No More Surveys!

Not so long ago I received a phone call.  The caller did not identify themselves only asked if we tested for PSSM1.  I was taken off guard, but responded " we have seen no indication that blanket testing would justify." This call came about during a heated internet discussion regarding the need to test each and every gypsy horse in this country.  Mind you, this is not an every day condition for most breeds.  You may want to read the info at the following link before thinking it is" irresponsible" to not test.
http://horsetesting.com/Equine/Genetic_Disease/PSSM.asp

However serious the caller may have been was not evident as she promptly hung up giving me no opportunity to have a discussion.  The group of women who brought this to the table made enough noise that breeders are listing the results on their sale ads and the GVHS registry for Gypsy Vanner Horses has included the test as an option for their members.  Good you say and I agree, but having been breeding GVHs for the past 16 years and seeing no symptoms, I still think it is a far cry from" irresponsible". I would be more concerned for the potential of harm done attempting to produce pretty colors with little regard for proper conformation and typical sweet disposition.

So we might move forward and smooth what ever ill feelings the caller may have, we tested the two 2015 foals for pssm1....negative and negative!  I will post this on our face book pages and tweet the link often .....Just don't bother calling me with anymore surveys!

Blue Ridge Gypsy Classic Show

It is Saturday night in Ashville, NC.  The air is cool, the day has been an experience,  and tomorrow is the last day for this event.  Though the second event of the year for us, we were almost not here!  Two blowouts, loss of trailer lights, temperatures in the 100's..plus short fuses! all contributed to a tense mood.  On the up side, the clinics were awesome and worth every penny of the $175 per person.  Today's classes went quickly ....lots of happy winners.  We had some difficulties when Cracker decided he felt like a new man and got frisky, would not stand still, was improperly harnessed which had the potential of a distaster at which time we scratched him from the class.  Not enough handling was the consensus, though it was unusual behavior from him.  My break from all the drama came when my sister and niece took me off to Ashville town center for dinner. The setting for this show is amazing and Robin and her crew are even more so...many thanks to her for a beautiful show. And good night one and all from a very tired lady!

Welcome!

Welcome to Chocolate Horse Farm, Home of Gypsy Vanner Horses ....and others! It is spring here in SW MO and with that comes storms fit for the movies. It is also time for spring training. Lee Oliver joins us at this time of year, shares her birthday with us, ads a lively levity to the every day, and works with our three year olds to bring them into the realm of 'starting'. As she works with each one we will post pictures or video of each one's progress. We hope you will enjoy our days here at CHF as much as we enjoy including you! Cheers!