Appaloosas, Our Breed Of Choice

Eliminating The Fear Factor

2012-01-26T06:41:00.030-06:00

We are committed to meeting your satisfaction when choosing a breeding horse.
With the new discoveries of DNA markers for genetic defects, it sure adds one more point to consider in when choosing the sire to next year’s foal.

Good …or poor…conformation and disposition are genetic inheritable traits, as well; attitude, talent and discipline…ask any serious breeder of cutting horses, pleasure horses, halter horses, racing…..or whatever direction your interest steers you.

Our choice of the perfect horse starts with balance and overall talent with a WOW factor. The best way to describe WOW…When you see the horse that has the LOOK that takes your breath away the very first time you see him. We have passed up horses that met every other criteria, but just didn’t pass the final test. WOW!

Mark and I have spent a lifetime carefully choosing each cross with the limited number of mares we own. We won’t settle for anything that we wouldn’t be proud to show or sell. In order to do that, we start with the best available. As we all aspire to breed the perfect horse, we are also striving to breed one better than the last one.

We also understand, many times the mare owner gets only one shot at their dream cross and that makes it an even more intense decision. An Awesome Secret and Indelible Image have fulfilled the attitude, trainability, and balance we as breeders are proud of. They also have the WOW factor…the love at first sight that stops your heart just for a moment in time. These stallions have provided us the solution for the WOW factor.

Satisfaction Guarantee!

With the Scientific Community working overtime identifying new genetic markers, it makes us pause to find out which defects are manageable and which ones are yet undiscovered, and which ones may end up with in your gene pool. Conformation is the visible factor of prediction of what is to come in the new foal.

What hidden defects, only revealed with DNA testing, will Scientists discover next?

With that in mind, we offer a Satisfaction Guarantee when it comes to the genetic DNA markers that identify “invisible” inheritable traits only found with DNA testing. We have put it in writing. We put it in the contract. If your foal inherits a “hidden” genetic defect from either of our stallions…you get a chance to rebreed. Each parent contributes 50% of the equation which is why we encourage mare owners to test their mares.

The Satisfaction Guarantee will not remove all of the unknown factors related to breeding. It will cover all of the genetic defects that have been discovered to date and include the next year and the newest DNA defects the Scientists may identify while your mare is carrying that foal.
Along with those discoveries, we will also see more information on management of each of these latest discoveries. The genetic markers aren’t new. The tests are new.

We invite you to take a look at "the boys". We took these videos and photo shoot the middle of October 2011. Each of them has the WOW factor and they are producing WOW.

We have current videos of “the boys”. Each of them has the WOW factor and they are producing WOW.

Our goal is to give you the best breeding experience and the foal of your dreams...We hope you can breath a little easier knowing that we are taking the Genetic Fear Factor out of your breeding equation.

_________________________________

These videos were taken the middle of October 2011.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmxqRJyT7sk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t45110UjF38

__________________________________________

If you have ANY questions, pleas contact us at smithshowhorses@aol.com or give us a call 888-801-1685. If you are on facebook look us up...we have hundreds of photos of the babies, the mares and the stallions.

We have also addressed PSSM and some of the Genetic defects in earlier posts. Take some time and look these articles up, right here on the blog. The latest one is from September 2011. it is written by Dr. Stephanie Varberg from th e University of MN, the leading expert on PSSM.

PSSM: The Rest Of The Story

2011-12-16T05:59:00.032-06:00

I noticed upon visting our blog half of the post was dropped. I have re-entered the entire post including Dr. Valberg's exerpts. Sorry for the inconvenience and I apologize for the lost comments at the end of the article. This post is intended to share the updates from people that have had years of education and experience and are recognized as the true experts in the field.

Update: PSSM in Horses

The gene that identifies type 2 PSSM one can only be found with a full muscle biopsy. Type 2 PSSM seems to be more prevalent in performance based horses.

With the more easily performed test for type 1 PSSM, we have seen the gamut of responses from armchair Veterinarians (generally those with performance bred horses) how relieved they are to find their horses PSSM free. They would lead you to believe all horses with PSSM are doomed to die,” and in the process would want you to believe their horse is PSSM free, merely because one test came back in their favor.

The more reasonable approach.

"There is more to this test that needs to be considered."

Many horse enthusiasts have taken the identification of the type 1 PSSM gene and have been able to better understand their horse’s behavior under stress. Unfortunately, some misinformed owners/breeders continue to believe every misstep can be tied to this one type of PSSM. They believe this one test will remove all things bad in the industry.

The more dangerous "expert" deliberately fails to address, there is more than one form of PSSM and there are additional genes that affect the severity of the PSSM condition. These same people want you to believe the elimination of type 1 PSSM will correct all the tying-up issues in the entire equine industry. They would like you to look past their breeding herd that has NOT been diagnosed PSSM negative with a muscle biopsy.

These people will show you a $35 test and ask that
you join them in their celebration their horse is PSSM FREE!

To date, a muscle biopsy is the ONLY

way to identify type 2 PSSM.

Type 2 PSSM is more prevalent in performance horses.
As seen by a plethora of posts in numerous forums by the self-proclaimed “experts”. These armchair Veterinarians seem to be practicing Veterinary Medicine without a license. These “experts” can be found on YouTube diagnosing PSSM to misbehaving horses merely by watching a naughty horse in a video. You will find the same people on Facebook proclaiming the demise of the equine industry to horses with PSSM. They have assigned every bad behavior and injury (from abscess to overwork) to PSSM. These “experts” have not tested their horses for type 2 PSSM or the additional genes that amplify PSSM symptoms.

In this scenario, some knowledge is more

harmful than no knowledge, by leading you to believe a

$35 test represents a clear bill of health.

Setting The Record Straight
As for us, at Smith Show Horses, we feel the industry needs to know all of the facts and you need to know that there are more undiagnosed cases of PSSM than the simple pulling of mane hair cannot detect.

Before you book your mare to a stallion represented as PSSM free, and if you are worried about symptoms associated with PSSM, ask to see their PSSM results. There are many breeders that will tell you they have the $35 test confirming their horse does NOT have PSSM.

A horse with a Negative type 1 PSSM test does not mean the horse is a negative for PSSM. Through Dr. Valberg's explanation, unless, a muscle biopsy has been done on a horse that tests negative for type 1 PSSM, you may be living with a false security.

Omission by ignorance is wrong...

...Omission by intention is deceitful.

Before any breeder can proclaim their horse PSSM free… ALL of the tests need to be completed with negative results. It is much easier to point fingers at one part of an industry and compartmentalize all problems lead to one gene. The last time I saw someone pointing their finger at someone, there were 3 pointing back at them.

___________________________________________

Update: PSSM In Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 29, 2011

At the 2011 Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA) conference, one of the leading researchers in equine muscle problems, Stephanie Valberg, D.V.M., Ph.D.,of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, brought the audience of veterinarians up to date on polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), one cause of tying-up, September 29, 2011.

What is Tying-Up?
When tying-up happens on a regular basis, it is termed recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER or chronic tying-up). RER can be caused by several muscle problems. According to Valberg, three genetically identifiable causes of muscle malfunction are

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis type 1,
PSSM type 1
Malignant Hyperthermia. Dr. Valberg, also, warned that there might be other unrecognized causes of RER.

PSSM
…“While some horses sporadically develop exertional muscle damage as a result of nutritional, training, or environmental factors, others develop RER in spite of a sound diet and environment,” noted Valberg. “Many of these chronic cases are due to an intrinsic and inherited dysfunction of muscle metabolism or muscle contraction.”

In short, horses with (any type of) PSSM are unable to normally store and use sugar in skeletal muscles. There are extenuating circumstances that cause the severity of symptoms exhibited by horses with PSSM.

There has been much progress made in diagnosing PSSM. In fact, more than one form of PSSM exists today. Only laboratory tests determine which specific genetic mutation is causing the tying-up. Type 2 PSSM can only be diagnosed with a muscle biopsy, which in most cases has not been done on an entire herd.

“For clarity, the form of PSSM caused by a GYS1 (a specific gene) mutation is now termed type 1 PSSM. The location of the specific gene that identifies PSSM that is NOT caused by the GYS1 is yet unknown. That form of PSSM is now termed type 2 PSSM,” explained Valberg. Type 2 PSSM can only be diagnosed with a muscle biopsy.

TYPE 1 PSSM vs. TYPE P2 PSSM

Type 1 PSSM
Research has shown that the genetic mutation at GYS1 responsible for type 1 PSSM can be found in more than 20 breeds of horses. “It is estimated to have emerged as far back as 1,600 years ago, when the great horse was being developed from European draft and light horse breeds to carry knights with heavy armor into battle,” noted Valberg.

Dr. Valberg noted in her presentation that the highest prevalence of PSSM appears to occur in draft horses derived from Continental European breeds (90% prevalence of PSSM in Trekpaards, a draft breed, with 40% of tested Belgian Trekpaards being homozygous for the trait).

While the complete cycle of how the genetic mutation causes problems in the storage and use of muscle glycogen is under investigation, it is known that diet and exercise can be used to manage the problem in many horses.

In postulating why this genetic mutation has become more prevalent in some breeds, it has been noted that owners of horses with type 1 PSSM often describe their horses as having a calm and sedate demeanor.

Clinical signs of chronic PSSM
A small number of stock horses have both the GYS1 mutation AND a genetic mutation (RYR1) for malignant hyperthermia (MH), which results in more severe signs of tying-up and a limited response to diet and exercise changes. In horses with the RYR1 mutation, during an episode of tying-up they can experience excessively high body temperatures and sudden death can occur.

Diagnosis
Blood or hair samples can be used to test for type 1 PSSM, MH, and other genetic diseases of horses. Muscle biopsies would be needed to definitively diagnose a problem other than Type 1 PSSM.

Type 2 PSSM
Some horses with PSSM do not have the genetic mutation, Type 1 PSSM and are called type 2 PSSM cases. There is ongoing research to learn more about these horses. Valberg noted there are cases of PSSM diagnosed by muscle biopsy in Quarter Horses do not have the GYS1 mutation.

"Type 2 PSSM also occurs in Arabians; however, in my experience this breed is distinct in that it often has amylase-resistant rather than amylase-sensitive polysaccharide but is negative for the GYS1 mutation,” said Valberg.

The diagnosis of type 2 PSSM is done with a muscle biopsy. Valberg advised that mild PSSM cases should receive a full physical examination to ensure that there are not other underlying causes for performance problems.

Managing A Horse With PSSM
Understanding the horse’s caloric requirements and ideal body weight are important factors, stressed Valberg. “Many horses with PSSM are easy keepers and may be overweight at the time of
diagnosis.”

“Regular daily exercise is important for managing horses with PSSM,” stressed Valberg. “Even 10 minutes of exercise has been shown to be extremely beneficial in reducing muscle damage with exercise. Once conditioned, some PSSM horses thrive with four days of exercise as long as they receive daily turnout. For riding horses with type 2 PSSM, a prolonged warm-up with adequate stretching is recommended.”

Here is the entire article from Dr. Valberg and links to more specific questions.

Update: PSSM in Horses by Kentucky Equine Research by Staff· September 29, 2011

On a final note, we at Smith Show Horses feel there is benefit to the less expensive PSSM1 test, but also realize a horse that tests PSSM1 n/n could very well have PSSM2. Even though, ALL of our horse are symptom free we have tested our entire herd and encourage all breeders and mare owners to do the same. Dr. Valberg and the AQHA continue to search for the location of the gene that identifies PSSM2. As of this writing a muscle biopsy should be on file to declare your horse PSSM free.

Setting The Record Straight

2011-12-15T14:24:00.002-06:00

Update: PSSM in Horses

By Kentucky'>http://www.ker.com/">Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 29, 2011

The gene that identifies type 2 PSSM one can only be found with a full muscle biopsy. Type 2 PSSM seems to be more prevalent in performance based horses.With the more easily performed test for type 1 PSSM, we have seen the gamut of responses from armchair Veterinarians (generally those with performance bred horses) how relieved they are to find theri horses PSSM free. They would lead you to believe all horses with PSSM are doomed to die,” and in the process would want you to believe their horse is PSSM free, merely because one test came back in their favor.

The more reasonable approach.

“There is more to this test that needs to be considered”.

These people will show you a $35 test and ask that you

join them in their celebration their horse is PSSM FREE!

To date, a muscle biopsy is the ONLY

way to identify type 2 PSSM.

Type 2 PSSM is more prevalent in performance horses.As seen by a plethora of posts in numerous forums by the self-proclaimed “experts”. These armchair Veterinarians seem to be practicing Veterinary Medicine without a license. These “experts” can be found on YouTube diagnosing PSSM to misbehaving horses merely by watching a naughty horse in a video. You will find the same people on Facebook proclaiming the demise of the equine industry to horses with PSSM. They have assigned every bad behavior and injury (from abscess to overwork) to PSSM. These “experts” have not tested their horses for type 2 PSSM or the additional genes that amplify PSSM symptoms.

In this scenario, some knowledge is more

harmful than no knowledge,by leading you to believe a $35 test

gives their horse a clear bill of health.

At the 2011 Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA) conference, one of the leading researchers in equine muscle problems, Stephanie Valberg, D.V.M., Ph.D., of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, brought the audience of veterinarians up to date on polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), one cause of tying-up.Setting The Record StraightAs for as, us, at Smith Show Horses, we feel the industry needs to know all of the facts and you need to know that there are more undiagnosed cases of PSSM than the simple pulling of mane hair cannot detect.Before you book your mare to a stallion represented as PSSM free, and you are worried about symptoms associated with PSSM, ask to see their PSSM results. There are many breeders that will tell you they have the $35 test confirming their horse does NOT have PSSM.A horse with a Negative type 1 PSSM test does not mean the horse is a negative for PSSM.

Through Dr. Valberg explanation, unless, a muscle biopsy has been done on a horse that tests negative for type 1 PSSM, you may be living with a false security.

Omission by ignorance is wrong.

Omission by intention is deceitful.

Before any breeder can proclaim their horse PSSM free… All of the tests need to be completed with negative results.It is much easier to point fingers at one part of an industry and compartmentalize all problems lead to one gene. The last time I saw someone pointing their finger at someone, there were 3 pointing back at them.

I have included excerpts from Dr. Valberg’s discussion that validates what we have felt when the test was first discovered. Our horses were symptom free. Our oldest will be nine in 2012. As more information comes out, we will again regain sanity and realize how much we really don't know. You will find a link to Dr. Valbergs entire discussion at the link at the end of this article.What is Tying-Up?When tying-up happens on a regular basis, it is termed recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER or chronic tying-up). RER can be caused by several muscle problems. According to Valberg, three genetically identifiable causes of muscle malfunction are 1). Exertional Rhabdomyolysis type 1, 2). PSSM type 1, 3). Malignant hyperthermia. Dr. Valberg, also, warned that there might be other unrecognized causes of RER.PSSM…“While some horses sporadically develop exertional muscle damage as a result of nutritional, training, or environmental factors, others develop RER in spite of a sound diet and environment,” noted Valberg. “Many of these chronic cases are due to an intrinsic and inherited dysfunction of muscle metabolism or muscle contraction.”

What happened to manners?

2011-12-14T09:26:00.023-06:00

“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.”
– Emily Post

Juli S. Thorson really nailed it again…with her blog discussing social graces and the lack of social manners, the internet disturbance of the peace, if you will … some people feel they are compelled to share their opinions, while most people find those same people to be offensive. The language and crude behavior is usually recognized for what it is.
In reference, I looked up what Emily Post would have to say about manners. Now, I understand many of these people that abuse our right to peace were born well after the last printing of Emily Post’s, Etiquette (probably last printed in the 1940’s).
According to Emily a snob is a person who is always animated by the impression he/she wants to make, and the exalted regard in which he/she strives to be held by others.
"The discriminating person cares nothing whatever about the opinion of those individuals, but chooses his/her interests and companions according to their personal taste and inclination.
The difference between a real snob and regarded as merely reserved and selective, is the entire distance between being contemptible and admirable—between worst and best."
Etiquette – Emily Post

Some people seem to feel times have changed. I am thankful the people I call friends still feel manners should remain timeless.

Juli and Emily say it so much better than I can.

Find Juli's Link below.

Juli's Blog

http://blogs.equisearch.com/horsetalk/2011/12/07/please-pass-the-emote-control/

Merry Christmas

2011-11-28T15:24:00.004-06:00

As we approach the holiday season,and we look back at the past year and remember the catatrophic tragedy our entire country has endured from hurricanes, floods, tornadoes to drought. Our breed has lost long time mentors and modern day heroes. These wonderful leaders, members and competitors leave us great memories and moral values that should not be lost.

As we look back, we keep our memories of our friends close to our hearts. The friends we have made during our lifetime with the ApHC give us the reasons we stay. Through those friendships we have built a family across the United States and feel honored to be a part of breeding programs across the country and the world.

As the holidays approach, take time to make that phone call and tell your friends how much you miss them. The gift of time is priceless.

If we haven’t told you lately, “Thank you for including us in your breeding decisions. We are blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family.”

Wishing you a successful 2012.

Mark & Gail Smith

Science, DNA, and Breeding

2011-10-07T12:18:00.000-05:00

Why do we do what we do?
I think there are many breeders that ask themselves the question why are we doing this? When a shipment is delayed when blizzards cause canceled flights, an occurrence that happened in Texas this spring. Our mares and customer's mares refusing to cycle for the early baby. The baby is born and everything is put in perspective. At that moment, there is a hush in the stall, that you feel you are intruding.
The friends you meet when the foals are placed, the excitement to watch them show, the thrill of competing and accelerated when watching a foal from your stallion winning the trophy, a World or National Title or a Futurity, but the best feeling comes when we get a letter from a happy horse owner that has found their forever horse.
I lose track of time watching the mares graze and the foals play. I enjoy watching the stallions showing their macho side trying to attract the mares to their harem, as the mares continue to graze in teh pasture with no interest in the boys. The foals develop their own traits as the grow playing with the others and disciplined by their mothers when they get a bit out of hand or don't listen.

Our horses are breeding animals, but they are so much more.
Our mares and studs are a part of a program it has taken years to develop through selective choices of proven bloodlines. We choose mares to complement our stallions and if one or two mares are retained from our stallions, we choose outside stallions to complement our mares, considering conformation and production records. As DNA is further studied, Science will be a part of the equation, as well.

Breeding is so much more than Science and DNA.
A breeding program is choosing mares and stallions that work together and have the ability to produce a once in a lifetime foal that will give you the thrill of competition and the incomparable feeling of success. Science finds the newest genetic marker. Folks on the sideline start discussing which horses should be bred and which ones not. Many feel if you can see the faults, i.e.; crooked legs, poor heads, short necks, long backs, bad hocks, and nasty dispositions maybe okay to breed forward, yet they are not traits that can be corrected or managed with a healthy feeding program and lifestyle. What you see is what you get. Some mare and stallion owners may actually give those visible qualities a pass to breed forward without thought of consequences.

The recent genetic discovery identifies the gene that has been around for thousands of years.
The latest genetic marker presented to the equine industry is the PSSM marker. It is related to the syndrome that has been in the equine industry since before registration associations were formed. This test identifies the gene that may cause a case of "tying up". The old timers referred to tying up as "Monday Morning" sickness. When horses were worked hard all week and given a day off. The following Monday morning, the farmers would find their resource of power would be stiff and unable to return to the workforce for the day or maybe longer. I'm not sure how much time was allotted to these workhorses when it was time to plant or plow.

PSSM is a condition that may go undetected for the life of the horse, until you overdo or cause stress to your equine partner. Most often it is manmade; either through over work, over supplements, or just the wrong feed. Whenever, something new is discovered, there is a learning curve and we have to adjust our programs to make educated decisions.

We have just completed testing our entire herd and are waiting for the results. We tested our studs in the spring of 2011; NOT because there were problems or symptoms of tying up; because a mare owner had tested his mares and found his mares were carriers of the PSSM marker. Believing one marker is manageable, but rather not take the 25% chance for two PSSM genes, which could be tougher to manage, we tested our stallions and found both carry the PSSM marker. A decision was made to have the mare owner find another stallion. We have had no problem with one PSSM gene. We have and will share our information with mare owners after we learned the results of our stallions and before they breed their mares in 2012. This is the type of information we need to share. Responsible mare owners will need to test, even without the symptoms. This gene is not confined to one bloodline or family of horses. It is theorized PSSM has been around prior to the discovery of the New Worlds.

We take all of the information available to us and genetic testing is part of our equation. When we choose breeding animals we consider all aspects of the" what ifs". Our breeding program includes decisions from conformation to color. Homozygous color producers are night-blind, themselves, but management of their condition is a possibility. It runs on the color gene and can only be passed on if you breed color to color. We breed solid mares to the colored studs. Rat tailed horses or lack of hair is another inherited trait than can show up when you least expect it. These poor horses that live outside with the flies are tortured. There are so many things to consider when choosing the perfect cross. Poor conformation in general may cause a lifetime of problems, some can be managed with farriers and corrective shoeing.
Just when we get the perfect horse after a lifetime of breeding…along comes another genetic marker. The good news; because one horse is a carrier, it does not mean they will pass it on. Statistically there is a 50% chance of inheriting the gene if half of your breeding equation (stallion or mare) includes one of the hidden genes.

We encourage responsible breeding
We will continue to test and educate ourselves and mare owners. PSSM in particular is a genetic condition that is not precluded to one specific bloodline. We believe testing and sharing as much information available to us at the time gives the mare owner another decision to weigh when comparing to other genetic factors that may not be as manageable; in reference to visible conformation faults.

We encourage good equine management. Breeders need to look at the entire picture and decide which flaws they can live with and which ones they can live without. Early farmers learned to manage the tying up syndrome. Now, we have a test that will give us a headstart with the proper management and will prevent of an occurrence of tying up. Some genetic traits are quite manageable, others can be fatal. I believe PSSM is similar to a predisposition in humans and the animal world to Diabetes2. We know what we must do to prevent the disease as we enter middle age. It is a condition that can be controlled with proper diet years before we see signs of the disease. With the knowledge Science has provided us, as horse owners, we can be more responsible in our care.
There will be new discoveries, and better ways to feed and manage our equine friends that have learned to adapt to a manmade environment. If you are planning to breed, test your mares for the genetic markers available. From this point forward, we have made the commitment that foals from our breeding program will be tested before they go to their new homes. We understand that Science has new discoveries from color factors to hidden genetic markers. We will try to keep up as tests are available and pass them on to you.

America's Most Wanted

2009-12-28T10:04:00.023-06:00

Warning For Those That Have Dogs and Horses!

Don't let those innocent blue eyes fool you!
Keep an eye on your dog. It seems our dog went on a killing spree under the cloak of night. I'm not sure if we interrupted him before he had completed his task, or if he had grown bored after the horse didn't fight back.

He may have had an accomplice, known as Miss Reba, but she has never been known to be this blatant in an attack of this kind. She is a petite little red head that runs with Blue on occasion.

They are both dogs of interest and have not been charged with any crime. They are wanted for questioning.

To show the devastation of the attack I am including photos taken from the crime scene and an amateur photo by an eyewitness.

As told by the Smiths,
"We woke up to an incredible shock this morning and we know it was him. Our newest horse added to the group was found down with a torn leg and one ear literally chewed off. After looking closer we realized the tail had been chewed as well. We know it was Blue. We found him with the evidence and DNA around his mouth. We knew he could get after the squirrels and rabbits, but we never thought he would tear into a horse. I guess we have learned."

I have included a picture of the horse at the bottom of the page. It is graphic. If it can prevent even one accident from happening, it will be worth it. Please do not let small children view these graphic images. We are including them only to show you the brutality that occurred.

Click to enlarge veiws.

Please feel free to share these photos and contact us if you know of Blue. Apparently, there are others of his bloodlines that have shown these violent behaviors, as well. These savage fighters have taken on tigers and bears.

Please Post

Smitty Has Arrived

2009-12-07T09:04:00.006-06:00

‘Twas the day before Sunday, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring…just me and my mouse.

“You’ve got pictures.” my computer said on Dec the 5th.
I went right to new mail and went clickety click.

What to my wondering eyes should appear,

But Smitty in his limo in all of his gear!

Juli S. Thorson had taken her colt "Smitty", Dakota Smith, by An Awesome Secret, to the Appaloosa Museum for the Christmas Open House. He was a hit with the visitors! I think we enjoy watching people have fun with their "kids" as much as owning them (the horses). What great ambassadors for the breed. We would have loved to have been there, but isn’t email great!

Julie has more photos and details on her site.

Thanks for sharing!

I Found A New Favorite Place To Shop!

2009-12-07T07:31:00.007-06:00

I had the chance to visit the Appaloosa Museum in March of 2009. What a wonder place of memories and heritage. I asked myself if I had anything that could be donated. I wish I hadn’t thrown out my polyester, only worn once, western suit from the 70’s. I wonder if it would have been displayed as a past trend. I truly enjoyed the Heritage Center and the gift shop. If my suitcase had been bigger I would have tucked a few more things away. There was everything from art to children’s books and toys to books and clothing! If I would have had more time, I would have been going through the books in their library. You have to take the time to visit this wonderful place so many folks have spent a lifetime creating for us members if the breed.
It takes a little cash to keep the “drive alive”. Mark and I probably don’t have the historic memorabilia that would be of interest to donate, but we did donate a breeding of our 2003 stallion, An Awesome Secret. We offer a very limited number of breedings to him, but the Heritage Center is a place we would like to see grow and remain open. It was sad to see the Roy Rogers Museum closing. I hope our club does not have to ever face that decision. If you are looking for a great Appaloosa gift for anyone in your circle of Appaloosa friends or family, browse through the gift shop. If you don’t see what you are looking for, pick up the phone. They can’t get it all on the web site. The profits go to a great cause and there really is something for everyone.

While you are shopping online, buy a raffle ticket or two. It is tax deductible and the back of the ticket makes a great gift tag. If you need a mare to use your in your breeding program, I think I could help you with that, too! If we don’t have one, I would be happy to refer you to someone who might.
Think about the discovered photo we treasure when we find it or see a picture of a horse in the pedigree of our favorite horse that has long since passed…or the remembered folks that started the registration of this wonderful breed. We all have our mentors that got us hooked. Before you toss that photo, send it to the museum with a note of the person or horse. I bet they would love to have it.

Who's The Boss?

2009-04-25T17:40:00.005-05:00

Our roads are still under water (below), but there is an end in sight.
We had one day of 80 degrees weather, and I decided it is time to get out and focus on the horses. Look who is growing up! This is Indelible Image, our yearling colt. He is by The Secret and a daughter of All Inclusive, who is out of An Awesome Secret's dam. So the boys are pretty close in bloodlines.
We have pretty big plans for Ink, but first things first! He decided that he was going to stand in front of me, right in my face. He wasn't going to move. He is a pretty good boy, but his size can be intimidating and he has the manners of a delinquent teenager. He just needs to learn who's the boss. Mark is going to be out of town for awhile, so Ink is going to have to be my project. Rather than call my husband and admit defeat, I called his sister, Juli. Look what she sent me! Click here: Teach Your Horse to Respect Your Personal Space

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Here's the link to all the training articles we have seen in Horse and Rider in the past! So when it warms up again...lessons begin. AND next time I can go to this handy site without showing anyone my personal limitations. Click here: EquiSearch.com - Expert advice on horse care, riding, training, farm and ranch management is now in my favorites list. Sometimes the answer is right there in front of me and I don't have to search through several years of must read/keep articles. I love the internet.
Ink is a good boy. It's just time for a few lessons, and he needs to find out there is a new boss in the barn...at least when Mark is gone.

The last flood post! I promise.

2009-04-14T12:32:00.002-05:00

With a little effort, nobody gets their feet wet. The key is to keep the wheels between the markers, which I have pointed out (a steel fence post in the foreground and a reflecter in the ditch). A little further out it is much deeper. Drive slow. This gets us to the railroad tracks. Then, a one mile power walk, gets you to the vehicle. Even though the Red River has gotten more press because of the threat to Fargo, in all likely hood, The Sheyenne will take out more individual homes across the state.The chances of getting the rest of our mares bred before May is no longer an option. The good news is that An Awesome Secret is still collecting and at another location.

Sheyenne Predicted at Record Level.

The Weather Service says the Sheyenne River is expected to rise to 22 feet in Valley City, about 60 miles from Fargo, by Tuesday, April 14, 2009, or 2 feet higher than the record 20 feet set in 1882.All but one of Valley City's 11 bridges will be closed if that happens. They worry that rising water will spread quickly over the flat valley, flooding roads and homes.
The Sheyenne River is expected to remain high at least 3 weeks. It won't crest here, until the end of the week.We are looking forward to 60 degrees today!!! Predictions of over an inch of rain on Friday. Just keeps the water around a little longer. Our 2 Acre island is high, but call ahead if you are coming to visit. We'll meet you at the tracks.

YIKES!!! That's cold!

2009-04-12T17:44:00.002-05:00

Her first day out also included a curious trip into the water. She follows a little closer and stays on the island. Definitely got her attention! More pictures of the flood to come. Fargo had their worst a couple of weeks ago...I guess it's our turn now.

Double Take?

2009-04-12T09:10:00.003-05:00

This filly was born on April 6th . Just a few days after her big brother, Smitty arrived. There is a remarkable family resemblance, although, the mares do not carry any of the same bloodlines. You can tell An Awesome Secret is their daddy. She is 5 days old here. Her mother is Smooth Vision, a big, colored, dun mare. The filly qualifies for the Foundation Pedigree Designation (FPD) on her papers. (23 ApHC horses in the first 4 generations). 100% ApHC in the first 3 generations. Her blanket isn't quite as bright as big brother, Smitty's, but she is definitely going to turn a few heads, and there is not doubt, she is an Appaloosa. She is the kind that will halter as a youngster and ride as she matures. Then, she will be the kind that will be an asset to any Appaloosa breeding program. These are the kind of babies we love to sell, because she will make her new owner proud to say..."Yep, she's an Appaloosa, my Breed of Choice!"

Mark Him Sold!

2009-04-11T06:07:00.003-05:00

The new owner is Juli S. Thorson. Naming rights went with the sale. His name is Wordsmith, which is pretty cool. He will keep his appropriate barn name Smitty. And he will fit into Juli's writing career. There is a lesson to be learned here. Although, my background is marketing, sometimes we miss the obvious. As we are thinking about who our potential buyer is and how to promote this colt to his maximum potential. We begin to define whether he will be a stallion, halter prospect, rider or all around horse. Then we look to where we will attract the new buyer. Usually we have a list we will send pictures to when the baby fills out a little more. As sellers, sometimes we miss our market by looking past our market. Sometimes our buyers are in our own backyard or in this case our family.
Juli had been dropping hints about owning an Appaloosa again. She had a specific criteria her horse would have to meet. Color and conformation were the features that opened the door. Disposition and talent were just as important. Sometimes we hear something different than what people are telling us. I heard, "...good looking rider with color...an older horse." We usually sell ours as babies and yearlings. I wasn't sure we would be able to fill her needs from our stock, unless she bought it from someone else, after it had proven itself to be sound and sane, but who can resist a baby? A lesson to be learned here! Don't look past your market.
This is the perfect sale on so many levels. As we get older and our family and friends become more treasured, we have one more connection that brings us closer together. We couldn't be happier. Maybe he will be a mascot or maybe Juli will let us stand in the win picture! Maybe he will make it to the cover of a national magazine...a girl can dream. If he just lives a great life in her pasture with her other pampered ponies, we will be just as happy. Smitty's story is just beginning, but I suspect this horse tale will have a happy ending as well.

What's in a name?

2009-04-03T06:25:00.006-05:00

The foal arrived during a memorable event in our area, the Flood pf 2009, and now we are thinking of the perfect name!
One thought is to commemorate, if you will, this horrible flood event that has brought out more positive acts of kindness and compassion that we have taken for granted as we rushed around in our other life. We learned there is hope and strength in our community. We learned that our community of friends and family extend across the world. Many have contacted us and followed "our flood", and kept us close in thought and prayer. ....Maybe we need to have bad times in order to recognize the good times.
His official barn name is Smitty. Mark and I purchased the property we live at April 2nd, 1977 from his grandfather, Francis Smith. His friends knew him as Smitty. April 2nd was Smitty's birthday.

So on to the name...There are a few words that come to mind. RIO (river), ROJO (red), Ricky (strong, powerful), Risky...I'm looking for suggestions.

And by the way...if you own him, you get the deciding vote.

April Fool's ?

2009-04-02T08:33:00.007-05:00

His head arrived before midnight (April 1st), but his huge shoulders held up the birth until 5 minutes after (April 2nd). He was 10 days late (by our calculations). He is the 10th foal by An Awesome Secret born this year. The 2nd colt. I guess we were due. Even though he is late, he could be An Awesome Show colt! He is a full brother to two others. Both are colored and will give any pleasure horse some competition in the ring! This colt is sooooo big. His head is really nice. Great legs! I will be adding pictures to our website. His picture was taken at 6 hours. His tail is almost below his hocks. His mother is Impressive Andrew and Rock Star bred. He will halter and should ride as well. Keep an eye on him. This one is for sale...Mark said we can't keep them all!

Fuzzy Moves To The Foaling Suite

2009-03-31T17:26:00.004-05:00

Sensational I Am, barn name Fuzzy, has been moved to the Foaling suite. The camera is hooked up and we are watching for any signs that will prompt an immediate trip to the barn. Maybe next year I will have gained enough technical knowledge that I will be able to post the web cam to the internet. Right now, we are happy that "checking the mare" means stepping around the corner and focusing on the TV perched on a chair in the entry. There is even a chance you may get back to sleep after the mare check. Not that long ago we took turns making the cold run to the barn.

All kidding aside, this is my favorite time of the year. And if you are lucky enough to be there during the event, it is truly incredible. Everything from the smell of the new foal the soft nickers from the mare to the baby. Even as bad as this spring has been...it makes it all worthwhile to live in our private acreage and experience the special things in life.

Blackhawk To The Rescue

2009-03-30T08:18:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I was taking a nap and I heard a helicopter. It seemed fairly close! So I got up and here is what I found from my bedroom window! These trees are in our side yard. The Blackhawk is just behind the trees and dropping salt on the river to melt the ice jams/dams. Now I wish I had zoomed back some so you get the perspective. They are just above the river..so you can tell we are fairly close.

At least I know we can be rescued ... one horse at a time!

We are here!

2009-03-30T07:46:00.004-05:00

This map does not show county and township roads, but you can see where we are located in relationship to Fargo and The Red River.

We live right where The Maple and The Sheyenne River come together. The Sheyenne empties into The Red River about 7 miles north of us. The Red River needs to go down a couple more feet before we can start moving our water out. So that could take awhile.

The level are near 1997 for us. We lost our house that year, due to ice dams and blocked water flow. When we rebuilt we added 3.5 feet to our historical high. We have a long way to go before the water could ever threaten us. We are nearly as high as the Railroad track that boarders our property to the south (not shown on this map). We knew when we built, we may not have roads during a flood event like this, but our house would be safe.

We wade through knee deep water from our driveway and township road (about 1/4 mile). We change into our walking shoes/boots and walk 1 mile down the railroad tracks to our car and pickup. We currently have 8" of snow on the level...with a blizzard just 3 hours away from us that has already dropped over 10" of snow on Bismarck. We are suppose to experience that weather pattern by noon or 1:00 pm today and another one coming right after that! The weather service is predicting 5-8" of heavy snow by Tuesday evening.

We are safe and dry. We have enough feed and bedding to last a month. All of the horses (12) are in the barn. They take turns with turn out. The roads were out for 6 weeks in 1997. We're hoping it will only be 3-4 this year. We have 1 week almost behind us!

We are safe and dry but a little inconvenience compared to most.

Welcome To Spring In North Dakota!

2009-03-28T06:23:00.004-05:00

Here it is the end of March and we have 8" of snow on the ground and a raging river at our driveway. We are okay. We lost the fight in 1997 and since then built high enough to sustain any flood. The horses are tucked into their stalls. We laid in enough bedding, feed and supplies to last a month. We hope to have roads back in 3 weeks, if we don't get a lot of spring rains.

Right now, to make a trip to town, we put our waders on and walk about a quarter of a mile to the railroad tracks. We change shoes and walk about a mile to the car or pickup. We think twice about how much we want to bring back from our trip.

An Awesome Secret was moved to higher ground with road access, to ensure shipments to Fed Ex. Fed Ex is still working out the details as far as over night shipments. In this case, their airport access is in Grand Forks, ND. That is an 80 mile drive north on questionable routes. Our river flows north. Grand Forks is much better protected since they lost their city in 1997, so we are anticipating evreyrthing to be better this Monday, after the river crests in Fargo and designated routes become avaialbe. Thanks for hanging in there with us. We are doing everything we can to fill orders as they come in.

It is amazing how wonderful our community is, and how everyone pulls together! We are encouraged by the number of emails we have had from our extended Appaloosa Family across the country. We feel fortunate that we are safe, yet somewhat inconvenienced. There are many that have lost their homes, either temporarily or in some case permanently. We are very fortunate.

Thank you for your concern and keep everyone in danger of the flood in your thought and prayers. The clean up is going to another challenge.