Incredustar by Ten Yard Star out of Lucy F by Incredulous
"Portia"
1994-2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
McKaulfey's Pearl
Ambra Pira and her "Pearl" named McKaulfey's Pearl placed 4th at the Texas Rose November Horse Trials. If I remember correctly it is her 1st recognized horse trial. I'm hoping that her mother Angie shares some photos and/or video! Way to go Alfie!!! :)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Flagged abusive
I've been told the blog was flagged as abusive by someone. It's nice to know it isn't any longer
Friday, November 19, 2010
Organizational image, behavior and public relations
I read a lot and it is almost exclusively nonfiction. When I start a book of fiction I have to continue to read it until I've completed it. That means I stay up very, very late and don't get enough sleep. I can't put a good book down. I started to read up on management ideas, styles etc. because there are a ton of bad managers and some of them ended up being mine. It piqued my interest and then it lead to organizational behavior etc. Anyway, a heck of a lot of it is just plain common sense.
I was in a conversation about organizations with someone today so it's been on my mind. We were talking about negative public images, how they occur, why they occur etc. An organization (corporation, non-profit, etc.) can slip into a negative public image quickly and unnoticed. If you have rude, incompetent, or arrogant people that deal with your clients/customers/patrons/members you are asking for trouble. A customer's first impression of the organization is often created by one of these people. The person may already have an opinion about you before they've had any contact with you. But one way or another you want people's first contact with the organization to be pleasant.
What a person perceives the organization to be may or may not be true but that is irrelevant because perception is reality. If the person encounters a rude arrogant employee they will perceive you to be rude/nasty/unfriendly/unapproachable/unhelpful --- the list is endless. The powers that be (board, management, officers whatever) set the tone for the entire organization. If the board reacts or responds to problems by trying to cover things up, attempting to keep people quiet so word doesn't get out, or worse censure/punish/fine someone (employee,member/client) word will get out and immediately you've gotten another negative impression by the public/other members/clients etc. So they think you're nasty because the person(s) they had experience with or heard about, and now on top of that they think you are spiteful and vindictive. You can keep digging yourself into an unending spiral of bad to worse perceptions. The more you hit back, become defensive, retaliate the worse you look.
So what should you do? First and foremost you need to set your ego aside. You already know what is wrong with your organization, you have just been unwilling to accept the information. The complaints about your employees, the lack of service, the rudeness are actually gifts. The complaints or other things you've been trying and failing to keep quiet tell you exactly what is wrong and all you need to do is decide how you are going to fix them. Stop the knee jerk response of censuring people and listen to them instead. Decide to be an organization that provides quality, friendly service and then do it. Easier said then done of course but it is doable.
I think Bill Gates said it best - "Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning." It's your choice. Do you continue down the negative path or can you turn it all around and completely change the image you have created?
A super condensed version I guess. Whew, now maybe I can move on and think about something more 'on topic'. LOL
I was in a conversation about organizations with someone today so it's been on my mind. We were talking about negative public images, how they occur, why they occur etc. An organization (corporation, non-profit, etc.) can slip into a negative public image quickly and unnoticed. If you have rude, incompetent, or arrogant people that deal with your clients/customers/patrons/members you are asking for trouble. A customer's first impression of the organization is often created by one of these people. The person may already have an opinion about you before they've had any contact with you. But one way or another you want people's first contact with the organization to be pleasant.
What a person perceives the organization to be may or may not be true but that is irrelevant because perception is reality. If the person encounters a rude arrogant employee they will perceive you to be rude/nasty/unfriendly/unapproachable/unhelpful --- the list is endless. The powers that be (board, management, officers whatever) set the tone for the entire organization. If the board reacts or responds to problems by trying to cover things up, attempting to keep people quiet so word doesn't get out, or worse censure/punish/fine someone (employee,member/client) word will get out and immediately you've gotten another negative impression by the public/other members/clients etc. So they think you're nasty because the person(s) they had experience with or heard about, and now on top of that they think you are spiteful and vindictive. You can keep digging yourself into an unending spiral of bad to worse perceptions. The more you hit back, become defensive, retaliate the worse you look.
So what should you do? First and foremost you need to set your ego aside. You already know what is wrong with your organization, you have just been unwilling to accept the information. The complaints about your employees, the lack of service, the rudeness are actually gifts. The complaints or other things you've been trying and failing to keep quiet tell you exactly what is wrong and all you need to do is decide how you are going to fix them. Stop the knee jerk response of censuring people and listen to them instead. Decide to be an organization that provides quality, friendly service and then do it. Easier said then done of course but it is doable.
I think Bill Gates said it best - "Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning." It's your choice. Do you continue down the negative path or can you turn it all around and completely change the image you have created?
A super condensed version I guess. Whew, now maybe I can move on and think about something more 'on topic'. LOL
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Some stuff
It's been awhile since posting anything. I blame facebook :)
Brody had a long, long trip but was none the worse for wear. There was food during and after the trip so he was happy. I guess he settled in quickly and was very gentle when he met the young daughter. The biggest new thing for him was the tricycle moving up and down the barn aisle. We don't have any little kids riding tricycles. He's seen kids when visitors included children but none of them ever brought their tricycle with them.
Marcia reports that Kieran has started his new job. He has been ridden for the first time and did wonderfully. Marcia has him looking fabulous. I keep forgetting to ask if he and brother Liam get along now. When Kieran first arrived Liam didn't seem to like him -- or maybe he just didn't like having new competition. ;-)
I made some decisions about the 2011 breeding season. Tristan will be standing stud April and May only so anyone interested in breeding to him will need to move quickly! The stud fee is $1000 except for purebred Irish Draught mares. The stud fee for RID mares is by private treaty. I have taken Una off the market and plan to breed her next year. I have officially retired Maggie and Portia. They both have earned retirement. The decision to breed Ellie, Alanna and Grania is still up in the air.
Brody had a long, long trip but was none the worse for wear. There was food during and after the trip so he was happy. I guess he settled in quickly and was very gentle when he met the young daughter. The biggest new thing for him was the tricycle moving up and down the barn aisle. We don't have any little kids riding tricycles. He's seen kids when visitors included children but none of them ever brought their tricycle with them.
Marcia reports that Kieran has started his new job. He has been ridden for the first time and did wonderfully. Marcia has him looking fabulous. I keep forgetting to ask if he and brother Liam get along now. When Kieran first arrived Liam didn't seem to like him -- or maybe he just didn't like having new competition. ;-)
I made some decisions about the 2011 breeding season. Tristan will be standing stud April and May only so anyone interested in breeding to him will need to move quickly! The stud fee is $1000 except for purebred Irish Draught mares. The stud fee for RID mares is by private treaty. I have taken Una off the market and plan to breed her next year. I have officially retired Maggie and Portia. They both have earned retirement. The decision to breed Ellie, Alanna and Grania is still up in the air.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Brody
Brody just left on his next big adventure. He is off to a fabulous new home in Canada. We worked on familiarizing him with the Canadian dialect this week. He's got the 'eh' down perfectly. :)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Spiderman
Spider just left for his new home in California. He was his typical sensible self, loaded nicely and then started on his hay. I'm hoping that his winter coat won't cause him too much trouble in the warmer climate. :) So long sweet boy.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Newest Banner video
Padi's Classic Banner
by Silver Granite out of Loguestown Classic by Annaghdown Star
Sunday, October 10, 2010
New Banner photos
Padi's Classic Banner aka Banner
by Silver Granite out of Loguestown Classic by Annaghdown Star
Friday, October 8, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sigh
The registration papers that I was told would be mailed on Wednesday September 29th haven't been sent yet because I hadn't told them whether they should send it by regular or traceable mail.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Brody
It has finally stopped raining every other day so the ground managed to dry out a bit. Bruce, Pat and I took advantage of that Saturday and took some videos. First video to be completed is Brody! :)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
...the saga continues
The IDHS NA board liaison for registrations emailed me after reading these entries. She proceeded through a timeline of this registration which was of course not news to me. I'm not sure but I think she thought it was a defense for the length of time it was taking for this registration. The email didn't explain why it took a month and 2 phone calls from me for them to perform a 5 to 10 minute task. It was in their timeline as 1 month- really. The email indicated that it was the sire's dna that was 'lost' not the mare's as I was told at least twice and maybe more on the telephone. I believe that customer service is not number 1 when it comes to this organization but I guess I knew that already. Once I get this registration completed I still have 2 more to submit and suffer through. O joy. Please pray for me and my continuing sanity....
I was watching my Maggie eat tonight -- looking at her & how she is showing her age - getting gray (not as in a gray horse but as in aging). It reminded me that one of the owners of a Maggie offspring asked me about some white hairs in the flank of their horse and wondered if it was most likely from Maggie's dam. I don't remember answering and I don't remember who asked me the question. It is my opinion that those few white hairs come from Maggie's sire actually. Maggie has some white hairs on her flanks and the telltale white at the top of her tail. If this Maggie offspring also has white at the top of the tail as well it is most likely the same thing. I never had Maggie tested but I believe this to be the rabicano gene. You can do a search for more information in any search engine.
I was watching my Maggie eat tonight -- looking at her & how she is showing her age - getting gray (not as in a gray horse but as in aging). It reminded me that one of the owners of a Maggie offspring asked me about some white hairs in the flank of their horse and wondered if it was most likely from Maggie's dam. I don't remember answering and I don't remember who asked me the question. It is my opinion that those few white hairs come from Maggie's sire actually. Maggie has some white hairs on her flanks and the telltale white at the top of her tail. If this Maggie offspring also has white at the top of the tail as well it is most likely the same thing. I never had Maggie tested but I believe this to be the rabicano gene. You can do a search for more information in any search engine.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Latest
After the last post I made on Friday I received a phone call from IDHS NA office. They were closed but still there. They received the results from the DNA. :) They said they would make up the book and mail on Wednesday. Not sure what that means since website indicates office open MTW F when I looked last week sometime. Time will tell
I had waited before mentioning the three legged cat since I figured he was just stopping for a rest and some food. Once he had been here for a long enough period of time I felt safe mentioning him. Of course he disappeared a few days after my post that mentioned him and hasn't been back. sigh
I had waited before mentioning the three legged cat since I figured he was just stopping for a rest and some food. Once he had been here for a long enough period of time I felt safe mentioning him. Of course he disappeared a few days after my post that mentioned him and hasn't been back. sigh
Friday, September 24, 2010
Office closed
The IDHS NA office is closed for the day and I have nothing else to report. I guess I'll call again on Monday and nag. For any of you that think I'm being really hard and unfair to them, this is just the newest problem I've had with registration and this organization. I won't bore you with all of them. I will say that the last registrations I submitted took A YEAR and A HALF for them to process and deliver to me. So all and all, I think they've gotten off really easily. Bruce will probably spit when he hears of today's events.
I was working on getting burrs out of Brian's mane and tail last night - oops -- ummm-- I don't really have burrs at my place. What am I saying? ;) Let me start again. I was combing out Brian's mane and tail last night -- it took some time since he had it all twisted up. He turned around to see what I was doing with his tail. I swear his head and expression looked exactly like his momma's. It was kind of a shock because I hadn't noticed the resemblance at all previously. He is a wonderful guy. He is a bit uncomfortable with new people or things. He takes a while to adjust. I suspect that he will be a one person horse and that he'll prefer women to men ... but then I've been wrong before. :-) Time will tell.
I was working on getting burrs out of Brian's mane and tail last night - oops -- ummm-- I don't really have burrs at my place. What am I saying? ;) Let me start again. I was combing out Brian's mane and tail last night -- it took some time since he had it all twisted up. He turned around to see what I was doing with his tail. I swear his head and expression looked exactly like his momma's. It was kind of a shock because I hadn't noticed the resemblance at all previously. He is a wonderful guy. He is a bit uncomfortable with new people or things. He takes a while to adjust. I suspect that he will be a one person horse and that he'll prefer women to men ... but then I've been wrong before. :-) Time will tell.
The saga continues
News! The registration officer has now resent the dna info of the mare to the lab! The excuse I'm given is that the lab made a big move recently and seemed to have misplaced some horses' dna results. It's been happening a lot to her lately. She says that the last one she resent only took 26 minutes for the results to come back.
Now what does this tell us? This wasn't a new or unique problem. It took a very short time to pull the dna info for the mare and send it. Hmmmmm perhaps this could have occurred last week when I called instead of requiring me to call yet again to get the status on this registration.
I won't rejoice once the dna results come back though because that won't be the end of it. I wish I could scream at work but they would probably frown on that. :(
Now what does this tell us? This wasn't a new or unique problem. It took a very short time to pull the dna info for the mare and send it. Hmmmmm perhaps this could have occurred last week when I called instead of requiring me to call yet again to get the status on this registration.
I won't rejoice once the dna results come back though because that won't be the end of it. I wish I could scream at work but they would probably frown on that. :(
Registration update
I called the IDHS NA yet again today. When I called last week I was told by the registration officer (who I was talking to) would call the lab and find out what was going on. Today, I was told the same thing so nothing was done about this problem in that week. I'm about to the point that I think I have to call them and badger them every day until they solve this problem
The IDHS NA dna typed and registered my mare
The IDHS NA dna typed and registered her previous foals
The IDHS NA says the mare isn't dna typed so the newest foal can't be registered as a purebred
When did paperwork become rocket science? I must have missed something...
grrrrrrrr grumble grumble grumble
The IDHS NA dna typed and registered my mare
The IDHS NA dna typed and registered her previous foals
The IDHS NA says the mare isn't dna typed so the newest foal can't be registered as a purebred
When did paperwork become rocket science? I must have missed something...
grrrrrrrr grumble grumble grumble
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Painted noses
I managed to get photos of the painted noses -- Brian didn't have enough to bother photographing. Here we have Banner and Calum -- 3 or 4 days after the contact with the wet paint. 
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Registration
One is always told that you need to keep your sense of humor in difficult times. I try very very hard even though a rain cloud seems to be hovering over me when it comes to registering my horses with the IDHS NA. I don't know if I have been cursed or if there is a voodoo doll of me or something but it is a neverending debacle. I won't entertain you with all of the problems I've suffered over the years, I'll just mention my newest.
The hair of the yearling was submitted to the IDHSNA and they sent it to the lab for DNA testing. It came back as sire verified but that they reported that they don't have the DNA of the mare on record. Sigh. The mare was registered with the IDHSNA and DNA verified when she was foal. She has since had 3 foals. The first two were DNA verified and recorded. Now all of the sudden they don't have her DNA so the 3rd foal isn't eligible to be registered as a purebred.
I need to sign off and weep now............
The hair of the yearling was submitted to the IDHSNA and they sent it to the lab for DNA testing. It came back as sire verified but that they reported that they don't have the DNA of the mare on record. Sigh. The mare was registered with the IDHSNA and DNA verified when she was foal. She has since had 3 foals. The first two were DNA verified and recorded. Now all of the sudden they don't have her DNA so the 3rd foal isn't eligible to be registered as a purebred.
I need to sign off and weep now............
Sunday, September 12, 2010
It's fall
I noticed that a few of the horses sported a little fuzzy hair today. The onset of winter coats.
I had my usual trunk in the barn but hadn't needed anything from it for quite awhile. I opened it up the other day and discovered that it was moist and moldy inside. There was nothing liquid in it, it was just waaaaay too humid this summer. It felt just like after the flood of 2008 -- get the bleach out and start cleaning. At least it was sunny today so things could be put out in the sun besides. I ended up having to toss a lot of stuff but saved most of it.
All of my horses want something to do -- they are bored. Bruce paint a bit of a new section of fence. We use asphalt paint-- it's black and actually has some asphalt in it. It helps to preserve the wood so it will last longer -- and it tastes yukky so the horses will leave stuff alone. Well.... Brian, Banner and expecially Calum thought they would help Bruce to spread the paint . Poor Calum got so much on his nose he was snorting and sneezing trying to remove it.
We have had a three legged tomcat move in. All our cats are neutered of course so he isn't here for anything other than food and company. And of course both of us are suckers for cats. Bruce calls him Charlie and I call him K.C. (for kitty cat). I don't know how this guy has survived. He is large and healthy (for a nomadic tomcat). And he seems to have avoided the coyotes all this time because he isn't a young cat -- he's full grown. Our neutered male cat Derek is not very happy at the moment. The two of them have had a few stand offs already and all the females swat him.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Conformation
The September/October 2010 issue of Warmbloods Today includes the regular conformation column by Judy Wardrope. Ms. Wardrope has taken a high level horse in each column and discussed the points of its conformation that allow it to exceed at whatever sport he/she competes. The focus of this issue's column is the 20 year old Selle Francais stallion Cabri d'Elle. He has jumped in "33 nation cups, two European championships and one World Cup Final, and is still competing in the 1.60-meter division at the age of 20". She discusses the parts of his construction that enable his ability and longevity.
I find her insights enlightening to say the least and hope that I can retain at least some of what she has to offer her readers!
I find her insights enlightening to say the least and hope that I can retain at least some of what she has to offer her readers!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
New inspection system
Just rereading the 2010 HSI Inspection Results
http://www.horsesportireland.ie/breeding/hsi-stallions-inspections-2010.6928.html
They are as horrifying as I predicted. IMO all of the Irish Draught preservationists participated in the largest massacre of the Irish draught breed since thousands of them were sent to slaughter. These once lovely animals are being 'improved' out of existence. It's the old rule, be careful what you wish for because it just might come true.
Appalling, absolutely appalling
http://www.horsesportireland.ie/breeding/hsi-stallions-inspections-2010.6928.html
They are as horrifying as I predicted. IMO all of the Irish Draught preservationists participated in the largest massacre of the Irish draught breed since thousands of them were sent to slaughter. These once lovely animals are being 'improved' out of existence. It's the old rule, be careful what you wish for because it just might come true.
Appalling, absolutely appalling
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Banner
Folks have been wondering what Banner looks like now and how gray she is. I need to really get some photos taken but meanwhile here's one to tide you over. :)
Padi's Classic Banner by Silver Granite out of Loguestown Classic by Annaghdown Star
Sunday, August 1, 2010
More Mountain Pearl offspring success
Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trial July 31-August 1
Mountain Blues
By Mountain Pearl out of Pennmeryl's Groovy Blues by Touch of the Blues out of a Diamond King mare
Placed 7th in Open Preliminary. Ridden by Andria Pooley. Mountain Blue is owned by Mary Hansen. He was bred by Liz Freeman of Flying Harp Farm
This is the only photo I could find. If I find a newer ones I'll add it later.
Mountain Blues
By Mountain Pearl out of Pennmeryl's Groovy Blues by Touch of the Blues out of a Diamond King mare
Placed 7th in Open Preliminary. Ridden by Andria Pooley. Mountain Blue is owned by Mary Hansen. He was bred by Liz Freeman of Flying Harp Farm
This is the only photo I could find. If I find a newer ones I'll add it later.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Names & dressage
I finally (over a year after birth) decided on names for Brian and Calum. I can't believe it has taken so long.
Calum is Padi's Copper Key and Brian is Padi's Brian Donn
Padi's Copper Flash aka Rooney went to the Iowa Dressage Classic this past weekend and performed spectacularly. He was ridden by his long time trainer Sarah Hauschild. He placed 1st and 3rd in 1st level tests 3 & 4 with scores of 219/62.571% and 253/66.579%. It was hot and humid which makes it even more exciting. Congratulations to Rooney, Sarah and Rooney's owner Gary Strank.
Calum is Padi's Copper Key and Brian is Padi's Brian Donn
Padi's Copper Flash aka Rooney went to the Iowa Dressage Classic this past weekend and performed spectacularly. He was ridden by his long time trainer Sarah Hauschild. He placed 1st and 3rd in 1st level tests 3 & 4 with scores of 219/62.571% and 253/66.579%. It was hot and humid which makes it even more exciting. Congratulations to Rooney, Sarah and Rooney's owner Gary Strank.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tristan
I noticed that I haven't put anything out about Tristan recently. Looking at photos I realized that there was one that I hadn't put out yet but that's okay. His hind end is an accurate depiction but his front end is out of whack. I keep telling myself that I need to clean him up and get some photos taken. And then it rains. I'll get it done someday... Meanwhile this is back in February!
.jpg)
.jpg)
Monday, June 14, 2010
Kieran
I received some photos of Kieran. He's settled into his posh new home and looking like a prince!
Kieran is Padi's Granite Partner by Mountain Pearl and out of Shuttlewood Rose (by Silver Granite)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Happenings at Fox Hollow
Gelding day went well. Brian, Calum and Spider were gelded. We postponed Brody's castration. He is looking wonderful -- good bone and balance, well conformed with a fabulous Mountain Pearl temperament. He continues to look more like Mountain Pearl himself than any of his other colts have. We gave Spider another look and decided that he might make an average stallion but as a gelding he should be smashing. Tough decisions but I believe we made the right ones.
Aoife will be leaving for her new home on Saturday if all goes according to plan. It was finally dry enough and warm enough to bathe her. After work last night I gave her the first bath. She was very well behaved, although she did get a little antsy toward the end. She thought I was taking way too long and I needed to finish as there was grass to eat and horses to boss around. On my end I can say that I got the top layer or two of dirt off of her so I made progress. She still has a bit of her winter coat left which makes keeping her clean more difficult.
Miss Aoife has declared herself queen of the universe this year. She has a taste for the high life. She's going to love getting lots of attention from her new human. She won't have to stand in line amongst the more common horses for anything at her new home. She is definitely one heck of a filly and should grow up to be one of the best RID mares in the world. Lovely conformation, bone and substance. We couldn't be more pleased with her.
Aoife will be leaving for her new home on Saturday if all goes according to plan. It was finally dry enough and warm enough to bathe her. After work last night I gave her the first bath. She was very well behaved, although she did get a little antsy toward the end. She thought I was taking way too long and I needed to finish as there was grass to eat and horses to boss around. On my end I can say that I got the top layer or two of dirt off of her so I made progress. She still has a bit of her winter coat left which makes keeping her clean more difficult.
Miss Aoife has declared herself queen of the universe this year. She has a taste for the high life. She's going to love getting lots of attention from her new human. She won't have to stand in line amongst the more common horses for anything at her new home. She is definitely one heck of a filly and should grow up to be one of the best RID mares in the world. Lovely conformation, bone and substance. We couldn't be more pleased with her.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Conor
A few days ago Conor suffered a debilitating leg injury. He was treated quickly but after observing the healing process it was determined that too much of his flesh was devitalized. His injury was so severe that he would not be servicable after his recovery. He was euthanized today.
So long Conor....
Monday, May 3, 2010
Gelding day at Fox Hollow
We have scheduled four colts to be gelded on Thursday, May 6th. They are:
Brody - Padi's Classic Brogue by Mountain Pearl out of Loguestown Classic by Annaghdown Star
Spider -- Padi's Colman Select by Mountain Pearl out of Heathercombe Cousin Rachel by Fintan Himself
Brian by Regalia Prince Arthur out of Magrathea by Ten Yard Star xx
Calum by Regalia Prince Arthur out of Incredustar by Ten Yard Star xx
Brody - Padi's Classic Brogue by Mountain Pearl out of Loguestown Classic by Annaghdown Star
Spider -- Padi's Colman Select by Mountain Pearl out of Heathercombe Cousin Rachel by Fintan Himself
Brian by Regalia Prince Arthur out of Magrathea by Ten Yard Star xx
Calum by Regalia Prince Arthur out of Incredustar by Ten Yard Star xx
Monday, April 26, 2010
Kieran
Kieran traveled to his new home yesterday. He survived bumpy roads and downpours on his 10 hours or so journey. In typical "Pearls" fashion he traveled like a trooper even though he hadn't trailered more than 1/2 or so at one time. The reward at the end was a deeply bedded stall and top of the line hay. Kieran joins his big brother Liam in this heavenly home and they all lived happily ever after.
:-D
:-D
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Orchid Star
Lovely mare with fabulous pedigree. I located her with a little help from a friend. All I know about her is that she was born in 1989. Her sire is Gort Boy (by Grey Macha out of Pink Carnation) and her dam is Harriet (by Sir Henry II out of Celtic Banner). Even in this photo she demonstrates why Gort Boy is one of my favorite RID stallions. I wonder what purebred stallions she was bred to and where those foals ended up.....
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Cork Arthur and color
I obtained hair from Cork Arthur for color testing when I had Tristan tested for Dun zygosity. I have heard that there is a lot of conjecture about his color genetics on a yahoo list or some place similar.
No more need for conjecture.
UC Davis reported the following:
Cork Arthur is e/e A/A N/N(cream)
To interpret -- every offspring of Cork Arthur inherits one Agouti gene and one gene for the red factor.
No more need for conjecture.
UC Davis reported the following:
Cork Arthur is e/e A/A N/N(cream)
To interpret -- every offspring of Cork Arthur inherits one Agouti gene and one gene for the red factor.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
William Micklem
I found William Micklem's blog and started to read it. Extremely informative and tons to digest. Just a snippet of the little that I have read:
"THE SUPERSTAR FOR THE AVERAGE PLEASURE RIDER
To finish I need to emphasize something of the greatest importance. Although I have been in the main writing about elite horse breeding, it is undoubtedly true that MOST OF US DON’T WANT OR NEED AN ELITE PERFORMER …this I recognise totally. I know that many of us are safer with smaller and less high-powered horses, as long as they have a good temperament…but the key point is that these horses can be bred as well. I’ll write more about this over the next two weeks, but in the meantime thank goodness for all the thousands of superstar pleasure riding horses and ponies. They bring as much if not more joy and satisfaction than an elite performer and they are at the heart of both real horsemanship and good sport. Happy Days, William"
Amen to that William
"THE SUPERSTAR FOR THE AVERAGE PLEASURE RIDER
To finish I need to emphasize something of the greatest importance. Although I have been in the main writing about elite horse breeding, it is undoubtedly true that MOST OF US DON’T WANT OR NEED AN ELITE PERFORMER …this I recognise totally. I know that many of us are safer with smaller and less high-powered horses, as long as they have a good temperament…but the key point is that these horses can be bred as well. I’ll write more about this over the next two weeks, but in the meantime thank goodness for all the thousands of superstar pleasure riding horses and ponies. They bring as much if not more joy and satisfaction than an elite performer and they are at the heart of both real horsemanship and good sport. Happy Days, William"
Amen to that William
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
My tips for presenting your horse for inspection - by request
Cait asked for advice on inspections. I can pass on what I’ve learned – some of which I've learned the hard way.
1. Have your horse clean, braided and well prepared.
2. If the horse to be inspected is a purebred do NOT clip the legs. The judges/inspectors note the texture, amount and location of the hair. It is tradition to keep the purebred ID’s legs clipper free at all times – showing etc.
3. Earlier in the year, have the young horse’s wolf teeth removed so that the bit can sit in the mouth correctly.
4. Make sure the bridle and bit fit properly – practice with them on. Use a noseband. If you are going to use a lead with a chain on it, practice with the chain. If you’re going to use the reins, practice with the reins. From my observations, the Irish use a bright white lunge line, when showing in hand or at inspections (and I’ve always wondered how the heck they keep those lunge lines so clean!).
5. Do NOT wear riding boots. You can’t run properly in them and will just hold the horse’s movement back. Wear something neat but comfortable to move in
6. Keep the horse between you and the judges/inspectors. That means when going down the line at a walk or trot, you will be on the left side of the horse. When you negotiate the turn at the end of the line you will remain on the left side of the horse. You will ask the horse to turn away from you to the right. Hold your hand or a whip up and out to signal the horse to turn away from you. I wear white gloves to reinforce the signal. Practice this. It’s not something you normally do so you need to practice it.
7. To a very great extent, the horse’s stride is determined by the handler’s stride. Warmblood presenters take big free strides to encourage their horse to display the stride at its best. Quarter horse presenters take short mincing steps so that the horse is barely jogging. For the ID, large free floating steps are the goal so keep that in mind. Faster is not always bigger – keep a good tempo with big steps but don’t race.
8. You should carry a whip/crop for the purpose of directing the horse’s turning. Do NOT use it to encourage the horse to trot or move out. The action of moving your arm behind you and tapping the horse behind will cause the horse to move away from the whip. When the horse moves away from the whip he becomes crooked and the judges/inspectors are looking for straight, correct movement. Instead, bring a helper – preferably one that you have practiced with beforehand. The helper can carry a whip to encourage the horse to move out when necessary. I recommend practicing because there is a fine line between encouraging the horse to lengthen stride and making the horse race away from the whip out of fright. Use the amount of encouragement needed to get the response you want and no more.
9. When traveling the line away and toward the judges/inspectors focus on something straight ahead (fence post, tree, whatever there is in the distance you can use) and keep your eyes on that thing. It will help you to remain straight.
The American Hanoverian Society has a video about preparing and presenting a horse in hand. It is excellent but may not be worth the price since so much of it is about tracking around the triangle and the Irish inspections don’t involve that. If you have a place where you can rent this video all the better. Until the 2008 flood we had a fabulous saddle shop that rented out horse videos and DVDs. They had a great collection and the AHS video was part of it. I sure miss that store. Anyway, the video is:
AHS Video – "Preparation, Presentation and Judge’s Perception" $28.00
An excellent guide for presenting horses in hand.
The AHS has the video for sale on their website. It may also be available elsewhere but I didn’t look.
Now that I’ve put my thoughts down in black and white, the next time you see me presenting a horse for inspection you can watch and decide if I practice what I preach. :-D
1. Have your horse clean, braided and well prepared.
2. If the horse to be inspected is a purebred do NOT clip the legs. The judges/inspectors note the texture, amount and location of the hair. It is tradition to keep the purebred ID’s legs clipper free at all times – showing etc.
3. Earlier in the year, have the young horse’s wolf teeth removed so that the bit can sit in the mouth correctly.
4. Make sure the bridle and bit fit properly – practice with them on. Use a noseband. If you are going to use a lead with a chain on it, practice with the chain. If you’re going to use the reins, practice with the reins. From my observations, the Irish use a bright white lunge line, when showing in hand or at inspections (and I’ve always wondered how the heck they keep those lunge lines so clean!).
5. Do NOT wear riding boots. You can’t run properly in them and will just hold the horse’s movement back. Wear something neat but comfortable to move in
6. Keep the horse between you and the judges/inspectors. That means when going down the line at a walk or trot, you will be on the left side of the horse. When you negotiate the turn at the end of the line you will remain on the left side of the horse. You will ask the horse to turn away from you to the right. Hold your hand or a whip up and out to signal the horse to turn away from you. I wear white gloves to reinforce the signal. Practice this. It’s not something you normally do so you need to practice it.
7. To a very great extent, the horse’s stride is determined by the handler’s stride. Warmblood presenters take big free strides to encourage their horse to display the stride at its best. Quarter horse presenters take short mincing steps so that the horse is barely jogging. For the ID, large free floating steps are the goal so keep that in mind. Faster is not always bigger – keep a good tempo with big steps but don’t race.
8. You should carry a whip/crop for the purpose of directing the horse’s turning. Do NOT use it to encourage the horse to trot or move out. The action of moving your arm behind you and tapping the horse behind will cause the horse to move away from the whip. When the horse moves away from the whip he becomes crooked and the judges/inspectors are looking for straight, correct movement. Instead, bring a helper – preferably one that you have practiced with beforehand. The helper can carry a whip to encourage the horse to move out when necessary. I recommend practicing because there is a fine line between encouraging the horse to lengthen stride and making the horse race away from the whip out of fright. Use the amount of encouragement needed to get the response you want and no more.
9. When traveling the line away and toward the judges/inspectors focus on something straight ahead (fence post, tree, whatever there is in the distance you can use) and keep your eyes on that thing. It will help you to remain straight.
The American Hanoverian Society has a video about preparing and presenting a horse in hand. It is excellent but may not be worth the price since so much of it is about tracking around the triangle and the Irish inspections don’t involve that. If you have a place where you can rent this video all the better. Until the 2008 flood we had a fabulous saddle shop that rented out horse videos and DVDs. They had a great collection and the AHS video was part of it. I sure miss that store. Anyway, the video is:
AHS Video – "Preparation, Presentation and Judge’s Perception" $28.00
An excellent guide for presenting horses in hand.
The AHS has the video for sale on their website. It may also be available elsewhere but I didn’t look.
Now that I’ve put my thoughts down in black and white, the next time you see me presenting a horse for inspection you can watch and decide if I practice what I preach. :-D
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tristan jumping
The Tristan jumping video will appear. I wasn't all that excited about the last one we took -- I knew he could do LOTS better. This past weekend, we did another free jumping session and it is much, much better so it might actually get edited and released before long!!!! To placate all of you who have emailed asking when it's coming out here's a still captured from the video.
Message to CAIT -- My inspection tips are almost done and will be posted shortly...
Message to CAIT -- My inspection tips are almost done and will be posted shortly...
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
More Dr. Deb
The February 2010 Equus brings an article in the conformation insights series by Dr. Deb Bennett. “Seeing excellence” is another sensible, clearly written article. “A judge should be knowledgeable concerning bone structure, yet I have seen champions made of horses with a massive silhouette but insubstantial or badly articulated limbs.” And I say: yeah, tell me about it!
In discussing halter classes, Dr. Deb notes that often the horse is given less than two minutes’ total evaluation. “This leads to what I consider a cardinal sin in livestock judging: picking faults (because they can be enumerated quickly) rather than picking horses”. She is also concerned that people new to the horse world and looking for a family or all around mount, often mistake champion halter horses as the best in the show. Again I quote Dr. Deb: “When the top prize is given to such a horse, we know nothing certain about his temperament, trainability, aptitude for a particular type of work or potential for ongoing soundness”.
Personally, I am a wee bit worried about any changes in inspections of Irish Draughts. The current inspection process is less than ideal but it is far better than judging them as if they were just livestock. Livestock are not asked nor are they expected to do even a fraction of what horses are.
I was speaking to a long time friend of mine about the series and I found out that Dr. Deb Bennett was at Upmier’s Stables in the ‘80s. (It was at a time before I made the fateful decision to buy a pregnant thoroughbred mare and plunged back into the horse world). Dr. Deb used the TB stallion Weather Ruler as the equine model for her talk. I sure wish I had been there for that session. I had the honor of meeting Weather Ruler at one of our Beaver Dam Riding School reunions at Upmier’s. He was one heck of a nice thoroughbred. Those who are used to European TBs can’t appreciate just how difficult it is to find a good riding TB horse here – particularly in Iowa. Weather Ruler had a leg at each corner, good bone, balanced conformation, fabulous rear engine and a decent temperament. I have one very mediocre photo of him and that’s all unfortunately.
I just have to add this little bit from Dr. Deb’s November 2009 Equus article. “The expected useful life span of racehorses, especially stayers, has declined greatly in recent years. In the last quarter of the 19th century it was not unusual to find stayers who were still winning not only races but championships past the age of 12. Today according to Jockey Club statistics, the average number of lifetime starts for Thoroughbreds is between 6 and 10 races. Obviously, durability is not an important factor in racehorse selection.”
It is reassuring to have your thoughts and ideas validated by respected experts.
In discussing halter classes, Dr. Deb notes that often the horse is given less than two minutes’ total evaluation. “This leads to what I consider a cardinal sin in livestock judging: picking faults (because they can be enumerated quickly) rather than picking horses”. She is also concerned that people new to the horse world and looking for a family or all around mount, often mistake champion halter horses as the best in the show. Again I quote Dr. Deb: “When the top prize is given to such a horse, we know nothing certain about his temperament, trainability, aptitude for a particular type of work or potential for ongoing soundness”.
Personally, I am a wee bit worried about any changes in inspections of Irish Draughts. The current inspection process is less than ideal but it is far better than judging them as if they were just livestock. Livestock are not asked nor are they expected to do even a fraction of what horses are.
I was speaking to a long time friend of mine about the series and I found out that Dr. Deb Bennett was at Upmier’s Stables in the ‘80s. (It was at a time before I made the fateful decision to buy a pregnant thoroughbred mare and plunged back into the horse world). Dr. Deb used the TB stallion Weather Ruler as the equine model for her talk. I sure wish I had been there for that session. I had the honor of meeting Weather Ruler at one of our Beaver Dam Riding School reunions at Upmier’s. He was one heck of a nice thoroughbred. Those who are used to European TBs can’t appreciate just how difficult it is to find a good riding TB horse here – particularly in Iowa. Weather Ruler had a leg at each corner, good bone, balanced conformation, fabulous rear engine and a decent temperament. I have one very mediocre photo of him and that’s all unfortunately.
I just have to add this little bit from Dr. Deb’s November 2009 Equus article. “The expected useful life span of racehorses, especially stayers, has declined greatly in recent years. In the last quarter of the 19th century it was not unusual to find stayers who were still winning not only races but championships past the age of 12. Today according to Jockey Club statistics, the average number of lifetime starts for Thoroughbreds is between 6 and 10 races. Obviously, durability is not an important factor in racehorse selection.”
It is reassuring to have your thoughts and ideas validated by respected experts.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Inspections -- pearls of wisdom
I’ve been thinking about posting something new while not actually sitting down to entering the data. So here I go.
A friend passed something from the Irish Draught Horse Society of Canada on to me. She knew I would love to see the write up that included the inspection of our spectacular gelding Padi’s Granite Summit aka Liam. She was right about that and he does indeed have a “ nice step”. (You'll need to read the report to understand that). I was also interested in the report of inspections because it included some wise words.
“Over the week the inspectors found they were repeating a few comments. I too found I was saying a few things over and over again, so here is some food for thought for members, particularly for those planning to present horses for inspection in the future:
1) Inspections are about suitability for breeding Irish, and not necessarily about suitability for competition.
2) Inspections are about what is seen on that day
3) Breeding is about matching the best to the best and hoping for the best.”
Here’s the link:
http://content.breederoo.com/users/IDHS/files/Inspection-Tour-2009-report-to-members.pdf
It does make me ponder once again, the advisability of inspecting sport horses and geldings. If the inspections are about “breeding Irish” and not suitability for competition, why does the IDHSNA include these?
A friend passed something from the Irish Draught Horse Society of Canada on to me. She knew I would love to see the write up that included the inspection of our spectacular gelding Padi’s Granite Summit aka Liam. She was right about that and he does indeed have a “ nice step”. (You'll need to read the report to understand that). I was also interested in the report of inspections because it included some wise words.
“Over the week the inspectors found they were repeating a few comments. I too found I was saying a few things over and over again, so here is some food for thought for members, particularly for those planning to present horses for inspection in the future:
1) Inspections are about suitability for breeding Irish, and not necessarily about suitability for competition.
2) Inspections are about what is seen on that day
3) Breeding is about matching the best to the best and hoping for the best.”
Here’s the link:
http://content.breederoo.com/users/IDHS/files/Inspection-Tour-2009-report-to-members.pdf
It does make me ponder once again, the advisability of inspecting sport horses and geldings. If the inspections are about “breeding Irish” and not suitability for competition, why does the IDHSNA include these?
Hay auctions part two
I did indeed go to the Kalona sales barn the next day. The atmosphere was different than at Frytown. The cattle auction was occurring at the same time as the hay auction -- 1 was inside and the other was outside. There were Amish men and farmers here as well but I did not stick out like a sore thumb since I wasn't the only woman there. There was no organic hay. I did purchase 50 bales of hay. I felt a need to only take a dip rather than to dive right in.
One thing I did notice in Kalona which I hadn't at Frytown was the fact that all of the horses pulling the carts were bay. I don't know if this intentional or just a coincidence.
One thing I did notice in Kalona which I hadn't at Frytown was the fact that all of the horses pulling the carts were bay. I don't know if this intentional or just a coincidence.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Hay auctions
I made a dry run to check out a hay auction as part of my lunch hour today. I've never had the need to go to one of them, but hay has been mighty scarce this year. I'm extremely low on hay and there won't be any green pastures for a number of months. I went to the Frytown auctions which are held every Wednesday. Since I hadn't been to an auction before I thought I would see how they worked, etc. This auction is very close/part of the Amish community and the Amish seemed to be buying most of the hay. There was a lot of organic hay available as well.
Every Thursday is the hay auction at the Kalona Sales barn. Kalona is considered the heart of the Amish community in Iowa so I'm kind expecting the same kind of scene there. I am actually going to have to purchase some hay tomorrow so fingers crossed that there is some good hay that no one but me wants to bid on. ;)
Every Thursday is the hay auction at the Kalona Sales barn. Kalona is considered the heart of the Amish community in Iowa so I'm kind expecting the same kind of scene there. I am actually going to have to purchase some hay tomorrow so fingers crossed that there is some good hay that no one but me wants to bid on. ;)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Una at 3 years of age
Padi's Copper Bling by Mountain Pearl RID out of Incredustar xx (by Ten Yard Star xx)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Pedigree and inspection
Currently, the Irish Draught inspection scores includes pedigree. In a rare breed that is threatened by the lack of diversity in its bloodlines, I believe that it is essential to include the pedigree in the inspections. The inclusion of the pedigree in the scoring draws attention to the fact that pedigree is an important part of preserving the breed. I don't believe a horse should pass or fail because of its pedigree, but breeders need to have some kind encouragement for retaining entire colts from old bloodlines for inspection. If scoring the pedigree plays even a tiny part in that encouragement I would hate to see it abandoned by any short sighted people.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
God bless Dr. Deb Bennett
I just finished reading Deb Bennett's newest article in Equus for the third time. The magazine has been publishing a series of her articles on conformation analysis recently. The most recent one is very illuminating and puts some science into what I have been trying to express about what may possibly be the theme of this blog. This month's article is entitled "A sense of proportion". Here are the highlights:
"A horse's overall size and the stoutness of his legs govern his whole working life"
"Bigger horse = less substance"
"Bone density is related to weight, not breed"
"The smaller the horse, the greater the chance that bone density will be normal"
"I advise you to select a horse for riding use that weighs less than 1,300 pounds. This conforms with scientific results and the laws of biomechanics, yet still provides a very wide range of choices"
From:
"A sense of proportion" ; Deb Bennett, PhD. Equus Issue 388 January 2010 p. 42-49.
In view of this information, I would suggest that the Irish Draught preservationists abandon their lament about the loss of bone in the breed. The real culprits are the increase in height and weight, the ill-conceived notion of changing the purebred ID into a warmblood/sport horse, and the rapidly diminishing traditional type with it's equally rapidly dying traditional bloodlines.
"A horse's overall size and the stoutness of his legs govern his whole working life"
"Bigger horse = less substance"
"Bone density is related to weight, not breed"
"The smaller the horse, the greater the chance that bone density will be normal"
"I advise you to select a horse for riding use that weighs less than 1,300 pounds. This conforms with scientific results and the laws of biomechanics, yet still provides a very wide range of choices"
From:
"A sense of proportion" ; Deb Bennett, PhD. Equus Issue 388 January 2010 p. 42-49.
In view of this information, I would suggest that the Irish Draught preservationists abandon their lament about the loss of bone in the breed. The real culprits are the increase in height and weight, the ill-conceived notion of changing the purebred ID into a warmblood/sport horse, and the rapidly diminishing traditional type with it's equally rapidly dying traditional bloodlines.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
