Happy thanksgiving

Meet Onemisio! Photo courtesy of Skip Dickson who was visiting with Fantasma's owner. Laurie and Skip were thrilled that Habana foaled the first night they arrived in Texas (well--not thrilled from 1:30 a.m. to 3:30 when we were outside but for witnessing the event!). These photos at about 12 hours old--friendliest possible colt---bold, inquisitive and absolutely charming, not to mention beautiful. You can see in the one, Onemisio is hanging out with Laurie and I and the dogs, caring not at all about where his mom was!

Wanapum is outdoing himself in the producing department and no question I'll be breeding Habana back to Wan for many more, hopefully exactly like this little guy.

A lovely visit with Skip and Laurie and reminder how many lovely people the horses have brought into my life and the deep friendships formed with foundation of the love of these horses.

These friends gave me the unbelievably generous gift of a tiny pocket sized camera so I will be bombarding everyone with even more photos than ever---as if anyone needs MORE.

Both of my sisters will be coming in next week from California and Georgia so a more exciting thanksgiving than we've had in years.

The weather has been stunningly beautiful which has made it that much easier to be out and about with the incoming horses. I am totally smitten by Macanuo who is back with us and so eager to please and do things that I don't know how we'll ever keep him entertained until he is old enough to start under saddle, assuming he doesn't sell by then. I am so pleased with his temperament, size, bone and movement, that if we have him here long enough to start riding, I will for sure breed him some in the spring.

Naxos went to his new home after recovering from being gelded and as expected, his owner is elated at his lovely temperament and how quiet he is to join her herd, now including 3 geldings from here. Oceanica leaves next week for Kentucky and will make for a great holiday season for her owner.

The next foal will be the Karateka x Hereje baby ---her first so I will be extra-anxious even though this breed is so consistent in having effortless foaling. The last O name and then on to the P's, starting with Ibiza maybe the end of January.

Even in these gross economic times, all of us have so much to be thankful for. Myself--way too many things to list. Happy holidays.

Octavia

At two weeks old, Octavia looks like a small sized finished horse. Super cute but I guess I say that about all the babies. Dolly much more relaxed about this, her third foal. Gotta love her babies and these halves!

National show was the most I've enjoyed one in quite some time. People were relaxed and the classes seemed calmer and the horses presented in a lovely way. It would always be nicer to have more horses at any show, but the quality was good and for the first time in many years, the judging by the American judges was totally consistent with the Spanish judge, who I felt was excellent and one of the most qualified we'd ever had. The Extravaganza was organized without long delays between the acts which were as good as we've ever had. The addition of the working equitation class added lots of fun and got the people watching involved. The Mexican judge was patient with our first time participants in this class which I predict (or at least hope) will grow by leaps and bounds now that people have seen what is involved.

The show was also extra fun because I had friends here to share it with and who I put to work shamelessly asking for some of the grossest tasks like stall decorating. It is great to see friends made over the years that I only see at the national show and each year I am surprised by a horse I welcomed into the world that pops up--this year Joyante (now owned by Francine Dismukes) was a special surprise--I believe Joyante was Dadivoso's last son and a rare purebred with four white socks. Joyante did great as Francine's horses always do in multiple classes with both his owner and amateur riders. Centello wasn't shown this year at our show, but won a bunch of High Point awards. Although I certainly don't emphasize that horses that are born here go to show homes, it is fun to see some doing well if happy being shown.

Wanapum managed to get through the show without breeding anyone or leaping out of the arena into the stands so I felt that was a major victory. Having so little exposure to other horses being ridden (only once ridden in an arena with another horse in it prior to the show), he did better than I expected but was wound up and not exactly relaxed and through in his functionality pattern. But for a first time ridden in such an environment, I was very pleased. The next day the Spanish judge placed him first in the conformation portion of the 4, 5 and 6 year old pre stallion class so that he was Top 5 in a class of many lovely horses. In the stall or walking around, Wan got a ton of attention--I don't remember that many people making over a horse since Gitano's rock star years where he had groupies at his stall.

Fantasia was top 5 in the pre senior mares but didn't show well, in my biased opinion. She had gotten kicked or bonked her front leg and was off with her movement which is where she shines. Grateful to have a ribbon in a very pretty class.

I am still enjoying my friends' lusitano horses who arrived in September and now three more horses have joined our herd. "Big Mac"/Macanuo (Gitano Mor x Destinada DD) is back and at 2-1/2 years old, even better than I predicted he'd be---tall, big boned, moves like a dream and great, kind mind. Since related to both Gitano's daughters and Remate lined mares, he cannot stay so no, I am not going to fall back in love with him but will enjoy him until he finds a perfect home. I think he is the quality I look for in a stallion and will breed him if he stays long enough for some of the mares who are not related to him.

Kyra and Kabala are sp grey fillies that are special to me (as if every horse I meet isn't!) because I adored and enjoyed their sire, the big chestnut stallion, Urucum, who spent some time with us and who I fell with when I saw him shown as a two year old in Brazil. Knowing and being so taken with Uri's sire, Quatrilho, it is special to have two of that line here. Kyra is the daughter of Hermosura H (Remate x Hermosa D) who I sold a few years back---Hermosa D being my first ever andalusian makes that filly all the more emotional. But both for sale--no more adding horses when my goal has to be reduction unless a money tree starts growing around here.

My family is still very concerned about my dad's health complications but otherwise, all is good here. I am looking forward to fall colors, cooler weather and Habana's baby by Wanapum, the next to arrive. Best wishes to you for a colorful and peaceful fall.

Lusitanos have arrived

Since going to Brazilian and Portuguese National shows, I have not been able to be in a buying mode, but have yearned to have a lusitano. My friends and boarders this week brought their 2 pregnant mares, yearling filly and 2010 filly to live with us. Like boomerangs, Utopia and Cachaca have been here before their current owners bought them and sent them for a while to Michigan. More horses to love so I am all for it!

Our blistering hot summer did not seem to go by quickly but now September is flying by. I've done a little bit of volunteer work trying to help with the upcoming IALHA National Show in October and have decided to run (unopposed as it happened) for a seat on the Registry Board. The last couple of years I have basically disappeared from shows and the Association while the whole foot nightmare was going on and so I am back with a vengeance!

In October, we'll be showing Chulo in the psp senior stallion class and the next day, he'll be heading to his new home which is best happening during the show when I'll have alot on my mind, but will be one of my saddest goodbyes ever. Wanapum will be in his first ride other than here or at our trainer's house and having never ridden with another horse in the ring with him, the warmup ought to be interesting! We are taking Fantasia for the pre spanish senior mares class and showing Libertado in the 3 year old gelding futurity class for his owner. It has been fun having Libertado back a week or so for Valente to practice but when do I not think it is great to have incoming horses?

October also begins our smallest in a while fall foaling season. Dolly is due first with another Gitano baby, then Karateka (who was revised this week) with her first foal, by Hereje, and Habana who is bred to Wanapum.

Pictured above are spring, 2010 fillies Otamisia and Oceanica last night in the mist and mud. Several people have commented on Ota's previous photos asking if the stripes were from sweat but no, she looks like she is part zebra on her way to turning black. I've seen tiger stripes on legs before but never had one like this.

That is the latest from Denton. Hope all of you and yours are happy that fall is here and healthy, wealthy and wise.

A fun brush with greatness?

How fabulous that a friend, Alice, gave some favorite names to her professor/friend who was writing a book. Michael F. Smith, the author, wrote a yet unpublished "The Sons of Thunder" It is a story about a man, his unnamed dog and his horse, HABANA. How fun that he chose the name of my wonder mare who also happens to be the mother of Alice's lovely 3 year old mare! I will have to buy the book as soon as it is available.

I took one of my rare away-from-home trips to Orange County, California to attend my niece's college graduation. Just gone 2 nights and was anxious to get home even after that short a time. But I didn't mind the gorgeous weather out there--outdoor graduation and I had to borrow a sweater to wear. If only that were the case here in already 100 degree Texas.

Cynthia reports that Maestro was calm and settled in immediately upon his arrival to his forever home in Michigan last Saturday. Likewise, Nacar had a safe journey and bonded easily with her new mini-companion, Elijah (great name!) in Maine. Nastia apparently got off the trailer in California and immediately rolled. I continue to be thankful for all the uneventful transports of my former horses to their new homes.

Corona will also be heading to California soon to Deb and Patti who have already had a small herd of horses from or bred here. How grateful I am for repeat customers.

Confirmed Flama back in foal to Gitano and still working on the last couple before the heat declares breeding season to be over. Perhaps when breeding is over, Valente can actually get on a horse around here!

Seven for Seven!

Another successful foaling season comes to an end. Can you believe it? Seven fillies in a row, the last 6 being by Gitano. Last night, Bielsa had a lovely and predictably sweet bay filly --no markings. Bielsa's always seem to be the best natured of the group and I think this one will be no exception. If anyone has a great idea for an "O" name, please let me know. I don't usually pick human names but am thinking maybe Olivia--she is such a feminine thing. Still wobbly on those legs so photos will be coming later.

We continue to do well with our getting mares bred back. Of our recent visitors, it seems everyone is being drawn to Wanapum so using him a little more this year, now that he is a big 4, soon to be 5 year old. So far Habana, Conesa, Dehesa and Fantasia are in foal to him.

Had a fascinating visitor here last week who chose Nacar so all the N's are sold and soon to be leaving. Nacar will be going to Booth Bay, Maine to a dream home in a gorgeous New England setting and will have the best of care and love.

Now that some states are requiring negative pyroplasmosis tests, the shipping documents to get babies ready to leave are a little more complicated and keeping us busy. Nicodemo leaves this Friday, Nastia next weekend and Nacar and Maestro the following weekend.

I know largely due to the fact that the last two foaling seasons had me mean as a snake, being in a cast, but with all these lovely fillies, I can't remember enjoying a group of babies any more than I have this lovely spring. Lucky, lucky, lucky.

I may have already used this photo but I still love it---and love that many people can't tell which one is Chulo and which one is Gitano!

Could this be a 100% filly spring?

This photo is Oceanica, 9 days old today (Karina x Gitano). What a mover! I almost hate to see this one go to someone for a broodmare as she will be such a fun ride--all 3 gaits just lovely to watch and I bet she'll be a dream to ride. Tall and I'm guessing will end up black/bay like Gitano.

Last night, for the first time in my horse career that I can remember, I was hoping for a colt, but Destinada had another filly. Thankfully, Desti and Obriza are healthy and like full brother and sister, Macanuo and Nydia, I think Obriza is going to be fabulous. But I'd agreed to sell a grey colt to the nicest people who have been diligent about payments and were hoping for their colt last fall. When that didn't happen, they agreed to wait until spring. So now, 6 fillies in a row and the only mare left to foal is Bielsa who can't have a grey so waiting to hear what these nice folks want to do.

Will get photos of the newest filly in a day or two when she's out and about and bombard anyone reading with more photos.

Busy mostly with closing down the office and final move this Wednesday, so these late nights foaling are taking tolls but I should have a couple of weeks until Bielsa delivers so sleep on the way for me. Hope everyone is enjoying the spring weather as much as I am.

Girls, Girls, Girls!

Two fillies in one day arrived on April 13th!

Flama has once again outdone herself and had her third filly in a row by Gitano. The first, Mireia, was an extraordinary mover and grey and headed to Mexico. The second, a bay turning much darker this spring as she turned one is Niza, the first baby I've kept in several years which shows how wild about her I am. Well, big hoofprints to fill and the newest addition, Otamisia, is going to have no trouble doing that!

Otamisia translates to "perfect" and Valente and I both are smitten. The photo here is at a day old (sorry--no sun!) Impossible to even guess her color at this point and being the least patient human on earth, I already sent off hair samples for dna.

That Ota is a granddaughter of Incauta who I miss so much since she sold, of Hereje and Dadivoso's great granddaughter doesn't exactly make her less appealing to me.

Sigh.....another filly NOT going on the sale list. At least yet. You'd never know I need money far more than I need another filly.

Congratulations to Marilyn and Doug, my boarders and friends, on the arrival of Valeria. Some of you may remember when I had the stunning chestnut stallion, Urucum, here for a while. Well, he went to Michigan and his first breeding was to our current boarder, thoroughbred/draft cross, Maizie. Maizie is huge and grey and about as docile a mare as you'd want to meet and she delivered a big boned and tall, angel sweet filly that her owners dubbed Valeria. What an honor to get to experience Uri's first foal and to get to know Valeria.

Also congratulations to Alice and Randy whose chestnut mare, Foxy, gave birth to a leggy, quite tall black filly by Chulo. Chulo seems to be continuing with his history of throwing very tall offspring. We are tickled that Nicole is back in foal to Chulo and hoping that the baby next spring will be a carbon copy of Madonna who was so very special.

Karina should be next to foal--she is so huge that the mind boggles at the thought that this baby could be even bigger than last year's gigantic Nicodemo, soon to be heading to South Carolina.

Ibiza back in foal to Gitano, Gentileza in foal to Gitano and Conesa to Wanapum for the spring, 2011 bunch. A few more to check soon as we've been breeding away.

Beautiful weather, beautiful babies---life is pretty darn good! Hope the same for you....