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Eltom Horse Arrivals: A MIDNIGHT KISS Denny (former Eltom horse pictured in Group Photos section) This horse arrived to us in exchange for the neurotic appy that didn’t work out, compliments of our dealer. Other than bucking off three out of the four males in the family and developing a detrimental habit of nipping, Denny is really a lovable guy. Once we moved to a private location where we had so far constructed only six stalls, when we had seven horses, however, Denny moved to become Katlyn’s horse. Young Katlyn had begun as our stall cleaner, but had quickly become a very good friend. We knew she would cherish Denny and appreciate the added excitement of his occasional bucks on the trails more than we did.
MIRIAH’S SABLE Who would have thought that a visit to the Can-Am Equine Expo at the Western Fair would end with another Eltom family horse? Brought down as a demo horse for Charles Wilhelm’s live presentations, Sable became our link to his training methods when Mark and Sable as well as Melissa and Fanta signed up to participate in his two day clinic in Michigan at Briar Ridge Farm. (This was also in part so that the now ‘ex-owner’ Debbie could visit again with her beloved black beauty). Despite taking part in a full-fledged dune race between brothers started by David and Chief the day before the first show, Sable did manage to place high in the two O.T.R. shows we attended to start things off. Mark, however, was most thrilled about her pregnancy, (see: J.R.) Despite living and working in B.C. for the time being, you can bet that the first place you’ll find Mark on his many visits home is right next to Sable, usually bathing and grooming her. Sable is a princess after all, and while she loves to be beautified, she tends to turn up her nose at changes in environment, diet and even water quality. The most distressful change for her however, was losing Mark to B.C. It is hard to say who misses who more though, since Mark’s phone calls home usually begin with the subject of Sable. KING’S POCO MISCHIEF The old man of the barn although born in 1992, Chief isn’t above bucking like a wild bronco in the fields, but when David is on him, he takes great care and is on his best behavior. Chief is like the kind old grandpa that everyone loves, (especially Barb), but it is always a hoot to see him flare his nostrils like tunnels when he’s nervous and acting like the young’uns. Chief is known to use a choppy little trot-turn to get out of training exercises he doesn’t appreciate, most likely because he fancies himself destined for the more heroic endeavors of the Trojan War steeds he resembles with his sturdy build and long, white mane and tail that contrasts his golden coat. As courageous as Chief considers himself, however, he is the first horse to startle if anything has been moved in the barn or the furnace clicks on. Just like his old school foundation quarter horse breeding, he’s just not fond of such modern gadgets and changes. Nonetheless, Chief’s patient tolerance makes him every beginner’s first choice to ride, much to David’s chagrin. I’M WHICH FANTASY Only a week after Chief’s arrival, Melissa acquired young Fanta from Melanie of MB Show Horses. With a birthday only five days apart from Sierra’s, it’s no wonder the two three year olds became instantly glued at the hip during their constant heat cycles that earned them the title: “Valley Girls” from Barb (see Group Photos). Although still seeking trail horses at the time, in retrospect, Melissa was very glad to have wound up with another well-rounded member for the Eltom equine family. While initially smitten by her bright eyes, persistently perked ears and white streaked tail that she displays proudly, it was her affectionate nuzzling and the incredibly smooth ride she gives that made Fanta irresistible for Melissa in the end. But the same delicate features and skin which have previously confused her for an Arabian make Fanta especially sensitive to the relentless bugs in summer so that she becomes a constant brownish blur in the pasture from stomping and head shaking in self-defense. It was with the merciful protection of a little fly spray that Fanta made her debut in the show ring by winning first in the Junior Horse W.P. Division at both O.T.R. shows attended, which rendered her eligible as Circuit Champion. Fanta has since shown M.W.H.S. when Melissa wasn’t showing Paint. Despite the limited show attendance, she still managed to end up the member with the highest points in the Novice English class offered that season. Perhaps it was Fanta’s more mature build which lent itself to this new forte, but why not explore her versatility even further? (Trail classes, however, should be attempted only once Fanta realizes that it isn’t protocol for her to butt the gate open and closed with her nose). Also intended as a trail horse, Lily had likewise achieved a title from her first show experience, but this was well before she became an Eltom. How about that; a 1996 Reserve World Champion (in lunge line), for Don to trail ride! With a title like that to go along with her sunny disposition, she and Chief now had palominos rivaling appaloosas for the position of Don’s color/breed of choice. After six years in a field building up her belly so that she resembled a carousel horse, Lily was put on a strict program of diet and exercise then given a manicure and make-over, all in short order so that she could compete in what remained of the season’s Paint shows. In just a few shows here and there, Lily managed to achieve an R.O.M. in the three divisions of Hunter Under Saddle, Halter and Western Pleasure, and introduce Mark and Melissa to world champion competition in Michigan. Maybe it’s the distinctive way she turns her head to look at him on a diagonal angle that is exclusively ‘Lily’, but first and foremost, Lily is Don’s pet. As such, her bold love of humans will never be misplaced, because, just like all Eltom equines, she’ll never be short on special treatment. It is also worthy of mention that Lily came with a little friend named Raspberry, (see: Group Photos), a miniature horse of appaloosa coloring. When we purchased and took Lily to her new home with us, leaving Raspberry behind alone, she whinnied her distress so much that the owner called us back to take her, too. Eventually Raspberry became the barn’s mascot that Lesley re-named “Spanky”. However, when it came time for us to move on, failing splitting little Spanky in two and deciding who got what half, there was little recourse, sadly, but to leave her behind at that barn, only this time she remained happily accompanied by other companions. Be sure to check out: Up and Coming Eltom Family Horses to learn about Lily’s future boyfriend Charlie Hilfiger! TRIBUTE TO THE STARS Originally introduced to us as “Stinky the Dairy cow” due to her black and white markings, Tribute is presently our tallest equine family member. By now we were intentionally looking for show horses, and Tribute was to specialize in English. Tribute, only one year older than the “Valley Girls”, is best described as a gentle giant. Perhaps this is why she was quickly demoted to the bottom of the pecking order in the herd, despite towering over all the others. Tribute was purchased in October 2004, just in time to go with Lily to the “Fall Color Classic” Paint show in Michigan, but her papers weren’t processed in time to be ridden by an Eltom family member. While her first appearance of the 2005 season was at the May 15th “Spring Kick-off” M.W.H.S. show with Fanta in Ilderton, Tribute went on to compete in both the Ontario and American Paint circuits to attain designation as an Open A.P.H.A. Superior H.U.S. Horse, and to receive R.O.M.’s in both Novice and Amateur H.U.S. with Melissa in short order. Evidently Tribute is another Eltom equine prone to making a splash from few appearances in the show ring. After only four Ontario Paint shows (including the Canadian Internationals), she won first place under every judge in every event she did for two of those shows! Tribute did this in the Junior Horse, Novice and Amateur Hunter Under Saddle classes. While not at the show ring where Melissa is presently introducing her to western pleasure classes, Tribute enjoys a break being groomed and ridden on the trails by Paul, who much prefers using the more manly neck-reining style of the cowboys. Paul enjoys Tribute’s incredibly laid back disposition and the fact that she will go wherever he directs her, even if it means stepping through, on and over someone’s very dense hedge that was clearly intended to keep visitors out! As a matter of fact, when Paul calls Tribute in the field, he has to step aside so as not to be trampled; she is that eager to comply! Tribute is now slated for a breeding to The Big Sensation by spring 2007, (see: Up and Coming Eltom Family Horses)! HAVA CHIP OF SCOTCH Like Tribute, Chevy was also purchased from Glen of Patterson Show Horses, only he was to be our western pleasure show prospect. Chevy attends Paint shows throughout the U.S. as well as the National Snaffle Bit Association and American Quarter Horse Association circuits. So far he has attained status as a world finalist at the World Championship Paint Horse Show in Texas, a Junior Champion at both the Canadian Internationals futurity (and class) and the New England Futurity to name just a few of his titles! An A.P.H.A. Superior Western Pleasure Horse from his first season showing, Chevy was also Reserve Champion at the Erie County three year old class of that division. Additionally, Chevy has placed second at the O.Q.H.B.F. (Ontario Quarter Horse Breeder’s Futurity) as well as many other futurities. In fact, suffice it to say, this “…Chip of Scotch” just might wind up with a chip on his shoulder from consistently placing himself at the top in all the different show series’ he’s involved in throughout North America. Perhaps it is his very defined muscles as much due to his intense training program as his natural physique, or maybe it’s his very solid and unshakeable temperament that makes him a success, but we’re just happy that, like all the others, Chevy also passes the family pre-requisite of being an affectionate pet and will likely wind up holidaying at the Eltom retreat sooner or later. POISE ‘N’ CONTROL Haley was purchased from Randy of Carousel Stables as our first halter horse, and boy, do we ever have a newfound appreciation for the work that goes into preparing these sorts for showing! The family consensus is that Haley makes a far better beauty contestant than riding horse since we haven’t even succeeded in getting her to walk beside us, so imagine being atop the fireball, pumped as she is on her high energy, high protein diet! Haley, the first yearling member of our equine family, is our little devil, always outsmarting us and teaching us to be on our toes. It’s her adorable ears with their charming, in-turned tips like Satan’s horns that give her away despite her huge innocent eyes and lashes and dished face. To top off such features, Haley has a strikingly beautiful coat above her four white stockings, a coat of so many hair colors that the A.P.H.A. registry had difficulty giving it a name, finally settling for “gray”. Perhaps these traits, in addition to her amazingly muscular build and strong conformation are what magnetized the judges when she showed O.P.H.C. and A.P.H.A in 2005. Haley began the season by consistently showing and placing within the top three in Yearling Mares, while doing well in Amateur Mares until she peaked with a Grand Champion Mares win. She was also showing successfully in Yearling Lunge Line before she was hauled home to the barn for some R&R. Her rest period didn’t last long, however, since before spring Melissa dared to slowly introduce Haley to the saddle. The same fearless attitude that unnerves her stable mates (and those working with her) actually became an asset in this endeavor when Haley happily accepted the bit and bridle which gave her an excuse to chew, and couldn’t care less when being sacked out or having a saddle tightened to her, provided she could play the whole time. Haley thrives on the stimulation of being ridden and happily accompanies Tribute to be shown by Katlyn and Melissa in M.W.H.S. Little Tresora, born at Fletcher’s Horse World, came to us with her blue-eyed cremello colored mother as our first experience with a foal in the barn! Appropriately named using the Spanish word for ‘treasure’, she has an adorable crooked stripe on her face that resembles a keyhole, like that of a treasure box, and the kind of looks and personality that are certainly a treasure to find! Just as finding a treasure is a surprise, little Tresora kept us guessing as she turned from cream to sorrel before finally settling on red-gold as her mane and tail turned blond. Needless to say, there was quite a dispute going on to get the baby palomino registered before a D.N.A. test finally settled the color issue. There were still more surprises to come involving the willing and very trainable filly... Santa was involved in the scheming again that Christmas and the little darling became a gift for Melissa, a discovery that came about after Paul noticed a vacuum bag on the ground beside her stall door which was very out of place for our unusually tidy barn. It read: “Merry Christmas Melissa! From your new horse, Tresora” on the underside upon which it had fallen. Needless to say, Christmas 2005 suddenly became VERY memorable for Melissa! Tresora is soon to start gaining experience by doing a few yearling lunge line and halter classes to prepare for her future in showing! While possibly not destined to be a halter champion in build, Tresora has certainly proven herself a natural at standing square, as can be seen in her baby photo entitled: ‘Tresora Standing Pretty’. However, the prettiest thing of all is watching her while in movement, and with her prime reining and pleasure bloodlines, Tresora is sure to surprise us again with her talents in the future! FLETCH HOLLYWOOD Ever since we acquired baby Tresora from Fletcher’s Horse World, Don had his eye on a little group of palomino foals out of the reining stud, Fletcher’s Hollywood that weren’t for sale. After chipping away gently at John and Sharon Fletcher awhile, we were eventually rewarded with Fletch, our first experience with a young stallion! Although there was no question that the colt was a palomino, we did have some concerns that he might turn out to be a mule in the beginning, given his tan colored muzzle and a disproportionately large set of hairy ears. Fortunately, it seems as though Fletch has now grown some to better accommodate those ears and a little bathing and clipping reveals a handsome boy with interesting splotches over his body that we now know are not dirt. The complication is that the mares all think he’s hot stuff regardless of whether he’s sporting his usual scarred up ‘dirt ball’ look or been cleaned up some. Tribute, in particular, regularly engages in not-so-subtle flirtations that may have further progressed Fletch’s early blooming at the mere age of one. His break into her field for a quick love session and the trail of broken fences along the way by all the other flirts are nothing compared to the romantic although not very private evening the two lovebirds spent after somehow unlatching each other’s stall doors in the barn. By moonlight they changed the main exit door into a huge picture window to walk through and perhaps admire the stars together, and then completed rearrangement of the barn by over-turning a few saddles and electronics as finishing decorative touches. These calamities aside, the comically mis-matched (tallest/shortest, English/reiner) duo no doubt had a wonderful time! As for us, it was of course a huge relief to observe Tribute’s subsequent heat cycle that time as it assured no unplanned little one had resulted. As it stands now, Fletch is visiting Fletcher’s Horse World for some lessons in more gentlemanly behavior and a breather from his ever-beckoning harem! LAMBEAU FIELD Once Tribute came home to stay at Paul’s request, we needed another, younger English show prospect. Trucked in from none other than Wisconsin, the home of the stadium after which he was named, the lanky, leggy two-year-old named Beau was purchased with Chevy’s winnings for just this purpose. While there were some misgivings at how awkwardly this lazy gelding tore up the Patterson’s arena at first, a little training under Tracey soon enabled us glimpses of a potential English champion. While still really just a gawky adolescent, Beau dove into the show world by making his first presentation at none other than the Paint World’s Competition in Texas! He has already won his first Ontario Paint classes under all judges, so watch out for this young sorrel fellow with the seemingly paint-splattered sides in other such competitions as well as American Paint shows and Futurities. SABLE’S LITTLE COOKIE As the first foal born in our barn, J.R., along with his attentive mother, Sable made sure everything proceeded smoothly with his birth. This beautiful jet-black colt, son of A.Q.H.A. Superior W.P. stud, One Good Cookie at Rick Leek Quarter Horses, arrived to us on a cloudless mid-February day, a little earlier than expected -ten days previous to Mark’s scheduled flight home to be exact. He was discovered early in the morning by Sandy, our barn helper, halfway out where the sun beamed in the window. Before the vet arrived, he had already wriggled his own way out, and was soon shakily standing up and down along with his restless mother. With a nicely sculpted head resembling his mother’s topped by a half-moon right between his eyes, who can resist him? Nowadays he uses his very correct legs to propel him all over the property. While he does enjoy rummaging about the barn, and laughing at the other horses stuck going around in the exerciser (from which he was exempted due to his ploy of lying down in it), his favorite goal is to defy gravity by keeping all four feet and tail perpetually up in the air at high speeds. If you try to leave him behind standing at the pasture gate, he will surely lure you back with just such a display of poetry in motion. Our hope is that this little guy doesn’t pick up the premature lessons of masculinity from Fletch!! Indeed, Mark now has yet another very good reason to visit home and he frequently checks in on the progress of both the Mum and her little colt, attempting to ensure that his list of learning exercises for J.R. is properly enacted. Up and Coming Eltom Family Horses: Next year’s expected bundle of joy will be from Fanta’s handsome suitor, the double registered English and Western Pleasure 5X World Champion HBF Ironman of Honey Bear Farm! As might be suggested by his gray coloring, this stud is a great grandson to the much publicized 1950’s racing marvel, Native Dancer! In fact there developed a bit of history behind his mysterious vial of masculine potential for us, as well. While initially intended for one of our trainer’s brood mares, after three strikes, Tribute was scheduled to be bred to him the following year instead. But once future plans for Tribute fell under discussion, and then a different English stud (see below) was recommended for her, this breeding naturally befell Fanta! Fanta had forever been hinting at a desire for motherhood given her constant displays of fertility, so it’s no wonder she jumped at the opportunity by regulating her cycles early enough in the season to catch upon the very first breeding! As a result of the history, Melissa invented the name; ‘I’m Won Ironic Fantasy’ for the potential foal since it seemed as though destiny had played a part in the unplanned union of the two love mates. She only hopes that the romance behind the name isn’t contorted into an ‘Erotic Fantasy’! As mentioned, Tribute’s fate has finally been decided, and what an honorable fate that is! Tribute will be bred in 2007 to a World Champion in Hunter Under Saddle, The Big Sensation, presently standing at High Point Performance Horses. This particular stud isn’t your ordinary World Champion, however! Aptly named, he is creating quite a sensation by winning every class he competes in under every judge there!!! While this extends to the full list of shows and futurities he’s ever been entered in, ‘Jerry’ just finished undefeated once again at the Paint World’s in Texas! A performance record like that has never been duplicated before in the history of the Worlds! What a fitting father for Tribute’s offspring! Lily will also be bred in the spring of 2007 to the talented Western Pleasure World Champion Charlie Hilfiger at BSB R11 Quarter Horses. Also World Show Champion of the 3 year old Derby, the double registered Charlie has his Superior Western Pleasure title in both the Paint and Quarter Horse circuits! With both parents World Champions, this foal can’t help but be victorious in all his/her future pursuits! |
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