"Zachary"

Zachary slowly entered the show gate for his first class showing halter this summer. Zachary is 12 and he was showing our Belgian gelding Mark also age 12. As they entered the ring this photo seemed the perfect fit to show how a little guy with a big heart could accomplish anything. Being the only draft at the 4-H fair that day, Mark towered over the other horses. Mark took great care in watching the ring and confirming that drafts can still be the true gentle giants. Zachary and Mark were pinned first in the class and that excited smile did not leave Zachary's face for weeks!

Following the class Mark stood for hours allowing spectators and other horse families the opportunity to meet him and have their photo taken. Mark enjoyed all of the attention and was a wonderful representation of the Belgian Draft Horse Breed. Zachary has gained many new friends from his experience with Mark this summer. He is truly a member of our family!

"Tiger"

As you can see Tiger is a joy to ride! He is an 11 year-old Polish Arabian and a great companion with a springy trot and a comfortable canter. Like all Arabians, Tiger is smart and crafty. He has discovered a way of getting his bridle off in the middle of a trail! He is extremely affectionate and likes to watch other horses competing with his head on my shoulder. Tiger does it all; dressage, jumping, trails and he comes when called. It really doesn't matter what I do it is always fun with Tiger!

"Touch"

This is Unttouchable, a 16 year-old Bay Arabian Gelding. "Touch" as he is affectionately known was shown extensively throughout his young life in Halter and Driving, he became a well seasoned/proven stallion. In 2003 Touch was sold by his breeders in an auction, we were fortunate enough to buy this fine creature and used him with our small breeding operation where he sired 11 foals for us, 3 of which we still own. Touch also continued making appearances in Local and Class A show rings where he was always in the top of his class. Last September when some major things happened in Touch's human family, and given the current market situation this decision was made for Touch to be gelded, while this was a hard decision to be made it proved to be one of the best. Touch made his debut in the Halter and Showmanship Ring in early Spring of this year with 6 different 4-H students, this former difficult to manage stallion turned into the best friend and confidence booster for all of our 4-H children, while he also toted our 2y/o son, Josey through several leadline classes. Touch showed April-September and walked away with many, many blues. He has won the hearts of many children and adults alike with his beauty both inside and out, I am truly honored to own him, and he has a forever home with us.

"Cash"

Platinum Card, otherwise known as "Cash" is a ten year- old Oldenburg Warmblood who is just like a little kid. His dad, known as Silver Card is a Grand Prix horse and is all white and tucks up the same way when he jumps. Cash is just a beauty and has a big heart. He is amazing in the jumper show ring

"Morpheus"

Morpheus is our 8 year-old Knabstrupper who is coming back to showing after a long battle with Equine Protozoal Myelitis. He is the most clever, inquisitive, good natured horse you would ever care to meet. He has been a trooper through his diagnosis and rehabilitation, and is a favorite at the barn, always hamming it up for carrots and granola bars.

"Bravo"

This is Bravo Canyon, a captive bred 8 year-old Kiger Mustang stud who's sweet personality has him dubbed "Stud Puppy" around the barn and on the trails. I am a 30-something, who after a few spills and such had lost my confidence. Until Bravo came into my life, my riding was strictly confined to walking the trails and maybe something a little faster in the safety of the arena. Those days of galloping down the road and never wanting to turn back were just fond teenage memories. Bravo's bold confidence and willing attitude has given me not only the confidence to gallop down the road again, but to enter Competitive Trail Challenges where we put our courage, agility, and willingness to the test. Not only that, but we're training for Extreme Cowboy Racing and hoping to start competing next season. I feel like a teenage girl again--riding free and fast and fearless. Hard to believe that just a year or so ago I was timid about trotting! Bravo has quite literally gotten me back in the saddle again!

"Pilgrim"

This is Crookshane Lad, aka Pilgrim. He is my four year -old thoroughbred gelding. He is currently still in the racing business and has run at Philadelphia and Delaware parks. His exercise jockey is me, as I do the training; galloping up a giant hill in a cross country field near our barn. Pilgrim stands 16'1 hh and is a lovely shade of steel grey (at the moment). He was born roan and his dam was "white" so he should finish out as the lightest shade of grey that there is. He has a priceless temperament just like black beauty, which rare for a young racehorse, although he he does get more high strung when we arrive at the race grounds and he is pumped to move! He understands me, and I understand him in a slightly psychological/spiritual way that is rare with even some of the strongest horse and human bonds. I have always believed that there is an extra powerful force between a woman and a horse.

"Siebren"

My long-time dream was to own a Friesian. With their flashy presence, noble character, and friendly disposition, who could ask for more? This is a photo of Siebren, a 13 year-old gelding that once lived in Holland. He is truly my soul-mate, and we enjoy showing in Dressage and going on trail rides. He excels at both.

"Dancer"

Meet Dancer, my first horse and best friend. She is a four year-old American Saddlebred. Dancer is certainly a survivor, but she also loves me like crazy, and that's part of what makes her special. In 2009, Dancer wound up at an auction where it was almost a guarantee that she would be slaughtered. Dancer came to live with me seven months ago, after a long and tedious recovery from a major injury and starvation. Today, after enduring multiple impaction colics and struggling to survive, Dancer is a dream to ride and handle. Even though she is so young and full of energy, I trust her wholeheartedly. She is now a healthy weight, and eventually, she will shine in the show ring. For now, she shows people around her how priceless a hundred-dollar, supposed good-for-nothing horse can be - and I wouldn't trade her for all the horses in the world!

"Kootenai"

This is the adorable Kootenai! He is an 8 year-old half Paint, half Haflinger 14 hand pony! He has one of the most special personalities I've ever known. He is known to do anything for a peppermint candy and wants attention non-stop. But he's also the most caring and trusting pony of them all. Whether we're barrel racing or enjoying a leisurely trail ride, I know we will be safe. Plus how can you resist this adorable pony. He's my horse of a lifetime!