The Night Before Christmas

   This was not written by me ..as you can see...but it has been around the internet for a long time..so thought to share but have changed the names of horses to mine.....God Bless One and All....By Doris Elradi
It’s the night before Christmas and I’m out in the barn
Blanketing my horses to keep them all warm.
They’re eating their dinners, tucked cozy in stalls,
Not aware that it’s Christmas, or any day special at all.
They dream of spring pastures from their pine-scented beds.
No visions of sugarplums dance in their heads.
But we people are thinking of merry parties and such
Quickly doing our tasks so we don’t miss too much.
This season is special, but the horses don’t know.
They munch on their hay safe out of the snow.
I finish my chores and head on inside
To get ready for dinner and my family’s yuletide.
It’s nearly midnight, the carols are sung.
I remember a story told when I was young
How at midnight on each Christmas Eve
The barnyard creatures can speak to us with ease.
I am called to the barn. I slosh through the snow.
I can’t really explain; I know I must go.
I slide open the door, and stand there and smile
Then slowly walk down the dimly lit aisle.
A nicker from Tex, a soft snort from Molly,
Sweet, gentle Eri gives me a wink
 Sunshine rustles his bedding, Cracker comes into sight
Even Sparky gives a greeting as I walk through the night.
I thought about parties bright lit and warm,
The ones we don’t go to cause we have the barn
And vacations and holidays that we usually don’t get
Cause we have the animals and chores to be met.
Walking all the way to the end of the aisle
I stop to stroke Otis and linger awhile
He snuffles my face, hot breath on my skin
And I look around at the others, my horses, my friends.
I could be at parties with laughter and mirth
But where I am right now is the best place on Earth.
From Our Barn to Yours…….Merry Christmas….
David & Carol

Otis update!

CHF Otis has made his first trip to Tulsa, OK with Traveler.  Traveler did an outstanding job as the driving demo and Otis was the epitome of the true gypsy vanner, calm, friendly, mannerly, and if horses could smile...he did.  First time away from farm, first time on a trailer, first time in a stall, lots of firsts for a seven month old.  We look for all this plus good conformation in our babies.  It is the magic that attracts so many to the breed.  You may think....it is the hair.....well, to some degree it is.  But would you love all that hair if the horse was in a constant state of anxiety, throwing it's head, stomping, pushing, etc.....No, I don't think so.

The weather has turned cool, the rain has put most of the color to the ground, and the wind coming from the North is winter air.  The horses are wearing winter coats and so am I.  Tex, our senior citizen is still at liberty in the people area of the farm, but we will set him up with friends and a place out of the wind before long.  At 31, he has earned the run of the place.  Enough for now....have pictures to look at and post asap!!!  Good Day!

Equine Vaccine Tips and Strategies

Equine Vaccine Tips and Strategies

Stallion Prospect?

How often do we see an ad for a Gypsy Vanner Horse that states a young, even less than a year old colt is a stallion prospect?  All too often it seems. Large breeders such as Tom Price and Stevie Downs will be quick to share how few colts ....perhaps less than 1%,  born in any given year will make the cut.  For those in the states who breed more than fifty mares a year, it is just as difficult to label a youngster a stallion prospect. How many breeders in North America have seen enough colts from birth to maturity to predict a weanling will be a great or even a good stallion?

Now that you have something to think about, keep in mind, if a breeder thinks their colt will demand more money if advertized as a stallion prospect, they are taking a huge gamble.  A gamble that could ruin their reputation as a quality breeder. Many a well promoted stallion has been gelded due to a genetic defect such as an over bite or problem legs,  poor conformation , strange characteristics that are often overlooked due to a unique color or an abundance of hair.  Even exceptional mares cannot correct all genetic faults.  And if she is less than, it is likely the resulting foal will be also be less than.  If the colt turns out to have a great show record, produces outstanding babies,,,,it is a win-win. On the other hand, if it proves to be a bad choice, the breeder's reputation is ruined.

There are lots of rationalizations for taking the gamble, but at this point it is important to point out the damage to the breed this can produce.  It is such a huge gamble that one registry, GVHS,  has developed seminars throughout the year teaching breeders i.e. owners, and potential judges the important points of conformation, temperament, and performance. Others may follow as this is a concern for everyone who breeds.  Till then, be cautious when selecting a sire for your future foal, ask for pictures of previous foals with their dams if possible, and don't be afraid to ask questions.  The mare is as important as the sire and if both has a history with the owner, they should be able to tell you what you might expect.

Summer at last!!!!

Summer time, hay time, riding time, garden time...all rolls into one very busy time of year.  The garden is doing well, some tragedies, mostly good growth with good seed and young plants.  The horses have shed out and breeding season is almost done for us ....this last mare was bred today via collection and AI .  It is so hot here in the summer, it is not the best time to be bringing foals into the world.  Otis is growing and now three months old.

And as you can see....into everything!  By the time he was finished with the bucket .....it was empty and guess who had to retrieve all tools and return them!!!!

Welcoming Otis!

http://www.facebook.com/chocolatehorsefarm

Chocolate Horse Farm welcomes Otis

The Home of Gypsy Vanner Horses

As often as I think about the horses, breeding , training, behanvior,...theirs and mine, I recall the people and the horses that have been my teachers. The truth is, they have all been teachers in one way or another.Today, another personality has joined us here ...a foal is born. Witnessing birth is always so amazing...life's miracle!  We are in the mud and the mare, Lora is in labor in the paddock rather than a nice cozy' roomy' stall in our new stall barn made especially' roomy' for just this purpose.  So there they are ...in the muddy attached paddock.  Oh well, it is what it is.  And in fact this not so little one is a boy and when a name jumped into my brain, I knew he was telling me what he would answer to.  His name is Otis.  By now, I suspect you are smiling, and understandably so, as the whole idea of psychic powers is a bit of a reach for most people.  Actually, I tend to think of things like this as intuitive messages.  It happened with my dog as well.  When he was put in my hands as a very small puppy, I just knew his name was Dudley.  It doesn't always jump at me like that but when it does, I listen.

So it is Otis!  What a grand colt, big and healthy, full of curiosity and energy.  He is quite manageable due to lots of handling from the very beginning..You remember, we had to get him out of the mud into that dry 'roomy' stall.  His Mom, Lora, has the sweetest disposition and is an excellent mother.  She is a big mare who surprised us at evaluations by earning a 5 star rating from the judges.  Guess I didn't think her size would be a plus!  I am wrong more often than not!  Putting all of her pluses with our black boy....Sparky and his pluses ...i.e. size (15.1hh), heavy flat bone, hair so thick and abundant . the skin is not visible., and the  biggest plus, the great conformation and disposition shared by both sire and dam equals a willing, sensible demeanor enviable by all' hot' horse owners!  By the way, not only am I gifted with  intuition and a discerning nature, so is Sparky.  He is extra sensitive to people....he knows if you are good or bad!!!! Just like Santa Claus!

The discernment quality is dear to me.  I value it in people as well as animals.  I think Annie, the yearling mule who lives here, and I are testing this theory every day.

Anyway, I was intending to write about the farm.....Chocolate Horse Farm.  CHF is the result of an unbridled passion for good old fashioned fudge!!! ( We have always been passionate about horses....Quarter Horses and Arabians prior to the Gypsy Vanner.)  Davod makes it with an everyday recipe but has it down to a science.  Raspberry, mint, coconut, just plain chocolate------Whatever!  It is awesome.

The farm little Otis was born on to is about forty acreas of Missouri Ozark rock with a little patch of really good soil here and there.  It is home to an average of 20 horses at any given time.  That includes the stallion, Sparky, several geldings, a mare herd and a lovely little white mule named Annie.  Most are for sale to the right person.  Price is a factor, but the home is the KEY!  I cannot fix the home, so it must be a good fit.  We usually sell foals in-utero, but keep some for a few years to train and show before selling.  At the end of the day, it is peaceful and safe at the end of the Lane 2145. (MO is not real creative about road names, liking to call them O or OO, N highway, etc.

Life is short and for those fortunate enough to live with horses, it is hard work but it an opportunity to honor another of God's creatures with respect and understanding.  So why spend it among neighbors you will never know...spend it in the country surrounded by peace and beauty with the most special of all horses, the Gypsy Vanner!   .

SO! You want to buy a horse!

Ides of March.....hearing the reference reminds me of the saying...March, in like a lamb...out like a lion and visa versa.  Well, that is what we have had and along with the mud and rain, a new foal.  A beautiful colt out of Lora by Sparky.  We love the babies they produce and often regret not breeding her every year.  That is what it is!  The baby is doing well and we have just published a for sale ad for the little guy.  Which brings me to offering up some suggestions for choosing your new or next horse.

1.  Foal or Adult?

With a foal, you will need the help of someone familiar with raising and working with a baby.  Just like children, they must be trained up along the way OR....they have NO manners, no work ethic, and just as likely to hurt you because they have no boundaries.  Gypsy Vanner foals are no different and given their attraction to people...it is important to know how to be the dominant animal around them.

As for an adult, which is really my focus today, you really need to think about what you intend to do when you take on a first or new horse.  If it is your first, you need a trainer.  Though some think it is just a matter of throwing a saddle upon the horses back and going off down a lane or field, it is much more.  The color may have been a big attraction, but you can't ride color, no a horse too spirited for your skill level, nor one too tall or too short for you.  The rule of thumb is the horse is capable of carrying 10% of it's weight.  Saddles are not one size fits all, they are fitted to the horses back just as you try on shoes for the precise fit that you can wear comfortably. Buying a saddle for a Gypsy is challenging due to their mutton withers or lack of pronounced wither.  They are a wide horse with a short back and the skirting on most western saddles digs into the hip inhibiting movement.  In addition, the saddle that fits a three year old will not fit the same six year old or same four year old that is fit. 

.......... about buying a youngster.....often a parent or grand parent will ask me for a baby or young horse to grow up with their child or grand child. My first question is how old is the child and how much and what kind of riding have they done. Usually the answer is none or they have sat on the neighbor's horses.....to which my answer is always no.  You would not put you child in a race care and expect them to drive it let alone safely out of the drive way let alone on todays highways, nor would you put you child or grand child on a young horse that knows nothing.  Children need lessons and need to be on horses that are older and have been around kids and ridden by kids for most of their life.

2.  Disposition

A beginning rider must consider disposition.  Thorougbreds are spirited, as are Arabians....in simple terms ..a lot of energy.  Draft and draft crosses on the other hand are usually quite quiet and calm.  Having said this, know that each horse is a personality and can vary either way on this scale.  As most will tell you, find the horse whose temperment and talents suit your own.   Fancy is pretty but not necessarily safe for the new rider.

And for the more accomplished rider, be sure the horse can do what you need.  Don't fall into any of the traps and think you can make him what you want.  If he does not have the conformation or talent for dressage, for instance, keep looking.

3. Test Drive!!!!!

This is so important for riders, new and old.....go for a ride, maybe two or more.  Can you ride safely in the open, does the horse enjoy flat work, jumping, etc.   It is hard to do this over the internet.

4. Buying ahead of your skill level

This primarily applies to the average rider, but can be an issue with everyone. Just because you want to enter high level jumping classes in five years, does not mean you are ready for that yourself.  As we condition the horse athlete we also must condition the human.  Find the horse you can ride and enjoy TODAY.  This may be a big challenge for someone wanting to jump a Gypsy.  They can jump, all horses can jump....just remember, the breed was developed as a heavy horse capable of pulling a load at a walk ALL Day.  Just to condition a Gypsy to jump will take a lot of time over a long period of time.

5.  Have a health and lameness check/pre-purchase exam.

6.Personality

Horses have personalities just as we do.  Some are quite talented with their lips and can open things you can't imagine.  Others are quite happy to go for a casual trail ride all day, every day, but have no talent or desire to jump a fence or even a pile of rocks.  High energy riders often describe their horse as always ready for the next event....events they both prepare for....so maybe they are both adrenaline junkies!  On the other hand, the gal next door is laid back, likes the out of doors, and her horse is calm, laid back and takes to the trail with comfortable confidence.   Each has his or her happy place.

In closing, buying a horse is a huge decision and one to take seriously. Here at Chocolate Horse Farm we are vested in promoting the breed of Gypsy Vanner Horses.  In keeping with this, we participate in Expos and Shows, do parades, and spot light appearances from time to time.  We also counsel individuals and families searching for the right horse.  It may be here or it may be with another farm. Being one of the oldest breeders in the US has given us the opportunity and pleasure to meet breeders and  new and long time owners at these and other events.  Our goal is out reach hoping to see more of the breed in the hands of those who will love them as we do and will continue promoting the breed through this love.

Links:
Felicia Britt Horsemanship   http://www.feliciabritthorsemanship.com/   The Britts represent a saddle especially made with the Gypsy in mind.  Read the info on the site and email Felicia any questions.

Chocolate Horse Farm     http://www.chocolatehorsefarm.com   Take a look around and if you like what you see visit our Face Book page      https://www.facebook.com/chocolatehorsefarmgypsyhorses/

New Arrival

Just a quick note to announce the birth of a Sparky and Lora foal......and it is a boy!  Enjoy the Roxie Show!
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/Ru9NA7Bh

ANNUAL MEETINGS

Annual meetings are held to keep the membership informed as to the business of the organization, restate the organization's goals and position on political issues as they pertain to the organization, etc. Most importantly, establish open communication with the membership.  By doing so, the officers humble themselves thus promoting good input and exchange of ideas.  I am sure there are other attributes to annual meetings worthy of noting; however, these are what came to mind as I reviewed the events of the past meeting.

As one of the older farms with Gypsy Vanners and long time members of AQHA and AHA, we are familiar with how organizations are effectively or not.. run, the internal politics, etc.  We have also witnessed the creation, progress or lack of progress of the  four  breed registries in the USA.  Not old, about 17 years now, the GVHS has held the distinction of being the oldest organization; though at its inception, it was not open to the public. UNLESS you bought a horse from the marketing brain behind the term "Gypsy Vanner", you were not considered to own a Gypsy Vanner.  We were aware that he promoted the Gypsy Vanner, as did his close followers, as different, the ideal, the  breed, selectively bred .... all terms bantered about with an air of exclusivity.  Without an explanation, distrust and palpable dislike for anything to do with the GVHS existed. This alone did much to turn even the curious inquiry away.  For those who subsequently visited the Gypsy herds and imported their own, it was insulting.  Many were good horse people with an understanding of the culture they were approaching, while a few took the ugly American approach ... insulting the breeders who in turn willingly sold poor quality animals filling a shipment with youngsters that might otherwise end up on a plate in France. Would you sell your best to an outsider who tried to get the best of you in a deal....I rather doubt it.  In addition, the Romani breeders, as a culture, were understandably wary of outsiders.  It reminds me of dealing with the American Indians years ago.  They were suspicious of the English ( Amish term for non Amish) so presenting computer products (my job) to their organizations was difficult.  At the end of the day, a respectful, sensitive approach opened doors and paved the way to mutual good business with the tribes.  That is called a win win.

I digressed..... back to the meeting.  Keep in mind, seventeen years later,a presentation was made at the 2013 GVHS Annual Meeting that cleared up a lot of questions as to how a small handful of owners came to a way of thinking that was so offensive to many of Gypsy Vanner/ Horse/Cob owners. Having a great deal to do with history and genetics, the Joyce Christian's presentation also revealed the unusual political culture of the organization with personal reflections and more importantly, where we stand in our effort to legitimize the breed as a breed.  We have, as a registry, experienced more turmoil than most and yet GVHS continues to grow.  I believe we are on our way to becoming a professional organization that is truly a service to it's membership and most importantly...to the breed we hold dear. Communication is critical to our success, as are well thought out educational programs for potential and current judges, a strong youth program as they are our future, and for owners to understand what it takes to make this breed more than a phenotype. The infusions of other breeds and lesser quality animals makes this a challenge for all of us, ...for GVHS and the other three registries..

.
 When asked what the goal of the organization was, the President, pointed to a quote by Sponanberg and Bixby, equine dna experts,  it read:

Understanding a breed history is essential if breeders are to adequately steward the breed as a genetic resource.

Now the question remains....is everyone on the same page in regard to what is adequate stewardship?

GVHS has consistently put on well attended annual meetings that include engaging programs, farm tours, demonstrations, and discussion groups.  The spirited nature of the discussions is a reflection of the passionate attitude held by the membership. They cannot all be wrong in their choice of registry. Perhaps Our choice of registry is a reflection of our decision to support the registry most capable of  moving into the future.  No guarantees of smooth sailing and no controversy is actually healthy and allows for many different opinions and ideas.    If working  on diplomacy  is our biggest hurdle, we will succeed.In the meantime, I must ask where was the representation from the West Coast Farms?  The meeting was held intentionally for the benefit of those farms that would probably not attend an East Coast meeting.  If you are reading this, we missed you and had you chosen to attend, I guarantee you would have been as pleased as we were with the overall content, positive atmosphere, and  membership participation.  Till next year, let us all commit to being stewards of the breed as a genetic resource.

Top Five Horse Buying Mistakes (By Iian)

Top Five Horse Buying Mistakes

Published January 2, 2013 | By Iain

Top Five Horse Buying Mistakes

Equine Purchasing , www.USAHorseSource.com

Purchasing a horse for the first time is undeniably an exciting experience. It’s so easy to get carried away … who wouldn’t fall in love with that big set of soft brown eyes? It doesn’t matter that the horse batting them is not what you would consider as the best beginner horse. However, buying the wrong horse can put you at risk or can ruin the fun of horseback riding. You can skirt these situations by learning how to avoid the top mistakes that new horse buyers make.

1. Buying an untrained horse.
Many experienced horsemen and women will tell you they see this too often. Because untrained horses are often less expensive, or for whatever other whim, beginning riders often choose untrained horses. Don’t buy a horse you plan to train yourself or plan to send to a trainer. Training can take months. It can be dangerous if not done right. Young or inexperienced mature horses are not reliable. Beginners will be safer and happier with a horse they can enjoy the moment it descends the trailer.
2. Turning down older horses.
An older horse, which has seen the world, makes a great first-time beginner horse. Beginners might shy away from a horse into their late teens and twenties. But many healthy, sound horses can be ridden well into their senior years. In fact, light daily exercise, such as a quiet hack or drive may be beneficial to both horse and rider/driver.
3. Buying a young horse for their children to ‘grow up with’.
This is a romantic notion, but the reality is that young horses and young beginner riders or drivers are not a safe mix. Buy your kids a mature, well-trained horse they can saddle or harness up the same day you bring it home. Buy a horse that knows how to handle itself when all the scary aspects of the world present themselves, because a young beginner won’t know how. On an older, well-trained horse or pony kids will learn and have fun in greater safety.
4. Buying at auction.
It takes a keen eye to pull a good horse out of an auction. Horses can appear docile at auction because they are so confused that they ‘freeze’. Horses can be drugged to make them look calm or healthy. I know about a pony, which several days after being brought home, showed all the symptoms of ‘heaves’, similar to emphysema in humans. The indicators had been masked by strong drugs. The new owner faced constant expense helping the pony breathe more easily.
5. Impulse buying.
I have to admit I am as guilty of this as any beginner, and I should know better. Don’t buy a horse on first sight. Try the horse out, then try it again, and ask lots of questions. Go home and think about it for a few days. Look at other horses besides the one you’re smitten with and make comparisons. Be absolutely sure you’ve chosen the horse most suitable for you.
It would be very wise to enlist the help of a professional horseman when selecting your horse. This, of course, will not be a free service … but it could be the best money spent in your quest for your first horse, and all the wonderful adventures awaiting you and your new best friend.

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