Anyway - I just wanted to share a couple of pictures I captured from last weeks show where the lighting situation was NOT optimal...but with a bit of tweaking - it really worked ...well in most pictures anyway!
Showing posts with label Saddle and Bridle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saddle and Bridle. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Photography..
I am NOT a professional photographer - in fact, I am far from it, but as a part of my job with Saddle and Bridle magazine, I am required to take pictures at the events I cover. Most events are horse shows. I took this opportunity (and tax break) to purchase a nicer camera ...a Nikon D80 with an additional lens. I love it - although I know that I still have much to learn!
Anyway - I just wanted to share a couple of pictures I captured from last weeks show where the lighting situation was NOT optimal...but with a bit of tweaking - it really worked ...well in most pictures anyway!
Anyway - I just wanted to share a couple of pictures I captured from last weeks show where the lighting situation was NOT optimal...but with a bit of tweaking - it really worked ...well in most pictures anyway!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
A Day With SIRE
This is the article I wrote for Saddle and Bridle magazine about this wonderful place! Photos are in the next post. Please take a moment to view them!
* * * * * * * * * *
The Lone Star Showstopper’s are a very involved youth group here in Texas. More specifically, they are the youth group from Lone Star Saddlebred’s in Magnolia located just North West of Houston and under the direction of owners/trainers Koren Mercer and Milo Jones. I had the privilege of tagging along as they took a tour of SIRE’s Therapeutic Equestrian Center this weekend located in neighboring Hockley, Texas.
“We don’t just want this to be a Saddlebred riding club.” Koren emphasized, “rather a combination of events and experiences that will offer life long memories as well as having educational benefits!”
SIRE, which stands for Safety, Integrity, Respect and Excellence offers riders with physical, emotional or mental disabilities the opportunity to improve their quality of life through horseback riding and therapeutic activities. Physically, the movement of the horse provides sensory stimulation to the body and brain of the rider that affects a variety of muscle groups. The pelvic movement of the horse reproduces the proper motion of the human pelvis at the walk while sitting astride a horse, something that is not true with any other animal. Emotional benefits include building self esteem, confidence, self reliance and a sense of accomplishment. Another immeasurable benefit is that when a rider who may be confined to a wheelchair or crutches for everyday activities, is atop a horse, they no longer have to look up at everyone. On the back of a horse, they are equal or many times taller!
When we arrived on that very cold Saturday morning, we were greeted by Wendy Cook, who works in Development and Marketing, Pat Roddy, the Managing Director and Jeanie Gardner, the Head Riding Instructor who escorted us through the stables and into the back covered riding arena where Master Certified Instructor and Hockley Site Manager, Anthony Busacca, was giving a group lesson. We watched as one by one, the tacked up horses were led to a special mounting platform where the rider was waiting and assisted by 3 people to mount. Once securely seated, the horse was led into the arena and the work began. This class could walk and trot, learning how to address the reins, taking instruction and working over an assortment of ground obstacles. This was a more advanced group, so although each rider had a header, they did not need side walkers. After riding in the arena, the group went on a short trail ride. When the lesson was complete, each rider dismounted in center ring without the assistance of a mounting block, thanked their steed and exited the ring wearing an infectious smile!
Founded in 1974, SIRE established itself to Texas in 1980. The first task of any rider starting the program is to master Steady Eddie. Steady Eddie is a full size model horse bolted to the ground beside a large wooden mounting platform. It is here where clients learn not only to mount, but also basic grooming and tacking skills. Other training equipment used is a barrel, girthed with vaulting gear for stretching stiff leg muscles, and a electric wooden horse affectionately named Peggy the Pony that teaches posting and reining! While SIRE’s primary focus in the beginning was for handicapped children, the program has evolved to include many adult riders. “We currently have riders ranging in age from 3 to 70 years old. Some, starting as children, have matured not only physically, but also have become more advanced riders! Because of this, SIRE has changed its search for prime equine candidates. We no longer just look for small older ponies.” Pat told us. “We need larger younger horses as well as higher trained equines to constantly challenge our students. Additionally, SIRE has a pilot program called Horses for Hero’s that targets disabled Military Veterans. We currently offer both Western and English riding along with carriage driving.”
“I was grateful the girls were able to see a class.” Koren told me after our tour. “They weren't really sure what to expect, and I think it opened their eyes to another way horses touch people's lives. Talking about it doesn't have the same effect; seeing it in person makes so much more of an impact. It is our hope that some of them can come back and volunteer using their knowledge of horses to help others.”
SIRE is a 501c Non-Profit organization. With an average of 200 riders per week participating in one of their 3 Texas locations, they rely heavily upon volunteers as well as monetary donations. All instructors are NARHA certified, but almost any horse experienced person can volunteer to be a header or side walker. Without them, SIRE would not exist! For more information: www.sire-htec.org
* * * * * * * * * *
The Lone Star Showstopper’s are a very involved youth group here in Texas. More specifically, they are the youth group from Lone Star Saddlebred’s in Magnolia located just North West of Houston and under the direction of owners/trainers Koren Mercer and Milo Jones. I had the privilege of tagging along as they took a tour of SIRE’s Therapeutic Equestrian Center this weekend located in neighboring Hockley, Texas.
“We don’t just want this to be a Saddlebred riding club.” Koren emphasized, “rather a combination of events and experiences that will offer life long memories as well as having educational benefits!”
SIRE, which stands for Safety, Integrity, Respect and Excellence offers riders with physical, emotional or mental disabilities the opportunity to improve their quality of life through horseback riding and therapeutic activities. Physically, the movement of the horse provides sensory stimulation to the body and brain of the rider that affects a variety of muscle groups. The pelvic movement of the horse reproduces the proper motion of the human pelvis at the walk while sitting astride a horse, something that is not true with any other animal. Emotional benefits include building self esteem, confidence, self reliance and a sense of accomplishment. Another immeasurable benefit is that when a rider who may be confined to a wheelchair or crutches for everyday activities, is atop a horse, they no longer have to look up at everyone. On the back of a horse, they are equal or many times taller!
When we arrived on that very cold Saturday morning, we were greeted by Wendy Cook, who works in Development and Marketing, Pat Roddy, the Managing Director and Jeanie Gardner, the Head Riding Instructor who escorted us through the stables and into the back covered riding arena where Master Certified Instructor and Hockley Site Manager, Anthony Busacca, was giving a group lesson. We watched as one by one, the tacked up horses were led to a special mounting platform where the rider was waiting and assisted by 3 people to mount. Once securely seated, the horse was led into the arena and the work began. This class could walk and trot, learning how to address the reins, taking instruction and working over an assortment of ground obstacles. This was a more advanced group, so although each rider had a header, they did not need side walkers. After riding in the arena, the group went on a short trail ride. When the lesson was complete, each rider dismounted in center ring without the assistance of a mounting block, thanked their steed and exited the ring wearing an infectious smile!
Founded in 1974, SIRE established itself to Texas in 1980. The first task of any rider starting the program is to master Steady Eddie. Steady Eddie is a full size model horse bolted to the ground beside a large wooden mounting platform. It is here where clients learn not only to mount, but also basic grooming and tacking skills. Other training equipment used is a barrel, girthed with vaulting gear for stretching stiff leg muscles, and a electric wooden horse affectionately named Peggy the Pony that teaches posting and reining! While SIRE’s primary focus in the beginning was for handicapped children, the program has evolved to include many adult riders. “We currently have riders ranging in age from 3 to 70 years old. Some, starting as children, have matured not only physically, but also have become more advanced riders! Because of this, SIRE has changed its search for prime equine candidates. We no longer just look for small older ponies.” Pat told us. “We need larger younger horses as well as higher trained equines to constantly challenge our students. Additionally, SIRE has a pilot program called Horses for Hero’s that targets disabled Military Veterans. We currently offer both Western and English riding along with carriage driving.”
“I was grateful the girls were able to see a class.” Koren told me after our tour. “They weren't really sure what to expect, and I think it opened their eyes to another way horses touch people's lives. Talking about it doesn't have the same effect; seeing it in person makes so much more of an impact. It is our hope that some of them can come back and volunteer using their knowledge of horses to help others.”
SIRE is a 501c Non-Profit organization. With an average of 200 riders per week participating in one of their 3 Texas locations, they rely heavily upon volunteers as well as monetary donations. All instructors are NARHA certified, but almost any horse experienced person can volunteer to be a header or side walker. Without them, SIRE would not exist! For more information: www.sire-htec.org
Friday, January 29, 2010
SIRE - Therapeutic Riding Program
Tomorrow, I have the distinct pleasure of accompanying the Lone Star Saddlebreds Riding Youth Group to SIRE. We will get an entire tour and if we are lucky - we will even get to get our hands dirty and help! Afterwards, I am going to write an article for Saddle and Bridle magazine about it...and I will include you in via pictures and my impressions of it all next week!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
An Article I Wrote - Please Review.
I had to submit photos of my rescue horse to the Saddlebred Assoc. from all 4 angles. Chastain thought I was nuts when I was taking a picture of his back side! 
This is an article that I submitted to Saddle and Bridle magazine. Normally I only write about local horse shows and barns, but this was a more important News type article. It was inspired by the events I experienced while trying to get my horse reregistered into my name. This story however, is totally fictitious. If you have the time, please read it and tell me what you think.
LOST CHAIN OF OWNERSHIP
By: Julie Size
One of the principal objectives of the American Saddlebred Registry is to record, regulate and maintain the official registration of purebred American Saddlebred horses. When a horse is sold, given or donated to its next owner stripped of its papers, it can be difficult if not impossible to reconnect them. Without papers, the horse is immediately devalued and in some cases at risk. Everyone should review the ASR Rules and Regulations displayed online at web address: http://www.asha.net/rules-introduction and then tab over to 2008 American Saddlebred Registry Rules and Regulations page.
Let’s say that an older show horse, we can call him Ben, is given to a friend who has no intention of taking him back into the show ring and maybe only wants to use him as a trail horse. Since Ben was a free gift, the previous owner does not bother with paperwork and may not want to pay the transfer fee. This situation seems very innocent and everything works out for a while. Time passes and the owners of the horse lose touch. Owner number 2 runs into some financial troubles and needs to find a new home for the horse. Looking carefully at all of her choices, she decides to just donate Ben to the Mounted Patrol, thinking about all of his good characteristics that would make him an excellent candidate for this. She gets a nice tax deduction and no longer has the bill of feed and board. The Mounted Patrol evaluates Ben and decides that he is just too old for the job required and takes him to the local auction house. Ben is run through with other horses rejected by the Patrol. With no minimum bid required, the highest bidder takes him, regardless of who it is. By now, no one is quite sure what breed of horse Ben really is, so his newest 4th owner assumes he must be a dressage horse since he is so tall, refined and athletic….and the story can go on forever.
Now, let’s review the above story in relation to the rules of the American Saddle Horse Association. Owner number 1 was in clear violation by not transferring Ben to owner number 2.
Section V in the ASR Rules and Regulations clearly states, “Every transfer of ownership of a registered American Saddlebred must be recorded with the Registry. A complete and correct chain of ownership must be maintained. The Seller is responsible for recording all transfers of ownership including all unrecorded back transfers and for payment of all fees necessary to record such transfers unless and agreement has been reached by the buyer and seller.”
Section XV under the topic of Violations states, “Willfully withholding a Breeders Certificate or Transfer Certificate from the legal owner of a horse … shall be in violation of the Registry and subject to penalty.”
Even though is seems that owner number 1 and 2 agreed to the terms of a free horse ‘sold’ stripped of his papers, it was still a violation against the ASR.
Now back to Ben. Ben’s 4th owner takes him home, saddles him up into dressage tack and is totally disillusioned with the fact that he will not lower his head and does not understand the cues to side pass. In one more attempt to figure out her new acquisition, she puts Western tack on him. It is obvious Ben does not know how to neck rein either and out of total frustration, Ben starts to misbehave. Owner number 4 is convinced she purchased a rogue horse and sends him right back. Tonight though, Ben is lucky. Sitting in the auction stands is someone who is very familiar with Saddlebreds and takes a special interest in those who might be in troubling situations…just like Ben. She, we will call her Abby, buys him, takes him home and starts the arduous process of trying to find out who he is and then to get him reregistered into her name.
It would seem to most that the investigation of who the horse is would be the most difficult part of the puzzle, but sometimes it is not! Thankfully the Saddlebred community is close knit and identification has many times come quickly. Calls to Veterinarians from vet papers, publishing photos of unidentified Saddlebreds on the www.saddlebredrescue.com discussion form, and multiple calls to former owners can yield results in hours. Getting the horse registered into Abby’s (owner number 5) name however can take months. Even if you know the true identity of the horse, it is no guarantee that he can be registered into your name!
Ben’s newest owner realized what a great horse she had and by chance received information leading to the discovery of his real identity. She immediately contacted the first owner, explained the whole situation and requested the transfer. Although seemingly agreeable over the phone, nothing was ever done in writing.
Section V. Transfer of Ownership states, “Transfers should be completed in the handwriting of the seller or the seller’s agent.” Information given verbally has no legal merit. It must be in writing!
Abby then contacted the American Saddle Horse Association. ASHA has a department that handles cases specific to this. She talks to a representative and is given a list of things needed in order for Ben’s case to be opened. She agrees and sends in all of the written documents she has verifying her purchase of the horse at the auction. She also writes a letter giving the details of her investigation of Ben’s origin. ASHA starts where the chain was broken and writes to owner number 1, the person to whom Ben is still registered to. They request a written response, due back in 30 days, to either allow or deny the transfer of Ben to Abby. If Owner number 1 writes in to deny the transfer, he must also give reason for this denial as would be the case if the horse was stolen. If owner number 1 ignores the request from ASHA, another registered letter is sent, this time with a 15 day deadline. If this request is also ignored, the ASHA must move to the next owner and repeat the process, over and over again. Abby is responsible to continue the forward progress of Ben’s case by tracking the deadline dates and contacting ASHA to move the case up to the next step of investigation. This is a time laden process that can take months to years…with no guarantee the transfer will ever be made. If every party chooses to ignore the requests, the case is then presented in front of an ASHA board. They meticulously review the historic details of the investigation and they can make a final decision about Ben’s registration. Each case is individual and must be handled as such.
If the transfer is denied there is still one course of action that could get Ben back into the show ring, if Abby so chose.
Section VIII under Leases & Certificates of Eligibility of Show Part B. “The Registry must execute a Certificate of Eligibility to Show in the name of the current unrecorded owner if, after reasonable investigation and approval by the Registry Committee, the Registry is satisfied that it is not possible to document and record the complete chain of ownership and properly record the name of the current owner.”
How might this story have changed if Abby were not at the auction the night Ben was sent though by owner number 4? Well, he could have easily been repurchased by another horse person who did not recognize him for who he was and that cycle could continue through many owners. He could also be purchased by a broker, a person who does nothing but buy and sell horses for profit. Saddlebred Rescue has been known to pay quite a high ransom to get these horses back into safe hands. The last possibility is the worst. The brokers who wait around at auctions, claiming horses who are sold at prices so low, they can easily be shipped across the border for a profit to slaughter houses. None of us want to think that our beloved horses could face such a terrible end and the only thing you can do to try and prevent this from happening is to never let your horse go without taking the responsibility of reregistering him in his new owner’s name!
This is an article that I submitted to Saddle and Bridle magazine. Normally I only write about local horse shows and barns, but this was a more important News type article. It was inspired by the events I experienced while trying to get my horse reregistered into my name. This story however, is totally fictitious. If you have the time, please read it and tell me what you think.
LOST CHAIN OF OWNERSHIP
By: Julie Size
One of the principal objectives of the American Saddlebred Registry is to record, regulate and maintain the official registration of purebred American Saddlebred horses. When a horse is sold, given or donated to its next owner stripped of its papers, it can be difficult if not impossible to reconnect them. Without papers, the horse is immediately devalued and in some cases at risk. Everyone should review the ASR Rules and Regulations displayed online at web address: http://www.asha.net/rules-introduction and then tab over to 2008 American Saddlebred Registry Rules and Regulations page.
Let’s say that an older show horse, we can call him Ben, is given to a friend who has no intention of taking him back into the show ring and maybe only wants to use him as a trail horse. Since Ben was a free gift, the previous owner does not bother with paperwork and may not want to pay the transfer fee. This situation seems very innocent and everything works out for a while. Time passes and the owners of the horse lose touch. Owner number 2 runs into some financial troubles and needs to find a new home for the horse. Looking carefully at all of her choices, she decides to just donate Ben to the Mounted Patrol, thinking about all of his good characteristics that would make him an excellent candidate for this. She gets a nice tax deduction and no longer has the bill of feed and board. The Mounted Patrol evaluates Ben and decides that he is just too old for the job required and takes him to the local auction house. Ben is run through with other horses rejected by the Patrol. With no minimum bid required, the highest bidder takes him, regardless of who it is. By now, no one is quite sure what breed of horse Ben really is, so his newest 4th owner assumes he must be a dressage horse since he is so tall, refined and athletic….and the story can go on forever.
Now, let’s review the above story in relation to the rules of the American Saddle Horse Association. Owner number 1 was in clear violation by not transferring Ben to owner number 2.
Section V in the ASR Rules and Regulations clearly states, “Every transfer of ownership of a registered American Saddlebred must be recorded with the Registry. A complete and correct chain of ownership must be maintained. The Seller is responsible for recording all transfers of ownership including all unrecorded back transfers and for payment of all fees necessary to record such transfers unless and agreement has been reached by the buyer and seller.”
Section XV under the topic of Violations states, “Willfully withholding a Breeders Certificate or Transfer Certificate from the legal owner of a horse … shall be in violation of the Registry and subject to penalty.”
Even though is seems that owner number 1 and 2 agreed to the terms of a free horse ‘sold’ stripped of his papers, it was still a violation against the ASR.
Now back to Ben. Ben’s 4th owner takes him home, saddles him up into dressage tack and is totally disillusioned with the fact that he will not lower his head and does not understand the cues to side pass. In one more attempt to figure out her new acquisition, she puts Western tack on him. It is obvious Ben does not know how to neck rein either and out of total frustration, Ben starts to misbehave. Owner number 4 is convinced she purchased a rogue horse and sends him right back. Tonight though, Ben is lucky. Sitting in the auction stands is someone who is very familiar with Saddlebreds and takes a special interest in those who might be in troubling situations…just like Ben. She, we will call her Abby, buys him, takes him home and starts the arduous process of trying to find out who he is and then to get him reregistered into her name.
It would seem to most that the investigation of who the horse is would be the most difficult part of the puzzle, but sometimes it is not! Thankfully the Saddlebred community is close knit and identification has many times come quickly. Calls to Veterinarians from vet papers, publishing photos of unidentified Saddlebreds on the www.saddlebredrescue.com discussion form, and multiple calls to former owners can yield results in hours. Getting the horse registered into Abby’s (owner number 5) name however can take months. Even if you know the true identity of the horse, it is no guarantee that he can be registered into your name!
Ben’s newest owner realized what a great horse she had and by chance received information leading to the discovery of his real identity. She immediately contacted the first owner, explained the whole situation and requested the transfer. Although seemingly agreeable over the phone, nothing was ever done in writing.
Section V. Transfer of Ownership states, “Transfers should be completed in the handwriting of the seller or the seller’s agent.” Information given verbally has no legal merit. It must be in writing!
Abby then contacted the American Saddle Horse Association. ASHA has a department that handles cases specific to this. She talks to a representative and is given a list of things needed in order for Ben’s case to be opened. She agrees and sends in all of the written documents she has verifying her purchase of the horse at the auction. She also writes a letter giving the details of her investigation of Ben’s origin. ASHA starts where the chain was broken and writes to owner number 1, the person to whom Ben is still registered to. They request a written response, due back in 30 days, to either allow or deny the transfer of Ben to Abby. If Owner number 1 writes in to deny the transfer, he must also give reason for this denial as would be the case if the horse was stolen. If owner number 1 ignores the request from ASHA, another registered letter is sent, this time with a 15 day deadline. If this request is also ignored, the ASHA must move to the next owner and repeat the process, over and over again. Abby is responsible to continue the forward progress of Ben’s case by tracking the deadline dates and contacting ASHA to move the case up to the next step of investigation. This is a time laden process that can take months to years…with no guarantee the transfer will ever be made. If every party chooses to ignore the requests, the case is then presented in front of an ASHA board. They meticulously review the historic details of the investigation and they can make a final decision about Ben’s registration. Each case is individual and must be handled as such.
If the transfer is denied there is still one course of action that could get Ben back into the show ring, if Abby so chose.
Section VIII under Leases & Certificates of Eligibility of Show Part B. “The Registry must execute a Certificate of Eligibility to Show in the name of the current unrecorded owner if, after reasonable investigation and approval by the Registry Committee, the Registry is satisfied that it is not possible to document and record the complete chain of ownership and properly record the name of the current owner.”
How might this story have changed if Abby were not at the auction the night Ben was sent though by owner number 4? Well, he could have easily been repurchased by another horse person who did not recognize him for who he was and that cycle could continue through many owners. He could also be purchased by a broker, a person who does nothing but buy and sell horses for profit. Saddlebred Rescue has been known to pay quite a high ransom to get these horses back into safe hands. The last possibility is the worst. The brokers who wait around at auctions, claiming horses who are sold at prices so low, they can easily be shipped across the border for a profit to slaughter houses. None of us want to think that our beloved horses could face such a terrible end and the only thing you can do to try and prevent this from happening is to never let your horse go without taking the responsibility of reregistering him in his new owner’s name!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Favorite Show Photo..
Smile for the camera!
October 11-12th I covered a horse show in Dallas and this was my favorite picture. I am by far NOT a professional photographer, but it is a part of my job with Saddle and Bridle magazine to take some candid photos...so every now and again I catch a good one. This one falls into my funny photo file!
October 11-12th I covered a horse show in Dallas and this was my favorite picture. I am by far NOT a professional photographer, but it is a part of my job with Saddle and Bridle magazine to take some candid photos...so every now and again I catch a good one. This one falls into my funny photo file!
Friday, May 9, 2008
A Derby Party!
The Day of the Derby happened to fall on a Saturday when I was away covering a horse show. Not wanting to miss out on the fun, Bluebonnet Farms hosted a Derby party in between the horse show sessions. There was food...
...and drinks! BTW - if you have never had a Mint Julep, just go and stick a straw in a bottle of Bourbon with a sprig of mint and Wha-la! You could have lit my breath after trying this Southern drink!
The television was placed high enough for everyone to see
...and there was a fancy hat contest too. This is Elly and her Mom Ada. Elly is wearing a most fashionable flower-child hat. Ada is the most exotic Carmen Miranda model I have ever seen!
...and here we have a creative Jackie O pill box hat - made from a recycled basket!
..and this is the trainer for Bluebonnet Farms, Sandy, elegantly strolling along the waters edge ~ walking her dogs.
...and the contest Winner? Yes folks, this original hat is made from beer bottles fished out of the trash..from another unnamed barn, tied together with shoe strings that we normally use to tie down horse tongues...Add some festive flowers and Martha Stewart - LOOK OUT!
...and drinks! BTW - if you have never had a Mint Julep, just go and stick a straw in a bottle of Bourbon with a sprig of mint and Wha-la! You could have lit my breath after trying this Southern drink!
The television was placed high enough for everyone to see
...and there was a fancy hat contest too. This is Elly and her Mom Ada. Elly is wearing a most fashionable flower-child hat. Ada is the most exotic Carmen Miranda model I have ever seen!
...and here we have a creative Jackie O pill box hat - made from a recycled basket!
..and this is the trainer for Bluebonnet Farms, Sandy, elegantly strolling along the waters edge ~ walking her dogs.
...and the contest Winner? Yes folks, this original hat is made from beer bottles fished out of the trash..from another unnamed barn, tied together with shoe strings that we normally use to tie down horse tongues...Add some festive flowers and Martha Stewart - LOOK OUT!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Artistic Horse Photography..
As you know, I have been working with my new camera and just tried something new. Actually this idea came about because of a lighting problem. A "bad" photo from a previous show gave me the idea to use a longer shutter speed to get these shots ...and I am thrilled...
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
On to Another Horse Show...
...in Oklahoma City. I will be away through the weekend...so I will likely not be blogging for a few days. Hope you all have a wonderful week and beautiful weekend. Now - go and plant something beautiful!
(((((hugs)))))
Here is a picture from the Pin Oak Charity Horse show in Katy Texas. You just never know who you are going to get mixed up with at a horse show! Yes - this is a real monkey who had a death grip on my hair!
(((((hugs)))))
Here is a picture from the Pin Oak Charity Horse show in Katy Texas. You just never know who you are going to get mixed up with at a horse show! Yes - this is a real monkey who had a death grip on my hair!
Monday, December 3, 2007
TASHA Horse Show!
I covered another horse show for Saddle and Bridle magazine this weekend in Katy, Texas. Here are some of the cute photos I took. A few of them will be published ...but sadly, I do not get to pick exactly which ones.
LOTS of Mother-Daughter teams!...
....Father and son's too..
...and don't forget about Grandmothers! These 2 elegant ladies were in the driving class.
There was an art contest...
...and an art tent too!
So much more goes on at our shows besides showing the horses. It really is a family event.
LOTS of Mother-Daughter teams!...
....Father and son's too..
...and don't forget about Grandmothers! These 2 elegant ladies were in the driving class.
There was an art contest...
...and an art tent too!
So much more goes on at our shows besides showing the horses. It really is a family event.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Really Cute Photos from the last show I covered!
This is the Show Banner.
These are all Academy Riders that ride with the same barn.
These are all Academy Riders that ride with the same barn.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Product Approval!
There is a longer story that goes with this picture that I will tell you tomorrow...but for now, I just wanted to share a message from Chrissy. Chrissy gives two paws up for Temperpedic Matresses!!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Off to the Texas State Fair!
I am leaving tomorrow to cover my first American Saddlebred horse show as Editor for Saddle and Bridle Magazine. www.saddleandbridle.com I could not be more excited than I am! So I thought I would show you a bit of what I am going to see and the breed of horses that stole my heart!
Here is Big Tex in all his glory!
Fried Coke????? Okay - I may have to try this since our office diet begins on Tuesday the 18th of September!
THE AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE
This is a Saddlebred being shown "in hand". One handler runs beside the horse, showing the horses natural motion and gaits, while a second handler (not shown in this photo) runs behind the horse to keep him moving forward. This is done with weanling's, yearlings and two year olds.
Here is a weanling being shown "in hand" after they have trotted up and down the rail. He is now posed so that the judge can see his conformation. The mane is completely roached (shaved) off so that nothing is hidden.
This horse is being shown in Fine Harness. We break our horses to drive before they are broke to saddle. Again - notice the natural motion!
This is my friend Susan Norton, showing her horse Snow Fooling in a Parade class. Saddlebreds make the most wonderful parade horses because they prance. They are naturally fearless and are taught to move forward through unfamiliar situations. BTW - that silver saddle set weighs in at more than 250 pounds!
This is a champion 5 gaited Saddlebred performing at the rack. Please notice that we do not put huge shoes on our horses to "make" them use their legs. Saddlebred's are bred to have their necks set higher up on their backs, therefore freeing their shoulders, allowing them to easily raise their legs much higher than low headed horses such as Quarter Horses.
Here is a gorgeous grey Saddlebred performing the trot. Again - notice the high animation. Saddlebreds come in all colors - even pintos!
This Saddlebred is being shown in Hunt Seat. Some of the riding styles we show our horses in are Hunt Seat, Side Saddle, Western Pleasure and most commonly Saddleseat.
Here the Saddlebred is being shown in the discipline of Western Pleasure.
Here is Big Tex in all his glory!
Fried Coke????? Okay - I may have to try this since our office diet begins on Tuesday the 18th of September!THE AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE
This is a Saddlebred being shown "in hand". One handler runs beside the horse, showing the horses natural motion and gaits, while a second handler (not shown in this photo) runs behind the horse to keep him moving forward. This is done with weanling's, yearlings and two year olds.
Here is a weanling being shown "in hand" after they have trotted up and down the rail. He is now posed so that the judge can see his conformation. The mane is completely roached (shaved) off so that nothing is hidden.
This horse is being shown in Fine Harness. We break our horses to drive before they are broke to saddle. Again - notice the natural motion!
This is my friend Susan Norton, showing her horse Snow Fooling in a Parade class. Saddlebreds make the most wonderful parade horses because they prance. They are naturally fearless and are taught to move forward through unfamiliar situations. BTW - that silver saddle set weighs in at more than 250 pounds! 
This is a champion 5 gaited Saddlebred performing at the rack. Please notice that we do not put huge shoes on our horses to "make" them use their legs. Saddlebred's are bred to have their necks set higher up on their backs, therefore freeing their shoulders, allowing them to easily raise their legs much higher than low headed horses such as Quarter Horses. 
Here is a gorgeous grey Saddlebred performing the trot. Again - notice the high animation. Saddlebreds come in all colors - even pintos!
This Saddlebred is being shown in Hunt Seat. Some of the riding styles we show our horses in are Hunt Seat, Side Saddle, Western Pleasure and most commonly Saddleseat.
Here the Saddlebred is being shown in the discipline of Western Pleasure.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
VERY EXCITING NEWS!!!
I found out last week that I am now the newest regional editor for Saddle and Bridle magazine!!! I have written several articles for them in the past. I guess you could have called me a contributing editor, but I am so thrilled to say that I am now on staff!!! My first show to cover is the Texas State Fair in Dallas, Texas from the 13th to the 16th of September...LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AWAY!!! I will also be covering shows in Louisiana and in Oklahoma. This is a dream come true for me.
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