In a league of his own: Leo Chata Rosebud (Chata)
Chata Cheese, Chitty Chata Bang Bang, The Chatahoochie, Chat Man, The Chat in the Hat…. Whatever you call him, he comes (especially if you have food). The kids just adore this horse (hence the slew of nick names), and he is the one who will take care of whomever we put on his back. He is outstanding at the shows and gymkanas, great for the kids, and fun for me to ride, too! He’s the horse I ride when I am doing my cowgirl impersonation. He is gifted to my lesson program while his mom, Mandy, is in college. Many thanks to the Miller family for this wonderful gelding in the prime of his life.
"Show me your horse, and I will tell you who you are."
The Golden Girl: Taquita Del Sol (Sole’) SOLD
She’s a red-head, but she’s GOLDEN!!! Purchased as a green 3 year old in 2005, I’ve had the pleasure of being the first person to get up on this girl. Whereas I thought she would be a dressage prospect because of her outstanding and correct movement and raw athletic ability, she truly prefers the trail and it seems she is cut out for the endurance world! Flatwork "bores" her. Her Walk and Trot are smooth and efficient. She is ½ QH, ¼ Andulusian, and ¼ Tennessee Walker. No she doesn’t gait, but is very forward moving and forward thinking. I’ve used her for my own "happy hacking", trail rides, for ponying other horses, and on occasion in my lesson program. She did well with a rider whom has a mental disability who had been riding for 10 years. She gave me a foal and was the best darn dam you could ask for. She has a very good foundation of training on her: I also started her over fences last summer and enjoy riding her bareback. She is only 14.3 HH; dynamite comes in small packages. Sound barefoot. Has never coliced. Loads, clips, bathes (loves water), stands well for farrier (me).
I’d like to find her an Endurance or possibly Hunter Jumper home that will use her to the max of her potential and enjoy her zest for covering ground. Her name means "Feminine taco from the sun". Her Daddy’s name was Taco (Azteca), and her dam was a Palomino(QH/Tenn WalkerX). Her paternal Grand-daddy is Valentino (Andulusian).
My Miracle Man: Knightshade (Sir Jack)
Foaled April 2002, Bred by Donna Katzdorn of Little K Ranch.
Jack’s Sire, JJ Hotshot, has an impressive Show Record from the Western Washington and Oregon circuit, including a1996 clean sweep of all Year-End High Point Awards AND was awarded the Heermann Trophy that same year; the first Miniature to receive the award. Hot Shot is now deceased. Jack is from Hot Shot’s last crop of foals.
As an adult, I’ve rediscovered my love of driving without having to deal with the bigger space and safety issues a full-size rig involves. Jack’s size enables me to enjoy driving without the need of any assistance. We’ve done very well in the Country Pleasure Driving competitions we’ve entered. Jack, or "Jackie" is loved by all who meet him. He loves children; my son can run him through "obstacle courses" with ease. He will follow me ANYWHERE (into any building or even minivan), will wear ANYTHING, is athletic, highly trainable, and possibly the most well mannered miniature stud you will ever chance to meet. I purchased Jackie as a green 2 year old. His training has been exclusively my undertaking, and he and I are extremely close after what we went through in the summer of 2007.
Jack encountered a virus/ systemic infection, which still largely remains a mystery. His recovery spanned over a year. I have never witnessed a horse meet an illness with so much bravery and will to live. Jack survived:
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Fever that spiked at 106, and did not break 103 for nearly 3 weeks.
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Consequent Founder (he’s sound).
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Mystery boils/ulcers (tested negative for VS) on is tongue that were suspected to run through his entire digestive tract.
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An inability to eat or drink on his own for over 2 + weeks/ sever weight loss
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About 40 Gas colics, moderate to severe
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Swelling of his "brain", face, and chin.
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Moderately severe Neurological symptoms; inability to walk in a straight line.
Horse of a Different Color (and gait): Intriga De Vega (Intrigue)
Sired by Dos Tambien, owned by Albert Vega of Paso Finos De Vega. She is the grand daughter of the famous "222". I purchased her as a green coming 2 year old. A little more than a year later, she was going under saddle nice and easy. Our first ride was down the rode; she was that "prepared" before I got on her. (Thanks to Michelle Conner of LPTC for helping me in starting both Intriga and Sole’ at her facility). One of my riding students, Ericka Dombrowsky, fell in love with Intriga after riding her in lessons for a few months. The Dombrowsky family now owns Intriga, and they keep her under my care and continued training at PMF. I really lucked out: I get to enjoy this unique filly some more! Currently we are trick training for some fun mounted stunts (as seen on Video on Hounds page) you won’t see many Paso Finos doing (not on cue anyway).
The herd’s "Chief": Red Cloud’s Freedom (Freedom)
Sometimes I call him "the Fonz" cuz he is so debonair and "cool" with the ladies. This is a 20 plus mustang gelding going on 4. He is so sound and agile for his age; not atypical for a mustang who was "born free"! He likes to take care of the younger boys in my small arsenal of students. His favorite hobby is galloping at eye tearing speeds with me on bareback (yes, he waits until I ask, but his excitement is always evident). He was gifted to my lesson program by Terri Bennett. Much gratitude for the old dude! He’s great.
I kept a detailed journal and documented with photos and video. The whole experience afforded me a new education on how to use western medicine, non-traditional medicine, and my bodywork skills to combine for success, which was in this case; survival.
I also am contemplating offering our costumed services for birthday parties, retirement homes and such; since he is such a socialite. I will add a page to this site when we have our wardrobes ready….
Here comes Trouble: Rayito De Luna (Rayn)
She was bred with the hope she would be a future dressage prospect for me, however personal circumstances now have me considering selling her. She has received 14 shots of adequan to address a stifle issue, which appears to be resolving. She is a gorgeous mover and quite lovely to look at. Email requests for most recent photos.
NOTE: The beautiful painting (sold but prints available) of Rayn and Sole’ that you see in this slideshow, as well as the line drawing of my hands was done by my dear and talented friend and fellow animal lover, Steve Clement.
And YES, I do offer driving lessons to people, and will take ponies (one at a time) in for driving training. I can discuss fees, etc. with you personally; as the cost depends on details of each individual situation and your needs.
For full sized horses looking for driving training, I recommend sending them to Lasting Partnerships Training Center, where the horse would benefit from both Michelle Conner’s and my combined expertise.