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Jousting! (The fun kind where no one gets hurt.) Let’s go there, shall we?!

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Being from the West Coast, I never even knew there was such a thing as Tournament Jousting.  And, if I did, I’d have the impression that it was those guys dressed up like King Arthur who carry long sticks and try to knock each other off of horses.

But, I’d be wrong…  Tournament Jousting is actually ring jousting or ‘golden ring grab with a stick’ for you Merry-Go-Round enthusiasts.

I had no idea…!

Let’s begin with the basics.

THE BASICS

The idea of the game is to run your horse under 8 seconds, through the three arches and collect the three (tiny) rings with your stick which looks like a pool cue.  The rings are hanging steadfastly off of steel rods under each arch.  The ground should be flat but I hear there is no such thing as a truly flat course, especially when galloping towards a 1″ ring…  The rings are all 6’9″ off of the ground, so you might consider your size and the size of your horse when you attempt this.

There are several classes so that you can win at any level.  The rules are fair so no one cheats and everyone is fairly safe – as safe as anyone is on a galloping horse through circle arches.  And, you get prizes.

THE MOST FUN

As I looked through all the pages about ring jousting, I got a chuckle from the names of some of the Champions.  Obviously, some people really have fun with it.  You can pick any name you want and then emblazon it across your logo shirt.  Here are a few of my favs.

Maid of Milkpails, Knight of Bean’s Settlement, Knight of Needmore, Lady of Just for Fun, Knight of Possum Hollow, Knight of Little Red Wagon, Maid of Bet Your Booties, Knight of Old Fields, Knight of Mystery, Knight of Turkey Trot, Knight of Phil’s Signs, Knight of Little Stuff, and my personal favorite:  The Knight of Silvery Moon (don’t ya just want to skip when you hear that?).

OK, so one of the best parts for me, would be picking my Maid name.  Maid in the Shade?  Maid to Ordur,  Maid ju Look… I could go on forever!


WHAT I ALSO LIKE

What I also like is that there are more guys doing this than girls!!!  What type of horse event has that besides rodeo?  What a GREAT way to get Dad involved with the horses!

WHAT TYPE OF HORSE?

Well, according to the material, you can use any horse as long as they have an even canter and a level head.  Here is an excerpt from the ‘what kind of a horse?’ paragraph on the National Jousting Association website:

Misty and Comet, famous TWH jousters

“Experienced jousts on the circuit today concur on several desired characteristics: a level-headed, mid-size to small horse with an extremely smooth canter work best. A smooth gait allows riders to feel comfortable to raise their stirrups and assume a position similar to that of a jockey. This allows the motion of the horse to be absorbed by the riders’ knees and lower leg. The upper body becomes virtually motionless. This position, combined with a steady hand greatly increases the rider’s likelihood of spearing the rings with his lance.”

Stormy, the famous Shetland jouster

What I found very interesting were the famous jousting horses.  The most famous jousting horses are two Tennessee Walkers named Misty and Comet.  The Enfield family bought Misty so that the kids could learn to joust…  Well, you can probably see where this is going… Misty became INCREDIBLE at it and Dad took her over.  But, luckily, Misty birthed Comet who was also equally skilled.  It is said that Comet thundered down the alley without ever noticing any distractions.  He consistently put the riders directly under the rings.

Both horses were on the circuit from 1966 – 1986.  Sadly, Comet died of old age in 1996 and Misty soon followed.  However, during their reign of jousting supremacy, the Enfield family won many titles.  (Dad) Leon alone won four National Championships on Misty. Comet carried Leon’s son, Bob to a Maryland State Championship title. Son, Ken, and daughter, Linda, also competed on these two incredible jousting horses.  And what is interesting is that Misty stood only 14’2.  She was known for rapid starts and a very easy canter.  So, booyah for the TWH!  Who knew?!

Jasper, the famous Paint jouster who knew his Knight's name...

Another famous jousting horse is the Shetland, Stormy.  You see, kids have the same height requirement (6’9″) so there are no breaks for little ponies.  However, Stormy was so solid at the canter, her 8 year old rider won the Novice National Jousting Competition over 63 other riders including a 17 year old boy and a 63 year old man.  Ha!  so there for the little guys!

The last famous jousting horse I’m listing here is Jasper, a black and white Paint.  He was such a strong competitor, that he would listen for the announcer to call his owner’s Knight name (The Knight of Beauty) and would false start all the time.  So, his owner had to trick the horse into not listening to the announcer.  In any event, they won several National Championships together.

WHAT TO WEAR

Well, just about anything but not medieval garb.  The photos showed the same attire anyone would wear when riding.  I think it depends more upon your comfort level and the weather.

GEAR

The gear is whatever, as well.  However, I do see more people riding saddleseat type of english saddles.  I think the flat seats are easier to balance when you have your feet up like a jockey.  I don’t know for sure but I did see many high stirrups like the jockey and the polo player.  So, I would imagine you’d want a saddle that lets you stand securely — or as securely as possible when standing in a saddle on a galloping horse…

The jousting stick (called a LANCE) is shaped like a pool cue.  However, the weights vary quite a bit.  Women seem to like lightweight poles (1 -2 lbs) but they tend to sway in the wind.  Some men prefer lances as weighty as 12 – 15 lbs.  It is all preference.

KIDS


The kids have their own divisions which are not intimidating and keep them wanting more.  They have no time limits and can walk through the course.  They can even be on a lead-line in the tiny divisions.  Everyone gets a ribbon.  It isn’t until they move up that they have to ride above a walk in competition.

LEARNING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

If you live in the Maryland area, you are in luck!  It seems that most of the clubs are around there.  They have lessons and it all seems relatively inexpensive to join and play.  It also seems like a great family thing.  In all the photos you see families and picnics and dogs and you name it!

From my stand point, not only is this a fun family thing, but your horse can get a lot of desensitizing at these events.

FALDEROLL

I don’t even know how to spell that word.  Basically, what I mean is the fluff and pompenstance that happens during the ceremonies.

They still keep the medieval theme going up front.  I think some of the key players bring out their Knight suits for the opening ceremony.  But, that’s about it.  You don’t have to worry about women in boobilicous outfits, or men selling grog while gnawing on a turkey drumstick.  It feels like this sport is more about family fun with you and your horse.

NO CLUBS ON THE WEST COAST


I could find no clubs on the West Coast.  Sure, if you want to shoot off of your horse, take him to the O-K Corral or have a Civil War reenactment, CA is your place.  But, if you are wanting to Ring Joust, you’ll meet with tumbleweeds.  And, sadly, it takes two clubs to have a tournament so we need two to start around here.  But, for you folks back East, here is a link to the Ring Jousting Clubs.

NOW FOR A BIT OF THAT OTHER KIND OF JOUSTING

OK, well here is what IS on the West Coast.  Right here between LA and San Diego is a town called Romona.  There, in Romona, is the typical Jousting that we all think about when we hear the word.  Yup, here you have the chest thumping, stab your heart out kind of jousting.  I’ve added a video of their jousting tournament/playday.  Also, here is their website to learn from the master.

Click on image to watch the other kind of Jousting

For me, the Ring Jousting seems like a more equal opportunity sport since the whole family can do it, your horse doesn’t have to get his face ripped off during faux battle and no one gets their eye poked out… And, it seems a lot less serious than regular jousting, which I like.

On a philisophycal note, the Ring Joust does seems like a primal thing for mankind.  Maybe the fulfillment in ring joust comes from FINALLY being able to master our hunting instinct of eye to hand coordination.  Or, maybe we just like our toys… After all, we started the basic game at a very young age…

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I Learned Something Today… Inmate Gentled Mustang Adoptions.

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Yesterday, I went to the Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo in Reno, Nevada.

The Expo is all things Mustang.   It has exhibitors, clinicians, famous speakers, a 3-day all-mustang horse show plus…  several “Inmate Gentled Mustang” competitions which then culminated in those mustangs being auctioned off to approved bidders via the BLM.

Hmmmmm.

Now, I have my own issues with the BLM.  For my dime, I’m not really sure they have the best interest of the Mustang in mind.  So, I started out with trepidation regarding this adoption event.  I also thought that a wild mustang and an inmate would not be a very good combination… kindof an accident waiting to happen.    I also had a picture in my mind of this really tough and mean inmate just hammering a poor, wild mustang into submission.

After some time and education on the matter, I now think the inmate and the newly captured mustang have something in common and can make unlikely but succesful partners…  ;)

All the inmates with their newly gentled mounts and Hank - posing calmly

SETTING THE STAGE

The person in charge of the Prison Mustang Gentling Program at Northern Nevada (Warm Springs) Correctional Facility is Hank Curry.  I don’t know him personally but I did see him at the Adoption event.  He was speaking and telling the crowd about each horse.

I’ve gotta tell you, if he ever gives up this gig, he could go into the hypnotism field.  I swear, his voice was like butta!  I practically felt lulled while I listened to him.  Hmmm, perhaps a clue to his natural ability with the horses.

Anyway, the Cliff Notes of it is that the Correctional Facility is next door to the Stewart Conservation Camp which currently maintains a 600-horse holding pen for the wild horses rounded up by BLM throughout the mountainous ranges of northern Nevada.  Approximately 10-15 of these horses are then selected and brought to the Warm Springs Correctional Center where inmates gentle the horses through the Comstock Gentling Program.  These are the horses that are then placed for adoption.

COVETED JOB

My idea that a hardened, mean and evil criminal would be a bad match for a wild mustang is probably accurate.  Those aren’t the kind of criminals selected for this mustang program.  Their crimes cannot include murder, rape or violent crimes.  Usually it is embezzlement or larceny/thievery.   The inmates have to have a perfect record while in prison and if accepted into the exclusive program, they cannot do anything, ANYTHING, untoward while working there.  As they say, there are too many people wanting those jobs to have anyone not respect it…  For obvious reasons, these jobs are coveted by the inmates.

HANK CURRY

Hank Curry

As I said above, this guy has a voice like smooth cream.  I would gather that it might match his demeanor.  The horses and inmates were completely calm around him.  And, from his cowboy drawl to his gentle, cowboy manner, I think he is a fine match for the stress of both novice riders and wild horses.

Hank grew up in a rural Thousand Oaks (So CA) a while back.  He has always been around horses and eventually became a horse trainer.

To me, it is interesting to consider what type of guy would want to train the wild mustangs?  Does he want to help these horses fit into society in order to be adopted?  Does he want the challenge?  Does he love the image and symbolism of the mustang?

And, what would make this one particular mustang trainer also want to work with inmates?

Good questions.  I don’t have the answers except to say that it must be incredibly rewarding to watch both become more rounded members of the society that they now need to belong.

HOW IT WORKS

I actually love this part…  The inmates who are chosen are given a crash course in horsemanship from veteran mustang horses and Hank.

Gorgeous Smoke, truly beautiful and well trained. Highest bid horse.

Most of the chosen inmates have never been on a horse.  One said that he fell off 10 times in 30 minutes!  But, once they get a basic seat, Hank teaches them how to gentle their mustang.  Hank matches the horse with the inmate and each inmate chooses a name for their horse.  Then, from 9 – 4 every week day, these inmate spend all of their time with their horse.  They do every kind of ground work possible to fill up those hours.  These guys are always tied to their horses.  When it comes time to ride, the transitions are all watched by Hank.  After that comes the finish work.

Now I know that seems like a lot of work to accomplish in 90 days.  But imagine if you spent 7 hours a day, five days a week with your horse…!  I mean most horse trainers spend 1 hour a day, maybe 5 days a week, with your horse for 90 days and he’s adequately trained!  Just imagine 7 hours a day, 5 days a week for 90 days!!

THE ADOPTION AUCTION

I watched the adoption auction before I had done any research.  I didn’t know anything about Hank or the process.  What I thought I was seeing were inmates who had average seats doing a pretty good job with their horses.  I saw some somewhat rough hands and I also saw very gentle hands.  Overall, I saw 15 quiet, well-mannered, not jittery, not fretting, not wound up, relaxed, at least green broke if not trained, gentled horses… all lined up calmly horses.

Fantasma: He could bow and wave to the crowd

As the auction started, the horses were brought in one-by-one and the inmates showed their skills.  They walked, trotted, cantered, side-passed, backed, stopped and some did tricks like bowing and raising a leg like Trigger.  Hank told intimate stories about each horse to get the crowd feeling the love.  After the skill presentation, there was an awards ceremony for the previous days of inmate “shows” where they did everything from agility to equitation with these newly trained mustangs.  One horse clearly won most of the ribbons. It was particularly charming that the inmate who had trained that horse and was his rider, continued to place the accruing ribbons on his mount.  Very sweet.  And, of course, let it not go unnoticed that the horse wore all of his ribbons without freaking out or shying away…

Knowing what I know now, I have much more respect and smiles for the group…

AMAZING

I am now even more amazed and in awe of the mustang.

Kid, another very well trained horse bidders were fighting over...

Not that I wasn’t before, but seeing them in all of their glory, newly gentled and so flipping SMART!  They were solid and none were gimpy or lame, they all moved out, they all tried really, really hard.  These horses were all heart.  No attitude, no bucking or rearing, no mess, no fuss.

I HAVE TO SAY that in the other civilian arenas, there were regular shows happening all day long.  You know, your regular horse show agendas with horse show music.  They has showmanship, halter, pleasure classes… the whole magilla.  And do you know what?  I didn’t see more than a couple of civilian mustangs (granted, I didn’t see them all) that could hold a candle to the training level of these inmate horses.  There has to be something said for 7 hours a day, five days a week…

TEARS

I had tears in my eyes during the inmate trained mustang adoption auction because I didn’t think there were enough people to make sure they all went to a good home for a good price.  Me, the scardycat, left after the first horse (the one who won all the ribbons) sold for $2800.  I thought that if he was the best horse and he sold for only $2800, the rest would surely go for the minimum of $150.  I was too afraid to watch.

So, I went outside and played with the burros and mustang babies that were on display.  But, I did see something very interesting… Most of the inmates were very teary eyed and sad when their horses sold.  They were very proud, yes… but it was bittersweet.  I watched one inmate tell his horse that they had to take just one more ride around the ground together.  His voice was cracking.

GOOD IDEA

After all the horse were sold,

Gorgeous Chance, considered a Nevada Brown... awesome horse!

I found out that the new owners were able to ride their new horses in a special arena with obstacles while the trainer/inmate watched and coached.  This was awesome.  It was great to see these guys help the transition.  And, it was great for me to see that these mustangs were just as solid with their new owners as their trainers.

INMATE POINT OF VIEW

I read several articles on how the inmates who participate feel about the program.

Cowboy, he was one of my favs

All of them feel more self worth.  Many of them had never had a job for 90 days, let alone build a bond with an animal that had never known a human. Most of them say it is the best job they have ever had, inside or out.  All of them have a reason to get out of bed in the morning and they all say that these mustangs were “behind bars just like us.  They are prisoners and we are setting them free”.  By making them gentle, they can be adopted out to a better life than living in the BLM holding pens.

Clearly all the inmates feel the horses also released something good in them as well…  One said he learned patience.  Other said he learned to blow out a candle instead of bringing in a torch…  All felt the fate of the mustang was in their hands and it was an awesome responsibility.  If they did a good job, they could help this animal get out of jail.

Several of the inmates have gone on to get jobs in the horse industry upon their release.

FRAIDYCAT LEARNS HER LESSON

So, I was just too curious to not find the sales value of each mustang.  I didn’t sit through the auction to find out for myself, I hunted down someone with what looked like a marked-up sales sheet and asked her.  What she had to say really surprised me.  She said that the horse with all the ribbons sold for the third highest price.  Two other were much higher.  One at $3800 and another at $3200.

Jawz. A sweetie and built!

Most of the other horses sold for very reasonable money (between $850 – $1200) with only the two all brown horses going for $200 each.  The Nevada Browns as they are called, just didn’t have the flash to command the big money.

This is Legion... a beautiful, hard working horse.

However, the people that bought the Browns were thrilled!  They had been to the auction in previous years and knew that the best ones, “the solid brown ones”, would be inexpensive.  They love them and think these mustangs are the most solid horses they have ever owned.

AFTER THOUGHTS

First, I wanted to say that there is an ALL PRISON TRAINED MUSTANG DRILL TEAM called the The Cowgirl Way Equestrian Drill Team of Norco, California.  Love that!  These gals have adopted 13 of these mustangs and tout their glories at every performance.  Yay!

Secondly, all of these mustangs were healthy, shiny, well behaved and well maintained.  They all had their feet trimmed and everyone was utd on shots and wormers.  I have nothing bad to say about their appearance.  And, I certainly have only good things to say about their “basic training”…

My after thougths… Well, I went to the auction thinking one thing and came away thinking another.   And, after researching it, I think something even more…

J.C., another gorgeous and well trained mustang!

After walking back into the show arena and seeing all those mustangs who had not been prison gentled (or probably gentled in any way that gives such full attention as 7 hours a day for 90 days…), I couldn’t help but compare.  Right outside, in an adjacent arena were 15 of the most gentle, the most brilliant with the most concentrated handling of all the horses in the entire venue.

J-Lo, the "Nevada Brown" mare who even learned to work with cows!

it was very hard to believe that these horses HAD NEVER BEEN TOUCHED 90 days ago.  As far as I’m concerned, my biggest take away from this is the “7 hours a day, 5 days a week” formula.   Nothing beats time on the ground and time in the saddle.

And although I cannot be sure that these inmates didn’t mistreat these mustangs, I didn’t see any evidence of mistreatment.

So for me, I have no doubt in my mind that if I ever have an open stall and need a riding mount, I will wait and bid on my own Nevada Brown.  Probably the very best money spent for a horse with hours and hours and hours and hours of hands on, single focused training.

Bravo Hank Curry.  Bravo.  You’ve made better citizens out of both humans and equines.  I think that if you have the opportunity to adopt a prison gentled mustang, you are lucky.

For more information on adopting a prison-trained horse, please contact:

Hank Curry or Tim Bryant
Nevada State Prison Department P.O. Box 7000, Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 887-9331

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
The August Bucket Fund will benefit the charity BHFER.  To learn all about the Bucket Fund and to donate $5,  please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

August's Bucket Fund is Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue. Click here to learn their story and make any size, secure Pay Pal Donation. Easy and it means so much!

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“Wild Rag” Hunt and looky what I found: California Classics!

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

This is kinda crazy, I know… But I just love Western stuff.  Even though I ride in totally English/Endurance type of gear, if I could turn back the clock, I’d walk on a boardwalk, dress up like a wrangler and ride my mount into the sunset…

I am so enamored with the Western culture that I purposefully will stop at any ghost town and oogle over any True West antiques.  Actually, I oogle over any well made Western article, even if I don’t really agree with them (spurs and big ol’ bits…).  So today, I’m going to bring you along as I use the internet to search down my Western fix for the day.

How did this particular search for today start…?  Well, several years ago, HORSE AND MAN interviewed the wranglers and their mules from the Grand Canyon. (You can watch the video here.)  Everything about that interview was amazing but I remember distinctly how important their “wild rags” were for this event.  I had no idea what a wild rag was but evidently they are the fashion statement for the Western set.  All the cowboys were comparing their fancy scarves for our shoot day.  Basically, the “wild rag” is the scarf they wear around their necks.  Sometimes a scarf slide goes with it.

WILD RAGS FROM CALIFORNIA CLASSICS

I never forgot that.  And today, for some reason, I decided to hunt down those wild rags.  But, lucky me, during my search, I found more!   I found a treasure trove of Western regalia all in one website!  Come prowl around the CALIFORNIA CLASSICS website with me!

THE CALIFORNIA CLASSICS WEBSITE

This is a site that caters to the Vaquero lifestyle.

CALIFORNIA CLASSICS HAS EVERYTHING!

I’m not exactly sure what a VAQUERO STYLE is, but I like the look of it.  Well, I guess that isn’t totally true.  I do know about bosals and about chaps, but that’s about it.  Since I am a bitless person, I totally am into the idea of the bosal.  However, this site is more than just vaquero and bosals.   This site is the whole enchilada.  It is robust and full of everything a Cowboy would want.  The designs are unique as well as top notch.

WILD RAGS

The whole reason I ended up on this site was because of their wild rags.  Evidently, the woman behind California Classics, Dorothy Rogers, is called the “scarf lady”.  So, I kinda think she specializes in these wild rags.  When I went to her page, I saw that she has been written up in just about every Cowboy publication there is…

Anyway, if I wanted a wild rag, I would purchase one from her.  I loved her silks and her designs.  Yup, I see why they call her the Scarf Lady!

BITS

I’m not even into bits… I don’t use them.  But, I had to awe over this display… just the art of it all got me jazzed!  If you are into decorative bits, go to their bit page and check it out.

CHINKS

I love the idea of chinks.  I don’t need them and I’d look silly riding around the trails in them, but I like them nonetheless.  I thought these were really pretty and well constructed.  Of course, there are lots more…  You can special order anything you’d like.

SPURS

I don’t use spurs.  But, I like the sound they make while walking and I like the look.  Someday, I will probably purchase spurs just so that I can get all dressed up like Kid Shaleen from the movie CAT BALLOU.      Anyway, there were many to choose from…

WHAT IS A REIN CHAIN?

REIN CHAINS

Now this handy item I might just incorporate into my equine apparel.  They are chains you attach to your headstall and to your reins as an extension so that your leather reins don’t get wet.  I love this idea.  It probably has been around for centuries but I just discovered it here on this site.

WILD RAG SLIDES

WILD RAG SLIDE

We probably know of these as ‘scarf slides’ out here in our fashion world.  But, I like the title of Wild Rag Slide better!  Anyway, it is basically a cool concha that has an appropriate back so that you can secure your Wild Rag.  Fun!  Just another way to adorn your Westerny self!

CONCHAS

Speaking of conchas, there were zillions on this site.  Many I had never seen before.   I like it when that happens.  I think if you called them, they could come up with anything for you.  In fact, I did just that.  I emailed them a photo of my LG bridle and asked if they could figure out a way to dress up my bridle by adding a concha to the wheels.  Aaron from California Classics said, Sure!  He immediately suggested using a martingale/breastplate concha and figuring out how to attach it.  Cool!  I cannot wait!

GET DOWNS

Sounds like a KC and the Sunshine Band song and I have no idea what it does.

GET DOWNS

It looks like a handmade rope and I would use it that way.  (I’m not a fan of tie-downs, if that is what it is.)  Anyway, these looked very nicely made and very attractive.

HEADSTALLS

Of course, no cowgirl would be complete without a fabulous headstall.  There were many…

VARIAN BRIDLE

What I liked was that this headstall was made for a Varian.  The Varian Family are the people who owned the Cowboy Camp that I went to last year.  I loved it!  (You can read about it here.)  I felt all warm and fuzzy when I saw that California Classics made gear for a Varian…

HOLSTERS

Well, this was kind fun… You can order a gun holster.

HOLSTER

Now, I’m not into guns — at all.  But this reminded me of when I was a kid.  I don’t think you could really get away with walking around town with your guns attached to your hips.  But, when I do one day dress up like Kid Shaleen, I will need one of these in black!

BOSAL

PRETTY BOSAL

Isn’t this pretty?  I aspire to have my horses so well trained that they work perfectly in a bosal.

CURBS

CURB

I do use curbs.  I thought this was a very soft and nice piece of equipment.  I also liked their “reversible” design.  It has different edges so you can have the softer side or the not so soft side at work…

I don’t know about you, but I would like to be transported for just one day (or one week) back in time to really study the wardrobes of that era.  I’m always fascinated by Western attire.  I still think the best thing about the movie SILVERADO was the wardrobe.  Loved it!

I hope you enjoyed this romp through Vaquero land and California Classics as much as I did!  Please go to the site and click around!  You might find your Western gem!


HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
The August Bucket Fund will benefit the charity BHFER.  To learn all about the Bucket Fund and to donate $5,  please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

August's Bucket Fund is Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue. Click here to learn their story and make any size, secure Pay Pal Donation. Easy and it means so much!

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Start ‘em Young! Tad Griffith’s trick ridin’ kids!

Friday, August 13th, 2010

FRIDAY INSPIRATION

I am showing this video today because I want you all to feel inspired…

This is a video of three tiny, trick riding kids.  They are 11, 8 and 6 respectively.  (You need to watch it!)

Once you watch this video, I can hear what you will probably be saying to yourselves…

“Those kids are too young to know fear.”  And,  “those kids have been around horses all their lives.”  Or, “they’re just kids and they have free time to work at it every day.”    Well, I hear you…  However, I do know that they do know fear, everyone does.  I also know that they have been around  horses all their lives but that doesn’t make them automatically great riders.  And, yes, they do make time to do this after going to school, doing homework, school activities and all the ranch chores.  So, basically, they are just like you and me.  The great part is that they have someone telling them to “Get out there and practice!” which I so wish I had around here.  I wish I had someone kicking my sorry hiney away from the computer and out with my horses for an hour of practice every day.  Imagine how good I’d be at whatever it was I ended up doing with them…  Anyway, all that practice made them very good riders and now they love, love, love it!

Who is the person helping these kids practice and teaching them the safe and proper way to do this?   The legendary Tad Griffith, trick and stunt rider/trainer.

TAD GRIFFITH

I have featured Tad before in his Roman Riding video and also his Training video — where he is training himself, not training the audience.  (I was there while he was rehearsing at home so I videoed it.)

BACK TO THE VIDEO

Anyway, today I’m showing you the video of his three kids from their very first performance, ever, at the FIESTA OF THE SPANISH HORSE this year.  (They also have a family friend showing with them.) You should watch closely to see how Tad’s sons emulate their Dad’s performance moves.  But, you should also look closely to watch these earnest little horses!  They just kill me!  Especially the youngest son’s horse… he is just awesome in his ponyness!  What a little devil!  He does his job but towards the end, this little stinker ducks under the ropes to cut the corner… and that stoic 6 year old boy just rides through it.  No worries!

But, I also want you to look at suitability to rider.  These three individual ponies are perfect for these three individual kids.  I betcha the littlest boy wants the biggest horse but he doesn’t get the biggest horse.  He gets the horse that fits him.  Too cute!

So Readers, watch this and remember when you didn’t stop yourself from doing adventurous stuff…   Remember what it was like to get so wrapped up in some activity that you wanted to do it all the time.  For me, it was memorizing soundtracks from movies.  For my brother, it was slot cars.  What was it for you?  Well, whatever your passion, remember how you gave yourself permission to totally engross yourself in it.

Then go out and squeeze a horse and dream about what you could do together if you practice, practice, practice.   It might put that big ‘ol school kid grin back on your face!

Click on the image to watch these incredible stunt rider kids!

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
The August Bucket Fund will benefit the charity BHFER.  To learn all about the Bucket Fund and to donate $5,  please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

August's Bucket Fund is Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue. Click here to learn their story and make any size, secure Pay Pal Donation. Easy and it means so much!

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Women’s Horse Industry Association Conference.

Friday, July 30th, 2010

Have you heard of this?

First of all, there is the Women’s Horse Industry Association.  If you are a woman who owns/runs/works for an equine business, you might benefit from going to this website.  Check it out and see if it seems like a good idea for your business.  There are lots of pages with information, networking opportunities and ads.  You’ll get a good idea of how this Association boosts awareness of your company.

If you want to join the Association, it isn’t very expensive.  The woman who runs it, Catherine Masters, is very much into networking and keeping things evolving and flowing.  So, she is a good person to know about your business.  And, once you join, your business is highlighted front and center!  Everyone is introduced to you and you are given a huge packet of collateral to keep as a reference tool.

Personally, when I contacted Catherine, she immediately hooked me up with a few other individuals that she thought I should know.  This woman thinks fast and is very active in promoting women in business.  Having your business on her radar is good.  Here is Catherine’s resume.

THE CONFERENCE – Marketing your business, social networking and online marketing

This is an event you should review and consider.

The WHIA Conference, which is all about promoting your business through advertising, social networking and online marketing, is in Louisville, Kentucky – Sept. 22-23, 2010.  I wanted you to be aware of this event in case you think your business could benefit.  Again, it isn’t expensive.  (Southwest flies there and they have great rates at neighboring hotels…)  If you find that this is a good idea for you, I just read that discounts apply if you sign up by July 31st.  (I do not benefit; I’m just passing this on.)

What I like about this conference is that the room is set up for networking.  You are able to listen to all of the speakers and visit all of the vendors without missing anything.  I really appreciate when they set up conferences in this way.  And, they even have created time for simple “networking” where you can mill about and really meet people.  I find that sometimes at these events, you only have to meet that one person who can help your business radically.   Here is a link to learn about the details.

SHOWTIME!

Here is the lineup for the Conference as it stands today… but please go to the website to see updates and added speakers.

SCHEDULE
September 22, 2010    9:00 am – 4pm
CLICK ON SPEAKER TO READ BIO

WHIA – FROM LAST YEAR TO THIS
Colleen Pace-American Association of Riding Schools
MARKETING YOUR HORSE INDUSTRY BUSINESS Part 1
Lynn Baber
Jo Ann Challberg – DressageTrainingOnline.com
Lua Southard -Equine Resources International
Nanette Levin – BookConductors, LLC
Kate Richards Wilt – My Racing Heart, LLC

MAKING THE MOST OF SOCIAL NETWORKING
AND ONLINE MARKETING
Kimberly Kincheloe -BB&T Insurance
Cathy Ebsen- Web Services, Etc.
Tamara Meier- Riding Arts, Inc.
Sheryl Kursar -Equestrian Aid Foundation

MAKING MONEY IN THE HORSE INDUSTRY
Janet DelCastillo- Backyard Race Horse
Jennifer Foster – EQ Bookkeeping
Marie Taulbee – Laraedo Horse Farm Software

OPEN NETWORKING- DOOR PRIZE GIVE-A-WAYS
Registration is open starting at 8:00am
There will be a luncheon on this day with open networking

September 23, 2010   10:00 am – 4pm

KEEPING YOUR HORSES HEALTHY AND SAFE
Deb Metcalfe-Stolen Horses/Netposse

MARKETING YOUR HORSE INDUSTRY BUSINESS Part 2
Reisa Bonetti – DressageTrainingOnline.com
Wayne Hipsley – Hipsley and Associates

NEW TECHNIQUES/PRODUCTS THAT KEEP YOUR HORSE HEALTHY
Pat Cleveland – The Balanced Horse Project
Linda Rubin – Your Health 321, LLC

OPEN NETWORKING/ DOOR PRIZE GIVE-A-WAYS
There will be a luncheon on this day with open networking

TOTALLY FUN VIDEO FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NOT INTERESTED IN WOMEN IN THE HORSE INDUSTRY

Click on image to see funny video of babysitting dog!


You may have all already seen this video of the dog babysitting the baby.  I just think it is adorable.  Even Hubby watched the whole thing with a huge smile.  Enjoy!
HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
July’s Bucket Fund will benefit the charity THE GOLDEN CARROT SANCTUARY.  To learn all about the Bucket Fund and to donate $5,  please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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Roy Roger’s Museum pieces go on the block July 14-15 at Christies!

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

I know that I wrote about this before.  But now the time is near.

Since I was inundated with sad and downtrodden comments regarding this from my last post, I wanted to give more information.   I wanted to empower you all.  There are things you can do.

First, you can donate to the Gene Autry Museum who will be at Christies buying.  They cannot buy it all, but they are doing their best to preserve the memories.  You have to call to get info and here is the number:  323-667-2000.

Second, you can bid.  Go to the Christie’s site and sign up to use your computer to bid.  If you can read my blog, you can register to bid.  I know, I know, none of you think you have enough money.  However, if it is just peace of mind and maybe a piece of Roy, there are items that are very inexpensive.  You could purchase one of his watches, let’s say, or any number of little items you will see in the catalog.  You must sign up quickly!

So, here is a link to the catalog.  Move the slider bar at the bottom of the page to turn the individual pages of the catalog. 

Here is a link to the lots page.  This describes all the items up for bidding.  Individual items are called, lots.  You can see a description of the item and what the sellers hope to make.  Just because they hope to get a certain value for each item does not mean they will.  You can always bid.  All that can happen is either you are outbid or you win it!

I’ve also attached an interview with Dusty Rogers, Roy’s son.  Many of you are outraged and perhaps this interview will help put the pieces together.  Maybe not. 

Anyway, please do whatever you feel is the right thing here.  Hopefully, either you will get a little piece for yourself, you will donate to the other museum trying to preserve the memories, or you can rest assured that some of the items will remain in a museum.

From the amount of mail I received on this topic, evidently he will remain in your hearts for sure…

And, if you don’t know what to do but you want to do something, please donate a few dollars to our Bucket Fund which is this month sponsoring The Golden Carrot — a place for old folks horses.  Trigger would like that, I think, if he was looking down from above.

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!

July: THE GOLDEN CARROT

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A Beautiful Thing in a Field! The minds-eye of Douglas Van Howd.

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

DOUGLAS VAN HOWD

I’m going to tell you a story of what happened to me on the way to my Hubby’s new office today…

Hubby’s new office is in a really nice environment, out in a quiet and somewhat rural section of the industrial part of town.  You know the area… it is the place where they put the light aircraft field and the fabricators.  Anyway, Hubby wanted me to help him with his wall hanging and whatnot setting.

So, I drove out there.  La de dah.  Ho Hum.  Just driving along…and as we approached the driveway to his building…

OMG.  What is THAT?!!!

“What is what?”

THAT.

“What?”

That HUGE UNBELIEVABLE HORSE SCULPTURE next door in that field???

“Ooooooh, that.  Ummm, I don’t know.”

You don’t know?!  There is a huge, unmarked bronze sculpture within spitting distance of your office and you don’t know?  It is bigger than my horse trailer, made of BRONZE and you haven’t really paid any atention?

“Well, I think it belongs to that building over there.  And besides, I do pay attention.  We have a Peacock here and some hens.”

You know, it is bigger than some airplanes I’ve seen… and it is gorgeous!

So, I get out my camera phone and walk over there to take these shots.  As you can see, the huge bronze is  unmarked and just sitting there.  I expected it to come alive and rush off into the nearby woods.  It was incredible and I was in awe.  I mean, the piece actually feels like is is breathing!  It is so lifelike!

I needed to research this.  So I did.  And, it was pretty easy, actually.  All I had to do was turn around and there was this huge Gallery and Foundry (you need a foundry of your own with pieces this size…).  “Douglas Van Howd” was the name on the building.   Whoda thunk something like this would be in my little town.  Wow!

I drove home and clicked on his website.  Van Howd has been sculpting for years and much of his work is very famous.  In fact, he was the official White House sculptor during the Reagan administration.  You’ll probably recognize some of his work when you peruse his site.

OK, now back to the huge sculpture.  Well, I learned that Douglas grew up in Nevada and has a love for the Wild Mustang.  This sculpture is called, Spirit of Nevada.  He created the seven horses running free (five mares, a foal and a stallion) “to honor this last remaining symbol of the Old West frontier.”

Ahhh, a man after my own heart…  Van Howd created this huge sculpture and many smaller versions in limited editions — which are held at his gallery.  The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm (though we often close for lunch between noon and 1pm) for lucky local readers…!  But, the big’un is just sitting in the field across from his Gallery.  I’m guessing he owns that field?  Dunno.

I’m wondering if the statue will move one day?

The artist and his lovely creation...

Oh, I would hate to see it go.  I sure hope it is still standing when the wild horses are gone.  It is a lovely statement.  Lovely.  The wild horses of Nevada need a Champion.  Thank you, Douglas Van Howd.  Thank you for putting something glorious and powerful in a field near the place where I live.

And, purely speaking from the heart, if my dream of creating a truly wild place for the last Mustang herds to live and flourish comes to fruition, THIS sculpture is what I would want out front…   But wherever its final destination, one cannot help but marvel at the splendor of the wild horse.  Remarkable.
HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!

If you want an update on THE GOLDEN CARROT SANCTUARY July Bucket Fund or to donate, please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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Talking Equines.

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

I know, I know, you were probably hoping for some Horse Whisperer Animal Communicator or something like that.   Me, too!  If I only knew how to speak Doolittle, I’d be a millionaire – or, more probably, no one would believe me.  Still I wish…

Anyway, instead, I’d like to speak about those famous equines who could talk.  Or, at least we thought they could talk when some of us were kids and saw the re-runs.  Yup, today’s topic features Francis and Ed, the talking mule and horse, respectively.

Do you know of them?

FRANCIS THE TALKING MULE

OK, I really only have a vague memory of Francis the talking mule.  I know there were a series of movies and from that came Mr. Ed.

Since I am a commercial producer (a person who produces commercials), I have a strong interest in all things filmic.  And, I also am very interested in equines so what is a better topic for me than a television mule?!  Well, there might be better topics but I chose equine chatterboxes for today.

First of all, there is hardly any information on Francis.  I guess that long ago, they didn’t care much to preserve the history about the actual animal, just the character.  Sigh.  But, I did find out that Francis was actually a female mule named, appropriately if not very inventive, Molly.

There was a country wide search for a mule that could be a TV star.  Molly was chosen because of her quiet demeanor.  They paid $350 for her.  I think that might have been a hefty price in those days.  But, it turned out to be a great investment!

FRANCIS JOINS THE ARMY

Click for excerpt from Francis

The idea behind the Francis movies (starting in 1950) came from a children’s book of short stories by Walter R. Brooks, including Ed Takes the Pledge. Brooks is also known for the Freddy the Pig series of children’s novels, which feature talking animals who interact with humans.  Obviously a great concept for kids who probably can communicate with the animals…

Anyway, the premise behind the initial

Chill Wills, the voice of Francis

Francis movie was that Francis the mule befriended a not so successful Private in the Army (played by Donald O’Connor).  The mule helped his hapless friend through many tight squeezes… but the comedy part was that the mule refused to let anyone else see him speak (just like Mr. Ed).  However, what I don’t get is that every movie had the mule reveal himself in the end.  I guess back then, “sequel” wasn’t in the forefront of their minds.  This concept of already revealing the gag didn’t seem to bother them because they made 6 movies after the first one and all of them started and ended with the same premise… wasn’t anyone in the Army watching?  Wasn’t the ruse up after #1?  I guess not…  Luckily for Molly, she had a long-term gig.  (click here for You-Tube short on Francis)

HOW DID THEY DO IT?

Molly was trained by famous stunt horse trainer, Les Hilton.  (Les also trained Will Roger’s horses.  He went on to train Mr. Ed… Back then, I guess there was little competition in “talking horse training”….)

With Molly (Francis), to train her to “speak”, Les tied a piece of clear fishing line inside her mouth and then tugged at the line.  She would want to remove it (can you blame her?)  so she would move her lips and tongue.  It worked. But, as you might imagine, they really never told anyone at the time how this was done…

MOLLY’S SUCCESS!

Molly and her movies were so successful, they made millions of dollars for Universal.   I’ve posted the trailer for the first movie.  It is fun to compare a trailer from 1950 to one from nowadays…  Anyway, the first movie was a huge success so they made 6 more.  You can buy them on Amazon.

Not only were the movies huge hits, but Francis had several Dell comic books and a record album.  Oh right, I forgot to mention that she/he was voiced by Chill Wills.  He was a character actor of that time.  (Interestingly, Chill also co-starred with Francis in one of the pictures.)  The album featured Chill Wills as Francis and he was backed by the Starlighters.  Can you imagine that now– Tim McGraw voices the Marley Sings soundtrack?   Actually, I guess it is done all the time… but more in animation like SHREK than in live action…

DONALD O’CONNOR

I really like Donald O’Connor.  However, I think he didn’t like being a part of the Francis the Talking Mule series.  You see, when the Francis movie first came out, Donald was fairly unknown.  The movie was such a hit, he ended up doing 6 movies with the mule.  Then, he quit.  He decided that the mule was more popular than he was.  In fact, he is famously quoted as saying that the mule got more fan mail then he did…  So, Donald had to be replaced.

The last Francis feature used Mickey Rooney as the protagonist who befriends the mule.

Click here for Original Francis Trailer

In this movie, they don’t really mention what happened to the Private, they just say that Francis used to live on the farm that Mickey Rooney now lives and the mule wanted to help him out due to his love for the former owner of the farm.  Unfortunately, this Francis movie didn’t do as well.  So, the franchise was over after the initial 7 movies.

MOLLY

Sadly, I could find no information about what happened to Molly after the series ended.  I did learn, however, that she won a very prestigious award!  Molly became the first animal to win the coveted Picture Animal Star of the Year from the American Humane Association in 1951.  She also came in second place for several years running.  So, one can only hope that she and her trophy lived in quiet but healthy obscurity,  like many retired film stars…

On a fun note, I read that Molly had to go on a strict diet after her first movie.  The poor gal gained 200 lbs because the cast and crew kept feeding her carrots and whatever else she wanted.  It was said that everyone loved the mule, except for maybe Donald O’Connor who felt he was second fiddle to her fame.

MR. ED (1961)

Mr. Ed fared better than Molly.  At least, we think so since Ed has much more information regarding his life after the pictures.

Ed was in real life a horse named Bamboo Harvester.  Wha?  Sounds like a primitive John Deere.  Anyway, he was a palomino of mutt decent, probably American Saddlebred and Arabian but no one knows for sure.

He was again trained by Les Hilton.  They used the same devices as with Molly.  However, Alan Young (Ed’s hapless co-star) revealed that Bamboo Harvester was so smart, he would move his lips whenever Alan quit moving his!  Crew members have remarked that even between takes, when Alan was simply talking to anyone and Bamboo happened to be on stage, the horse would flap his lips after Alan quit speaking.  Ha!

It is said by those who study these things, that you can view the actually progression in training of Bamboo when you view the old reels.  In the beginning, you can faintly see the wire.  Later, you can only see Ed flapping his lips.  And, later, they say that Bamboo starts to very intently watch Alan Young’s lips for his cue to start flapping.  And, happily, this intent stare at Alan’s lips made it appear that Bamboo cared what Alan was saying~

Mister Ed the horse was voiced by a lesser known cowboy star Alan “Rocky” Lane (speaking) and Sheldon Allman (singing, except his line in the theme song, which was sung by its composer, Jay Livingston.

BAMBOO AND ALAN

After reading up on Ed, it warms my heart to reveal that Alan loved that horse!  He visited Bamboo for many years after the show ended.  In fact, Alan was said to know the actual happenings surrounding the mystery of Ed’s death.  More on that later.

Alan loved being a part of the successful Mr. Ed show.  Alan played the hapless and accident prone architect, Wilbur.   Alan Young was grateful and kinda knew he wasn’t the star, the horse was…  Wilbur’s wife was the actress Carol Hines who also loved the chestnut gelding as did most of the cast and crew.

Shortly before Alan’s death, he revealed how they actually made Ed’s lips move in the beginning with the fishing wire. He also stated that Bamboo’s death was an accident which was never documented.  According to Alan, Bamboo died while Les was away from the stable.  Alan said that a stable hand saw Bamboo in distress (colic?) and gave the horse too much sedative and Bamboo died from the sedative.  (Now, who is to say that he wouldn’t have potentially died from his distress…) Alan says that Bamboo’s true date of death was never reported.  He also states that Les Hilton was so upset, he had Bamboo cremated and spread his ashes in an unknown but beloved destination.

PUMPKIN AND THE PRESS KIT HORSE

Bamboo had a stand-in who later became famous himself.  The stand-in was a quarter horse named Pumpkin who was also trained to flap his lips.  The two looked very much alike but Pumpkin was smaller with a pumpkin shape in his blaze.

Pumpkin and Bamboo

Pumpkin

were actually very close friends and they lived together at Les’s ranch.  Pumpkin went on to fame as the horse on Green Acres.

Bamboo also had a print promotion stand-in for all the tedious Photo shoots.  The name of this horse is unknown, but evidently, according to Alan Young, it was the press kit stand-in who died on the day which is officially noted as the day Bamboo/Ed died.   There was a big ceremony documenting the day Bamboo died but this was not actually Bamboo’s death, but the unnamed photo stand-in horse.

THAT SONG!

Most of us will remember the song.  At least I do…  So I wanted to print it here.

But, first a note about the song.  You see, no one wanted to be associated with a talking horse television show.  So, they couldn’t get anyone to sing the song except the composer, Jay Livingston.  I think that is very funny!  Too bad they didn’t have residuals at that time or this guy would be RICH!

Thank you for letting me muse through earlier times.  Thanks for reading and enjoy the lyrics!

A horse is a horse, of course, of course,
And no one can talk to a horse of course
That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mister Ed.

Go right to the source and ask the horse
He’ll give you the answer that you’ll endorse.
He’s always on a steady course.
Talk to Mister Ed.

People yakkity yak a streak and waste your time of day
But Mr. Ed will never speak unless he has something to say

A horse is a horse, of course, of course,
And this one’ll talk ’til his voice is hoarse.
You never heard of a talking horse?

Well listen to this: “I’m Mister Ed.”

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
If you want an update on THE GOLDEN CARROT SANCTUARY July Bucket Fund or to donate, please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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Artist: Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

WESTERN ARTIST:  NANCY DUNLOP CAWDREY

Yum!  The work looks like you could eat it!

Have you seen it in magazines or in galleries?

Well, it has been calling to me for a while.  I have three of her gallery ads ripped and stored in my binder.  Finally, I decided to quench my curiosity and I ventured to  Nancy’s website.

I learned a few fun facts and tidbits… She has lived in Montana for 30 years now.  Her father was in the military.  And, she feels Montana is a very inspirational place for her.

Donations

One of the aspects I really liked about her work is that she donated a piece that was auctioned to benefit of Glacier National Park.

"Open Range", my favorite, I think...

It is really nice when artists give back…  How do they do that?  Well, several pieces from various artists went on tour which generated income and then there was an auction of all the original pieces in May.  I cannot find the results but the exhibit was called, The Official Centennial Art of Glacier National Park Exhibit.  Nice!

BISON AND THE MONTANA WILDERNESS

Nancy says that the Montana wilderness has greatly inspired her over the years.  Well, you can see that in her work, for sure!  The bison is one of her favorite subjects… along with wildflowers and landscapes.

I’LL PAINT WITH ANYTHING!

For me, I think it is awe inspiring when an artist can paint or think up images to draw.  I’m totally unable to use my hands to create anything flat.  I simply cannot make a flat thing have dimension.  It doesn’t compute… So, when someone can do this AND do it using several types of medium, I’m always impressed.  Nancy works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, silk, pastel, and mixed media.  I can barely use a pencil…

PAINTING ON SILK

I wondered what it was like to paint on silk (not that I would have any frame of reference…).  Silk seems so slippery.  I wondered how she held it still and how she could manage the fabric and the paint.

To me,  the silk pieces seemed the most yummy and edible.  In the article, she says that silk is very organic and adds an element of surprise when she uses it.  Nancy cannot actually control it, just guide it.  Hmmmmm.  Personally, I love the juxtaposition of the vibrant silk colors with the heft of a bison or the flutter of a dragonfly.

LITTLE MOVIE

On the website, there was a short You-Tube movie.  In the movie, Nancy is in process on a silk painting of a moose.  She speaks of layering the color and how that works to effect depth and light.  It is fun to watch the piece progress.  She also explains that she starts with the piece on the floor, then moves it to a table then and easel.  At one point, she spreads rock salt on the piece to give “texture”.  Interesting…

OTHER FORMS WITH ART

So, of course again, here is an artist whose original work I cannot afford.  But, luckily for me and other in my boat, she has work that we can afford.  Scarves, cards, Christmas cards, posters, prints…

YAY, A BOOK!

My favorite was the book.  It looked so yummy and colorful.  She has a limited edition of signed versions but you can also get a hard cover or soft cover.

MY FAV

While I was on the website, I scoured it for the piece that I ripped out of a magazine a few times.  I couldn’t find the original on her site.  So, I ended up scanning the magazine page so I could show it to you.  I really loved it the first time I saw it.  The name is “Open Range” and I never did find it in any form on the site.  What a mystery!  I wonder if it was commissioned and sold, never to be repeated.  Dunno.  But, I loved it!

IN CONCLUSION

You can see by what I took off of the site, I really like the animals and nature pieces.  Flowers, bison, horses … but I also loved this one of the Baker.  Too Cute!  I would totally go into a shop that had that image as its sign.  Wouldn’t you?

MONTANA, HO!

So, next time you are in Bigfork Montana, go to Fox Creek Studios and sit a spell with Nancy.  The gallery is open 9-5, Monday through Friday!

Enjoy!

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
If you want an update on THE GOLDEN CARROT SANCTUARY July Bucket Fund or to donate, please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)

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On this 4th of July, Let’s discuss Parade Horses! Yippee!

Sunday, July 4th, 2010

Do we take Parade Horses for granted?  How about all that jazz and finery they lug around… not to mention the silver laden rider?!

Silly me.  Growing up in California, I thought every horse was a parade horse… I’d see the Rose Bowl Parade every year and think that is just what horses did….  Ha!  I sure had NO IDEA how special of an individual a horse would have to be to deal with all the craziness of a Parade!!  OMG! 

When I think about putting any of my horses in a parade right now, I may as well be contemplating my own demise.  Forgeddaboudit!  One horn blast or spinny, shiny thing and I’d be on the ground so fast, I’d hardly have time to see his hiney galloping off through a department store window.

(Bowing to the Parade Horse God…)

I would so love to meet a true parade quality horse face to face.  I bet his fuzzy mug could tell me stories beyond my wildest nightmares.  And, I would love the privilege to ride him.  I think that ride would be the most solid and animated ride ever!  I’d wear a headdress.  A big ol’ Chief of all the Indians 5′ tall headdress to defy Ru Paul.  Yup, I’d be so darn thrilled to be on a true, bomb-proof horse that I’d go ALL OUT for the first and probably only time.  Because, we all know that no horse, not even a parade horse, is bomb-proof.  But, the fantasy is really fun!

PARADE HORSES

Wow.  I don’t have enough to say to cover all the faboo photos I’ve garnered in the few hours I’ve been researching this topic!

But, you know what is sad?   There are no parade HORSES who are written about other than Trigger.  I really wanted to tell you about some specific, famous parade horse, but I found no stories.  I even emailed the person in charge of Parade Rules from USEF and asked about any specific Parade Horses that came to mind, but I didn’t hear back.  Boo Hoo!

So, I’ll just chatter about what I’m thinking on the subject of Parade Horses and hope that I can go on long enough to make room for all of the photos I wanted to post.

TWO TYPES OF PARADE HORSES

There are two groups of Parade Horses — Parade Horses that show in Parade Classes at horse shows and the Parade Horse who actually walks in parades.  This can be a big distinction.

PARADE CLASSES

So, there is a class in some breed shows called the Parade Class.  I have actually witnessed a Parade Class because I have Morgans and they do this — well, some of them do this.  Umm, well, actually, there were only 2 in the class.  But, those two individuals were MAGNIFICENT.  OMG.  I almost cried they were so paradey. They strutted their silvery stuff like nobody’s business!  It was if these horses knew that they were carrying around the national debt on their backs.  Oy!  I couldn’t imagine having to heft those saddles over a log let alone a 15’3 horse!  Holy Cannoli!  And the bridles… Wow.  All I can say is it would take a lot of patience, training and elbow grease to get these guys into the ring.  And, be sure to wear your sunglasses while watching or else the glints from the sun/lights could blind you!

I wanted to run up to those Morgan Parade Class horses and beg them to tell me how regal it felt in that moment.  I wanted to call Breyer and demand a new figure be created in this honor.  I was very, very dazzled by these parade horses.  Or maybe it was the finery, or maybe it was the at-ti-tude of the horse… whatever it was, the combination was electric.

PARADE CLASS RULES

These classes have rules just like any other class.  In fact, I’ll just print them here so you can see:

The Parade Horse must be a beautiful, stylish animal, displaying refinement and personality and present eye-appeal of horse and rider. The show parade horse may be of any color or combination of colors, of any breed or combination of breeds, stallions, mares or geldings. Good manners are essential, both in executing gaits and while lined up in the ring. Horses must be serviceably sound and in good condition. Since beauty is important, blemishes will be considered. Parade Horses must be shown with a full mane, braided if desired, and a tail that may be set prior to showing. An inconspicuously applied tail switch or top is permitted and a brace may be used. Entries must be over 14.2 hands. Ponies are not eligible for Parade Horse classes, however separate classes for ponies 14.2 hands and under may be offered for junior exhibitors and judged under the same rules.

The Parade Horse is shown at an animated walk and at a parade gait. The animated walk should be a graceful, four-beat, straight, brisk movement, but not a jog-trot. It should be slow enough to differentiate between the animated walk and the parade gait. The parade gait shall be a true, straight, high-prancing movement, square, collected and balanced with hocks well under. The maximum speed should be 5 MPH.
Parade Horses are shown under stock saddles with silver, Mexican or other appropriate equipment. The rider should wear attire that is both colorful and typical of the Old West, of American, Mexican, or Spanish origin, consisting of fancy cowboy suit, hat and boots. Spurs, guns, serapes, etc, are optional.
For specific information regarding Parade Horse or Pony classes, please visit the USEF Rule Book link above. Should you have any questions, please contact the USEF Breeds and Western Disciplines Department at (859) 258-2472.

Cool, eh?

FINDING A PARADE HORSE

I know that my trainer looked for years for a Parade Horse for one of his clients.  The horse had to be big enough to carry a heavy silver saddle and heavily bedazzled rider.  The horse had to be calm enough to remember his job in the ring and had to be talented and beautiful.  Tough job.

But, this horse also had to do the Rose Parade…

So, my trainer went to work training this massive, black gelding.  He would put the horse in the ring and try to think of every single disruptive event that could happen at a parade.  Then, he would go about desensitizing the horse to this stuff.  Rattles, buggies, baby carriages, umbrellas, flags, horns, popcorn machines, engines, calliopes, ticker tape, bags, balloons, noisy kids, jets engines (well, not really jet engines but the noise), garbage cans rolling, papers flying, kids running underneath… You name it, he did it.

My trainer was determined that NOTHING would go wrong.  I know, I used to watch in admiration.  He went to every parade he could find in Southern CA. And, very cleverly, he reenacted just about all the hazards available.  On top of that, the horse was trained inside the trailer.  He knew all the noises from inside his aluminum box stall.  Then there was the task of cleaning the tack.  Oy.  That took a week alone!

And, you know what?   That horse was prepared. That horse was incredible.  His owner was delighted.  And, much to my trainer’s chagrin, he was now going to have to do this every single year until death do us part…

POPULARITY – INDUSTRY

I have learned that silver saddles and parade get-ups were started in the 30s and 40s.  But, it was the Hollywood Cowboy that brought this era to light during the 50s and 60s.  In fact, this genre spawned a new industry in silver saddles and fantastical Western wear.

There was an article I read about the saddle makers of that era.  Here are some of the names:   Edward Bohlin, Frank Coenan, Keyston Brothers, Ted Flowers, Bruce Lovins, L. V. Frazer

I looked some of them up and then found a saddle collector.  His website was very interesting and informative.  He has a museum… cool.

I also poked around Ebay and did see a few for sale.  Here is a link to a private Parade saddle for sale.

I also wondered about the clothes but then decided that was for another post…

PARADE HORSE PHOTOS

I found a zillion photos.  I loved so many of them…  I found jousting parades and breed parades and military parades… Wow! I even found several home town parades… loved those.  So, here are several photos and I’ve left out even more.  I wish I could post them all.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!!!!!!

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