LICENCED AND APPROVED!!!

Well, the trip to Okotokes for the RPSI inspection at Bri-Mel Farm this September turned out to be a little wetter and a whole lot whiter than we'd anticipated with the area getting over 30 cm of SNOW dumped on them on the inspection date! 

Fortunately the foals were quite easy to load with their moms, once we figured out our game plan.  Renate purchased herself a lovely 4-horse rig and we christened it with taking both broodmares and their foals all the way down to Okotokes for inspection.  They travelled well and Ali, Ritchie and I followed a couple of hours later.  The drive down was quite good, a little wet with drizzle, but nothing exciting.  The horses all settled in well and we were treated to a delicious dinner with top-notch company (thanks Deb!) before heading over to my favourite adopted family's home for the night. 

Up and at 'em early in the morning and the snow had already started!  Heavy, wet snow!  The colts and dams were not happy and were shivering when we got to the farm, but got into the hay well in the shelter once we arrived.  Ritchie's sheet had soaked through so we changed him and fed him up.  They were all a little better with a belly full.  We got registration done in a cold barn as the power had been knocked out at Bri-Mel.  Poor Brian was working his tail off trying to get things in serviceable order with a generator for the registration office.  The hospitality there, as always, was top notch! 

All in all, the horses did well.  Ritchie came in and seemed relieved to be out of the weather for a bit.  He was cold and honestly didn't give me as much movement as he can, but he still did very well.  He went through the jump chute and gave us a glimpse of a brilliant bascule at 3'9".  He scored an 8 for his canter and an overall 7. For a 4-year-old colt in the COLD AND WET, I'm very pleased with that. 

The colts came in and each scored 7.2 for silver premiums.  For half-Arab colts, I'm ecstatic with those results! 

Ali and I ended up staying over another night in Okotokes due to the snow while Renate went home with the mares and colts.  She kept saying something about taking her new horse out cross country schooling... what people do to jump their horses over solid objects...  I will never understand.  But they all went safely, she got to the cross country, bought herself a new mare and today won a championship derby on her.  So all in all, she's golden!

I am interested in having Ritchie approved with a Canadian registry now, but haven't committed to either yet.  I think it will depend on what mares come in next.  In the mean time, I have x-rays and a phenomenal vet report.  I've actually never heard of a horse flexing 100% sound and having flawless x-rays, but Ritchie does! 

I'm off to ride now, happy horseing!

Opportunity of a LIFETIME!



Photo: Cam McGregor cam.mcgregor@shaw.ca
 

 Jose and I had a thrilling weekend with the RCMP Musical Ride at WELCA.  We started out with a trail ride through Edmonton starting at WELCA and ending up at the Cross Cancer Clinic on Saturday morning.  It was the wrap-up ride for the Wild Pink Yonder.  This was Jose's very first trail ride and, although he was a little impatient, he handled the whole experience extremely well!  Lots of media was present and we later saw ourselves on the morning Global news. 

Saturday evening saw our first performance in the ring.  Jose had already had a big day and he didn't give me his all although he did still perform well for me.  The crowd was enthusiastic and seemed to enjoy what we offered. 

Sunday was a fantastic day.  We took extra time to warm up before our performance to make sure all our movements were solid.  A few photographers were behind the scenes and one snapped a few fantastic pictures of Jose and I including the one above, which is on its way to becoming a wall hanging!  I was simply thrilled with how Jose performed for this show, every trick was perfect, people laughed at my joke and cheered well for us! 

Photo Cam McGregor  cam.mcgregor@shaw.ca

 After the RCMP ride, we had a quick photo op.  Unfortunately I had had a nasty cold and laryngitis and I missed the announcement to have him ready and in the ring with the RCMP until almost too late.  Fortunately, we still got this incredible shot:

Photo DevLynn Northy

As for the RCMP horses and riders, they were all just lovely!  I really enjoyed spending the weekend with these wonderful men and women.  They were very similar to the military family that I have learned to love over the years.  We all joked that Jose could fit right in on the trailer with their horses as several members had to take a triple-take when I walked Jose out before they got familiar with us.  One rider had joked that I should upgrade to one of the RCMP horses.  I told him there was no upgrading, this horse is the best there is.  After the second show, he agreed too :) 

All in all, hats off to the WELCA for setting up a wonderful show, to all of the volunteers and other performers who came to the show and to the members of the RCMP musical ride.  Thank you for an opportunity I will never forget! 

Happy Horseing!

Jose Jalapeno and I at the RCMP Musical Ride!

I got some fantastic news today!  I received an e-mail from the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre inviting Jose Jalapeno and I to perform at the pre-show for the RCMP Musical Ride next weekend, August 30 and 31.  Holy Hannah I can't say no to that, what a great opportunity!!!

So with just over a week to prepare, Jose and I will be performing our tricks on both days to provide entertainment and education to the public before enjoying the Musical Ride.  It's such an honour to be invited to participate, it means the world to me to be able to share my special boy in this arena. 

So much work goes into training these horses to perform and Jose loves it.  He feeds off the energy and thrives on it. 

It sounds like the Wild Pink Yonder ride will be making a trek from WELCA to the Cross Cancer Institute on the Saturday morning so we aim to be part of that as well. 

If you're interested in taking in the show, tickets are available at www.welca.ca

We're looking forward to seeing you there! 

Happy Horseing!

And Sometimes Life Happens to Good People

Unfortunately for the lovely young lady who was intent on purchasing our Jasper colt, life has happened and she is unable to commit to him at this time.  I completely respect and understand that. My first priority is our horses and would rather have them with us then sell them to a home that's just not 100% ready for them. 

So, once again, L'Image SE (LaBamba SE x DTD Fancy That) is available for purchase.  He is RPSI (can be inspected for premium status this September and branded or registered and branded next year) and can be registered with the CAHR as well.  I highly recommend both.  My asking price is $4000 CAD with both sets of papers and gelding.  Of course, the right home is my primary concern and I will happily work with the right match.

Please feel free to contact me to come out and meet our personable and handsome little man. 

Happy Horseing!

Ze Babies!

Oh look at me.  It's been a month and a half already!  And guess what??!!!  We have two beautiful, healthy, BIG colts from our mares by Ritchie. 

Fancy (DTD Fancy That) was the first to foal, about 8:30 in the afternoon July 14 she produced us a lovely bay boy with 4 socks and a big star.  His name is L'Image SE (Jasper).  I'm ecstatic that the pair actually produced more chrome than either one of them have. 
Jasper is very pretty, just like his mom, and very friendly.  He's a nibbler, but inquisitive and bold - aside from his halter.  He has a serious pout about that. 

A couple of weeks later, Bay Mare (Bardo Bay Barb) finally had her colt.  Another bay with 4 socks, this fella has a small star and a faint strip and he is TAAAALL!!  Although a little more reserved than his brother, LePremieur SE (Sullivan - Sully) is already showing he has the movement to concur any arena (or cross-country course).  We are very excited about the pair of colts and can't wait to see what's in store for next year's breedings! 

I'm very proud to announce that both colts are sold. 

We will be heading south to the RPSI inspection in Okotokes in a few weeks with the colts, their moms and Ritchie.  I can not wait to see how they score. 

Jasper says "Happy Horseing!!!"

Pictures of a Different Flavour - Tastes Like AWESOME!!

Renate, mark this on the calendar.  2 posts on one day! 

There's this incredible photographer.  She's a regular face at horse shows.  Perhaps you have the pleasure of knowing her too - Linda Finstad of A Sharper Image Photography. 

This delightful lady has an imagination rivaled by only the most brilliant and creative.  She has a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh and one heck of an eye for all things equine. 

Several months ago, Linda posted on facebook that she was dreaming up a unique photo shoot where she would be the subject. She would need a cooperative horse and outdoor scenery.  Well I have those so I volunteered my services and those of my ponies.  Last week, Linda contacted me to take me up on my offer!  What a cool opportunity!  She shared with me her vision, using Jose's trick-horse skills and she herself would be the subject (model) in a steam-punk outfit she'd created.  Heck yes, count me in! 

We booked the date and got perfect weather.  My wonderful friend, Susan Scott of Natural Dynamic Photography would arm the camera, I would wrangle the horse and Linda would be stunning.  And so it worked!  Jose was a little unexcited about being told to lay down on very hard ground (it's like cement in places out here!) but did cooperate in the end to facilitate some FANTASTIC images!  Linda said she wanted "quirky" and I think she got that but even more - and I mean that in a very good way.  I love the unique images and the character that speaks through. 

What a fantastic opportunity and I'm so glad to share - compliments of Susan, Linda, Jose and myself!

If you'd like to see more work by these talented ladies, check them out at their websites:
Linda http://www.asharperimage.photostockplus.com/
Susan http://www.naturaldynamic.ca/

Canada Day Celebration at Hawkstone Stables

This July 1, Hawkstone Stables celebrated their first anniversary.  I was very happy to return for this year's "Open Barn" with Jose Jalapeno and we also brought Ritchie with us this time.  I couldn't pass up the opportunity for him to experience more activity, heavy horse wagon rides, all sorts of people and horses moving around and general exuberance. 

Jose came out first to perform his trick-horse demonstration and educate the public on what fantastic horses Standardbreds are.  We were fortunate to have some lovely aspiring young photographers in the mix who were kind enough to share some of their images with us! 

Always the crowd favourite! 











Ritchie came out later in the afternoon for a trip around on the lunge line as he has been on vacation for the past month.  He was happy to strut his manly stuff and we even played with putting him over a couple of barrels! 

 
 

 Yeah... he didn't want to touch those either. 

We played with a bit of tricks as well, haven't done any work on them for a long time.  He stepped up on the box very well, remembered his wave and smiled at everyone.  Once he was out and working, he was quick to focus back on me and enjoyed doing his job.  I think he's about ready to go back to work now, or soon.  Maybe it's me who's not yet ready to go back to work! 

Happy Horseing!