2008 has been a difficult year for many.  With the economic collapse, disputes within our breed, and life’s inevitable challenges, it has been interesting.  My wish for 2009 is that we all weather the financial recession, have more “ups” than “downs”, and that our beloved breed thrives despite the internal conflicts of its human members.  Hopefully the new year will bring greater unity among our ranks.  After all, we all share a common love.  I wish everyone great success in all their endeavors, and last (but definitely not least) LOTS OF BLUE RIBBONS!!!

The following is a chapter by Carole Mercer sent to me for posting. Enjoy…
Chapter 5
Morgan Horses in the First Year

I buy more horses. I arrive with my Morgan Mare, Suzi, from California. I buy Quarter horse buckskins became I believe I will make a try at being a “master cutting horse trainer.” I discover that the entry fee for a cutting horse show can be as much as $500.00 dollars for just several minutes. Plus I have not a clue on how to cut cows. I buy another Quarter horse gelding that I think will be my rope horse. I have one Western saddle and no idea how to rope. I own lots of pasture and I keep horses cheaply until winter when I find out that the horses eat more hay than my cows. I keep the Morgan because she is an easy keeper. Suzi can eat sticks and gain weight. I sell all of the nice Quarter Horse dreams. They all go to good homes. I am down to one horse.
Read the rest of this entry

Hi Steve: I am crazy about your horse. Wish I needed a classic horse.  He looks like a ball to ride. You both were fabulous at Okc and every other time I have seen you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Kathy Gutting

It’s been a crazy winter, and it’s only the end of December. I haven’t ridden too much since November, but decided last night to hop on Bobby Sox and just have fun. Usually, I’m working on a nice collected lope, or pivots – or whatever (there’s always something), but yesterday, I just wanted to RIDE. So, I saddled Bobby up with a little hunt saddle along with a snaffle bit and had at it. It was so much fun – we did cavaletti, trotted REALLY fast - I never knew a horse could trot that fast without breaking into a canter! We cantered loosely around the ring – it was just fun and worry free. We have all the rest of winter and spring to work on the business end of things – seriously, I am sore today – BUT it was the best winter blues therapy I’ve had. Hope you all are enjoying your PLAY time too

I’m selling a 16 1/2″ Collegiate Close Contact saddle. It’s in fantastic condition and was only used lightly for less than a year. New this saddle costs $700 but I’m asking $400.

I’m also selling a pair of Ladies size 7 1/2 Ariat Heritage Field Boots. These are also in awesome condition. They are medium height with a full calf. I want $200 for them, half their original price. I don’t have photos of them but can provide them if needed.
I’m in New Hampshire and you can reach me at MorganGirl248@yahoo.com

Menomin Major Issue – For Sale $10,000
see www.hallelujahstables.com

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/5CZizLLNK_g" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Happy Holidays from the NY Stallion Service Auction. 

Our web site has just been completed for the 2009 auction – including the on line-bidding portion of the site. Catalogs will be in the mail in a few days.

Our auction will be held on January 31, 2009 in Saratoga, NY.  We are offering breeding contracts to 37 of the breed’s finest stallions as well as 2 “Name Your Mare Spots” to be auctioned off.  Also check out the few select items we will also be auctioning off including an original Jean Mellin Herrick painting.

Barbara Irvine will be on hand to do a workshop for the youth and you can also get fitted for a new Marsha DeArriaga outfit for the upcoming show season.  Purina Mills, the 2009 Corporate Sponsor of the NY Stallion Service Auction, will also do a presentation at 2 PM.

Visit our web site at www.nymorganstallions.com to view this years offerings as well as events being held prior to the live auction.

Nancy Galusha, Chair

NY Stallion Service Auction

That was one of my best classes…ever! So much fun. I got 4th/14 in it with Genuine Jade..The person that won is my best friend. Kind of awkward lol.

I got a first place vote which makes me so thrilled.

What did you guys think of that class? If you saw it..

Ok I know it’s almost Christmas so I might post the same thing again next year just to make sure everyone gets the idea and can think about it. Ok my idea…

       Everyone knows how the in-hand classes are becoming extinct so why not spruce them up some?  Plus many of us are older or young and do not care to run through the dirt with abandon while showing how out of shape we are.

Lets combine Liberty classes and In-hand classes. The class would run with one horse in at a time and the judge would look over the horse while the horse is stood out then the handler would turn the horse loose for an appropriated time then catch the horse and the judge could stand the horse out again or send the horse out of the arena and call upon the next horse.  Once all the horses are through then they would all come into the arena and the judge could look them over again and place the class.

Yeah maybe it is a little over the top or time consuming but, it would be pretty! Plus it is much different than other breeds and exciting. Something like this is bound to acquire attention on many levels especially from people just getting into Morgans or horses at all. It is also a class Amatuers and kids can compete in easily without having to worry about too much.

So what do you all think?