in flat classes. Coaches screaming and berating children at the top of their lungs in the schooling ring. Even going so far as to stand on the outside of the ring and yell instructions while a class is being judged. These are just a few of the appalling actions I have witnessed first- hand.
Now, on to tradition. Traditional tack. Clean Saddle Pad, saddle, bridle, bit all well cleaned. All full cheek snaffles must have bit keepers. Cavasons are buckled tight and all keepers on any bridle should be used, no flapping straps of any sort...that’s why they put keepers on there. Horses are well washed, clipped and groomed. Riders are to be dressed accordingly. Helmet, fitted jacket, gloves, tall Boots, etc. all clean /polished....This is where the term “Well Turned Out” comes from ... It’s been that way for years. Glitter hoof polish, colored aluminum shoes, blinged out rhinestones on helmets all have their place, and that would be Walt Disney, NOT the Show Ring. If you want to be taken seriously ...There is a huge difference between looking Classic Traditional and Gaudy Garish...
Now here’s my big question. When was the last time you, your student or child dismounted and walked over to the winner of the class and said “Congratulations Great Ride!” That my friends is what SPORTSMANSHIP is all about. Throwing ribbons, screaming, yelling and
So, if at any time in the future I am judging a horse show you plan to attend, you will know in advance what I expect. Happy horse showing and let’s all remember to make this fun for everyone, it makes for a better day for all of us.
“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you will help them become what they are capable of being”
Chuck Nifong o wns and operates Winner Circle Farm, where he runs a small sale horse operation with his Welsh Corgi, Stewart as his assistant.He was fortunate to be born into a horse oriented family. His Grandfather ran a successful Show Barn in North Carolina for many years. He has owned and or been Associated with ...”Multiple World and Reserve World Champions”. As well as “High Point All Around Performance Horses”.He has been judging Open & Hunter/Jumper schooling shows in the Mid-Atlantic area for the last 12 years. He believes in being a very “Approachable” judge, always willing to give constructive criticism to any one who asks. He is always willing to give back to the industry that has been his life. Chuck has also been Inducted into Strathmore’s Who’s Who International for his Business Practices.
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The Importance of the Stock-Type Division at the AMHA World Show By: Macy Plemmons
With the establishment of the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) 1972 and of the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) in 1978, the show quality, registered Miniature Horse has gained immense popularity throughout the United States and throughout various regions of the world. AMHA and AMHR differ in that AMHA will only register a horse as a Miniature if he or she measures 34” and under, while AMHR will register a horse as a Miniature if it is under 38”. While both AMHA and AMHR have made vast efforts throughout their histories to constantly expand and improve the quality of the horses within the breed, AMHA took a huge step for the Miniature Horse industry this year with the beginning of the Stock-Type Division at the AMHA Worlds, held in Fort Worth, Texas.
Performance divisions. Because of this separation with the industry, there is a separation amongst the horses, as well. AMHA recognized that the horse who resembles what almost all Miniature Horses looked like in the 1970s, more like a Miniature Quarter Horse rather than a Miniature Arabian, had no Halter division in which they could be competitive anymore. Rather, these horses were being largely ignored their Jr. Years and not competing until they were 3 years old and in the Senior Division because they could then compete in the Performance classes. In order to fix this issue, AMHA introduced the Stock-Type Halter Division to provide a Halter Division for the more classic Miniature Horse, who resembles a Quarter horse more than an Arabian horse.
Traditionally, the Miniature Horse industry has focused on The Stock-type Division was extremely popular at Worlds breeding Miniatures to look like a Miniature Arabian. In fact, and I contacted several exhibitors who were successful in AMHA defines the Standard of Pertheir respective Stock-type class to get a plethora of opinions. fection similarly to the Standard of Pat Tyner, who is the owner of the first Stock-type Division, Perfection expected within the Araagreed that the Stock-type horse is similar to the original bian breed. For example, AMHA’s Miniature horse from the early 1970s. 2014 Official Rule Book includes the following when defining the StanShanda Ashby, who has been indard of Perfection for the Miniature volved with Miniatures for about 15 Horse, “The head is beautiful, trianyears, became serious about showgular in shape and comparatively ing this year and was very successful with her horse in the Stock-type An example of the ideal small in proportion to the length of neck and body. The forehead is Division. In fact, Shanda won her Miniature Horse as broad with large, prominent eyes. first World Champion in the Stockpictured in the 2014 Official AMHA Rule Book The eyes are set well apart and Shanda Asby competing in type Division this year at Worlds. are placed approximately 1/3 the the Stock-type Division at Like many people involved with distance from the poll to muzzle. The distance between the Miniature Horses, she grew up comthe 2014 AMHA muzzle and eyes is comparatively short. A profile may be peting with full size stock horses World Show straight or slightly dished below the eyes, blending into large and her Miniatures tend to look like nostrils on a small, refined muzzle. The ears are set on top those horses: stockier, more muscled, nice neck, pretty head, of the head and carried alertly. They are medium in size, well and a “can-do” attitude. She was shocked that the Stock-type shaped with pointed tips curving slightly inward.” Division was accepted at Worlds but feels as though it was a smart decision for AMHA saying, “The AMHA has now creGiven the fact that refined Miniatures with flat top-lines, high ated a market for those horses that do not fit the cookie cutter set tails, thin, long necks, and dished heads with small, tipped mold so many have strived for. Unfortunately, with as many ears are the ideal in the Halter ring, that is what Miniature horses as you have to breed to get that perfect few, so many Horse breeders have strove for throughout the breed’s hisothers do not have an outlet besides Performance, in-hand tory. The breeders of both AMHA and AMHR have done an events.” Shanda’s horse had previously competed in the outstanding job and the Miniature Horse has transformed regular Halter classes and did “okay,” so she was thrilled to since the 1970s. However, because Miniature Horses are have a division, besides the various Performance divisions, in registered based on their height and not on their blood, there which he could excel. Shanda explained to me that exhibitis a great variety within the breed’s bloodlines and there are ing the Stock-Type horse was very interesting because the still many “types” of Miniatures. For example, many Perforexhibitors were given very few guidelines from AMHA. mance Miniature Horses, who compete in Showmanship, Obstacle, Obstacle Driving, Hunter, Jumper, and their respective In a traditional Miniature Horse Halter class, the horse is set Driving class, do not resemble the ideal Halter horse because up squarely and is baited to stretch his or her neck out in that is not what the Performance breeders have focused on order to showcase their extreme features. The Stock-type throughout the breed’s history. Instead, many Performance Division differs through the guidelines described from AMHA, breeders and trainers have focused on breeding conformawhich stated not to stretch out or to bait the horse. Of course, tionally correct Miniatures with the movement to compete in there are still a few kinks that need to worked out within the the Driving divisions and the brains to compete in the other Stock- Type...continued on next page
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new Division and it will take time and examples of what the Stock-type World Champion looks like in order for the foundation of the Division to be built. Shanda was impressed with all of the horses in the Division and stated that everyone should remember that no one is trying to turn around or change what breeders have worked for over the years; Instead, this is just another area to market babies and horses that somehow did not fit the expected mold. Shanda purchased the Miniature she won World Champion in the Stock-type Division from Kelbi Lyn Gray, who bought her first Miniature in 2010 and has actively shown in AMHA since then. Kelbi has also shown at the World level in the Pinto Horse Association and won World Champion in the Stock-type Division at Worlds this year. Coming from the Pinto “big horse” world, Kelbi believed adding the Stock-type Division was a great decision for AMHA, saying, “There are many conformationally correct, beautiful Miniatures that fit the bill perfectly for the division that now have an additional class to compete in at shows, which in return could mean larger entry numbers. This year at the AMHA World Show, I talked to multiple people who are also very excited to see the new classes put into play. By adding this class, AMHA has opened up the door to many exhibitors and horses to jump in the Halter ring that might not have before.” Kelbi also explained that a western style halter is to be used in the Stock-Type Division because a cable halter, which is what is worn in the normal Halter division, is considered contrary to the style of Kelbi Gray waiting to hear her results in the horse. Additionally, the horse is the Stock-type Division at the 2014 not to be shown razored, but freshly AMHA World Show clipped and clean. This differs greatly from the regular Halter division, in which the horses are razored above their eyes and on their muzzle, just as Arabians are in the show-ring. Kelbi pointed out that the judges are still looking for a correct bite, straight legs and hocks, a clean throat-latch, a neck that is set well on the shoulders, and a strong back. People could easily misconstrue the Division to be for the less desirable Miniature Horse, but that simply is not the case. The judges are still looking for “correct”, well-balanced horses. Kelbi described her ideal Stock-type horse to be, “Appropriately muscled, have a large, powerful, rounded hip, a small smart looking, shorter head with large attentive eyes, hooves that appear strong and are well angled in to the pasterns, and legs that do not appear of excessive length to body ratio. They should track straight and move naturally with purpose, although excessive knee or hock action is not desirable. In my eyes, a Stock-Type horse should resemble the look of a Quarter Horse, while a regular type halter horse has more Arabian like qualities and features.” Jane Wagner, who has been showing Miniature Horses for 14 years in both AMHA and AMHR and who won in the Stock-type Division this year, agrees that the Stock-type Division is a nice addition to the Halter classes for the well-balanced, athletic Performance horse. Before showing Miniature Horses, Jane was a horse-show mom for her daughter who showed AQHA and 4H. Jane stated that if she could change something about the new Division, it would be that the Senior Division of the Stock-type Halter classes would also have to qualify for the World show in the Performance arena. I thought this was an interesting idea and would guarantee the horses in the Stock-type Division were the more traditional style Miniature, but I’m not sure how AMHA would implement such a rule or how Stock- Type...continued on next page
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Stock- Type...continued from page 19 well it would be received by exhibitors given that the Halter and Performance divisions are completely separate from one another. Jane knows a great deal about the Performance divisions; In fact, she won 3 National Championships and the National Grand Championship in the Western Pleasure Driving Division at AMHR Nationals this year. Additionally, she competes in Hunter, Obstacle Driving, and Showmanship. Jane thinks that the Stock-type Division will be a good place for the Jr. Performance horses to gain show experience while they are maturing and is considering doing just that with her Jr. horses. Dianna Peffly, who has been showing Miniatures for two years and competes in the American Paint Horse Association and the American Pinto Horse Association, owns LR Aristocrats Champagne Lady, who won World ChamDianna Peffly with LR Aris- pion Stock-type Mare in Youth, tocrats Champagne Lady: 3x Amateur, and Open at the World Stock-type World Champion Show. Dianna described that the Stock-type Division is much needed in the Miniature Horse industry because both AMHA and AMHR are height registries. Therefore, according to Dianna, “The lines are blurred when it comes to a standard for the breed itself. Trends in what people find more aesthetically pleasing to the eye are going to wax and wane over time. It’s like art. What one person finds to be truly beautiful another person ( including judges) might not even remotely understand the appeal. But they all agree on one thing. How tall they are. So therefore in my opinion, there needs to be recognition for these different “types” of minis. With the trend of a more shetland type domination the ring, there seems to be a black cloud cast upon the stock type. When looking at either type of horse, there needs to be balance and beauty. In a stock type horse there needs to be more substance than a refined body type. Round but smooth body type, short back, a small head and tight ears are a must for me. Instead of having an upright neck set more like the shetland, a stock horse should be more level from the withers to the poll. Just like in the American Quarter Horse. If you look at the AQHA format for showing halter, you will see that they too have a separate halter division. They recognize that amateurs and youths cannot compete against the halter horses with their performance horses. They now have Performance Halter Classes just for them to compete in with their all around horses.” Dianna also noted that the exhibitor is not allowed to “set” their horse’s hooves by hand, as they are allowed to do in the normal Halter division, and feels as though most of the Miniature Horse judges have enough knowledge about the true stock type horse to be objective in the new Division. Additionally, Dianna discussed the negative stigma that seems to surround the Stock-type horse by some Association members, saying that some people seem to believe the Stock-type horses are old fashioned and have undesirable, unappealing traits. However, Dianna declares, “Regardless of which type of miniature someone is show-
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ing, especially at the national level, beauty and balance is a must. BOTH should have a short back, BOTH should have a pretty and small head, BOTH should have a smooth body, and BOTH should have nice tight ears. Where they differ is in form to function. Head set, and body type: either refined or stock. The stock division wasn’t designed to be a class for all the ugly throw away horses. Once this prejudice goes away, the registry will thrive in my opinion.” Other Stock-type Division winners share similar views with Dianna, such as Allyson Martini. Allyson has been showing Miniature horses in both AMHA and AMHR since 1996 and has also shown on the Paint, Pinto, Quarter Horse circuits, competing in Hunter-Jumper, Eventing, and Reigning divisions. Allyson went Reserve World Champion with her All-Around Mare, Hallmark Boomer’s Diamond Bezel, in the Stock-type Amateur Mare Division at Worlds and feels as though any Performance horse has a chance at excelling in the Stock-type Division. Being an Amateur, Allyson noted that Amateur exhibitors who are competing for the Super Amateur title must compete in a Halter class and this gives Amateurs who are competing for the All-Around High-Point titles a place to exhibit their All-Around horses against equal, similar, horses. Lastly, I talked with Brittany Mitchell who began showing Miniatures in 2011 and who won Reserve World Champion in the Stallion Stock-type Division his year. Brittany has a background showing on the American Quarter Horse Association and Appaloosa Brittany Mitchell with her Reserve Horse Club circuits in World Champion Stock-type Stallion Hunter-under-Saddle, Western Pleasure, Halter, and All-Around events, such as Barrel Racing. Given her background, Brittany is more used to showing that is similar to the Stock-type Division and believes that the Stock-type Division is important because, while not every Miniature is refined, there are just as many who have good conformation. Like other winners from this year, Brittany expressed her concern that the new Division does not turn into a division where the judges look for trends, but will stick to the standard set by the rule book instead. In fact, Brittany feels as though these Stock-type Division horses are only not able to compete in the normal Halter classes due to trends within the industry, because they are all “correct” in terms of conformation. Brittany also stated, “This will effect some of the breeders here within the US. While most have been changing to the more extreme look, many smaller breeders who can’t afford the extreme look, can have their own division and be competitive in their own right there.” After speaking to these owners and exhibitors of horses who were successful in the Stock-type Division at the 2014 Stock- Type...continued on page 23
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Patrick- Miniature Ambassador
It is not very often I’m sure, that you get to read an article “straight from the horse’s mouth”. It is, of course, not exactly easy for us to type on these tiny little keys- and the allure of carrots is Patrick and “his” Sarah hard to resist. If I can keep up with my numerous fans on Facebook (facebook. com/patricktheminiaturehorse) and Instagram (@patricktheminihorse), surely I can write my own article, right? Since I began showing in 2001 with my “girl” Sarah, my summers have always been beyond busy. Not only do I spend my time showing at county fairs and AMHA/ AMHR sanctioned shows around the state of Kentucky, my favorite thing is to represent the miniature horse breed! I travel to Breyerfest, an event held at the Kentucky horse park every July for people who are crazy for their model (and real life) horses. I exhibit in the main arena with the rest of the Bluegrass Miniature horse club and show off my costumes, my tricks and my mad jumping skills! The best part is walking the grounds and meeting all of the little girls and boys (and the big girls and boys, too)! I do the same at the Secretariat festival, where I am the official mascot. Although I get great enjoyment from all of my endeavors, the thing that gives me the most pleasure is my work as a therapy miniature horse. This past April I was evaluated by a group in Louisville, KY to become a registered therapy team with Sarah. Sarah had taken the online course through Pet Partners, who made it very easy to go through the whole process. When I walk into a hospital, I often get funny looks. But growing up a miniature horse, I’ve gotten pretty used to it. I can always look past the funny looks, though, and find the smiling faces! On my first visit I went to a facility called the Kindred Healthcare Clinic. The floor that we visited mainly housed patients who suffered from diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and are confined to ventilators. Most of the patients in this unit will never be able to leave the hospital again, and many cannot even talk. Two of the patients I visited there embody the reason that I do this work. The first was a man, about twenty years of age, who was restricted to his bed. When I first entered the room, he was very cautious with me, and stroked me with only the tips of his fingers. It was not until I was just about to leave that he leaned over to my face and said “I love you, Patrick. Thank you.” In a few minutes, I had been able to make at least a little difference in this man’s life and bring some joy to his
otherwise lackluster day. I also visited a 30 year old woman who was in a coma. After having surgery to remove a brain tumor, she never regained consciousness. Her family has kept her on life support since her surgery, but she has seldom responded to outside stimuli. When I went to her room, I walked up to the bed and set my chin down by her arm and the nurse put the patient’s hand on my nose. I did not move, but the patient did. Although she did not wake up, there was suddenly at least a small sign of life. When I returned for a second visit, there was a new patient that I had the opportunity to visit. I was very sad to see that he had been paralyzed from his neck down by ALS. The man apparently had a great love of horses, as he had posters of Friesians, Arabians and quarter horses hanging on his walls. The events coordinator, who went with us to every room to help with patients who had mobility impairments, told us that he had been feeling very down in recent weeks, and that they were losing hope. When she put his hand on my nose, his face lit up immediately, a huge smile coming across his face. The director was so thrilled! She said that she just had to tell his family! It was a truly amazing experience, and I am so glad that I was able to be part of it. It can sometimes be quite a daunting job to deal with those who are less fortunate than us. It can be depressing to see those who have no hope of ever being able to leave the confines of their beds. The key is to always have hope and always be helpful and happy when you are there. We must always remember that it is even more difficult for them than it is for us, and we must always be there to brighten there day. That is why I take my time to visit these patients, because in many cases, they have nothing else to look forward to, and it is my pleasure to be there to help. About GTR Patricks Vindicator * Is 20 years old * 2013 Kentucky Association of fairs and horse shows youth high point award winner * Registered therapy animal * Official mascot of the Secretariat Festival * Exhibits at the KY State Fair, and county shows * Showed for 12 years * Has attended Breyerfest for the past 7 years * Is going to attempt to break the world record for highest jump by a miniature horse (he can jump 4 feet) Patrick is world renowned by the American miniature horse association which has named him an “equine ambassador extraordinaire”! He also has a large following on his facebook page Patrick the miniature horse) and his instagram page (patricktheminihorse)
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Stock- Type...continued from page 20 Worlds, I was truly blown away by how defensive each was of the fact that the Stock-type horses are not conformationally incorrect as a result of the negative stigma that seems to surround the Stock-type horse in the Miniature Horse industry, where the Standard of Perfection in the Halter divisions is so directed toward an Arabian-style horse. As many of the ladies said, the Miniature Horse industry, in both AMHA and AMHR, is based off of height, not blood or color, and it is impossible to have one “type” of horse in those circumstances. The inclusion of the Stock-type Division at the 2014 AMHA World Show was incredibly necessary in order for the breed to grow and expand in the Halter divisions as it has in the multiple Driving divisions. Both AMHA and AMHR have expanded the Driving Divisions to include a “Classic/Western Pleasure” Division, a “Country-Pleasure” Division, a “Single-Pleasure” Division, and a “Roadster” Division; Therefore, it only seems natural that the Halter divisions expand past height and gender classes and onto different styles and types of Miniatures, as there are many. And, although AMHR is a much larger industry than AMHA and will have a difficult time finding room in their National schedule for more divisions and more classes, one can only hope that AMHR will follow suite and will grow to include the Stock-type Division at their National Show, as well.
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Wilbur’s Posts...
This is my very first column. I guess that means I need to introduce myself. My name is Wilbur. I’m not really an anybody in the show world…or in the horse world at all. I’m just a nice, fat QH. I got this job by default I guess you could say. Our original treat review column was in The Plaid Horse and was called Buddy’s Tail. A real horse named “Buddy” wrote that column. He had a very strong opinion on lots of things. He was particular about his likes and dislikes. He went from a slaughter survivor to a Devon winner…and in the end was retired, enjoyed his life and wrote a column. From what I hear he also had a thing for baseball….mostly the Red Soxhe was a huge fan! Well upon his passing “Hank” took over his column. Hank didn’t really enjoy it…he never had much to say. He loved all food and as long as no one bothered him, he was happy…and he didn’t much care for baseball. So The Plaid Horse Magazine gets sold. They didn’t bang down Hank’s door to have him continue his column (not even
a soft knock) so Hank realized he was not a really good fit to fill Buddy’s shoes. In reality no one could fill Buddy’s shoes!
Fast forward to now. In The Paisley Magazine, we love treat reviews! It’s like food reviews in people magazines. Treats mean the world to us horses and ponies…so someone needs to review them. I was not first in line for this job. Stormy was probably first. He’s a very cool…James Dean like medium black pony. He’s very self-confident…thinks he hung the moon and will most surely end up being a rock star pony! Well he isn’t here…he got a lease job. That left Linus. Linus is the sweet, handsome guy everyone loves. He never makes waves. He loves everyone and everything…so other than the fact he’s sweet and handsome…he’s not a good treat reviewer…he’d say nice things about everything…but…regardless…he’s not available. He also has a lease job. So…that leaves me. Since I probably would never get this job for any other reason- I will take it by default. I will take it very seriously- since it is and will surely be- my only claim to semi-fame. All that being said- let’s get to the review. I was lucky enough to get treats sent to me from A Little Pet Vet. The treats, called Enjoy Yums, were awesome! They were small enough in size that an old guy like me could easily eat them. They had a nice smell so even my picky friend Dylan liked them (yes I did share …some). I tried three flavors…apple, mint and carrot. I loved them all. I personally liked the mint ones best…but my pals each loved them all equally. I was even more excited when I came in to the office (I used Buddy’s old computer- set up specially for him) and found that these treats are a lower sugar, healthy treat made with quality ingredients…they were developed by and are endorsed by Veterinarians, too! So they are good for me AND taste good…how can you go wrong with that combination? Even though I’m sure every horse will love them…they have a Love it Guarantee: “Love it - satisfaction guaranteed! Love our products or return them for a full refund.” And they even have doggie treats!! Head over to www.alittlepetvet.com to find out more and order yourself some!! They also have a facebook page: “Enjoy Yums – Equine” that you can visit. Whew- I think I will end my first column now before I say something dumb. I hope I did a good enough job another company will want me to review their treats. I will do my best to get better. I hope I’m not a one hit wonder. Take care everyone- be a proud pony, or shorter equine…or heck… any equine…we all LOVE treats!! That’s all for now… Wilbur out!!
Wilbs
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Wanda Wellbred...”You didn’t hear it from me!” Well My Dear’s I hope everyone has
been enjoying the Indoor season. It seems some have been enjoying it far more than others. And it looks like some have really gone all out this year on getting those last minute and year end bouts of madness in before 2015. Most people go to the grocery store after a long Saturday morning at the barn in hopes of getting something for dinner, picking up a bottle of wine and some cheese for a few friends later that evening, but some people evidently go to be arrested. A good friend had popped into a local grocery after riding to grab wine for a party she was hosting that night, when she heard someone screaming from the top of their lungs #$%^&%&*^%*%^*(^* (& pretty much sums it up) at a rather terrified looking store employee. As she tentatively walked past the shaken woman she recognized the screamer as a former client of her trainer’s whom her trainer had thrown out of her barn after a particularly scary incident where she attacked another boarder with a feed bucket. She then had to call the police on the woman because after asking her to leave, she refused to leave the property and just stood in the tack room for an hour calling her and everyone at the barn “trash.” “It was the most unreal thing I have ever seen, she was bright red and just screaming every obscenity and then some” my source told me. As the crowd gathered and the manager and some other employees started to “herd” the yelling maniac out of the store, she suddenly slammed her bag of apples into the manager’s face, bloodying his nose. “At that point the two young men with him tackled her to the ground and she started yelling she was being kidnapped… I am not sure what happened, after that exactly, I had, had enough but as I was leaving the store about 15 minutes later I saw her in the back of the police car.” Well that lesson was evidently not enough for our “shopping bully.” A week later at a local horse show, she was asked to leave the show grounds by the management and officials after she started cussing out a poor woman who had cut her off in schooling. The situation got so bad that the poor woman burst into tears and pulled up while showing because the “bully” and her trainer and barn mates would yell out making fun of her while she cantered past. My Dears… this kind of behavior is intolerable and should not be accepted on any level. From what I understand the local and state horse show associations may be looking into censoring the woman and her trainer. Evidently they are both already in trouble for bad checks to several shows and businesses. My Dear’s I know that the winter means the end of the majority of large outdoor horse events, but honestly when you go places, keep a mind on your drinking and just because the season is over don’t drink the entire Jim Beam Factory like some mad Sasquatch on a mission! One hapless duo that can be spotted
in the horse towns from SC to NY had way too much to drink at a large international steeplechase… so instead of enjoying the afternoon with friends and family, the woman proceeded to tell everyone how she owned this horse and that horse, while stumbling around getting drunker and drunker. At one point the duo fell onto a table… breaking it and bruising an older woman’s leg. When asked to leave the member’s area, the two stole several bottles from the bar and proceeded to the public sections where they were last seen entering a port-o-pot together. Well my Dear’s in what one observer said “sounded like screaming from riding a roller coaster” and another said “sounded like ice on a lake cracking,” the port-o-pot tumbled down a small knoll, cracking open and sending both the loud mouth drunks tumbling out covered in the day’s waste!!! People said it smelled awful!! Like a sewer had exploded and there they were like models for some deranged Avant Gard vampire like fashion show… but twilight part 10 it wasn’t! Instead they had every imaginable thing that had been emptied into the toilet covering them and dripping off their red stained faces…it was horrendous!! They were last seen running towards the large open fields, she was screaming and crying and cursing him and he was just yelling like some wounded animal. Oh I can’t wait for the pictures to emerge!!! Speaking of photo finishes My Dear’s… it seems another one that loves the wall of shame gave a crowded coliseum a rather interesting show before the Grand Prix Victory gallop the other week. After boasting about her alcohol abuse a certain wanna be (definitely a wanna without the b!) Was seen rather inebriated during the Grand Prix party. She was loud and obnoxious and saying rather rude and inappropriate things to people. As the competition got underway she evidently would pop up …like a random mole in that game where you hit the moles on the top of the head that is so popular at carnivals. Well unfortunately none of her friends thought to do that or they may have saved everything from her insane behavior. As she continued to drink, she got so loud she could be heard clear across the stadium. But nothing prepared the onlookers for her piece de resistance!!! She leaned over the rail and started to fall … into the ring!!! Her friends grabbed her and tried to pull her back but only succeeded in pulling her pants and boots off and leaving her there in her underwear and ridden up jacket screaming and cackling like a crazed witch! The ring master and two jump crew came and pulled her into the ring, and there she stood in socks and her underwear looking up into a crowd of people. Of course in complete usual style, she started to curse at the people in the front seats daring them to look at her and then ran from the ring…oh My Dears the insanity gives me a hangover! Well until next time…please watch out for people like this around you! And keep your eyes and ears open!
Wanda
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THE GYPSY HORSE: AN AMAZING NEW BREED By Hunter Taylor
Since retiring to New Hampshire five years ago, my wife and I make an annual pilgrimage, enjoying the spectacular fall foilage along the way, from near Lake Winnipesaukee to southwestern Maine for a visit to the Fryeburg Fair. This drive and a day at the fair have always been enjoyable but the trip this year turned out to be truly special. Shortly after entering the fairgrounds, we walked into the Horse-Drawn Carriage Barn. There among a stunning array of Gypsy Wagons, we met two Gypsy Horses and enjoyed a short introduction to the history of the breed and the wagons from the owner of the horses, Cheryl Lang of Aisling Farm in Ossipee, New Hampshire. The modern Gypsy Horse was developed by Gypsies in the British Isles starting about 150 to 200 years ago with a specific purpose in mind. The Gypsy Wagon was becoming popular. It was a specially built and highly decorated wagon which housed the families as they lived their wandering life around the country sides of England, Scotland and Ireland. The Gypsies wanted a horse strong enough to pull their wagons. More was required. The horse had to be an easy keeper who could largely feed itself along the way, quiet enough for the children to ride at the end of a day of travel and hearty enough to withstand the cold winters of the Isles. In addition, beauty to match the magnificence of the wagons was a must. The Gypsies set the goals quite high for their special horses; but, it must be noted that the Gypsies were no stranger to horses and the breeding of horses. Their ancestors left the Indian subcontinent over a thousand years ago and began a life of traveling. The horse was part of this life. By the end of the 15th century, Gypsies had traveled across Europe and North Africa, some remaining in various areas along the way, others continuing the wandering life. By the early 16th century, Gypsies arrived in the British Isles. While there is no written Gypsy history of this arrival, as writing was not part of the Gypsy culture, it is fair to conclude that they arrived with their horses. Moreover, it is known that they continued their traveling life after arrival in the British Isles and that the horse-drawn wagon was part of that life. Before the advent of the Gypsy Wagon, travel was carried on using lighter carts and tents.
Austin
WCF Romany King’s Anthem
Carriage Class at the Fall Feathered Classic
Because the loads being pulled were not particularly heavy, a primary emphasis in breeding was on speed. Early on, the paramount piece in the Gypsy horse breeding seems to have been a pony-sized breed known as Gallowers or Scotch Galloways. These were the ancestors of what became known as the Fell Pony. The Gallowers were versatile animals that did everything from racing to pulling mine carts. Oral history suggests that the early Gypsy Horse was used both to pull carts and for racing. Many of the Gallowers were pacers, which probably explains why pacers are sometimes found in the Gypsy Horse of today. The other breed that appears to have been used with some frequency in early Gypsy horse breeding was the Frisian, a breed thought to be a descendant from the primitive forest horse and to have originated in what is now the Netherlands. The breed was introduced to the British Isles Gypsy Horse...continued on page 30
Dixie Dancer of Drumlin Gypsy Ranch
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Gypsy Horse...continued from page 29
by the Romans when they occupied the Isles and it was the horse that was generally used by medieval knights. The breed is thought to have gained some physical refinement when crossed with Arabian horses during the crusades. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the Frisians were being used as harness horses, for farm work and for trotting races, which had become very popular at that time.
CKB Highfield Grandslam is a 3 yr old colt (although still a 2 yr old on the pictures). He is completely unbeaten to date in the showing and has won some of the most prestigious prizes a gypsy cob can win in the UK. He will mature to around 14.3hh/15hh and will be doing dressage next year! Trained by Ckb Show Cobs
Clononeen Lark of PPGV Owned by Judith Anne Mitchell, Pegasus Place Gypsy Vanners, Beechgrove, TN This is Lark’s first year training and showing in dressage. At present, she and Heather Caudill are USDF Training Level with consistent scores in the 60% bracket. Photo by Mark J. Barrett
Costume Contest participant at The Fall Feathered Classic in Perry, GA
As time passed, pulling power became more important as a breeding goal and speed less important. With this shift in focus, Shires and Clydedales became prominent players in the development of the Gypsy Horse breed. This shift in focus was brought on by the use of more heavily loaded wagons, and finally, in the 1840’s, by the widespread use of the Gypsy Wagon by those engaged in the traveling life. As the development of the more draught-like, modern Gypsy Horse began, feathered legs were already part of the Gypsy Horse makeup, as both Friesians and the ponies used in the development of Gypsy Horses had feathered legs. This trait was further intensified by introduction of Shires and Clydesdales. While the feathering clearly adds to the flash and beauty of the Gypsy Horse of today, many doubt that it was actually sought in the breeding of the Gypsy Horses of the 19th and earlier 20th centuries; the fact is that feathered legs and muddy dirt roads don’t go well together. One has to suspect that the feathered leg was the price that had to be paid to get the other traits that the Gypsy Horse breeders wanted. Interestingly, it seems to have turned out to be a positive in the long run. Feathering does give rise to some serious maintenance problems with the Gypsy Horse of today, but it is an integral part of the overall look that is sought in the breed. In my research for this article, I was told by an American Gypsy Horse breeder that breeding a Gypsy Horse to a non-feathered horse causes a total loss of feathering in the offspring and that breeding that offspring back to a Gypsy will take four to five generations of such breeding to produce a return of the feathering. The flashy color patterns and spots were not an accident in the breeding of Gypsy Horses. These were traits sought from the beginning. One has to suspect that much of the color influence came from the ponies that were used in the breeding. Most prominent among the ponies that were used in developing the breed were the Fell Pony and Dales Pony. Shires probably also played a big role in color development within the breed. Before the British Shire Horse Society created its registry and color- restricted the breed, Shires came in all colors and often with extensive splashes of white. (For a good, short and easily understood lesson in how colors and color patterns pass down in horse breeding, see the piece entitled “Some Basic Principles of Color Genetics” by Mary Graybeal at the Gypsy Horse Association website). As the new breed was progressing, the Gypsy Horses fared better during World War I than their fellow working equines. A large number of working horses from the UK were conscripted into the military during the war. These animals were used as cavalry mounts and for hauling artillery and military supplies. Hundreds of thousands were killed or died while serving. Only about 50,000 returned at the end of the war. Gypsy Horses were generally not conscripted because their flashy coats were viewed by military leaders as being a potentially inviting target on the battlefield. Gypsy Horse...continued on page 31
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Gypsy Horse...continued from page 30
The Gypsy Horse was virtually unknown in the United States until the 1990’s when Dennis and Cindy Thompson were visiting the English countryside and saw a Gypsy Horse stallion in a farmer’s field. They ended up attending the famous Appleby Horse Fair and acquiring a wealth of knowledge about Gypsies and their horses. From there, the Thompsons began importing Gypsy Horses, and in 1996, started the first Gypsy Horse registry in the United States, the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society. There are now three other Gypsy Horse registries in the United States—the Gypsy Horse Registry of America, the Gypsy Horse Association and the Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association. When I asked a person active in the breed, why so many associations?, the answer was: “it’s a new and developing breed....many of the people involved have great enthusiasm and powerful personalities....these people develop some strong ideas and the ideas sometime go in different directions....somewhat like different denominations in a single religion.” The proliferation of registries is evidence of the increasing popularity of the breed. Also a testament to this growing popularity is the fact that Gypsy Horse shows are very much on the increase around the country. The typical class list includes separate halter classes judged on conformation and color, English pleasure, western pleasure, trail classes both in hand and under saddle, driving classes both individual and pairs, a country hack judged on the flat and over 2 little jumps and an “at liberty” class. In an “at liberty” class, the horse performs unmounted and unrestrained to music for a minute and a half, and the handler then has another minute and a half to catch the horse. If you have never seen this class, I would suggest that you take in the “at liberty” performance of “Taskin” at the 2012 Feathered Horse Classic on YouTube. You will likely find watching this one will lead to watching several more. An interesting parallel between the breed known as Gypsy Horse and the people who developed the breed is the fact that both have been known by many names. Gypsy is not a name that the people gave themselves. In fact, it is a term to describe them that was based on the mistaken belief that they originally came from Egypt. They generally refer to themselves as Rom, Romani or Roma. There are many subgroups such as the Romanichals of the UK, the Manouche of France, the Sinti of Germany on central Europe and the Cale of Spain. They also are sometimes referred to as Travellers or in a somewhat derogatory way as Tinkers. The horses have gone by a number of names, including Gypsy Cob, Coloured Cob, Proper Cob, Gypsy Vanners, Irish Cobs and Romany Horses.
The Lion Prince. Prince is a purebred Gypsy Vanner by the famous Lion King, The Lion King is now deceased and produced only a few colts so Prince is rather special. His dam is Westmoreland Contessa a truly beautiful mare residing in Ohio. He has a fabulous temperament typical of the breed and is classified 1st Premium. Prince is trained to ride and drive and has begun training in Classical Dressage with the beginnings of piaffe and passage. Owned by The Gypsy Royal Stud of Rangiora, New Zealand
Yenté is a Silver Dapple mare. She was born in Belgium and now resides in the United States. Owner: Kelly Daddow of Heavenly Grace Ranch Photo by Kelly Daddow
Experienced horsewoman, Samantha Van Sickle, who with her husband C. J. Van Sickle, owns and operates Starfire Gypsy and Performance Horses in Dobbins, California says of the Gypsy Horse: “The breed is amazing. They are not only beautiful to look at, they are wonderful to work with. They are kind and gentle. A most willing breed. They want to be your partner and your friend.” To get a glimpse of the sort of people who developed and are continuing to develop this new and outstanding breed of horse, I suggest another visit to YouTube. Check out “James Taylor—My life with Gypsy Horses”. Clearly, the Romani have much to be proud of with this very special breed.
Costume Contest participants at The Fall Feathered Classic in Perry, GA
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In 2012, MHB Gypsy Ponies imported a tiny, quality bred, yearling Gypsy colt from breeder Alfie Kerry in the UK. I named him “The Risk Factor” because that’s what he was, a very expensive investment that would either succeed or fail in North America. CKB Invictus A 2yr old colt who has been out showing this year with some fantastic results! Owned by Ckb Showcobs.
These three sisters were born together in Belgium and have never been separated through multiple ownership transfers. They all reside together in the USA, at Heavenly Grace Ranch. Owner/photographer: Kelly Daddow
The Belted Blagdon HGR owned by Heavenly Grace Ranch.
In 2012, purebred Gypsy horses under 13hh were unheard of in North America. Risk Factor was the first purebred Mini-Gypsy imported to the States specifically to breed for Mini-Gypsies, or Gypsy Ponies! Shortly after his import, I started a Facebook group for Gypsy horses under 13hh and heavily promoted this smaller pony size, wonderful for children and small adults, and amazing driving horses! Over the last few years, this small size has been readily accepted and welcomed, and I am proud to say in 2016 there are several purebred Gypsy foals due that will stay under 13hh! This is a FIRST for this smaller size to be specifically bred in N.A. and I am proud to be a founder of this beautiful breed size, and be able to offer quality purebred Mini-Gypsy / Gypsy Pony horses from my program in the future. Please visit our website www.minihoofbeats.com for updates as we progress! See his ad on page 28 of this issue!
Ringo of Lexlin. She is a white appaloosa. Renee Owned by Ludwig Montgomery Phoenix Feather Farms
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StoneyBridge Snowgum and Tyler
James Nolan and one of his Gypsy Cobs from Ilandid, Bale, Ethiopia
Westmoreland Cracker Jack, he is another superb young stallion with a very personable nature ... loves attention! Both his parents are multi supreme Champions in the US. Imported to NZ from the USA. Owned by Twelve Oaks Farm & Gypsy Royal Stud
Gypsy stallion in Ontario Canada. Natwest’s The Treasury- imported at 5 months and now 2 1/2 years old. Owned by Keepsake Gypsy Vanners
GG Georgii Bok. She is a purebred gypsy vanner (sire: Cushti Bok, the first US-registered vanner) but she was carried to term by the lovely mule Priscilla. Shown here at five months of age. Owned by Renee Ludwig Montgomery Phoenix Feather Farms
GB Kings Savannah, she can do almost anything! Daughter of Dennis Thompsons Gypsy King & Cushti Bok Lady, Savannah has superb bloodlines and the goods to go with it. She does dressage, showjumping, eventing, carriage, pleasure riding and even Cowboy Challenge. She recently placed 3rd in the NZ Cowboy Challenge in the Open Class and this was her first effort! Owned by Twelve Oaks Farm & Gypsy Royal Stud of Rangiora, NZ
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The Paisley www.thepaisleypony.com 36 November/December 2014 GYPSY WAGGON: THE CART THAT CAME BEFORE THE HORSE By Ruth Larson What is a vardo? A vardo, also known as a gypsy waggon, is a traditional Gypsy (Romani) home consisting of a wooden van or caravan pulled by a horse. Vardoes of varying sorts have been in use for 150 years, but primarily from the mid-1800‘s through about 1920. Although originally developed in France, it was in Britain that the vardoes became best known. The British Romani, called Romanichal, even today show their vardoes at horse fairs, icluding the very famous Appleby Horse Fair in England. Most people attending the fair today arrive there in modern vehicles, but as recently as 2004 the Harker family made a 60-mile journey to Appleby in a traditional vardo of the bow type: their trip was documented by American photographer John Hockensmith. (His 2006 book about the trek and about Gypsy travelers is Gypsy Horses and the Travelers’ Way: The Road to Appleby Fair). The word vardo comes from the Iranian word vurdon, although modern Romani are thought to have their ancestors in India. The Romany language is based on Sanskrit, but the term vardo apparently developed from migrations of Gypsies through Persia, now Iran. The word Gypsy came from the Middle English or French term gypcian, or egypcien, and is commonly used to refer to the Romany people, or Roma. Despite the fact that the term Gypsy is sometimes used in a derogatory manner, and that the Roma have been the subject of much discrimination (they were the second largest group targeted for extermination by Hitler in Nazi Germany), the word Gypsy is also sometimes used in a complimentary, even romanticized way. Gypsy music and Gypsy dance refer to highly valued artistic expressions that had and continue to have a large influence on those arts. Before the mid-19th century, when the British Gypsies began acquiring and living in vardoes, they generally traveled by foot, often pulling tilted carts, and sleeping under the carts or in tents. When the Gypsies began to use horses to pull the carts, the horses tended to be castoff horses or even mules. At some point along the way, however, the Romanichal began creating the breed of horse known as the Gypsy Horse, Gypsy Cob, Coloured Cob, Gypsy Vanner, Tinker Horse or Irish Cob. These horses were a small draught breed with extensive leg feathering and typically piebald coat color. They were perfect for pulling the vardoes, as they were strong but
relatively small in stature. Interest in Gypsy horses is no longer limited to the Romany, and the breed is now available in the open market and is subject to much discussion. The vardo or Gypsy waggon was generally constructed by non-Gypsy (known in Romani as Gadjo/Gadje, or Gorgio) coach builders commissioned by newly married couples. They were made of wood and then highly decorated with carvings and ornate paint, sometimes even gold leaf. The Romanichal participated in the decoration of their waggons, and some waggon artists became well known for their artistic flair. The paintings and carvings often included elements of Gypsy lifestyle, with a particular emphasis on animals and floral designs. A common interior feature of the vardo was a cast-iron cooking stove, which required a chimney to vent the smoke. Since the British vardo would travel on the left side of the road, and since the vardo door was in the front. the chimney would be on the left side to avoid danger from low tree limbs. Inside the vardo would be cabinets, built-in seats, sometimes chests of drawers, wardrobes, or china cabinets. Unfortunately, one of the traditions of the Romanichal people resulted in the destruction of many beautiful vardoes. In particular, in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Romanichal funeral rite included burning the wagon and possessions after the death of the owner. Jewelry, china and money would be left to the family, but nothiing could be sold, and everything else, including the waggon, would be destroyed. In addition, the weather in Britain and the woodworm have also taken their toll on the vardo. Today most of the remaining vardoes are in the hands of private collectors or museums. Although rarely part of the authentic Romany life in the present time, the existing vardoes are being salvaged and restored to their original beauty. Like the Gypsy Horse, the vardo is something that modern day Roma can look to with pride and that others look to with interest and admiration. (Note: the accepted way of spelling waggons is with 2 g’s in the case of Romany Vardo’s)
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Scenes from The Appleby Fair The Appleby Horse Fair is held annually at Appleby-inWestmorland, Cumbria (until 1974 and historically Westmorland) in England. The horse fair is held every year in early June and has taken place since the reign of James II of England, who granted a Royal charter in 1685 allowing a horse fair “near to the River Eden� Since then, around 15,000 English and Welsh gypsies, Scottish travellers and Irish travellers have converged each year to buy and sell horses, meet with friends and relations, and celebrate their similar lifestyles. Another 30,000 people visit the fair during the week.
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Drool-worthy Tails!!
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TIPS FOR A GREAT TAIL Courtesy of Horse Grooming Solutions
Growing and maintaining an amazing tail can be a challenge. Your horse may be genetically challenged, a sparse mane and tail may be part of his genetic makeup. For some the challenge of attaining that Great Tail can feel unobtainable. Whatever your horse’s challenges, you can make the most of the tail your horse was given with the tips outlined below. Have Patience It takes time for hair to grow. Less is More Do not over comb or over brush the tail. Combing & brushing cause hair loss. When grooming a dry tail as be gentle as you work through hair, being careful not to pull or rip through hair, always starting at the bottom of the tail working up to the tail bone. Good Nutrition and Overall Health How your horse looks on the out side is a result of how he is doing on the inside. Quality balanced nutrition, internal parasite management, routine health evaluations and regular dental care will assure you that your horse is getting what he needs to produce a healthy coat, mane and tail. Gypsy Vanner “Austin” has an amazing tail!
Protect The Tail Your Horse Has Do everything you can to prevent unneccesary loss of hair. Regular inspection of your horse’s environment to keep stalls, paddocks and turnout areas clear of items on which the tail could get caught or snag, like bucket handles and hooks, and splits or cracks in walls and posts, especially if your horse likes to rub. Be alert that your horse’s stable or pasture mates are not chewing or eating his tail. Fly control including stall fans, fly spray, fly sheets, fly masks can help reduce tail hair loss from switching at flies. If ticks are a problem in your area, check manes and tails for ticks, tick bites are a frequent cause of summer mane and tail rubbing. Tail Hair Gets Sunburn Too Switch your horse to night turnout during peak sun months. If your horse must be in the sun during the day, use grooming products with UV/A and UB/B sun blockers to protect hair from burning and bleaching effects of the sun. If you are showing outside, use show grooming products with UV/A and UV/B sunblockers to protect hair from bleaching and damaging effects of the sun. Good Daily Grooming Program Keep your horse and his tail clean and free of dirt and debris to minimize irritants that can cause tail rubbing. Start your tail grooming program with a daily light brushing or shaking to loosen and remove surface dirt, hay, shavings and other debris and a visual inspection of the base of the tail for any scaling, flaking or scabbing, to be proactive in managing potential issues.
North Forks Brenin Cardi, a Welsh Cob stallion, has a magnificant tail!
Regular Washing Wash the tail with a quality pH balanced shampoo, gently massage shampoo into thetail hair to loosen accumulated debris and dead skin Tail Tips...continued on page 37
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Tail Tips...continued from previous page cells on the hair shaft and stimulate the hair follicles for good health and growth. Rinse tail thoroughly using clean water. Gently squeeze hair to remove excess water. Follow shampooing with application of a quality hair conditioning treatment to nourish the hair. Caution: apply only as much conditioner as the hair will absorb from workng it through with your hands and fingers, excess will only lay on top of hair to attract dust and dirt and will weigh hair down. Handle Wet Hair Carefully Never use a brush on a wet tail, brushing pulls too much hair out of wet tails, instead gently comb or use your fingers to carefully begin working through any knots or tangles, always starting from the bottom of the tail and working your way up, applying additional hair conditioner or a conditioning detangler to assist with the knots as needed. Special Tips for Extra Tail Hair Volume To increase volume and appearance of thickness of the tail, blow dry the tail after washing and conditioning to achieve fuller and fluffier appearance, using your fingers to assist with drying to avoid excessive loss of hair. Once the tail is dry, finish off with a light mist of hair polish to add shine and help the hair strands stay tangle-free and will also repel dirt, dust and debris. For even more volume, after applying the hair polish, braid the tail into about 10 or so braids and put in a tail bag. Allow the tail to dry (can even be overnight before a show) undo the braids and and brush out tail with a soft body brush. Finish with a liberal application of an instant shine product or additional hair polish.
Gypsy Vanner “Austin”
Photo by E-Shots/Ethan Maye
The STALLIONS are coming!! Join us for our BIGGEST issue of the year! Deadline is January 15th
The Plaid Horse America’s Premiere Horse Show Magazine
IN ONE OF OUR ADVERTISERS OWN WORDS: THE PlAID HORSE “My advertisements in CAll 541-905-0192 The Plaid Horse have attracted EmAIl theplaidhorsemag@gmail.com serious shoppers from all over the VISIT theplaidhorse.com country - it has me selling ponies from East Coast to West Coast. ” EmIly ElEk, STONEWAll FARm
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From Rider...to Writer Sharing Memories ... By Scott T. Kemery
“Navigator” I was sitting in my tackroom at the 2000 Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton New York on the Wednesday of the horse show when Holly Brewster, who worked for Sam Edelman at the time, rode a big beautiful bay horse past me.
cantered sideways for four steps. That was enough to knock him out of the ribbons but it was a great way to introduce him to those that had not seen him go yet. He would turn out to be the most loved horse at the horse shows. It just wasn’t his time yet.
I had an excellent client named Melissa Cohn, she owned The Manhattan Mortgage Company in New York City. She was a new client and her daughter needed a horse. I found Sam and arranged for a trial at the horse show. Sarah jumped about five jumps in the schooling area. I looked at Patti Foster, who was my business partner at the time... she nodded. We both looked at Melissa and told her to buy him.
We campaingned him lightly in the First Year Green Division the rest of the year and Sarah moved up to do the Junior Hunter Division. It was always the same... he won all the time, wherever he went. Jenny Jones rode him for us in Vermont as did Jimmy Torano when Holly was not available. We skipped most of the fall indoor shows that year because of September 11. Our morale was low. Melissa, and many of our other clients, spent most of their days at funerals. We did rally and take a few horses to the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden that year. Only five First Year Green horses were accepted. Gator was one of the five. He won one class, that was it. Not much to write home about but it was coming.
She did.
Flash Forward.
We called him ‘Gator’ in the barn. He was only five years old and a little unbroke on the flat but his attitude was perfect, he was the smartest horse I ever had. Sarah, Melissa’s daughter lived in Manhattan, so I rode him all week and made him up. She rode him on weekends and started showing him two months after we purchased him.
Sarah was enrolled in boarding school in New Hampshire which made riding for her occasional. Lucky for us, she was one that could show up, get on, go in the ring and win. When she could not make it to many of the horse shows, we put catch riders up on Gator to show in the Junior Hunter Division.
Auspicious Start.
Megan Young.
We started in the Children’s Hunter Division and Sarah and Gator were champion their first time out. We went to a couple more horse shows before we went to Florida for the winter... it was always the same. A TriColor for the pair.
Megan began showing Gator for us in Vermont during the summer of 2003. Megan was one of the greatest talents ever to come out of Quiet Hill Farm and Christina Schlusemeyer and Bobby Braswell. While in 2003, she was still a little young, she still made mistakes... she had so much potential it was amazing.
I took one look at the horses face, stood up and asked Holly what horse it was... I told her I had to have him. This was easy to accomplish as Sam Edelman is one of my best friends and I purchased many of my horses from him.
Holly Orlando. Patti and I decided we would skip the Pre Green Division with Gator as he was bored at three foot and we figured with a great professional ride we would have a winner in the First Year Green Division. We did. One of the highlights of that winter was World Champion Hunter Rider Week when they have the big night class that goes under the lights. Horse and rider combinations need to qualify for this class by being champion in any of the three foot six divisions, or higher. Those were the rules back then anyway. Holly and Gator were Champion in the First Year Green Divison with well over one hundred competitors. Gator jumped his heart out under the lights but made a green mistake... he spooked at a bush on the side of the ring and
2004. I brought Gator to Devon for Megan to show. Sarah could not attend because of school responsibilities. I was not sure how it would go, as everyone who trains show horses knows, anything can happen once the horse is in the ring. Megan and Gator were Champion at Devon... I made up my mind after Devon that we would be Champion at the next three big shows, which were not until October and November of that year. This gave us plenty of time to let Gator rest, he did not need to practice... but also plenty of time for Sarah to show him when she could. In the meantime... Megan, through Bobby Braswell and Eddie Horowitz, had picked up a horse called Crescendo that I origi-
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nally purchased for a client of mine, Dominique Garstin, as a Junior Jumper. He was a phenomenal horse that won in the High Preliminary Division at the Winter Equestrian Festival and did amazing things with Dominique. I always thought he would be a great equitation horse. My preparation for Gator before he went to a horse show was usually to flat him for ten minutes, jump about eight jumps and give him a pat on the neck... and of course plenty of treats. He knew his job. I was always a firm believer in not changing the program if it worked, especially right before or at a horse show. It just complicated things for everyone if I did. That Green Sweater. The first morning we were to show at the Pennsylania National Horse Show, Katie Milton, who worked for me at the time called me at about five in the morning. She told me Gator had stepped on a nail while she was flatting him during the early morning schooling session at the horse show. I figured that was that and we would have to go home. Luckily, our vet Diane Schiereck was there and took care of his foot... so on we went. I had grabbed a green J Crew sweater after Katie called me and drove out to the horse show to assess the damage. I wore that sweater every day that Gator showed during the next month, as I believed it was good luck... Yes. I do believe in magic. Gator was Junior Hunter Champion as well as Grand Junior Hunter Champion that weekend. I was Leading Hunter Trainer for the weekend. Katie accepted the award for me as I had family obligations to attend to the Saturday night I was to be presented with the award. Megan also won the AHSA Medal Finals that weekend riding Crescendo. She was the hottest junior in the business... which put the pressure on for everyone... to keep going. Next. We did it again the next week at the Washington International Horse Show at the MCI Center in downtown Washington D.C. While we were not Grand Champion this week, Gator was once again, Champion in the Junior Hunter Division with Megan. The National Horse Show. This one was a nail biter. Archie Cox and Bill Cooney were sick and tired of us beating them every week, they both had outstanding junior riders who could easily win anywhere... but they couldn’t catch us. And still couldn’t... as hard as they tried. The last class at the National would decide who would be Champion and Grand Champion, we were all that close in points which decide this. Megan’s last trip on Gator, which was Megan’s last trip on Gator... was the best ever. The roof
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blew off when she finished her trip. They were the winner, hands down. We finished up Champion and Grand Champion. I wore that green J Crew sweater the next day, the day of the Maclay Finals... for Megan. I was back at home in Sag Harbor but, apparently it did not matter. Megan made history... she won the ASPCA Maclay finals, on Crescendo, that Sunday. She was to become the Chronicle of the Horse Horseman of the year for 2004. As she should have. For myself, Patti Foster, Melissa Cohn and Sarah Alvarez... the experience of Navigator with both Sarah and Megan but also Holly Orlando, Jenny Jones and everyone else that ever helped us with him... Was once in a lifetime.
Scott T. Kemery rode with David Perlman, Carol Molony, Jeff Cook and George Morris as a junior rider. He finished fourth in the AHSA Medal Finals, sixth in the ASPCA Maclay Finals and fourth in the Northeast Regional Maclay Finals. His mount was ‘Keep the Change’, which was owned by Paul Greenwood and Old Salem Farm. Scott formed Waterside Farm Inc. with Patti Foster in Bridgehampton New York in 1996 after working for George Morris, Joe Fargis and Conrad Homfeld and Christian Wolffer. He trained horses to championships at every major horse show in the United States including, The Pennsylvania National Horse Show, The Washington International Horse Show in New York City, The Devon Horse Show, The Winter Equestrian Festival, Horse Shows In The Sun, Lake Placid, The Hampton Classic, Fairfield and The Vermont Summer Festival. He retired from the horse business in 2008 to pursue a career in writing and eternal happiness...
Behind the Lens of Jamie Mammano: “I started my artistic career in Photography and Design, with Gypsy Horses and Friesians, and not much has changed really. I am enamored of the feathered breeds, heavy muscled drafts and the inspiration that they imbue to the viewer. There is a power and grace to the horse, their musculature, their biomechanics and their eye… I am in love with these animals, who they are in their deepest soul, and I appreciate the gift of acceptance and partnership they give us. I strive to capture the whole story, not just the beauty of the equine… Our love affair for the horse is a magical one. I have to admit, my favorite shoots are Liberty, when the animal opens up and positively explodes with fire and passion and LIFE. There is no greater sight or communion for me, anticipating the flow of energy and the excitement of the mood of the subject. Pure bliss… focus is pinpointed, the world falls away, and my heart drums out the beat. There is nothing better, in my opinion. I get asked often, if I have a favorite shoot, but in reality, they all have their “moment”… the feel of the heat off the galloping legs as I am bent so low, frozen still, as they blow past me, I love the trust I establish with each subject. There is a strange peace and completeness I have when photographing horses… Every shoot is a favorite, because it always comes with the knowledge that that spirit is now immortalized in physical memory that anyone is free to experience.
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My goal, reflected in my Mission statement: I passionately strive to capture the indefinable essence, the incredible spirit and unique personality of each subject, while
fostering deep friendships with clients so that I may tell their visual story as close to the heart as possible. In my artwork, which ranges from simple “clean edits” of images, to fully realized Digital Manipulations, as well as Paintings and Sculptures, I strive to capture a sensation of awe and inspiration that hopefully, moves the viewer to share. All horses have something, some beauty within that begs to be captured. All have a story, a will and a journey that plays out in their actions and I feel fortunate that I am able to be present to do so. I personally do not choose the horses I work with, my clients are the ones who request my services… For which I am ever grateful. Without the people who care and devote themselves to these animals, I would not be able to live up to my calling. I do what I do, in my work, because ultimately, I desire to share with the world what I see, and how we all feel when we witness something so magnificent, as the Equine. I am a photographer, because I love the Horse. I am a designer and Artist, because I want to be able to share that love. Isn’t that what drives all passions in life?”
Jamie Mammano Mammano Photography & Design
Pictured: Top left: The legendary Fresian Stallion Anton 343 Sport. Left: Gypsy Colt, “Starfire’s The SteamRoller. Top right: Gypsy Stallion “Cedar Creek SD Murphy. Bottom left: Gypsy Mare “BGF America” Bottom right: Gypsy Mare “Nessa”
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Let’s Get Started! Let’s Get Started! We are excited to introduce our own version of a reality show in The Paisley Magazine! We are excited toWeintroduce ourtheown version a reality show The Paisley Magazine! will be following starting of a ponyof named Wynnbrook Ain’tin She Fancy. She is a 4 year old, 1/2 Welsh/ QH/TB filly who has been successfully shown on the line and is We will be following the starting of a pony named Wynnbrook Ain’t She Fancy. now ready to begin her career as a riding/show pony. She is a 4 year old, 1/2 Welsh/ QH/TB filly who has been successfully shown on the line and is We chose Kris Morris and her two kids Harrison and Jacqueline of Fat Chance Farm in Forest Hill, MD for this exciting now ready to begin her career as a riding/show pony. new column. They have an extensive background starting youngsters of all breeds and all disciplines! We chose Kris Morris and her two kids Harrison and Jacqueline of Fat Chance Farm in Forest Hill, MD for this exciting This column will realistically chronicle the progress of this one pony and will give readers tips and ideas for starting their own new column. They have an extensive background starting youngsters of all breeds and all disciplines! ponies and horses. You are welcome to write in if you have questions and we will try and have a few answered in each issue. This column will realistically chronicle the progress of this one pony and will give readers tips and ideas for starting their own Now let’s meet everyone! ponies and horses. You are welcome to write in if you have questions and we will try and have a few answered in each issue. Now let’s meet everyone!
“Wynnbrook Ain’t She Fancy” “Wynnbrook Ain’t She Fancy”
We are on our third installment of our “Let’s Get Started” column. If you have not read the first two, you can read them on either our website or Facebook page in our past issues.
Once Goobie is standing quietly in tack I’ll get her used to movements and sounds coming from the saddle. This way it makes things easier for everyone involved when I start getting up. I put a shank on her so I can keep her head towards me. (I’m not fond of the hind end of a scared pony). I’ll grab the stirrups and smack the saddle with the leathers gently, but only hard enough to make a small sound. Her head will come up and she may scoot forward, but she will relax after a minute or two. The goal is to get an acknowledgement but not a big reaction. I make sure I do this on both sides and move back and forth until she ignores what I am doing. The next big step is learning to steer and stop while someone guides her from behind. Remember her entire life someone has moved her and controlled her from next to her head, not behind her, so I do this by long lining. First I tie the stirrups under her with a piece of bailing twine. This way when I run the long lines through them and start driving her they don’t end up on top of her or wrapped around her neck. Some ponies insist on turning around and facing you while you’re trying to long line. I like to wear gloves when I do this, that way if she tries to bolt, my hands don’t get messed up. I will have an assistant at her head with the lead shank on the halter as I get her used to the reins touching her across her hind end and her hind legs. This will hopefully keep her from becoming too scared and easier to control if she does get startled.
I like to start in a small paddock or round pen just in case something happens. I begin by having my assistant walk a small circle to the left as I stay in the center as though I am lunging her. I allow the reins to slide over her hind end and rest just above her hocks as she walks, being careful not to apply any pressure at this point. Some ponies will scoot forward or kick, but I’ll just remain calm and reassure them and most get over it very quickly. Once I am sure that Goobie has accepted the feeling of the reins on her hind legs, I will have my assistant turn and walk the other direction. I am not going to attempt to do any steering or stopping at this point and let my assistant control her. I have to keep in mind that each side of the horse is something new for them and I will get an entirely new reaction. Now that she seems pretty comfortable with this step, I will start applying a little bit of pressure on the inside rein while still having my assistant steer her. This way Goobie will start to associate the pressure from the bit with the idea of turning. I’m sure there is no way that she understands what I’m asking her to do so I have to be patient. My goal is to put her in the position I want and then give her a cue. Otherwise she will just get confused and frustrated. Naturally Goobie is going to brace against the pressure and pull the opposite direction as all of the youngsters do. I just keep a slightly firm hold on the rein and release as soon as she gives to the pressure at all. At this point I am not expecting her to turn her body or walk that direction. All I want is for her to give to the pressure even slightly. Remember your handler is the one that is still controlling the pony. (If I do not have an assistant for teaching her to steer I could also do it in the stall by standing on one side of Let’s Get Started ...continued on page 46
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her and having my left hand on the left rain and reaching across the saddle and having the right rein in the right hand. I then work from both sides equal amounts of time until she is giving to the pressure) I like to tap the rein lightly using my fingers as opposed to a steady pull. This way it doesn’t give her anything to brace or pull against and it also teaches her to respond to light touch. Goobie will only learn what I teach her so if I am heavy handed then that is all she will know. Once she gets the idea of steering and giving to the bit I will begin to teach her to stop. I will stop walking and say “whoa” and pull back gently but firmly on the reins. My handler needs to stop at the exact same time so Goobie gets the idea that she is to stop. I expect her to take a few steps forward and either throw her head up or back up quickly when she feels the bit. Make sure your handler is aware of this and does not get hit in the face with the pony’s head. Once Goobie’s feet stop moving forward I release my pressure. I will continue to do this until she gets the idea that pressure on her mouth from both reins means to stop moving forward. I will be patient with this, knowing that stopping is the most important thing she will learn. When I ask her to step forward I will lightly smack the reins against her hip or sides while making a kissing sound or saying “walk on” or “walk” just as my handler steps off. This way she will learn the feeling on her sides and voice command is her cue to walk forward. Goobie learns quickly, but it may take a couple of days for her to get good at this. Once she is stopping and steering comfortably with my handler, I will slowly remove the handler until Goobie can ground drive on her
own. I do this by having my handler take less and less control over her head. In no time she will simply be walking next to Goobie, letting me stay here and stop or eventually I will be able to drive Goobie around her as she stands in the center. I will continue to ground drive her until she can stop steer and move forward with confidence. Since I have an experienced assistant and lead pony I will drive Goobie on trails and over obstacles, but I don’t recommend this unless you have an experienced handler and a very quiet lead pony for your youngster to follow. I can’t say enough about the benefits of a nice quiet lead pony that a youngster can follow and learn from. We break everything using a lead pony and they are worth their weight in gold. Continue this for the next month or more and your baby will be ready to back next month!
Tip: I would also like to say that some ponies over react to long lines which is why an enclosed area is even more important. I also recommend a lead shank with a chain for the more blockheaded or scared ponies to prevent bolting. If a pony appears to be extremely nervous or apprehensive or if the handler is too nervous than hiring a professional is definitely recommended.
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It is an honor and a privilege to be able to share Thalia Gentzels PONY PROFILES columns with you. Shortly before her passing, she asked me to promise to make her columns and their information available to people. With the recent growth of the magazine and our expanded distribution, now seemed like the right time. This article is an exact re-print, including her note at the end. I thought that was fitting for the first reprint. I hope you all enjoy it!
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Business Card Directory Mike Hunter Trips made from the Chicago area to NY weekly
630-885-8095
5310 Bruce Drive Pleasanton, Ca 94588 925-831-0400 Ashley@TheShowStables.com www.TheShowStables.com
Shawn Mc Millen Photography
606.356.0518 606.356.0540 melissa@shawnmcmillen.com
Your card here for $150 for the year!
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The Toll Booth Saddle Shop, Inc.
Race to Ring, Inc. Fueling the horse-human connection through equine rescue, rehabilitation and retraining. Race2Ring LLC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide professional rehabilitation, retraining, and placement for ex-performance horse athletes
6347 St. Peter’s Church Road Conover, NC 28613 info@race2ring.org www.race2ring.org
Brumley Management Group LLC ~ Events
Fat Chance Farm
The Cactus Reining Classic
2037 High Point Rd Forest Hill, MD 21050 The Morris Family (410) 652-4713
The High Roller Reining Classic
www.cactus-reining-classic.com
The Reining by the Bay www.reiningbythebay.com
www.highrollerreiningclassic.com
Sponsorship & PR Coordinator Alden Corrigan Cell: (650) 207-8622
aldenc1@aol.com Fax: (650) 851-2339
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The Miracles of Equine Therapy By Lizzy There comes a point in everyone’s life when a perfect pony is at the top of his or her wish list. Something about the bond between a person and horse seems magical. This bond is based on an uncanny ability to understand emotions unlike any other animal. Horses’ natural gift of sensitivity proves ideal for situations requiring what humans cannot provide to those in need. Therapy horses spend their lives understanding and healing what most people cannot see. Their jobs vary from merely standing and letting someone pet them to being heavily involved with rehabilitation and occupational therapy in a recovery or treatment program. Therapy horses see many different situations in their lifetimes. They have been known to work with patients in hospitals with illnesses, veterans, those who suffer from physical and mental disabilities, and victims of abuse or a traumatic event. In every aspect of people’s lives, therapy horses perform miracles that seem impossible on a daily basis. Every therapy program is unique and contributes to the community in its own way. Each program is deserving of recognition and help. Volunteers are always wanted, and donations are graciously accepted by these non-profit organizations. As all horse people know, taking care of horses is not easy financially. On a donation-only income, therapy programs consistently run in the red zone and make little profit. Despite everything, these amazing programs continue to selflessly help those in need. Dena Little runs Storybrook Farms located in Opelika, Alabama, and is so full of faith and passion for what she does that it gives you chills. Dena founded Storybrook in 2002 on a small property in Auburn with three ponies, three riders, and ten volunteers. Almost 13 years later, the organization has grown to 17 horses that help over 900 children and requires over 200 volunteers. The program she runs is a non profit equine assisted program providing therapy via horses, various small animals, and a newly founded horticulture program. All activities are completely free of charge to participants. The goal of this farm is to walk alongside kids with uncertain futures and present an uplifting place to grow and participate in the programs. Dena firmly believes that a horse is perfect facilitator for this activity. If the participant struggles with a physical disability, the horse becomes their legs, and the students can run races
simonian with everyone else when they could not do that independently. For kids who are bullied or who have broken hearts or anxiety, the horse becomes the receptor for them and fills the role of unconditional love and acceptance. Not only does this program benefit the children immensely, it has also become evident that the families of the participants benefit as well. Storybrook has turned into a safe haven for the entire family. A child that suffers from something that a family cannot understand is difficult on all parties. Storybrook creates a support group to help families and participants both through hard times.
A therapy horse is a very special animal that needs to be able to fill a particular role. To Dena, the ideal therapy horse has a sound mind and body. The most common misconception about therapy horses is that they are retired competitors with injuries or ailments that have taken them out of competition. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Every horse Dena employs is put in a fitness program and is treated like a competition animal. Behind the sound mind and body, horses in this career need to be able to control their emotions. Therapy is not always perfect, and, no matter the situation, a horse needs to be able to take care of the children at all times. When asked about her favorite success story, Dena struggled to find an answer. Every child both leaves their mark and has been impacted. They accomplish what might seem small to others, but in their lives it is huge. A girl with Down ’s syndrome came to their farm and was so fearful of horses she would run around and disappear. She watched the other kids ride, however, and finally after weeks of coming, she hopped on a horse named Huckleberry Finn. There was not a dry eye in sight for her monumental accomplishment. There is a girl with cystic fibrosis who comes to Storybrook, and each time she rides, she grows two inches taller and is able to do her therapy to become stronger. Just sitting on these horses and overcoming a small obstacle can transfer to other challenges in these kids’ lives. Then they can take that spark of hope and victory and know that they can overcome their difficulties.
Equine Therapy continued on next page
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The service provided by Storybrook Farms has captured the hearts of Auburn students and the community. Just by speaking with the staff and volunteers of Storybrook it is evident how much passion they have for what they do. They live to help facilitate the bond between horse and rider and to participate in a miraculous healing process. Another program named Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses takes a completely different approach to therapy. This is arguably the most well-known equine therapy program in the world. Gentle Carousel takes pride in their miniature horses carefully bred for almost twenty years. At the time the business started, therapy programs were localized and participants went to the horses. The idea behind this program is to take the horses to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to see them. The first participants were abused children, the police department, and high crime neighborhoods. Over time, the program evolved to the international organization it is now. Currently, the 34 ponies that are trained or are in training see twenty five thousand people every year. Yes, you did read that right. Twenty. Five. Thousand. Mainly, the horses go to children’s hospitals, to individuals who have experienced a traumatic event, and to child traffic victims. The job of the miniature horses varies from simply letting kids pet them, to being heavily involved in occupational therapy and rehabilitation. Not only do these ponies see an exceptional amount of people each year, they go where no horse is usually allowed. They work in hospitals, houses, and schools-everywhere you would never expect to see a horse. Each miniature horse is trained from the day they are born, learning to walk up and down stairs, ride on elevators, and how to handle loud noises. They Magic with a patient in the hospital start by going with their mothers to a training hospital set up for them and getting accustomed to everything around them. Among the many therapy ponies at Gentle Carousel, Magic is debatably the most well known. Both Magic and Hamlet have
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actually been made into the 2014 Breyer Portrait Model horses, and were the first horses to go inside the Breyer factory. Magic has been recognized internationally for her touching stories of success. Her resume includes: One of History’s 10 Most Magic and Funny Cide Courageous Animals at BreyerFest TIME Magazine, Most Heroic Pet In America – AARP, A Reader’s Digest / Americantowns Power of One Hero, One of the 10 Most Heroic Animals of 2010 - Newsweek /The Daily Beast, 2014 winner of the prestigious E.T.York Distinguished Service Award, One of Seven Most Notable Animal Heroes in the World - UK’s The Daily Mirror 2014, Featured in 125 True Stories of Amazing Pets - National Geographic Kids 2014, and Magic now has her own book, The Power of Magic by DT Publishing. All of the profit from the books and Breyers go to charity, and with every book sold, one is given to a child in a hospital. Magic is notorious for being in the right place at the right time. There are countless stories of her knowing what to do when others don’t. When Magic went to see a dying man, he mentioned he wanted to see his childhood pony. When Magic arrived, he seemed in a coma-like state. She went right up and placed her head under his hand and he smiled and rubbed her face, passing away in peace. She sees countless patients, and there are so many stories about her touching lives. Just reading and hearing about them warms your heart. My favorite story is about a boy who was in a hospital his entire life. He had never been home for holidays or for any occasion at all. Towards the end of his short life, the doctors allowed a horse in for twenty minutes. The child was hooked up to oxygen and all sorts of machines, and from the second the horse walked in, he never stopped smiling. He was laughing so hard and kept saying his face hurt from all of the happiness he was showing. After the pony left, the parents stopped the handler in the hall way to thank them for what they had just done. Their family had never had a happy day because of how sick their child was, and Magic gave them one to treasure and remember. Gentle Carousel has extended its mission to Greece to help those in need. The horses reside in Magic Gardens, donated in Magic’s name, and they perform miracles. A little boy who had never seen or touched a horse made a wish to do just that. He was taken to Magic Gardens and given snacks and hot chocolate. Out of nowhere Odysseys, one of the ponies named after Greek mythology, trotted up and spent the day in the gardens with the boy. Odysseys is not a regular pony but is actually one of Santa’s Helpers. When the child went to put Odysseys back in his stall, it was filled with presents for him! Equine Therapy continued on next page
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Equine Therapy continued on next page
These ponies also handle high emotion situations. They traveled to Sandy Hook where they healed and deescalated the situation better than anyone could have anticipated. Over six hundred people showed up in places full of emotion, including the library, and were received with joy from the horses. These horses seem to touch people in ways that are beyond comprehension. From dressing up and preforming tricks to let kids laugh to comforting people in the end of their life or in a terrible time, Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses provides whatever people need. They preform miracles on a daily basis and touch the lives of thousands while doing it.
Pony Power Therapies is a non-profit organization that gives special needs and at-risk children and adults an opportunity to ride and grow physically, socially, and emotionally. This therapy program located in New Jersey was founded in 2000. The program originated with one horse and four riders and has grown into the only full time facility in Bergen County to meet the communities’ needs. Pony Power Therapy not only provides a riding program, they also provide many specialized programs. They have both riding and non riding programs, programs for siblings, veterans, and much more. Pony Power Therapy aims to be able to cater to each individual case. They ensure that every instructor employed has their PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certification, or is working towards it. By customizing programs and ensuring the best instruction, Pony Powers sets standards for themselves and other programs worldwide. The eighteen horses that reside in this program are carefully selected for their jobs. Therapy horses must have a good temperament and good movement to keep the children who ride them stable. Each horse must understand the responsibility they are being trusted with: a child’s well being. Pony Power not only meets the physical needs of the participants, but works to cater to the emotional needs of the riders who come to them. For example, a girl who faced
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the ongoing struggles of growing up came to Pony Power Therapies. She was bullied, and subsequently had very low self-esteem and self-confidence. She had difficulty forming friendships and relationships, managing her emotions, and interacting in a social environment comfortably. After a short time of participating in both the riding and non-riding portion of the program, everyone around her recognized the immense amount of emotional growth in a short period of time. The bond she shared with the horses and other children in the program was something indescribable and has done more for her than anyone could have imagined. Many people benefit from Pony Power Therapies. From the strengthening and self-awareness of the riding portion to the confidence and love the non-riding aspect provides, the healing powers of the horses are virtually unlimited. Therapy horses go beyond the healing powers modern medicine recognizes to touch and understand pain and struggles without words. Everyone knows that going into your horses stall and crying after a hard day makes you feel better, but why does it? Is it the unconditional love horses have, their sensitivity, or their gentle nature? Maybe it is a combination of those and much more. Nonetheless, horses provide something that is irreplaceable. Even more amazing than the horses are the people who run these programs. As completely non-profit, the programs make virtually no money. If there is a profit beyond the costs to maintain the horses, it is either donated or used to improve the experience for the participants. I encourage you to donate in some way to your local therapy program. Whether it is your time or money, these programs welcome every single donation. Giving to those who are in need is what the holidays are all about. Try a new experience and go volunteer at a program! I can guarantee that you will learn something, and what is a day of volunteer work to you will be a monumental experience to the participants in these programs.
Next up...The Paisley Magazine Stallion Issue!
Our BIGGEST issue of the year & the ONLY proven place to advertise your pony & smaller equine stallions!
Scenes from the Virginia Welsh pony and cob FAll Extravaganza Show in Front Royal Virgina
Misty Morn’s Just Mo - with Kristy Wilkinson
Welsh weanling “Covenant Royal Secret” (*Telynau Royal Anthem x Tiffany’s Secret Lady)
Severn Baubles and Beads Severn Oaks Farm/Tiz Benedict Peggy Marshall/PM Ponies
Shenandoah Pink Slipper by Tustins Bandoleer
Cheryl and Ethan Maye Maye Show Ponies
Severn Easter Bonnet (Severn West Wind x Oak Orchard Joy)
Severn Bay Rum Severn Oaks Farm/Tiz Benedict Photos Courtesy of Kathryn Southard
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2014 US Women’s Open Tournament
Maureen Brennan
The 2014 US Women’s Open tournament was about as exciting as one could wish for in this sport: The enthusiastic Houston Polo Club crowd saw local team BTA consisting of Brianna Galindo (4), KC Krueger (5), Sheila Lequerica (5) and Lia Salvo (9) tie up the score during the final chukker against Northern Trust’s Maureen Brennan (6), Julia Smith (3), Claire Brougham (6) and Sarah Wiseman (6T). An uncharacteristic missed penalty by Sarah Wiseman in the final minutes of the game translated to a tense overtime session. Finally a converted penalty shot by the youngest member of the team and USPA member Julia Smith brought Maureen Brennan’s Northern Trust team the victory they had fought so hard to claim “Julia is a hard worker and has come up through the ranks. This was her moment to show what an athlete she has become through all of her hard work” said proud mentor and Captain Maureen Brennan. MVP went to Sarah Wiseman who truly excelled during the tournament with huge hitting power and uncanny game anticipation. BPP went to KC Krueger’s Zumi. Maureen Brennan was also awarded the prize for Best String.
But this victory was not easily won and actually looked unobtainable a few weeks prior to the tournament: Two of the original team players had to withdraw and Team Captain Maureen had to find last minute replacements: “That is not an easy task when you are competing against the best female polo players in the sport, who play on established teams” said Maureen. However, two British players took up the challenge and Sarah Wiseman and Claire Brougham were enlisted. Kristy Outhier Waters, sporting a broken arm, assumed the position of Team Coach and scrambled to organize horses. The final player flew in just the day before the first game. During the first match of the tournament the team was beaten in overtime by BTA. During the second match Northern Trust narrowly prevailed over Dawn Jone’s strong San Saba team. But to gain a position in the finals, since both teams were at 1,0 Northern Trust then had to win a lengthy and tense penalty shoot out against the same team. By the end of the week the new team mates had become a cohesive unit, something which can take teams much longer to achieve. “This was a hard won victory, which makes it all the more sweeter” said a smiling Maureen Brennan. “It just goes to show what tenacity and team spirit can bring about”.
BPP for an amateur, Zumi, owned by Chrys Beal, played by KC Krueger, with groom Rafael Aleman, presented by Frost Bank’s Kristie Cherry
BPP for a professional, Zanetta, owned/played by Sheila Lequerica, with husband CJ Lequerica, presented by Frost Bank’s Kristie Cherry
Maureen will be playing in Wellington, FL over the winter season under the banner of her own Goose Creek Polo team and also Northern Trust polo team for select tournaments. For all enquires please contact: Kirsten Braden at 561-203-0400
Northern Trust’s Julia Smith, Claire Brougham, Land Rover’s Jason Lacher, Maureen Brennan, and Sarah Wiseman
Article courtesy of Polo Concierge * Photos by Kaylee Scherbinksi
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The Paisley Magazine
MARKETPLACE The best $35 you can spend on advertising!
For sale: CANELA N’ CREAM Registered name:COOKIES Lucky Dancer
Cakes by Lisa is proud to offer unique, “Horse” cake toppers
“Oreo” is 12.1 1/2 HH welsh cross gelding. 15 hand, 7 yr old,paint mare He is 17 years breed: thoroughbred old.
dam: Bashful Dancer
Will take your rider from lineNorth through the pony sire: lead Lucky division. Steady,safe, easy and a trainer’s dream. trainer: Cesar Basaldua Always jumps in great form. Easy lead change. And absolutely no prep. Absolutely fantastic performance at Pony Finals 2012. For more information: Bar 5 Polo Farm Look up his record for yourself. LEASE ONLY. bar5polo@yahoo.com Reasonable. Others available. www.bar5polo.ca www.greystonestables.net Facebook: 5 Polo Farm Jody MoraskiBar * (845)355-RIDE
Permanent Wedding Keepsakes The beautiful, delicately detailed horse head toppers are made of resin and can be painted. Available in: Andalusian, Friesian or Arabian. (352) 307-7444 * RLMenz@yahoo.com
www.CakesByLisa.net
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Sweet tempered 15h, 9yr old, Arab/cross mare Has trail and some show experience in training level dressage and leadline. Started over fences and working on lead changes. Currently priced at $5500. Please contact Erin Ray at (828) 691-2290 or bluerosepony@aol.com For sale: KANELA Registered name: Imnotstandinaround 15.2 hand, 6 yr old, mare breed: thoroughbred dam: Queen Bluebird sire: Terrell trainer: Cesar Basaldua For more information: Bar 5 Polo Farm bar5polo@yahoo.com www.bar5polo.ca Facebook: Bar 5 Polo Farm
Superstition Available for lease to an approved barn 2007 Welsh/TB 13.2 mare Alra Blue Radiance x Swooney Girl
2014 Pony Finals Green Medium Pony 17th over fences, 28th overall
803-448-5017 sue@oakgrovehunters.com
Available for Lease 13.1 1/2, gelding. Very good mover. Lightly started o/f. Has been to his first local show and won a class. Very reasonable terms to right situation. Very sweet personality - will make up into nice pony. 856-379-7055
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For Lease for 2015 show season!
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
Shawn Mc Millen
VPBA Small Welsh Pony 12.2 HH USEF Perm. Card. Eligible green, Lots of local and A, AA show miles in Children’s Hunter Pony and 2014 Reserve Champion in VPBA $1400 Performance Division
Please contact Pam Herman (757) 580-5990 or Heather Kimnach (757) 635-3529 at Pam Herman Farms or Diana Burris (757) 305-0579 Can be seen and tried at Pam Herman Farms, Chesapeake, VA
inaround
old, mare hbred luebird
Basaldua
Polo Farm m
arm For sale: PONCHO Registered name: Sir Sherman 15.2 hand, 6 yr old, gelding breed: thoroughbred dam: Holy Heifer sire: Sir Shackleton trainer: Cesar Basaldua For more information: Bar 5 Polo Farm bar5polo@yahoo.com www.bar5polo.ca Facebook: Bar 5 Polo Farm
Latch Key Kid
2008, 14.1 1/2, gelding
Freddie is by Alra Blue Radiance Eligible green, great mover and jumper with easy lead change. Oakfield Farm Equestrian Kristi Harris * 843-696-0567
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Available for Lease
Adorable 15.3 2009 DWB cross gelding by Just the Best. A great prospect, hacking quietly, jumping small courses and lead changes all with an amateur.
Oak Grove Hunters * 803-448-5017
For sale: KATE Registered name: Battle Kate 15.1 hand, 7 yr old, mare breed: thoroughbred dam: Lady Katie sire: Battle Cat trainer: Cesar Basaldua For more information: Bar 5 Polo Farm bar5polo@yahoo.com www.bar5polo.ca Facebook: Bar 5 Polo Farm
13.2 (with card), 6 year old gelding. Eligible green & ready to go. (green status can be broken)
Good mover and jumper. Swaps. No spook. One of the kindest, sweetest ponies you will find. 732-684-4565
For sale: YAHOO Registered name: Mid-afternoon Tryst 15.2 hand, 10 yr old, gelding breed: thoroughbred dam: Damascus Bee sire: White Tie Tryst trainer: Cesar Basaldua For more information: Bar 5 Polo Farm bar5polo@yahoo.com www.bar5polo.ca Facebook: Bar 5 Polo Farm
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Outstanding young prospects and started ponies from proven bloodlines, preloved by children and ready to become your next superstar. Locations in SE Michigan and SW Florida.
Amy Redman * 248-760-5178 www.summerwoodwelsh.com
Severn Picasso “Pico” • 2013 Section A Welsh Gelding (Severn Merrymaker LOM x Severn Paloma)
THE PONY for Christmas!! Super sweet Section A Welsh bay roan gelding for sale. Shown in hand on the Welsh circuit his entire yearling year with good ribbons. 3rd in the Maryland Pony Breeders 2014 Futurity. Handled daily, he is ready to start his next career. Extremely quiet, he will make the perfect children’s pony. Loads, clips, ties and is perfect with the farrier and vet. He will make an easy first pony prospect for anyone to bring along. Can be handled by children. Will mature about 12h. Just a lovely pony that has unlimited potential to be the ultimate leadline, short stirrup or driving pony! $2500.00 OBO Video Available. www.hopefoundfarm.com 443-822-0601
maybe sid the kids adwaiting to hear back
BEDAZZLED - “Pebbles” is a carded 13.1 3/4 HH BIG BODIED 11 year old grey mare. Registered half welsh Very good mover and jumper. Big stride. Currently in our lesson program and showing. Does camp, good on trails, great bareback. Currently being ridden by a pre children’s rider all the time. Almost auto lead change. Priced under $10,000. Others available www.greystonestables.net * Jody Moraski * (845)355-RIDE
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Who’s Doing What
Yellow Jersey & Mandy McCutcheon at the 2014 World Equestrian Games Photo by Shannon Brinkman
Holly and her daughter Heather Lee participating in the MSPCA Horses Helping Horses Beach Ride Photo by Karen Morang Photography
Rivers Edge. The Pony Riding Team. Molly Sullivan on Enjoy the Laughter (White, Large Pony) Katie Strandberg on All My Love (Chestnut, Large Pony) Julie Connors on Love Me Tender (White, Small Pony) All owned by Dr. Betsee Parker Photo by: Tyler Fischer William Frasier, 13 and his pony Sunny’s Delight, an 11 yo Marsh Tackey Haflinger Cross. Competing in the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship.
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Parker Minchin and Jessie Powerstroke show off their incredible reining skills in competition Photo by Karin Hinzmann
Mimi Gochman and Rafeal Photo by The Book LLC
Lillian Lineberry showing Pacemaker in the Mini Under Halter class at the Pine Spur Hunt Club Show in Vinton, VA.
Sophie Gochman and Truly Noble Photo by The Book LLC
Ashton Maye The newest addition to Maye Show Ponies... already training his first pony!
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Ziggy Stardust is a 7 year old Section B Welsh gelding (Gayfields White Zin x Rosmel Solara). He had a stellar weekend at the Jump for the Children Benefit in Raleigh, NC, with his little catch rider, Anja McCubbin. Alexa Macaulay and Paddington B. are headed to VHSA finals!! Congratulations and good luck!
Jeffrey Kohler of Relhok Farm and Kelviden Mandalay Bay on their way to winning turn out and reinsmanship at Walnut Hill Farm Driving Competition (August 2014)
Alexandra Cawood (age 5) of Leesburg, Virginia winning the lead line equitation class out of 8 riders at the Washington International Regional Horse Show at PG Equestrian Center on October 18th, with Gap Springs Heart’s Desire (owned by Kimberly Meighan).
Cricket the Wonder Pony won a Shetland Pony Steeplechase at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Canada, with Colin Smith up. Heather Euler also rode him to a 3rd place finish in a previous race at the show.
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2014 USEF National Advanced Single Pony Champion ~ Markus -German Riding Pony Stallion Owner: Harmony Sport Horses, Kiowa, CO Whip: Paul Maye , Maye Show Ponies & Sport Horses/ Fairfield, VA Photo credit: Ethan Maye/E-Shots
November/December 2014
Riding for only three months, Kailee Holley aboard Raven, owned by Laura Hall of Ashebrooke Equine Centre, were champion in their division at the Memory Ride to Benefit Alzheimer’s Patients held at 3 Runs Plantation. A great horse show debut!
Nicole Wood of Baltimore, MD took some time out from the Formula 1 Races in Austin, TX to try some jumper prospects! Alyssa Schiller and her 11 year old small pony Charlie Brown. This picture is from the Trillium Championships in Ontario, Canada. he two of them worked very hard this year to make an amazing comeback to take 4th place overall in the Central West Trillium Division!
Photo by Ronnie Hartman
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Who’s Doing What
Aurora MR+++// just won the USDF All Breed Arabian Champion Int. 1. Owned by Karen Ernst of Mystic Ranch Arabians
Section B yearling Welsh filly, Alvesta Silver Lustre (*Llanarth Tarquin x Alvesta Fairy Lustre by *CadlanValley Pirate), went to only one show in 2014: the Wild Rose Welsh & Open Pony Show #2 under judges Gwyn Berry, UK, and Cynthia Doll, US. Silver Lustre won double Welsh Youngstock Champion, double Reserve Supreme Champion, double Grand Champion Sport Pony, and double Grand Champion Model Hunter Pony!
Carnelian, a 7 year old Connemara gelding bred by Susan McConnell of Free Union, VA and owned by Kathy Milam of Middleburg, VA, started his foxhunting career with Katy Carter in the irons. “Ian” has proven to be a quick study in the field and loves following the Piedmont Fox Hounds. Photo by: Middleburg Photo
Crowl-Mathias Draft Ponies showing their draft pony hitch at the Indiana State Fair
Hillary Hytken Morrow and her Thoroughbred D’Orsay started eventing together this year after many years in the show ring. George Morris on Belafonte d’Avalon at a clinic held at the Los Colinas Equestrian Center in Dallas, Texas. Rebecca Brown and Belafonte d’Avalon participated in the 3’6” and over section. George commented on Rebecca’s riding skills saying “This is one to watch! This one “gets” it!”. On Belafonte, he said the pony should be competing at Rolex! Photo by Sheila Armstrong
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Alyssa’s 11 year old 12,2hand Charlie Brown in his Christmas outfit! This photo was taken at Findaway Equestrian Services in Baden, Ontario, Canada. We like to call him “Christmas Charlie” at this time of year!
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Chelsea Stopford and Theodore- year end Champion for Crossrails at Zone 4 Finals in Venice Florida
Emily Gebhardt, who is a working student for Stephanie Bennett at Cedar View Farm , riding Cindy Newberry’s “The Lion King” (Simba) is an OTTB only off the track 3 years. Shows regularly in the Children’s Hunters and qualified and showed this year at the 2014 Washington International Horse Show. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
Severn Highlife owned by Harmony Sport Horses and Cheryl Maye making her driving debut!
Posh Optimistic Outlook owned by Cindy DiBrino and Pam Christensen . He won Supreme Champion Geldings and Res Champion Pleasure Driving 12.2 and under
Katherine Atherton and her new pony Superstitious (Lucky), are going to be competing in VHSA finals this November!! Keep up the good work!
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Allison Hines and Personal Cocktail Party (Cookie), are competing at VHSA final this November! Best Wishes to both of them! Hayley Raach on her pony Party Rock at The Ridge winning the Asbury Classic Jumper Prix
Posh Golden a Opportunity won Champion and Grand Champion 1/2 Welsh. He is owned by Cindy DiBrino.
Claire Wheeler & Leo the Magnificant...not only does he compete in pony races, he also drives!
Lauren Grosser in her first class at her first show at the WPCSA Nationals in Tulsa showing SRW Silver Prize & Joy.
Welsh Section B yearling filly, Alvesta Amora (*Llanarth Tarquin x Alvesta Electra by *Cadlan Valley Pirate), had her first show season in 2014. We were very pleased to see that across five judges she placed consistently high between the Welsh, Sport Pony, and Model Hunter divisions. Among her wins, she went Reserve Welsh Youngstock Champion, Grand Champion Section B Female, and 1st Sport Pony.
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Congratulations to Erin Vigil of Ashley Mason Sport Ponies on her purchase of Pretty in Pink.
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Makensie Altheimer and Hannah Loeffelbein at The Zone 7 Finals.
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Fiona Lacey taking a golf cart bottle break after a day of showing.
Photo by Ronnie Hartman Hayley Raach with Pine Creeks Applause winning Jr. Amateur Handler at the PA Hunter Breeders Futurity.
Welsh Cross filly- CI DOLCESire- Mynach Orinoco-Imported Section B Welsh stallion
Jesse Baker and Fantasma score a goal for team Jaleo!!
Jennifer Leonarczyk Queen of Nothing Fancy Farm and Everlasting Stables and her students hunting with Potomac Hunt.
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Indigo, a 13.1 hand Welsh crossbred and owner Tucker Bailey. I am an adult, but only 5’ tall, and I love that we fit each other! Ponies are “just right!”
Louise Steinfort and “Oscar” are both successful competitors in the side saddle division and elegant fixtures in Maryland’s hunts.
Megan and Peanut (Nutter Butter) won high point at Valley Brook Equestrian Center in Napa CA on October 5th in Walk/trot, hunter jumper flat class and over poles.
The Paisley
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Ashley Dunbar and Cookie Monster from BayView Farms at the Let’s Show Halloween Show at Rancho Murietta.
Macy Williams & Rumpleminze champion again locally and looking forward to greens 2015!
Congratulations to Kerry U. of Hollister, Ca on her purchase of AM Rapunzel
Lauren Apple and Rapture, Champion Young Hunter Under Saddle at the PA Hunter Breeders Futurity, Owner Rock Solid Stables
Lilly of the Valley and Addy Arrowsmith
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The Iowa Draft Pony Hitch Association is a group of pony enthusiasts that enjoy showing, driving and having fun with their ponies. The club was formed in 1967. They meet monthly during October through April which is the off season. May thru September they are showing or driving in parades and other activities such as trail rides. New members are always welcome!!!
From top left, in order: 1) Elizabeth Hallberg driving Athena 2) Cassie Maguire driving Bubba 3) Randy and Gloria Mobley 4) Samantha receiving her Junior award with queen Cassie in Owatanna 5) Heath Hallberg 6) Kris Sewell driving Jerry and Julie 7) Martin Hildreth of Rockwell City Iowa 8) Heath Hallberg honoring our queen Cassie Maguire 9) Jan and Rich Mason receiving the club banner 10) Wayne Woebler and his family with their 6-up win in Manchester Iowa 11) the Maguire family in Spencer, Iowa 12) Zach and Sam Landreth 13) Randy Mobley haltering his pony Champ 14) Samantha Venz haltering in Nashua, Iowa 15) Roger Hallberg and his team Becky and Bailey in Lakeview, Iowa 16) Wayne Woelbler and his daughter Stephanie in Albert Lea Minnesota 17) Shirley Wolf 18) Paul Wolf 19) Marcie Boerner.
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Melissa Myers and 2 year old Dixie in Ladies cart class at Wayne County Fair, Wooster Ohio
Sprout Therapeutic Riding Center’s Lionheart with Anna Koopman (PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Driving Instructor) and student, Ryan Wightman (active duty Marine Corps, Purple Heart).
Memphis Champion Open Pleasure Pony Fall Extravaganza Sire: Markus ~ Owner: Harmony Sport Horses, Kiowa, CO Rider: Ethan Maye/ Maye Show Ponies & Sport Horses Fairfield, VA
Tracy Dopko
Lisanne White-Rankins of Fredericksburg , an avid Western Rider and Reiner.
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Congratulations to Lisa D. of Livermore, Ca on her purchase on AM Robin Hood.
We welcomed the lovely Welsh Section B filly Alvesta Zendaya (*Llanarth Tarquin x Alvesta Sweet N Spicy by *CadlanValley Pirate) to join her Alvesta relatives at Rosegarland Welsh this spring. Since seeing her full sister, Alvesta Naiya, we had been hoping and waiting for a filly from this cross, so it was with great excitement that we brought Zendaya home.
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November/December 2014
Family tradition Farm...Logan, Cory, Melissa, and Levi Myers. after the team class at Wayne County Fair Wooster Ohio
N’Tempo SSH1 (5 year old Haflinger gelding) and Linden Thompson at the Great American/ USDF Region 5 Dressage Championships. Parker, CO. Photo credit: Danielle Culver
Mary Jo Serio - riding is in her genes! Already winning at barrel racing and hunters!
Hannah Loeffelbein & Saddle Sold Separately winner of the Pat D Ford Memorial Trophy and Joe Mackey Equestrian Scholarship @ American Royal 2014.
Orion and Lucy Samperton at their first trip to Washington Trained by Adrian Ford and The Big Easy Farm
“Congratulations to Kyra Jones (age 8) and Cornerstones Holy Moses representing Artemis Riding Academy. They had a successful 1st year and won a horseshow series Grand Champion in the Short Stirrup Equitation division and placed 6th overall in the Short Stirrup Hunter”.
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Penny Mathias winning Ladies Cart at the Wayne County Fair in Wooster, Ohio. Chief, the pony, is a Friesian/ Hackney crossed owned by Sam and Nikki Mathias of Crowl-Mathias Draft Ponies, Salem, Ohio
Maddi Ramsey and Rockin’ Robin Champion SS Eq @ PCHA October
Ponies at the Palace with Erin Vigil on SRF Superstar’s Last Impression, Sandra Gebo on Farmore Royal Tywyn and Megan Burtness on Clanfair Signature. What a great showing for the Welsh Ponies! They performed in front of an audience of over 10,000 spectators and wowed them with the versatility of the Welsh Pony Breed!
Alan Lohman and Providence for owner Kristin Silon PreGreens at Harrisburg
Connemara pony Tintagels Tibyl Owned by Muskoka Lakes Connemaras
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Cory Myers driving the unicorn hitch at Wayne County Fair in Wooster Ohio
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Wisteria Goldmelody Prince Charming AMHA Miniature gelding Owned by Nicole Jackson
Cynthia Doll & FCF Power Play GRP at Glen Willow CDE in September. North American Reserve Champion Preliminary Single Pony Age 6. Photo by Pics to You
Thank you to everyone who submitted photos for Who’s Doing What! As hard as we tried- we were not able to use all of the photos submitted. We will have some daily facebook showcases for photo submission- so if your photo didn’t make it in- we will be featuring more on our FB page. Please like our FB page so you can stay up to date and also get details for upcoming contests! With the next issue being our Stallion/Winter Circuit issue and our biggest of the year- we will have an early deadline for WDW submissions. Please get your photos in to us on or before January 1st. We will use them on a first come basis.
Marnehoeve’s Forever* (aka A Diamond is Forever*), an imported 17-year-old New Forest gelding by Oleander, had a stellar year in dressage with his new owner/rider, Claudia Tomaselli of Kennesaw, GA. They wrapped up the year by earning Training Level Grand Champion (Adult Amateur) and Intro Level Reserve Champion (Adult Amateur) at the National Dressage Pony Cup held in Lexington, KY. And, they also took Reserve Champion at Training Level (Open) for the 2014 USDF All-Breed Awards, with a wonderful median score 70.115%. Great job for their first year showing together, and they’ve now earned their BRONZE award t in the New Forest Pony Society of North America’s Lifetime Achievement Program!
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Riley Wiltison (age 10 driver) He won Best Young Driver and was second in his section of training pony. Welsh pony Doll House Shananigan. At Teddys Bear Picnic HDT in October. Photo by Debby Donovan.
Alana Hogan and Kayla McClure are ready to rock the walk trot division
Tracy Magness’s Grand Prix Super Star -Tarco van ter Moude - was retired at the 2014 Columbia Classic picture here with Tracy and her parents John and Barbara Bartko
Registered Connemara Stallion Tullymor’s Mountain Sun has been Registered in the American Buckskin Registry Association as Tullymors Mtn Sun.He stands 13.2hh and resides in Colville, WA. with owner Kelsie Staeheli
Karen Erickson of Clovis, CA, and her imported 4-year-old New Forest stallion, Brando (Orlando x Elvira/Justice H.R.), swept the California Dressage Society’s Championships in Burbank, CA at the end of September. They not only won the USDF Region 7 Adult Amateur Training Level tri-colors on a very impressive 74.10%, but they also bested a field of 25 in a hotly-contended CDS 4-Year-Old-Futurity, and took top honors with an average score of 73.027%.
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Rosehaven Lady Slipper owned by Sally Steinmetz and Alida Meakin 2 year old Welsh Section B Filly 2014 High Score Champion Eastern Welsh Circuit and Maryland Pony Breeders & Leading nationally WPCSA Section B Fillies.
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Hannah Loeffelbein and Exquisite
Samantha Goode and Delightful Delilah in Berryville, VA. Awesome year! The 2014 Gold Medal Adult Jumper Team from the South Region USHJA Child Adult Jumper Championship held in Culpeper. Alex Volta, Nicole Wood, Wendy Libert & Allison Wichman with Chef d’Equipe Tracy Magness
Ziggy Stardust is a 7 year old Section B Welsh gelding (Gayfields White Zin x Rosmel Solara). He proved himself to be a darling leadline pony on Saturday night before the Grand Prix, taking care of his 6 year old rider, Josie Smith. He is the perfect, quintessential “child’s pony”, and I love him to the moon and back! ~ Laurie Ann Occhipinti
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Rosehaven Rain Belle owned by Sally Steinmetz Welsh Section B Mare Ridden by Samantha Kulp Champion (tied) Walk Trot, Eastern Welsh Circuit Photo by Thompson-Southard Photography
Brianna and Suagrbrook Gameplan
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New Forest gelding Whaiku (Wicked Courtjester x Freida) wrapped up his young Dressage Sport Horse Breeding career by being awarded Grand Champion New Forest Pony for 3-year-old colts/geldings DSHB in the United States Dressage Federation’s All-Breed Awards for 2014. Whaiku was bred by Amanda Raphaelson of Trappe Springs Farm in Upperville, VA and is owned by Lisa Graf of New Bern, NC.
Edie Dwan of Palo Alto, CA and her 8-year-old New Forest gelding Far Above Par were awarded Grand Champion New Forest Pony at Third Level (Open) for the 2014 USDF All-Breed Awards. “Finn”, who has accumulated quite a fan club on the west coast, was bred on the east coast by Jennifer Johnson of Mt. Kisco, NY, and is by the stallion Forrest Flame, out of Hoppenhof’s Merel (both imported from the Netherlands).
Jeffrey Kohler and Peter Ferreira (navigator) with Kelviden Mandalay Bay on marathon at Preliminary Single Pony Championships at Glen Willow CDE in September 2014
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Rosehaven Minuet owned by Sally Steinmetz Welsh Section B Mare by Rosehaven Talisman 2014 High Score Champion Eastern Welsh Circuit, Maryland Pony Breeders and leading nationally WPCSA Section B Mares Photo by Thompson-Southard Photography
The striking chestnut pony Fearless proved he is to be a feared competitor in the dressage ring, winning Grand Champion New Forest Pony at Training Level (Open) for the 2014 USDF All-Breed Awards, with an impressive 70.506%. Fearless is a part-bred New Forest Pony, owned by Alice Morse of Chester Springs, PA and was shown throughout the year by his trainer, Joanne Coleman of Birdsboro, PA. Looking very much like his sire, Forrest Flame, he is out of a Wicked Courtjester mare, Watermark, and was bred by Phyllis Hamilton of Kintersville, PA.
Madison and Anabelle Bodmer and their pony Ginger Snap.They went with the Wizard of Oz theme!
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Taylor Hagquist and her Chincoteague Pony VIP Sterling Silverette preparing for a clinic with Pat Parelli at Equine Affaire.
Hailey and Ashley Redman with Summerwood’s Believe in Me by Sugarbrook Blue Pacific out of Catalina by *Carolina’s Red Fox
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Photo by E-Shots/Ethan Maye
Deadline for the Stallion/Winter Circuit issue is January 15th! Don’t miss our BIGGEST issue of the year! In addition to the hundreds of tackshops & shows we normally distribute to- this issue will be going to Thermal, Ocala, Palm Beach & Tucson!
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Things We Love
www.loungecollars.com
“Buckskin Horse Head” by John Lopez www.johnlopezstudio.com This bust, featuring wild splashes and splatters of textural paint, is reminiscent of the kinetic style of painter Jackson Pollock – hence the name. To achieve these effects, John first sandblasted the finished sculpture, then drizzled yellow, orange, black, and brown while it lay on the floor until it resembled a buckskin. After several days of curing, John flipped the head to its opposite side and repeated the procedure. The colorization of this piece is distinctive amongst John’s other painted works. Other notable features are the mane, which is cut from tin and bent into the movement it expresses, and the jaw made from bicycle gears. The piece also had the distinction of winning the people’s choice award (John’s first of four) at the 1st annual Sculpture in the Hills show.
Stevenson Brothers Rocking Horses was founded by twin brothers Marc and Tony in1982 and today produces the world’s finest rocking horses. www.rockinghorses.uk.net
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“Fresian” by John Lopez www.johnlopezstudio.com
The coloring, movement, and anatomy of this sculpture truly embody the elegance of the breed. From the flared nostrils to the trailing ends of the elongated tail, moving with the mane in a perpetual swirling reflective of his motion, this horse is an outstanding example of the fluidity inherent in the Friesian breed. To create his anatomy, John’s eye went beyond, transforming the metal before it ever became a part of the sculpture. A plow disc became the curve of a hip, the grooves in a scoop shovel the separations between muscles, a ball bearing the eye that in each of John’s creations is so alive.
MFH REYNARD blouse New arrival from Middy N’ Me www.middynme.com
Amber Jean www.amberjean.com “Festive Lady” - a King Size bed is carved from mahogany framed in rare large juniper logs and upholstered in soft dark buffalo leather. The bed has been featured on the cover of the book “Western Visions.” The award-winning bed is in other books and several magazines including a feature in “Cowboys and Indians.”