Faults in the Show Ring

Exhausted, we were packed and on our way home from Oklahoma City and the State Fair which hosts a Gypsy Show as part of their show schedule.  Reflecting on the classes and presentations, it is apparent much needs to be done to further train judges in the conformation standards.  When a judge rewards faults, we begin to see more and more faults in the offspring  and in the foal crop of those who took note of a particular stallion or mare who placed. For instance, possibly the most prevalent fault is the steep croup or croup that is less than rounded and smooth. The reference to "Bubble Butt" in reference to the Gypsy Vanner, Horse, Cob...is ...apparently,  a deficient description of the rear on the horse.More description is needed.  A steep or straight croup  was evident in many of the horses shown and pinned.  The owner will now go on to promote his or her mare/stallion as Champion or Grand Champion Mare, Stallion, or Gelding...... BUT...that croup will live on in that Mare or Stallion's offspring.  With any fault, breeders must be extremely careful with their breeding choices and not be afraid to geld or simply not breed a lovely mare when the trait is repeatedly evident in their foals.  Really good stallions are few and far between and should be as close to perfect as possible.  Mares also contribute much to their foals making it essential for the stallion and the mare to have exceptionally good conformation and great dispositions.  That brings us to pictures. Please note.... Pictures can hide a thousand faults as well as speak a thousand words!  Seeing the stallion in person is critical to making a good match.  Getting caught up in well marketed blood lines or show records is certainly not the best way to make an educated  breeding decision. No animal is perfect. Responsible breeders will be tough in analyzing their mares, their offspring, and the stallions they use.  Too many times the infamous "ego" gets in the way of being objective and in the end, our breed suffers.  If breeding for  more hair, some will neglect all other aspects of the horse, and there IS a science to the hair as well as color, size, athleticism, etc.

Just so you don't think these are the only problems born of the show ring,   Several years ago, I was aware of an owner's concern with her stallion, wondering why he did not win as she had expected him to.  I was familiar with this stallion and he was an exceptionally lovely example of the breed, and I could find no compelling reason for him not to place well.  The conformation, disposition, abundant hair, and training were all there....so what was going on in the environment that would detract from him.  Eventually, it occurred to me the changing market might be the culprit .....especially with the appearance of silver dapple, palomino, grey, red and white coloring.  Combine this with the lack of knowledge judges demonstrated in regard to the breed and it is quite possible these subtle factors were at play.  At the end of the day, it is one person's opinion, and his/her opinion may have been tainted by many things.  The message is clear.  Breed with your head, not your heart, and do what is best for the breed.  Do everything you can to maintain the breed according to the breed standard.

CHF Horses going to a FUN show! and Hannah's Story

September 15 will be a fun day!  Opps...FUN day!  A group of Seasoned Equestrians in the Springfield MO area  have come together several times this year to participate in a show series Sponsored by Seasoned Rider Magazine.  Though all ages are included, this is a great opportunity for those getting back into riding will enjoy.  A day with horses and horsey people is always rewarding. Eleven year old Hannah will be going with us this time and she will be riding CHF Clara, a four year old Gypsy Vanner mare.  Clara is very laid back so we are hoping she will be just excited enough to trot willingly for Hannah who is new to horses.  Her story is one repeated often among families getting their first horse.

 Hannah's story. 
                                                                    Chapter One:

Saving her hard earned money, Hannah was intent on buying her first horse. When Comanche came along, a lovely paint gelding, Hannah thought her dream had come true.  Supposedly he had been ridden quite a bit by another young lady; however, was being sold due to lack of interest.  It was not long before a better reason for selling Comanche became evident.  This young gelding may have been ridden, but it was by his choice in every sense of the word and sometimes not... as he took the leadership role the previous young rider had not taken.  Hannah was heart broken, and scared.  He was too unmanagable for her inexperience.  With some encouragement to sell him better than he was when purchased, Hannah began to learn about Parelli and the games.  We worked on building a relationship that was respectful and filled with trust and before long her Craigslist ad was answered and Comanche was on his way to a new rider who had a great deal of experience and in looking for a potential barrel horse, saw it in Hannah's gelding.

The lesson here is to have an experienced horse person with you when you look at a new horse and if possible, take lessons in advance of bringing your first horse home.  Also continue the lessons on your new horse, at least while you get to know each other and longer as it will enhance your skill as a rider more than you know.

......to be continued.


 

How to Revitalize Drought-Stricken Pastures - HorseChannel.com

How to Revitalize Drought-Stricken Pastures - HorseChannel.com

Ok, so it now September first!  AND....it is raining.  I never thought I would be so glad to see, smell, and feel rain ....but I am and I am not even dismayed to see lovely black and white Gypsy horses out there all muddy!  Today is a coastal Seattle day with low clouds, a mist, and a greyness that makes every bit of color just pop!  Yes, and a day off for the horses, at least, for Traveler, Cracker, Aggie, and Eiri.  We have been working, driving, grooming this group in preparation for the next GSHA Show, the Oklahoma State Fair.  It is open to all registered Gypsies, but is also a qualifying show for our Association.  This year was a first for the breed at the MO State Fair.  Hard to understand how a show committee would not want a breed that attracts SO much attention from Fair goers, but finally, we were invited.  The more the merrier is my motto! And it was a nice show and if held again next year, maybe more will bring their lovely Gypsies out for all to see!

Personally, I do not enjoy showing, but my other half is highly competitive....at least on some level.  I do enjoy the fellowship and meeting new people!  Yes, that is what makes it ok for me.  My horses love on everyone, but then they are what they are!  True Gypsy Vanner Horses!  You know, I wrote an article for a little paper this past spring titled..."What's In A Name?"...

GYPSY VANNER HORSE

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

You may ask, what is in a name?  The answer is everything!  In England, when one vacuums the carpet it is referred to as Hoovering!  When you are about to sneeze, you reach for a Kleenex.  The Brand Name becomes so well known that all other like products take on that identity.  This brings us to the term ‘Vanner’.   It refers to a very unique breed developed by the Travelers or Romany Gypsy culture.  Though the Travelers did not use the term Vanner it has become a brand or common name  in America.

When we returned from England with three horses, we arranged for our vet to examine and give any needed vaccines.  He arrived and as we were walking into the barn, he commented  “oh, I see you have Vanners”.  Not knowing whether to break out mask and gloves, I responded, “I do?”  Laughing, he told me what little he knew as he had seen one at a training barn.  That evening I researched the name and sure enough, there it was along with information about a private  organization called Gypsy Vanner Horse Society.  It seems the first of this new breed where brought into the states by a couple from Florida.  Captivated by their charm and uniqueness and given their history by a Traveler, they assumed they would be importing the very first of their type  and breed; however, it was not long before others made the trek across the pond to follow suite.  Dennis Thompson gave the breed the name, Gypsy Vanner , and began promoting  them everywhere, including us as  trademarks and  model horses. As its popularity grew, so did the organization.   It became a not for profit registry, the GVHS;, and as one organization cannot be all things to all people there are now several registries, GCDHA, GHA, and the GHRA and a show organization the GHSA.. There are also many small clubs and groups today that continue  the work of letting the world know about their special horse, the Gypsy Vanner, Gypsy Cob, Gypsy Horse, or Irish Tinker.

As the Thompsons began importing carefully chosen examples of the breed, promoting , and marketing, there appeared a sort of magical synergy among horse lovers.  Everyone wanted  to see them but the only opportunities were at big expos, farm tours, and parades.  The crowds were intense at the Equine Affairs and other similar venues.  Prices were just as high as the interest. But the common thread was the  question  asked…..Is that a Vanner?  Or may I see the Vanner?  Whether  everyone who owned the breed  liked  the name or not was irrelevant, because it now had a brand name…Gypsy Vanner.

Today, you can find them at shows, expos, parades, doing Dressage, Western Pleasure, Jumping, a few compete in Cutting contests, and many are great driving horses.  Whatever you call them, the name Vanner is not going away and it seems to me we should thank those whose vision  enabled the public  to become very attached to a wonderful, magical horse known as a Vanner!

Cathy Drumm Clinic

What a great day!  Yesterday, Aggie and I went to a Cathy Drumm clinic where we took a private lesson.  Aggie was concerned about the Donkeys, which I kept referring to as the Donkees as in Shrek!  Don't know if she thought that explained anything but Cathy showed us how to deal with things that go bump in the night.  Just so you know, I am old now and have not ridden in a very long time, but I must say, I remembered a lot and am a good student...the kind that can just act on the instructions vs. no action.  Having given lessons, I know the difference.  It was a good ride and we came away tired but happy...both of us.  Saturday, today...we went back again, and today, Aggie was very clear about the Donkey thing being totally beneath her to even look for them.  What a good girl.  She was far more relaxed and trotted with very little urging, worked over poles, even the ones with flowers that looked good enough to eat!  Cathy was happy with both of us and asked us to try to come back tomorrow when everyone goes to the field.  We could watch or we could just ride around checking the jumps out!  Right now, everyone is getting fed and not thinking about tomorrow, but I am.....

The Charity Show was FUN!  Josie has been riding Aggie and enjoyed a blue ribbon in halter, which they had not practiced.  The following performance classes were large and they were in the ribbons again!  Traveler got a warm up on the field trial course and proved a trooper as he navigated the tunnel of round bales and the on- coming minis in harness that kept popping up around every corner.  What a brave boy and by this time, class time came and with three in a row against some very experienced horses, he still managed to get a ribbon in every class! The success was in the experience....it  was priceless.

Previously we were at EquiFest in Wichita, KS which was a great start to the shows and expos of 2012.  The Kansas Horse council did a great job as usual, and provided everything but the weather, which was cold and very windy.  Our stallion, Sparky,  was awesome, receiving lots of attention and butt rubs!  He was quite enamored with a pretty little mare back to back with him and spent most of his time watching her through a crack in the corner of the stall.  Ever so often, he would back up to get a scratch and occasionally would actually turn around for some lovin'.  CHF Fitzwilly was out for the first time ever!  His first trip to an event, in a trailer, and in a stall.  He was a love!  During our daily walks, Felicia's hard work helped me begin the process of mindful walking when I walk, stopping when I stop, standing when I stand....why we even managed to set up nicely once or twice.  Willy is awesome and we will be starting ground work in preparation for driving soon.  He has a lot of action and with the way his neck ties into his chest, he puts forward a rather elegant image.

Continuing to back track a bit.....Recently, yours truly wrote an article for a small publication, Central States Horsemen.  Titled 'What's in a Name?', the article, controversial among some, common sense to others, explored the brilliance in the naming of the" Gypsy Vanner" Horse.  Marketing is the science of making the unfamiliar familiar!  And whether you like it or not, Dennis Thompson was right on when he gave our breed its name.  When presented to the public, we are asked "is that a Vanner?" In the past,others have launched into reasons for  negating the appropriateness of the term Vanner. Unfortunately, a lecture in semantics is irrelevant and confusing. I think of this approach as akin to wearing blinders. I can be offended by the name that identifies this lovely breed of horse.. Personally, I want them to have a name that sets them apart and is universal.  The fuss will only confuse the looker and possibly turn them off to the degree they decide another breed would be more suitable.  We have come a long way, as I rarely hear this sort of right or wrongness of the name being expounded upon.  And due to a more civilized approach to many differing opinions, our owner numbers are growing.  In getting stuck in the mire of a name, we fail to promote the reason this breed is so very special.  It is smart, easily trained, lovable, personable, fascinatingly pretty, and more versatile than one might expect.  That is a whole lot of good stuff going for it and for those who make the decision to have one or two in their barn i.e. life!

Last year

So...you see, I get side tracked!  Last year was interesting in so many ways.  I learned I knew nothing about halter classes and unless I was willing to look like an idiot, I had better learn how to show!  Hence, Felicia!  And because of the time we spent together, I learned that and much, much more  My lack of  regular scheduling had to change, my head strong attitude about a lot of things also had to change!  I learned or relearned the English language may be shared by two people, but not necessarily understood in the way intended.....even face to face. 

I learned to be more flexible as well as more disciplined, more patient with man and beast, more thoughtful about what it is we really want to do.  When a breeder thinks ...."I don't want to show"...."I just want to sell"...a whole lot in the middle is missing!  Showing is a part of advertising and promoting just like a magazine ad.  Selling is responsibility!  I learned it is ok and necessary to qualify the buyer.  The future of the horse depends on it. You know we operate on our emotions so much, that we don't know if what we think is correct or not.  It is good to have a second or even a third set of ears and eyes on hand.  Some days are more therapy than instructional.  And that is OK too. Sooo...rule of thumb from here on out.....no man is an island! We are never too old to learn. Our perspective is often out of whack and can be re-tweaked. (In mental health circles that is considered a paradigm shift.)

David and I can be a better team....once the pride and ego are locked away!  We have some beautiful horses, and this new year...we will show you what we have learned and along with our pretty ponies, maybe have some fun!

Reflections on 2011

When everyone is looking ahead to the new year, I find it comforting to reflect on the old...what we did, what we learned, etc....a constant re-evaluation.  When that is done, then it is time to look ahead and set goals.  Early in 2011, we counted noses and noted....20 horses!  Twenty individuals with Sparky, the only stallion since gelding the other, Cracker, a group of mares, and a group of geldings.  Now this may seem like a lot of horses to some and a drop in the bucket to others, but it is a number that has a story or a lot of little stories.

The first would be about the stallions Sparky and Cracker.  Sparky, a solid black, very hairy fella is easily manageable and willing.  He has also been the dominant stallion here.  The boys have been together off and on over the years since their import days and he has always been the BOSS.  Enter the mare, Molly!  Molly had a distinct preference to the Boss man!  She has been bred to him several times and always produces a lovely foal. During several seasons we have bred her to other stallions, live and AI....she absorbed each time.  Eventually, we bred her to Cracker (one more time) and had to keep her on Regumate for an extended time to keep the foal.  And from that breeding we now have Ftizwilly, who like the preceding foals resembles his Dam's markings, but with his Sire's athletic build.  None of this is unusual, just interesting.  My guess is it had everything to do with natural selection and her choice of the dominant stallion!  But we are not a wild herd here, so we played with Mother Nature.

The horse is intelligent, and some instances, more so than the humans caring for them.  Just consider, the difference in the way really good horsemen begin training today as opposed to years ago!  Horse were considered a means to an end.  Except for those who rode the range and were isolated, most men treated them as expendable objects.  Due to the necessity of the horse for transportation, laws were put in place punishing horse thieving.  That was for the benefit of men not horses.  In recent years a generation of men have stepped out to prove that the relationship between horse and man is a two way street.  A little like moving to a foreign country and having to learn the language.  We are closer to learning and understanding the language of the horse than ever before and the learning goes on.  Some days, I think to myself, wish I had known this when raising my children.  There is no cruelty in the horses mind and it may surprise some to know there is an incredible measure of discernment.  When you take words out of the conversation, every thing else is more important..