I’ve battled with gmail the past few days trying to send pictures of Noche to his owner, to no avail. So, he gets his own blog post!
Noche is happy as a clam with his buddy Caber, muddy from a recent roll. They particularly love to race up the long hill. I was hoping to get a picture of them thundering up for feeding but they were already waiting for me- I think they know when we break out the camera!
Wish has been off the track for several years, living a life of leisure in our pasture! She does her natural horsemanship groundwork like a champ, and is very light and sensitive to ride.
I had initially purchased Wish as a show hunter prospect. She is a very fancy mover! Wish’s bloodlines, which include greats such as Fappiano and Best Turn, suggest future success in sport horse disciplines.
Wish sustained a wire cut to the front of her right hind leg in 2007. We cared for it meticulously and it healed well, but did leave a scar. The vet says because it is on the front of her leg (rather than the back where all the support structures are) she should have no trouble with future strenuous riding and jumping.
Wish is our “Daddy’s Girl.” Mark is totally in love with her! However, at 6′ tall, he is too big for her. Any home is subject to his approval! We are currently asking $800.00.
**Newsflash**
The stars finally aligned and we got a little impromptu video of Wish! I joke because this fall it has seemed almost impossible to schedule a video shoot. Wish is not in anything resembling work- I basically pulled her in from the pasture. I was so proud of how calm and obedient she was. When you add impulsion her movement really shines, but this day I was going relaxation rather than brilliance. Mark was still setting up the camera when I got on, so I hopped off at the end and remounted to show how she stands quietly on a loose rein for mounting. (Note- since I broke my back I wear the back protector every ride- it’s no reflection on my expectations for Wish!)
I can’t believe how fast Coltie is growing up! Mark and I still have yet to agree on a “real name” 
He just keeps getting nicer and nicer, and still has the same phenomenal, teddy-bear temperament. He sure has his daddy’s Gypsy Cob conformation! His wild Gypsy mane is on the OTHER side!
Coltie was born on April Fools Day in 2008.
So after a long and busy summer, Kirsten jumped back into the arena Friday on Gideon’s back and cleaned up, receiving Grand Champion for her efforts… Not be outdone, she then did so again with on Sunday, and got her second Grand Champion!
Not only is her skill and talent at guiding horses amazing to watch, but Gideon’s consistent form and impressive good looks are always a joy to watch!
So, congratulations Kirsten and Gideon, back-to-back Grand Champions, teaming up again to raise (and clear!) the bar on horsemanship!!!
Congratulations on your interview being published as part of the cover article in June 2010′s Stable Management about keeping lesson programs fresh and exciting! Excellent read from start to finish, lots of good advice from trainers all over; and Kirsten closing out the article with “Just having permission to dream big is all people need sometimes” very well said!
I always knew you were front page material Now, so do a lot of other people…
Congratulations!!!!
WebWhisperer
Jumping at liberty is our favorite way to start horses over fences. They learn so much and so quickly without the riders weight or unintentional interference. Plus, it gives us a chance to evaluate their innate athleticism, form, courage and cattiness. We can create a custom training program armed with this insight into each equine’s potential as a future hunter, jumper or event horse. Click on each photo to see that horse’s webpage. Watch for upcoming video uploads!
Gideon-14.2 7 year old gelding
Fire Storm: 7 year old Warmblood mare
Angus MacCloud: 6 yo ThoroShire
2 Metal Gig Type Carts- Horse size. Very solid. One needs a new seat cushion. All reasonable offers considered- special consideration if you take both!
This is a used Bates Caprilli Close Contact Saddle. I had the CAIR panels replaced with Flocked panels, and love the results! Not all horses respond well to the CAIR panels, so the flocking is a great, and RARE, alternative. I have ridden in this saddle just a few times since I got it reflocked and one time it was squeaky. The saddler assured me the tree is sound. I am assuming the squeak will disappear altogether with use.
It has a 16 1/2 ” seat and long flaps ideal for longer legged riders. It has the adjustable gullet system, with the white-extra wide gullet currently installed. It is in good used condition- I rode it to several year-end high point horse show titles last year. It has a great “bomber jacket” type patina which seems to “absorb” scratches and dings.
I am asking $1000.oo or best reasonable offer.
17 1/2″ Dominus Close Contact Saddle, wide tree, and long flap. These saddles were designed by Peter Menet, who is the maker of Amerigo saddles, before Dominus was bought out. It has both knee and thigh blocks, and air flow knee rolls. Has slight discoloration on seat which is not visible with a rider in the saddle. Missing one billet guard. This saddle allows a correct, secure position without locking the rider into place. Asking $850 or best reasonable offer.
This is a wonderful, old style Crosby Dover Freestyle II. It has a 17 1/2″ seat, medium tree that fits very generously, more like a medium wide, and narrow twist. The molded flap and concealed thigh blocks allow you to sustain a correct, effective seat and close feel without locking you in place like so many modern, overpadded saddles. Slightly forward flaps accommodate the long-legged rider.
Saddle is in good used condition. Stitching is tight, leather is soft and conditioned. The panels are soft, smooth and even.
There are some minor scratches and markings on the back of the cantle from old nameplates. The seat shows some discoloration, which is not evident when you are riding, as do the underside of the sweat flaps. All of the marks are cosmetic and don’t affect the function or comfort of the saddle at all.
Billets are nylon reinforced with leather stitched on either side. There is one section that has loose stitching, though still perfectly safe and not stretched due to the nylon.
The tree is sound and the billets are tight, the saddle is ready to ride and certainly clean enough for showing.
I am asking $850 or best reasonable offer.
