PNW’ers – A horseshow you shouldn’t miss!
Aug 06 2010
This weekend is the fourth annual Save A Forgotten Equine benefit horseshow, and this year it is taking place at Donida Farm in Auburn, Washington. If you’re within a couple of hours, you should go and here’s why:
- No show clothes required, so if you ever wanted to “try out” showing without making a huge investment in stuff you may never use again, here’s your chance! (Helmets required for youth riders, of course)
- LOTS of people who have never shown before, LOTS of horses who have never shown before. I can pretty much guarantee you will NOT feel silly if you make a mistake or your horse makes a mistake.
- A wide variety of classes, everything from dressage to games. The show bill is here.
- If you’re horse shopping, there will be a lot of rescued horses there for you to check out!
- Oh, and in case I haven’t said it enough times: SAFE is one rescue that I can personally vouch for — they follow up, they take horses back when necessary, they do not have OMG WE’RE OUT OF HAY – SEND US MONEY! crises, they do not have OOPS pregnancies, they do not have a million excuses why horses don’t look good (oh wait, that’s because the horses in their care DO look good), and so on. Most importantly, they put the spreadsheet from Quickbooks showing exactly where all the money is going on their public message board every month. You do not even have to login to read it. Who does that? I can’t think of another rescue that does, and I think it’s really impressive.
- Last but not least, I can’t go this year so you will not have to try to beat me and the forty year old toothless Appaloosa in Bribe Your Horse like last year. 
Click here for the show bill in PDF format
As long as we’re talking about it, if any rescues want to ask questions about how to put on a successful benefit show, that would be a great topic for today. If you’ve already done it, how about sharing your experiences about what did and didn’t work?
The mare shown below will be at the SAFE show for you to meet! She is a super nice double registered AQHA/APHA mare BUT she was a neglect seizure and so far no luck getting the papers (does not mean it’s impossible though). If you’re looking for that all around horse who will show and trail ride, Zuni is a mare you should meet! Click on her banner for more information.
93 comments to “PNW’ers – A horseshow you shouldn’t miss!”
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I love games!
I wish celebs would leave the poor horses alone. This situation doesn’t look very safe or happy which is a pitty because I like most of Gwen Stefani’s music.
http://x17online.com/celebrities/gwen_stefani/_x17_xclusive_kingston_goes_horseback_riding_gwens_got_another_one_along_for_the_ride-05152010.php
We enjoy horses, why shouldn’t celebrities? Of course I’d like to see him actually riding, not tied to the saddle, and wearing a helmet. But I don’t think the pony is being somehow abused because the child on his back happens to belong to a celebrity. I”m sure plenty of non-celeb kids ride those ponies too.
You know what I don’t understand? I don’t understand why celebrities with MEGA money still put their children on string ponies with crappy tack and ugly groom jobs, strap them on, and send them off to bounced around and flay around like total morons.
I’m gonna bet that Jackie O probably would have rather been caught naked than put her children on something like that. Her children most likely learned to ride properly, with training and care, on superb ponies. Then again, she was a woman of sense as well as popularity.
But haven’t we seen enough pictures of moms putting babies on ratty assembly line ponies now? Shuck out the extra $20, and turn it into a real lesson with a licensed instructor who will give your child a wonderful time, PRIVATELY. Or is it the new thing as a celebrity to put your babies at risk in public?
I totally agree! If your kid says they want to ride a horse/pony find a place and pay for lessons. God knows you have the money to do it, and maybe your child will learn something they can take with them through life.
Oh hell no Jackie O would not have had her kids on any Rattie string line ponies!!! Riding habits and the proppers for her kids at every lesson!
Jackie O was an entirely different person who grew up differently than Gwen Stefani. Jackie O was a horse person from childhood and I don’t think Gwen was. It does make a difference. Don’t judge Gwen based on Jackie, Gwen seems like a very conscientious person who has her children’s best interest at heart.
Personally I admire Jackie and Gwen not so much but I am giving her the benefit of the doubt here. I agree the child should have a helmet.
Princess Diana was no horse person.
She put one of the boys up, for two minutes, on a pony without a helmet, and unfortunately a photographer snapped the picture and, wow, I have never seen such a public outcry against her in all her life!!
She never did it again because:
a) she was and intelligent woman
b) she actually did care for her children instead of regarding them as fashion accessories!
That could be the case here too. Don’t know. I just think it is a little over the top to vilify this woman because of a picture. There is a huge difference between putting your child on a pony ride pony and paying for lessons with an instructor. When I clicked on the link there was a video of Gwen, her nanny I assume and her children and it appears as though she is a really good mother. I can’t imagine how it would be to live the way celebrities live. No wonder most of them are kooky. Heck, I am a horse person and have been since childhood and I have pictures of my very young daughter on a pony without a helmet and me spotting her of course with a huge smile on her face. And she survived it all despite me being irresponsible. I was taught western and we never used helmets. Today, I have a child’s helmet in my tack room just in case. The times have changed and so have the laws.
That’s true. But the point is, these people have the money to do the right thing. So maybe the child is put on a horse without a helmet. It’s wrong, but fine. But that picture has a pony with an improperly fitted bridle, a curb bit with no curb, a seriously nasty saddle, it looks like it gets groomed once a year, if that, and the child is strapped on and sent off in the hopes the pony is too stupid, too kind, or too decrepit to actually do something wrong. This is the second photo like this– I think Halle Berry was the other mother.
My point is this– if we are going to show these women as stellar mothers, then it would be nice if SOME effort was made to take a stand and say, “Here is a photo of Gwen’s child at a lesson” or “Here is a photo of Hally’s child with his/her new pony” instead of what they are showing. Seriously– my own mother wouldn’t let me ride those things for all the reasons I just posted, and she wasn’t particularly a horse person, nor were we rich.
I think I may have spoken a little quickly. I don’t think they shouldn’t have access to horses or ponies simply because they are celebrities. I just wish they would do it safely especially since they do have the money. The original picture I saw was on a different pony and he was not wearing a helmet or shoes and was again tied to the pony. It seems like riding is something that he enjoys. I really like Gwen Stefani, and I hope that in the future she can find a better way for Kingston to enjoy the sport. 4 years old is old enough to start riding lessons at most barns.
Yes, kids without helmets and proper footwear always sucks.
But what does Gwen Stefani have to do with the patrician Jackie Kennedy? Jackie was born to the manor, and spent her childhood estates in the Hamptons and Virginia. He stepdad was heir to Standard Oil. She was a President’s wife. Only the best would do.
Gwen was born in Anaheim, to middle class parents. She is a rock star. She probably had nothing to do with horses as a child. Disneyland, yes. Horses, no
Wish they had shows this cool in my area!
This one sucks. She would look cute in my tiny in-town yard…maybe the dog wouldn’t mind? Seriously, though, it would be nice to see this one get a good home (and possibly a good farrier).
http://spokane.craigslist.org/grd/1883426004.html
Yeah, that is a toughie. But, that is way more coherent and responsible than most ads written by 16 year olds who are looking for a new home for a lame horse. The horse isn’t skinny, has decent photos, and no obvious safety hazards. The only thing really objectionable is the fact that she’s keeping a horse (and apparently intends to have other horses in the future) but “can’t afford” to call a vet. I hope the mare finds a good home.
So… why are these horses from crappy ads always so gosh-darned tiny? Around here we call 14.2 a pony. It just seems like Western people have a superabundance of really really tiny horses.
Long Time reader, first time poster.
I just can’t figure out. What exactly is Bribe your horse in a show? Lol! I Bribe mine every day not to buck me off, I didn’t know I could win stuff for it!
One horse/handler at a time in the arena (unless you’re Patricia and trying to get sued, ha ha). You enter on foot. The horse ideally only has a halter & lead on but in any event can’t have a bridle on since that would be dangerous. Once the gate has closed, you unsnap the lead rope. Now you have to get the horse to follow you, by shaking a can of grain or similar, across the start line, around a course with things like barrels and poles and back over the start line. You cannot touch the horse at any time or you are disqualified. It is a speed event – the goal is to get your horse to follow you quickly and accurately. It works best with (a) horses that have done a lot of showmanship and (b) rescues that are still very food-obsessed. Oh, and ponies. LOL.
That sounds like an absolute riot! XD
Now that actually sounds fun. At the barn I used to go to, they had everyone in the arena at the same time. Everyone was supposed to bribe their horse from one end of the arena to the other, all at the same time. Wanna guess how that went? Someone fell and got their shoulder stepped on, but there were no fatalities. Luckily, I had opted not to participate.
Too bad we’re in Texas…my OTTB follows my husband like a puppy (actually part of his ground work/retraining that we started in the round pen). At the LOPE show he “blew” the in-hand trail because the first time, hubby didn’t walk over the wooden bridge. Second pass he followed him right over it.
Oh man, if green apples are allowed as “bribes” then Zorro and I would clean up at that event!!
Every day that I work with him, I practice leading in the round pen without a lead rope. He does great following me, even around obstacles. I use trash can lids instead of barrels because they are more portable.
I can usually “catch” him in the pasture and lead him to the gate without a halter or lead rope, although sometimes he pauses to graze several times
I could probably throw a green apple from one end of the arena to the other, and he would chase after it like a dog! I guess that doesn’t really count as “following” though…
Are you aloud to use twinkies or other pasteries to bribe your horse with? Mine LOVES mini cherry turnovers! …not that she gets them often but she even once bit another horse over a cinnamon bun. She’s usually very docile when it comes to feeding times, just don’t get between a girl and her pastries!
You can use any treat that is not too easy to drop on the ground – hay doesn’t work because you leave a trail to distract others.
Pfft. I had an appy gelding who would have done it without any food at all, just for the love of following. I also had a food obsessed mare who would have evaluated the total number of calories burned, measured that against the probable returns from the treats or grain bucket, and refused to move faster than a walk. Then again… I still maintain that she was able to gain weight by sniffing grain, so perhaps she was able to stand in the middle of the arena and still get satisfaction?
One of my friends had a gelding like that, he’d even ignore food to follow her around. One time as joke she ran away from him and jumped over a 2′ wall that was set up in the arena…darn if that horse didn’t follow her right over!
I love your blog! I remember the first time I read it when I was 10 and I thought you were sooo mean. All horses are BEEYOOTIFUL! Haha
Now the years have made me wiser
The bribe your horse would be perfect for my food obsessed 18 yr old navicular fat quarter horsexmorgan gelding murphy. That horse would follow you through a fire if you were holding grain!
I wish we had shows like this around here. Before I had to retire my gelding, I would have loved to show him walk/trot (he has cantering issues) but I’m not going to all of the hassle of taking a horse to a show for ONE class. I love the idea of older horses being allowed to be shown two-handed in a snaffle bit, too.
I think a charity horse show supporting area rescues (there are two near me) would be FANTASTIC, GREAT fun with fun classes and, as you say, no show clothes but “boots and helmet” for those participating.
I’d be willing to bet people have BOXES of old trophies and ribbons in tackrooms (mine are in the garage ;o) that could be happily donated to the group putting on the show so the expenses would be kept at a minimum–and who wouldn’t love to win an award at a show like this ;o)
What a good idea ;o)
This sounds like fun! I wish I could find shows like this in my area, but **dramatic sigh** I have to wait until next year to do any showing with my mare. I’m not even interested in prizes or points, I just want to go out and have fun with my horse! That, and to show her off after the months of hard work and nutrition transforming her from scrawny to sexy.
And I would love to do the Bribe Your Horse game because I could win it with a single Red Vine. I think they taste like red plastic, but she loves them.
Anyone know of any good shows or rescues in the Atchison, KS area? We’re moving there on the 14th, and I would love to continue my service with equine rescue when I get there. Plus, now that we own a 5 acre farm, I would love adopt a new herd member to our little family in the near future.
You’re headed to a “horsey” area…don’t know of any rescues in the area but I know the Kansas FQHR affliate has classes for non-members – http://www.kfqhra.com/, and the shows are alot of fun. I also remember a show group in the St Joe MO area (30 minutes away) that was pretty much “open”….Three Rivers something or other was the name….
Good Luck!
Awesome! Thanks so much.
Just a note for safety…….some horses don’t take kindly to their owners running away with the grain and it can become a chase game which they win by biting or striking and I’ve seen both happen…..so before you take off running with pail in hand be sure your horse understands the game….no fun to get run over by a pissed off horse.
I think there is a definite problem with any horse that offers to chase, strike, or bite a human for any reason, especially their owner/handler. If we think of it in terms of herd behavior; a horse that does this believes he is higher in pecking order than you and it is just a matter of time before something different happens. This could easily be addressed by reminding the horse through training that we are “boss mare” and we can take food any time that we want. I don’t claim to be anything but an amateur trainer so I will defer to others about teaching respect to horses. My horses love me and come running when I come to the pastures. However, they look at me as though I am the boss mare and move out of my way as I walk and not visa versa. I want to stay safe and they are too big and fast to allow disrespect from. Please do not confuse fear with respect. A horse can trust you not to hurt him but still know that you are higher in the herd. Even when horses are spooked, they do not bump into other horses that are higher in pecking order. We must have trust AND respect to be a true horseman/woman. I expect my horses to never bite, chase, or disrespect me in any way. Even stepping on our toes (unless they have been truly spooked) is a show of disrespect as they though you should move your foot. They know exactly where their feet are.
Oh how I wish I was closer!! Dang…
I want games. I’ve moved past all the conventional classes. I’d fall in love with extreme trail challenge, except that those people all seem half crazed and gallop everywhere. But games are what bring me to a show.
Ride-a-buck
Egg-and-spoon
Waterglass
Ribbon class
Apple Bob
Catalog Race
Command Class
Costume
Baby Bottle
Flag Race
And anything else that someone with an anything horse can go into and enjoy. It’s what draws me to shows now.
What is baby bottle might I ask? LOL
You ride double bareback on a horse. The rider in front holds the bottle for the rider in back, who drinks whatever ‘interesting’ liquid the show management decides to tort– … uh… grace them with.
First rider combo to finish the bottle wins. The horses are ridden at a walk, usually, although tough classes can manage a jog sometimes. Special note: Do NOT put a cold drink into the bottle. If the nipple comes off the bottle, and it spills on the horse, it can cause a wreck.
I live in about the smallest county in Illinois. Last year at our 4-H horse show, the fun class was the game Get Your Shirt. They found out all the kids names and had t-shirts made with their names on one. They were soaked down with water and divided them up and wadded them up in piles and froze them. The piles of shirts were then put into one of 4 coolers. The kids had to ride to the end of the arena and dig through the piles of frozen t-shirts and find the one with their name on it. Then put it on and ride back to the other end to win the class. Oh, my god, it was such a hoot watching those kids dig through those piles and put that frozen, cold t-shirt on and race back to the other end. It was my best friends’ daughters first year. She was 8, and she smoked ALL of the older kids. What a riot. I never thought and 8 year old could be ten feet tall; but she was after winning that game. I am not the superintendent of horses, but could someone give me some more ideas for different games that i could suggest for next year? Ride a buck and egg and spoon are fine. We just need something different for the kids. Bribe a horse is one i will surely suggest for next year.
Wild game!
We used to do one called “Fit to be Tied” where pairs of riders were given a light rope of I believe 5 or 6 feet. Each rider had to hang onto one end of it as the judge called the class through various transitions, changes of directions, etc. Especially tricky at our barn since your horse was drawn from a hat out of several dozen possibilities, so even if you had a friend to ride with, you couldn’t rule out that you’d have 2 wildly size or speed mismatched horses!
Anyway, you’re out if you miss a transition or drop the rope. Of course, the danger is that too-determined kids get themselves yanked off…. but it’s a nifty game, rewarding drill team precision in transitions, turning, etc.
That is great! We did have something one year where they took a boot from each kid, piled them at the other end of the arena, then the kids had to ride down, dismount, find their boot in the pile, put it on, and ride back. First one back won. NOT the safest version of the race! I like your idea better.
Musical stalls (the stalls are made from poles on the grounds, works just the same way as musical chairs…must have rules against deliberate collision)
Simon Says (I used to play that a lot as a kid and its fun…especially on ahem voice controlled schoolies
)
That horse is just absolutely handsome. I have a weak spot for short, stocky horses. It’s hard to explain, considering all I ride are leggy 17 hand horses. I love them too. But short horses generally seem to be a little quicker on their feet. Less body to maneuver, I suppose.
I’m bad about being off topic, too.
I’ve never been to a horse show, as of yet. But they look like a lot of fun, and a lot of work too. Lost my job as a part-time stable hand to someone who was able to work full-time, so I didn’t get to see any shows there either. Well….dang. :/
Also!
Due to some rather unfortunate circumstances, my friend is having to sell off her two awesome geldings.
I’m not sure if the other has been sold yet, but Frankie, a QH gelding, who is just absolutely gorgeous, is up for sale.
I can personally vouch that this is an awesome horse, who deserves a really good home. The pictures in the ad aren’t fantastic, but if you want some extra photos of him, I have a number of them from a few years ago.
His Craigslist Ad: http://austin.craigslist.org/grd/1881347631.html
Too bad I’m not in a place to buy right now or I’d snap this cute guy up. I’m in that area too, I ride in Bertram.
Thanks for making me feel like I’m not trying in vain.
I learned to ride on this horse, and I just really want him to go to a good home.
On a side not: Hey, another Texan!
I was starting to feel like I was alone in here. Haha.
I just showed at a rescue fundraiser show last weekend – benefited New Vocations retired racehorse program here in Ohio
They had classes just for Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. There was also a “War Horse” class for Thoroughbreds who raced more than 50 times or won more than $100,000 – and our barn had one to bring 
They read out brief bios of each horse’s racing career when they announced the placings, which I thought was really cool.
It was really nice. I happened to be showing an OTTB (granted, a 25 y/o OTTB, so he’s long removed from the track), and they had a nice little TB recognition ceremony at lunch break and gave us all a free T-Shirt after we paraded our TBs around. Had free breakfast, free tent for dads to hang out in w/ refreshments, etc. Lots of classes for beginner horses, but all the way up to 3′ hunters too, and dressage. All in all, a very well put on show! I’d just love to adopt an OTTB one day… which may come sooner now. My 40+ y/o pony passed away on Wednesday
Out of the blue and unexpectedly, exactly how I wished him to go – no injury or illness, in his sleep so to speak. I can only afford one horse at a time, so … I guess that’s the only silver lining in that, though I’ll miss him terribly :*(
anyways, I’m sure we’ll do the New Vocations show again next year
My coach’s wife has run it for them the past two years.
Aw, I’m sorry about your pony! But what a great, long life.
Off topic, but I got this in an email and thought it was cute, its a dogs ten commandments, but it could apply to the hooved fuzzies too…
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
That made me cry!
Awww Thanks for sharing this— One of our old farm dogs is getting “wobbly” in the hips quite a bit- some days are better than others but he is 15 and can’t see well either and some days is really struggling. Others he is chasing bicyclists again. His time will come soon- hate to see it. : (
They were all great except the last one.
Seriously, the animal does not know it is facing death when it is PTS. It does not know the shot is lethal or anything more than a sedative. It’s unclear if animals have a concept of self-mortality. There is nothing for them to “face alone” because the animals does not know what is about to happen, and while it happens it doesn’t know that it is dying.
For some reason people feel compelled to tell others that they must observe their animal’s death, as in “you owe it to them” type of sentiment when in reality, what you DO owe them is release from suffering if it is a reasonable course of action.
I’ve held my animals through most of euthanasias, but there were some that I couldn’t (usually because the last one was too recent and I was still hurting). I always knew that, either way, it was for my benefit.
Number 10 should read:
“Please have the courage to give me a painless, peaceful end to life. Say goodbye to me if I am sick beyond medical intervention and suffering irrevocably. Do not hold on to me for your sake, or to avoid grief. Have the grace to let me go when the time comes.”
I worked at as a vet tech for three years and when I first started I was dissapointed with people that didn’t stay with their pet, but soon learned it is a personal decision. I have always been with my dogs when they were put down, MY decision, I just feel they are not as nervous (about being at the vets) if I’m with them. My husband has never been able to come with me.
My decision on whether or not to be with my pet at the time of euthenasia is based on what is the least stressful for the animal. They may not have any perception of impending death, but they do experience stress… they are being handled and injected by someone they are not used to on a day to day basis. Many times, they are in a vet’s office or other strange place.
If I can’t control my emotions, it is better to let the vet and vet techs handle it because my pet would be even more stressed by seeing me in distress. If I can control my emotion, I will be there for them until they are gone so that they will feel they are safe with me.
If I have the time/opportunity to make the choice, I will ask the vet to make a house call. I did this with my old cat, Missey. She was 19 and in failing health. When I could tell that we weren’t keeping her comfortable any more, I asked the vet if he would come to the house rather than stress her by taking her to the office. Dr. Middleton showed up with one of the techs from the office. It was the most gentle and peaceful passing I have ever experienced. Missey slipped away quietly in the home she’d known for the last 17 years, surrounded by her humans and fellow animal housemates.
Tiger was another matter. Only 12 years old, he went into sudden renal failure that could not be reversed despite round the clock nursing in the vets office for the better part of a week. Once the decision had been made to let him go, my hubby and I went to the vet’s office Garry could not control his tears so he opted to leave the room. I had Garry leave his vest with me and Tiger passed away in my arms with familiar smells in his nose and my voice in his ears. It wasn’t the kind of passing I would have hoped for, but it was better than the worst.
I’ve also had a dog that needed to be PTS due to cancer. My mom was also dying of cancer at the time and I was totally distraught. In this case, I said my goodbyes and left the room. I wanted to be there, but i knew that I would just stress the dog more with my presence.
I’m not going to cast any aspersions on owners who choose not to be there as long as they are responsible about it.
I agree completely with your post. The PET doesn’t know it’s being put to sleep, but a hysterical owner could definitely tip it off. If you can’t be calm, it may be better to feed a treat and leave the room. I’m usually fine, but I did have one I just couldn’t watch.
My old 4H club always used to joke that we went to the state fair to win the costume class, LOL! We never had the “class” of horse to win the “real” classes but we always had fun and loved the fun classes…They are really what its all about anyways, sharing a good enough bond with your horse to do something other than walk, trot and canter
We would love this, but it’s too far. We just participated in a “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” breast cancer fundraiser sponsored by the ASQHA. It was FANTASTIC.
Fun, breezy, the judge (who was awesome) explained herself at the end of each class so everyone could see what she was looking at/seeing during the classes, what she was looking for overall and what the “ideal” was that we could strive toward.
Wonderful fun.
I haven’t ever put one on, but it looks like a LOT of work, and of course, the best ones make it look effortless. I would love to shadow someone who is organizing a fundraiser show so I could see what it takes.
“Tough Enough to Wear Pink” is also the theme for several area barrel race clubs. A fantastic way to support breast cancer research, imho.
*sigh* I wish I had a horse to take to the event and the funds to do so. Ah, well. There’s always next time when I do finally get myself a horse and can afford it. ^^
For those of you who are going, have fun!
Off-Topic Stuff Below!
I’m going through Craigslist looking at local horses for sale. Most of the ones I’ve come across so far seem too young or need training, which, if I were in the market, would not be for me. I’m going through horses looking to see if I can spot a keeper so when I am looking for a horse of my own, I’ll know how good of an eye I have (or don’t have). I found this horse and couldn’t help but laugh.
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/1881532619.html
“Beautiful conformation and in excellent condition”; I will say that she looks healthy, but where’s this beautiful conformation of which you speak? Her hindquarters look small and look like they came from a different horse. Also, those back legs don’t look so pretty. Am I seeing back at the knee on those front legs, too? And those pasterns look bulgy, though it might just be the picture. Oh, and there’s something about the area where her neck meets her chest…a slight nest, maybe? Say she’s nineteen “but looks much younger”; I get weary when I see that.
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/1881530577.html
I thought this was just funny. “Beautiful and fast running paint mare for sale 1,500. Have coggins records. Please call ** or email. Is ready for riding. Thank you and God Bless.” God Bless…we talked about this, didn’t we, somewhere? Anyway, the images are rather hard to see so I can’t say much about the horse itself.
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/1881087381.html
Another one that’s a little hard to see, but from what I can tell, she looks kinda cute. On the shorter end for me, so she might not do for me personally, and she’s not registered, which always worries me when I see that. That bridle on her, though, doesn’t look right. Maybe the noseband is too high or am I seeing things? Then again, now that I look at the hocks, something doesn’t seem right, thought its hard telling with these pictures.
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/1880870009.html
Mom always said, if it sounds too good to be true, then it must be. There aren’t any pictures of this horse and he’s an OTTB. I’ve had my experiences with Thoroughbreds, which weren’t so good, so I stay away from them.
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/1880114762.html
Definitely not for me, but I had to look. Images are low quality so its hard to see exact details. What do you guys think? Cute gelding or good stallion?
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/1878686710.html
No pictures in this one either, but what the heck is ‘dead broke’?!
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/1875879791.html
OMG!! Its rare! 1/2 Lipizzaner Sporthorse! Double registered, apparently, but I want to know what the other half is. I use to love Lipizzaner as a kid and I know they aren’t common…but I personally don’t understand why you would crossbreed a Lipizzaner to anything. Could just be me personally. No pics with this one either.
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/1875776434.html
I looked at this horse, saw the conformation and loved him (from what I can tell, he looks pretty good). Then I started reading the description and my heart broke. “He is trained and has passed level two of Parelli Natural Horsemanship”. NOOO!
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/1875328750.html
A bit on the shorter end for me, but I really like this guy. The picture doesn’t show all of his conformation, but he looks good in it. Granted, I would have to look at this guy before I would say ‘sold’, of course. But I’m bored at home right now and I thought I would keep dreaming. Anyway, the only thing that’s bothering me is the fact that the owner says “I don’t believe that this horse will get fresh or frisky if turned out for long periods of time.” I don’t know what that means, but sure…
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/1869490035.html
Eeek! Oh…its a weanling… In the hopes of finding some newer pictures of this horse, I went to their website and did a face-palm. (http://www.circlecsaddlebreds.com/) “Circled by Christ and promoting His word to all that will listen!” and “Foals for Christ “. Oy… Also, there’s an image of a horse jumping and I can see ribs. Last time I saw a horse jump during a lesson, the horse didn’t show ribs…
I should probably stop here. xD
That last one frightened me quite a bit. Feel free to comment on how I’m doing with catching good/bad horses for sale…
Sure, I’ll play. Probably if you’re going to buy a horse in a Western part of the country you need to get up on Western terms, like “dead broke.” That means roughly, “bombproof,” or sometimes, “Well trained.”
1) I kinda like this mare. There’s something off about her front legs, but her rear isn’t as weak as it looks – seems like the angle of the picture. Buying a 19 year old not that well trained mare isn’t going to make much sense for most people.
I would buy a horse that was Parelli trained, but not lease one. Talk about a can of worms, when you don’t use your carrot stick appropriately and the rabid owner sues you for breach of insanity.
2) She’s cute. Why is she in a bronc halter? And once again, the traditional Hispanic disregard for child safety.
3) Again, you should probably get up to speed on Western gear. That noseband is supposed to fit like that. Once again, a pony-sized Western “horse.” Nice for a child to ride trails on, I guess, but in TN we expect horses to be bigger than ponies.
4) Without a pic this could be anything from a unicorn to a Great Dane. I would write them for pictures.
5) Again with the tiny tiny horses. At least this one is technically one inch too large to qualify as a pony. I expect Arabs to be tiny, but QH and Paints should really be large enough that your legs don’t drag the ground. Apart from his size this is a very handsome fellow, maybe not stallion quality but not a fugly either. What is with the weird swelling on the front of his neck?
6) No age, no height, no pic, no sale.
7) Yeah really, Lipizzaner and WHAT? And Lipizzaners, though amazing horses, are a pretty specific beastie… not exactly known as legendary jumpers, as this ad suggests. 15 months is awfully young to be making bets on how an exotic cross is going to turn out.
9) This is a nice enough backyard/trail horse for one quarter of the price they’re asking. I really do not like his rump. He is not pretty enough for the show ring and has no useful skills.
10) I don’t know enough about Saddlebreds to pass judgment on his breeding, and at this stage he looks just as weedy as any other weanling.
Well, that’s my take. Anyone else feel like taking a crack at it?
“5) Again with the tiny tiny horses. At least this one is technically one inch too large to qualify as a pony. I expect Arabs to be tiny, but QH and Paints should really be large enough that your legs don’t drag the ground.”
Can’t disagree, but I have two foundation QHs, one is barely 13.2h and the other is 14.05, yes not 14.0 and not 14.1 but in between. Smart Little Lena is a legendary QH and not foundation bred, and he is only 13.2. Those little horses are agile and they can work a cow like nobody’s business. Plus, they are easy to groom and ride and they eat less. Just an added bonus. Ha ha!
I went last year and had a blast! What a great event and a great cause to support! My horse and I even received a high point which was awesome! Bribe your horse and barrel racing was so much fun! Loved the fun classes. Sadly I cannot attend this year.
But I encourage anyone in the area to check it out! The atmosphere was super relaxed and they had quite a few vendors which were fun to look at in between classes.
That horse sure looks handsome. Must be the clip job. Will Sarge be there? I’ve been out of the loop for some time.
Are the horses in the portables near the main barn?
This is off topic (slightly) but since we are talking about benefit horse shows for rescues I just thought I would post here about my two horses that we have for sale. Turtle is a former CBER rescue, he is a 15 yr old Appy and just the best boy ever *(Yes, I am very biased about him). He is one hell of a trail horse and would need a confident rider. But having said that, he bonds strongly to whomever is his leader. I have him listed on Dreamhorse under the Appy section (Washington State) I have only trail ridden him and know that he would go far with somebody smarter than me. We also have a 25 yr old Standardbred for sale. AWESOME doesnt even describe him, in fact there are not enough adjectives that I could use to describe him. We have only used him as a trail horse, but with his personality and good looks he would do wonderful with a youth rider. Sampson is 17.1 hands so not suitable for a little person, but for a younger teen would be perfect.
It breaks my heart to be selling these boys as this is not a place I thought I would ever be. Due to my husbands severe allergies to hay and his arthritic shoulders we are trying to find these boys a good home. I also just found out that I may be facing a possible lay off in October. We would want to see the facilities that they are rehomed to and speak with references. If anybody is interested you can reach my by email at mkpatrick050470@yahoo.com. I would be happy to email you pictures. Hope you all have fun at the show this weekend.
Ok this may be a bit OT but I need an answer!
My gelding murphy recently developed navicular. They put those shoes on him (forget the name) they said wait 1-2 weeks and he should be sound.
Although he is a lot better he is still lame at the walk and trot. Should I give him more time? What can I do to help him? It’s really sad to see him limping in his paddock cuz he taught me how to ride
Egg bar shoes? Personally I am not a huge fan, but I think they work in some cases.
What does your vet say? Maybe get a second opinion.
I like to leave navicular horses barefoot, with quality trimming, and 24/7 turnout. Isoxuprine does help and isn’t wildly expensive. I’ve also had Adequan help – I don’t know if I can explain WHY it helps, but it helps.
Thanks!
I think he has egg bar shoes (need to check tonight dont remember!)
They also shaved his toe down and the farrier said he should have these shoes on. Does bare foot really work? Cuz these shoes ain’t cheap
I too believe barefoot is the way to go for navicular (and other problems) …..remember navicular is not a disease but a ‘syndrome’ caused by improper trims, shoeing, wrong angles…..one or all create an unbalanced foot which in turn puts stress on the navicular bone. This problem doesn’t just pop up overnight, the horse shows subtle signs of being sore or ‘off’ or crabby long before actually lame. Lots of times a horse will get pads because they seem to be ‘tender’…when it may very well be the beginning of navicular. Lots and lots of information on the net, many opinions.
I actually *don’t* think navicular is caused by shoeing. The reason is that I grew up in England…and I didn’t know what navicular *was* until I came to the states. I think its more likely caused by riding two year olds, with a possible genetic propensity in the stock breeds.
I don’t think that the overall quality of English farriers is that much better (although people in England ARE more willing to go barefoot…but). So, I think its something else, something specifically American, and the big difference may well be age of breaking. In England, its normal to back at three then bring into full work at four.
I think it *can* be caused by bad shoeing. Or rather, I believe that symptoms that appear to be navicular can manifest as a direct result of bad shoeing. Pinch the heels and I guarantee you, it WILL move like a horse with navicular!
But I also agree with your point that sitting on 2 year olds never leads to anything good.
I know I babble a lot about DEFHR here but the mare at the bottom really made me want to comment and say this:
I’ve seen a lot of cases where the papers were delayed, some were handled with rather nicely (I use that term loosely, of course) in a few months but I knew one pair of messed up mares who’s case sat for a good five or six years before it finally got dealt with. One of the mares died (the mother, she was quite elder) but the people who had dutifully fostered them at DEFHR still loved the other mare (now around 16 or 17 I think) and held on for all those years to adopt her. Truly heartwarming to me at least- and I thought it might give someone hope or a nudge to go for that mare at the bottom. Firefly and Glamor both could not have their pictures taken; and on open houses we had to hide them in the barn for fear that someone who knew the people would see them and know where they were. Their situation was rather messed up- for the average of our cases we just were not allowed to adopt them out until the papers went through- as is obviously the case with this mare since she’s pictured right there. I saw many neglect cases go through in as little as a week but I remember it averaging from 2-8 months for most horses, the longer end of the scope was usually when a ton of horses were seized as opposed to one or two. I’ve tended to observe that the more messed up or twisted the situation (uncertainty over the actual ownership of animals if a divorce was recent, criminal activity involved, things like that.) the longer it will take. Of course I don’t know how much time she’s already been there waiting for her papers- but hope is definitely not lost to anyone who thinks she’s cute!
Of course that’s just my personal experience. I don’t want people flying at me saying IT NEVER TAKES THAT LONG or YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT. Many rescues have wonderful foster programs and so there’s no reason you can’t still love on her like your own while you’re waiting for due process to kick in
I’m not a rescue, but I have organized a benefit horse show so I thought maybe something I say could be helpful.
Last fall, I did a benefit show for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for my internship. The planning was very short-term and the show happened in three weeks. Not the way we wanted it to be, but we decided to def. have it a little late and wanted to host it while the weather was still okay and prior to QH Congress in which the barn owner would be away. I’m now in the process of co-planning a second one to be held again this October.
Good things/Things that worked:
-Advertise EVERYWHERE. In every place you hang a flyer, at least one person will at least be interested in horses/helping the cause. We put them in schools, in stores, advertised on craigs list, the barn website, sent emails, used face book. We ended up having a pretty good turnout that included people that weren’t somehow associated with someone from the barn.
-Get media attention. I managed to find a news station that had a “good news” section and they liked to focus on stories that promoted good things. They came out to the barn and we had an interview where they talked to myself and the B.O. about the show and taped a bit of us riding.
(see article: http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=11267898)
Bad Things:
-The fact that we did the planning in 3 weeks didn’t really help us out. The show was largely disorganized and didn’t flow very well. It was also very long (way too many classes!). And in the midst of all my planning, I’d completely forgotten a judge. So, my advice is to give yourself more than enough time to plan, and to check everything over and then have someone else check it over!
-I know you can’t always pick the weather, but planning for bad weather and having the space available is a good thing. While we had planned to host it in the indoor, we had planned for sunny weather and dry (we’re in MI) in October, which obviously wasn’t really realistic. So we had planned on having the end doors open so people didn’t feel so squished. Unfort. the weather did not cooperate (surprise, surprise) and if you didn’t want to be wet you had to stand in the small space we had set aside.
I’m tired and my brain shut off, but if anyone wants to ask me any questions about it, let me know. I know that this time around will be fantastic and much better planned out. Think it all thru. It was my first time planning it but now I know what works and what doesn’t and how all that goes around.
I’m on the board of directors for a local kitten rescue, and I’m also a big time horse person. I show a lot, and came up with the idea to try and host a benefit horse show to help the rescue. Could you possibly email me with a little more about how you went about it? I’ve looked in to locations locally, and looked at buying ribbons, I have people who could judge. Not sure if there were any more details that I’m not thinking of??? Thanks! Shannon….osucowgirl01@yahoo.com
The best part about fun shows is, you don’t need an official or carded judge for the classes. An FFA teacher or high school rodeo team advisor or someone from out of the area who would be willing to work for food (;o) would certainly suffice–and even someone who is local and who knows everyone would be able to “judge” the fastest time or who at the end of the “race” still has the egg in the spoon or the buck under the butt or whatever.
Newspapers often have free community calendar items, as well–and painting a sign in the rear window of cars or vans advertising the show “temporarily” with a huge phone number for more information works well, too.
The weather is always a bug, whether you’re worried about rain, high or low temperatures and/or wind. Evening shows are popular here in the summer, with signups at 3 p.m., show starts at 4 p.m. and competing under lights (if you have a facility WITH lights, of course ;o)
And yes, have “many hands” to make work light. And many BRAINS to check and recheck. Insurance, EMT on site (many programs have “training hours” for their EMT newbies and they work for donations to the EMT program — we use them a lot in our dressage shows where our insurance, provided by the state association, requires an EMT on the premises before the show can begin), vet and shoer “on call,” etc.
Snack bar — always nice, always a good way to raise money (buy a case of bottled water for $4, sell bottles for 50 cents or a dollar) but takes a LOT of work and planning. Our wonderful state of CA has laws about food prepared offsite and offered for sale (health concerns) so having “real food” may be an issue unless someone has a food stand license and would donate services (just reimbursement for expenses). Snack items (packages of cookies, chips, bananas, apples, oranges, grapes) are also popular and for a fun show would BE fun ;o)
I mentioned about the donated ribbons and trophies. White Elephant shows, I think they are called.
Raffle items are also good — $1 a ticket or 6 tickets for $5 — but you need someone there JUST to sell the tickets and keep track of things. Donations from area tack stores are always appreciated (and less $$ than if you have to buy things ;o) and sometimes “gently used” items or “re-gifted” items donated to the cause will make fun prizes. And spectators can participate in helping raise money (by buying tickets and snacks rather than entering shows).
Class sponsors are good too — maybe offering free entry to a class for each competitor who brings in one class sponsor. Make the sponsorship low cost ($10?) and use that money to provide free advertising to the person/business paying the sponsorship.
RESULTS: Send the results to your local paper or other news outlet and give the winners another souvenir. A brief show report is also where you can thank sponsors, the judge, EMT, vet, shoer, and those on the committee who worked hard that day.
What’s a ride-a-buck class?
You ride bareback with a dollar bill between your butt and the horse. Last one who still has their dollar wins! You can’t touch it, of course. You just need to have a good seat!
I’ve done it with a saddle too. I’m also fond of the variant where you have to carry a cup of water, but you can’t do that as much over here on English trained horses because it *really* needs a horse that can neck rein.
Cathy, that mare looks fabulous for 40 years old! You look like you are hoofing it too just to stay ahead of her!
He’s a boy, and heck YES I was running as hard as I could!
He’s a testimonial to what happens when you actually get off your butt and soak mush for a horse 2x a day. It is not that damn hard but for some reason too many owners won’t do it.
Cathy, I don’t know how to find your e-mail address but I want to contact you about helping to find a home for my rescued OTTB. I always believed I would keep him forever but he needs more emotionally than I am able to give now.. I am terrified of trying to “sell” him as he likely would be a prime candidate for a truck to Mexico because he is a “sensitive” TB that has been a pasture pet for a few years. I found him in 2001 starving to death behind a dairy barn in WI in appalling conditions. Since he is tattoed I was able to identify him and it turns out he was born in New Zealand and shipped to CA as a 3 year old colt. I have had a few traumatic events in the last year (including a severely broken wrist from a fall off my green “dream horse,” the unexpected death of a new horse (also a rehab case) due to illness who I bought to help me regain confidence. (and nearly drained my savings on vet, chirpractic, senior feed and supplements)
My Chester needs a loving, patient, experienced home where he will be completely doted on. He is a gorgeous 16 h chestnut with flaxen m/t. He does have issues with head shyness and is leary of buckets and plastic bags (I suspect there was also abuse in his past) I am aso trying to sell my young fjord mare. I am lost right now and when I am ready would like to find a “teacher” type horse to help me find my way again. I am located in NE WI/Southern UP. If you know of ANYone that could provide him with a loving permanent home, that would stay in touch with me PLEASE let me know!
OMG!!!! Talk about some FUGGGGGLY YEARLINGS!!!
http://fayar.craigslist.org/grd/1886745783.html
Goodness that bay colt is thin.
How can you really tell? They all look like they are starving!
Off topic, yet so VERY pertinent to the blog philosophy: I can’t even suggest upgrading this thing.
http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/grd/1881449848.html
Just wanted to let everyone know about a so called rescue in CO. I have some ? about it. It lookes and smells like a Puppy mill and more. What you think. Lots of promisses but I don’t see any out come. They say they offer alot of things and will take your money. Then they say in the near future it will be tax deductible? Hmmm. What do you think Fugly. They say they are a Rescue.
You have to tell me which one if you want to know what I think!
I’m not Fugly…but…
Nobody can breed four different breeds of dog well.
And then they have puppies from even more breeds for sale…are they charging hundreds of dollars a piece for rescue pups? Do these puppies have papers?
They’re selling one in foal mare, one with a foal, and one ‘possibly’ in foal…but they aren’t mentioning who the sire is. Stud down the road? A yearling they hadn’t gelded yet? One of their rescues?
It COULD just be a bad web site, but I’m wary of this one.
Sorry here is the link it didn’t past. http://www.lilhavenranch.com/index.html
Puppy mill! Funny how all the ‘rescue dogs’ are puppies, all cute, popular breeds, and for sale for up to $1500. Puppy mill.
my husband has given me a 40 meter square tack room … that I added a full kitchen with a grinder to grind fresh flax seed, hot and cold water , counterspace to mix feeds , cupbords etc…. sometimes the smells out of my horsey kitchen are heavenly…needless to say , I can^t run away fast enough from my horses. I am always pushing them away from me to give me a bit of space, good lord, a bunch of needy ,little pests. ( secretly I love it)
All I do is simply “appear ” and they come running up from the big pasture to see what I have in my pockets. I even made an obsticle course in the small pasture that they follow me through without ropes or halters. YEP, trick is being the hand that feeds you , and being a good cook.
the kid or the horses… seriously that last one looks like its on its death bed..WTF people ?!è£à é__)&
Our local fair starts tomorrow, so I took my kids today to see the livestock. There was a younger lady and her husband with 3 kids ages about 6-9 with 2 ponies. They were crying to the horses at the barns and everytime, they cranked the reins to make them “behave”. I was appalled. My 4 year old had to witness it for 5 minutes before I walked her away and said you never treat our horses like that! She asked me if she was breaking their teeth and why. All I could say was some people are mean to their horses. I was ready to start ripping on people’s faces. I can’t wait until the horse show tomorrow to ask that they be disqualified because the fair’s handbook disdains such treatment.
HELP – could someone on this site please post the link for our petition to stop horseslaughter in Canada. We have a Private Members Bill C544 coming up for reading in September and we need people to phone their MPs and get signatures for the petition and forward the petition to their MP. Please go to the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition’s web site. PLEASE HELP stop slaughter. Our facilities are appalling. Oh by the way Jill Henselwood’s (Silver Medal Olympics Jumping 2008) ex-husband and horse breeeder is a supporter of Horse slaughter and is proud to say that he enjoys eating horses, “I mean what else are they good for” . http://www.defendhorsescanada.org/pdf/chdcpetition2010.pdf