Loping & Lingering Newsletter of the Spanish Registry, Inc. Special Edition 2013

FROM THE EDITOR SMR SCHOLARSHIP NEWS • The votes are in! The newly Welcome to this Special Edition of the Spanish forming scholarship foundation of Mustang Registry (SMR) newsletter! the Registry is officially named the “R.E. And a big “Thank You and Welcome!” to our Brislawn Scholarship” by popular email-request readers!! Here at the SMR, we’re vote. This name honors both hooked on our wonderful Spanish Robert and Emmett Brislawn for and are very excited to introduce and share their priceless contribution to the them with our fellow enthusiasts. foundation and perpetuation of this registry. May their memory hold strong as our scholarship Please enjoy learning more about the Spanish Mustang from the funds work to support the next enclosed collection of informational articles, stories, poems, and photos generation of Spanish Mustangers submitted by members and friends of the Spanish Mustang Registry, in their educational pursuits. previously published in Loping & Lingering’s members-only editions. • Full details on eligibility and the Please note, all items are the property of the contributors and/or the SMR and may applicationapplicationapplication and selection process not be copied or reproduced without written permission. Thank you! will be published in an upcoming edition of Loping & Lingering. For additional information on Spanish Mustang breed history, photos, • Monetary donations may be made breeders, for sale and more, we invite you to visit the Spanish at any time to Treasurer Lisa Mustang Registry website: www.spanishmustang.org or find us on Mahan. • Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Spanish-Mustang- Annual silent auction fundraiser Registry-Inc/162568783900470 of donated items will take place each year at our meeting. To donate tack, model horses, books, Enjoy! ~Kate Taylor training DVDs, gift certificates, jewelry, art, or any other easily transportable item of value, please ththth contact the Publicity Chair at 565656 Annual SMR Meeting [email protected]. June 14June 14-14---16,16, 2013 at Whitaker Ranch • Additional fundraisers to be Promontory, UT announced. One idea - feature sale items online and in the The 56th Annual SMR Meeting will be held at newsletters of which all proceeds Whitaker Ranch near Promontory, Utah. The will benefit the scholarship ranch is 101 years old and has a rich history of account. Any input?? ranching, farming and horse wrangling. There will be accommodations for self- • A newly revised membership contained RV's, tent camping, and hotels in nearby Tremonton or Brigham applicationapplicationapplication now has a space for City. We will have plenty of room for horses and corrals already in place with you to include a voluntary hundreds of acres for trail riding right from the ranch house. Agenda, scholarship donation at the time registration, meals, and more accommodation information soon to follow! of membership renewalrenewal!!!! All donations will be allocated Mark your calendars now for June 14th – 16th, 2013 in Utah! directly into the scholarship account. Contact Amanda Rimer at [email protected] • If each of us donates only $5 per or 801-336-7379 with any questions. yearyearyear,year, we will easily meet our minimum goal of raising $500!

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 1

ANNUAL EDITOR SMR Board of Simrat Khalsa DirectorsDirectorsDirectors 84850 South Ridgeway Rd. Pleasant Hill, OR 97455

PH: 541/632-9710 PRESIDENT Cell: 541/731-7152 Jim Dildine 323 County Rd. 419 [email protected] Chilton, TX 76632 PH: 254/546-2177 NEWSLETTER EDITOR & Cell: 512/461-8626 PUBLICITY CHAIRPERSON Kate Taylor [email protected] 312 Harrison Ave. ATTENTION MEMBERS Kingsford, MI 49802 DIRECTOR Cell: 906/221-5680 To advertise in future editions of the Charles Dee Mahan [email protected] newsletter or Annual, please see 265 Hwy 341 S rates below. Contact Kate Taylor or Vardaman, MS 38878 Simrat Khalsa for more information. PH: 662/682-7516 POINTS & AWARDS Cell: 662/983-0931 COORDINATOR Rebecca Fulcher [email protected] ADVERTISING RATESRATESRATES 25168 Malvern St.

Brooksville, FL 34601 Price includes your website featured on the DIRECTOR & PH: 352/754-5042 public Spanish Mustang Registry, Inc. FB page!!! PROMOTIONAL ITEMS Per Issue: Newsletter AnnualAnnualAnnual Josie Brislawn [email protected] MemberMemberMember NonNonNon Member Non 2740 D Rd. Full Page $30.00 $50.00 $65.00 $85.00 Moorcroft, WY 82721 ONLINE FORUM PH: 307/467-5394 ADMINISTRATOR ½ Page½ Page 15.00 25.00 32.00 42.00 Amanda Rimer ¼ Page 7.00 12.00 16.00 21.00 [email protected] ¼ PagePage 55 South 200 West Classified 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 ClassifiedClassified Willard, UT 84340

PH: 801/336-7379 SMR Officers SPECIAL PACKAGE DEAL for [email protected] MEMBERS ONLY: A full year’s SECRETARY advertising! Carol Dildine HISTORIAN 323 County Rd. 419 Dipper Brislawn Brunson Annual + 3 Newsletters Chilton, TX 76632 1310 Oak Creek Rd. PH: 254/546-2177 Aladdin, WY 82710-9729 CHOOSE FROM: Four Full Page Ads @ Cell: 512/966-6065 PH: 307/896-4259 $130 (save $25), Four ½ Page Ads @ $80 [email protected] (save $12), or Four ¼ Page Ads @ $31 (save $6) WEBMASTER Karen Parker TREASURER TAKE NOTE! Lisa Mahan Castle Park, CO 265 Hwy 341 S [email protected] Submission Deadlines

Vardaman, MS 38878 om Newsletter PH: 662/682-7516 Cell: 662/983-0930 EUROPEAN INFORMATION April 1 [email protected] COORDINATOR July 1 Chris Thompson Oct. 1 REGISTRAR 3 Waterside Court Marye Ann Thompson Twyford Annual* 4970 S Kansas Settlement Rd. Berkshire RG10 9JB Dec. 31 Willcox, AZ 85643 UK PH: 520/384-2886 PH: 447-8602-23684 *Submissions for the Annual may be [email protected] [email protected] sent at any time throughout the year.

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 2 Spanish Mustang (SMR) large eyes are to be faulted. Eyes may be of any Breed Description color. These colors may include brown, gray, green, blue, or amber. A white rim (sclera) is acceptable in all colors. The Spanish Mustang is a smooth-muscled horse with a short , rounded rump and low set. Ears: Coupling is smooth, and the overall appearance is The ears are short to medium in length and nicely of a balanced, well-built horse. The girth is deep, set upon the head. The ears should not be set too with a laid-back shoulder and fairly pronounced close together or set far apart. The preferred ears are withers. Consistency in type is important, and the wider at the base than the top and are notched or Spanish Mustang should be immediately discernible curved inward at the tips. Ears that are long, narrow, upon sight by anyone familiar with the breed. The and/or floppy are not typical and should be faulted. build of the Spanish Mustang ranges from a heavier The wooly hair, located inside the ears, is often type to lighter type without extremes. Heavily lighter in color than the base coat and is typical for defined muscling and height in excess of 15 hands this breed. The ears are often tipped and rimmed is atypical and should be *faulted. The Spanish with a darker color than the base coat, also typical Mustang should give the appearance of a natural of this breed. collection whether in hand or under saddle.

Neck: Height/Weight: The neck is well-defined in appearance and fits Height is approximately 13.2 to 15 hands. smoothly into the shoulder. Mature should Weight 650 to 1100 pounds. have a well-crested neck with a smooth, arched Height and weight are in proportion. appearance from the back of the ears to the withers.

Mares and will have some crest to the neck, Head: particularly in well-fleshed animals, but the The typical head has a flat or convex profile. When should exhibit feminine qualities. The neck length viewed from the front, the forehead is broad and should be approximately the same length as is the will give the impression of an inverted triangle. distance from the withers to the coupling. Any dip

in the neck between the poll and the withers (ewe The throat latch is well-defined and has plenty of neck) is to be faulted, as is any heavy neck crest that room for air passageway. The heavier built horse falls to one side. may have a less defined throat latch than a lighter built horse, but in all the cases the throat latch The mane and forelock will be long and full in most should be deep with a distinct hollow on the animals, although some may be shorter and thinner. underside of the jaws. The mane/forelock should be worn at the full,

natural length and weight. The mane that falls on The forehead tapers down into a fairly fine muzzle. both sides of the neck should not be faulted. Muzzles may vary somewhat in size but are never large or coarse. Shoulder:

The shoulder should be well laid back, fitting The mouth is shallow, with no appearance of parrot smoothly into the withers with a 40-45 degree angle mouth or under bite. The lips should be fine in preference. The forward point of the shoulder appearance. Floppy, thick or coarse lips are faulted. should show prominence. Overly upright shoulders

are to be faulted. The nostrils are set low on the nose. The nostrils are fine, crescent shaped and closed when at rest. When Chest: alerted or excited the nostrils are capable of great The chest is moderately narrow with good expansion. definition down the center; a well-defined upside

down “V” should be present between the forelegs. Eyes are fairly wide-set and set somewhat higher on Viewed from the front, the barrel should be plainly the face. Somewhat slanted eyes or almond shaped visible on both sides of the horse. The points of the eyes are normal. Small eyes (pig eyes) or overly shoulder should be defined when viewed from the Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 3 front and from the side. Viewed from the side, the Mustang type may have heavier upper foreleg chest should not appear to be flat or excessively muscling than the lighter type, but should not be pigeon-chested. The chest may vary with heavier bulgy or bunchy. Horses that are narrow-based built animals having a wider chest. No Spanish should be faulted. Paddling or winging out are Mustang should have a “bulldog” type chest, as natural to some Spanish Mustangs and should not seen in the Draft or Quarter Horse. be faulted, unless interference is caused in the stride or is caused by a lack of straightness in the leg. The Back and Midsection: angle of the pastern should be close to or the same Well-defined withers blend smoothly into the back. as the angle of the shoulder (40-55 degrees). The back is short, strong and well-proportioned. Males can have shorter backs than females. The The rear legs may be set under the body somewhat. Spanish Mustang is an “uphill” horse, with the An imaginary line projected up from the back of the withers typically set slightly higher than the croup. hind cannon should meet the rear point of the rump. The Spanish Mustang is square, and the feet are When viewed from the rear, the hind legs should be positioned under the body. The loin is short, strong straight and strong in appearance. Narrow based or and smoothly coupled. The length from the poll to wide based horses should be faulted. The inner the withers and the length from the withers to the sides of the rear leg should be adequately muscled tail should be equal. The heart girth is deep with so as not to appear weak. The gaskin should have well-sprung ribs, thus allowing plenty of heart and adequate muscling and tie smoothly into the rump. lung space. The flank space is short, yet gives The hocks should be clean and lead into medium, balance to the middle of the horse. Long bodied or short and straight cannons with well-defined wasp-waisted horses are to be faulted. tendons and suspensory ligaments. Sickle hocks and a horse that camps out should be faulted. Faults in Hindquarters: the rear legs that cause interference or undue stress Viewed from the side, the hindquarters appear should be faulted. smooth and display strength and roundness, without excessive muscle definition. Level hips are to be The pasterns are of moderate length and slope. The faulted. The point of the croup should not protrude angle of the pastern should match that of the upwards in a “hunters bump.” Gaskins are deep shoulder. The rear pasterns may be straighter than with a sloping, rounded croup. The hip joint is well the front, but should have length and angle to give set and low. Viewed from the rear, the Spanish maneuverability. Fetlocks should give the Mustang should appear to be “rafter” hipped. Hips appearance of strength and elasticity. Fetlock hair should not be excessively wide nor narrow or may vary somewhat but should not be “drafty” in weedy in appearance. appearance. A sparse comb of hair on the back of the legs is typical in some horses and may be Tail: evident only in the winter. It should not give the The tail is set is a medium-low to low set and is appearance of “feather.” well into the rump. The tail is usually carried in a natural relaxed manner, never elevated over the Chestnuts, if present, should be small and teardrop back. Tails will vary in length and thickness. shaped. Chestnuts should not appear to be ragged Scanty tails, especially in patterned or coarse on both the fore and back legs. Chestnuts horses, are not to be faulted. that protrude are not typical of the Spanish Mustang. Small or non-existent chestnuts are the Legs: most desired. Ergots should be small or non-existent The forelegs should be straight with a large broad on both back and front fetlocks. knee and the middle line of the foreleg going straight down the middle line of the hoof. Both over Hooves: the knee (buck knee) and back at the knee (calf Hooves should be round and of hard, dense texture knee) are to be faulted. The cannon bone is short with thick walls. Hooves should not have noticeable and round with well-defined tendons. The upper cracks or blemishes. A “shelly” or excessively flat foreleg will be considerably longer than the cannon or flared foot should be faulted. Hoof circumference with adequate muscling. The heavier Spanish will be smaller at the coronet band than at the Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 4 ground surface, thus creating a functional, conical The Spanish Mustang Foundation shape with concave sole, prominent frog and full By Adam Edwards heels. The size of the foot should relate to the size of the horse. Excessively small or large feet are to The Spanish Mustang Foundation was founded in 2004 be faulted. Feet can be black, white, amber, or to strengthen and expand efforts to preserve this striped in color. exceptional horse, through educational activities and preservation practices. By creating a better awareness Color/Patterns: of this horse’s history we hope to secure its legacy in All colors are present in the Spanish Mustang. America. For the last several years The Spanish Mustang Foundation has hosted Youth Clinics with Patterns found in the Spanish Mustang include Robin Doughman, trained many young Spanish appaloosa and all paint patterns, excluding . Mustangs, and produced a cutting edge film entitled Many horses exhibit “primitive” markings. “Return of the Horse”, not to mention its philanthropy that has contributed to many Spanish Mustang Behavior/Temperament: preservation projects. The Spanish Mustang is a very “domestic” horse, To learn more, please visit us at: that is to say they like to be around people. Spanish www.spanishmustangfoundation.org Mustangs have an affectionate disposition, are curious and alert, observant, quick and eager to learn, and eager to please. Spanish Mustangs are The Spanish Mustang in Endurance highly intelligent with an innate sense of self- By Jody Buttram preservation and are intolerant of abuse. Some of you may have heard of this hardy little Movement: horse, but you may not be aware of the incredible Any gait is acceptable when performed in a smooth, ability to do endurance that comes in this historical rhythmic manner. However, quality of the package. The Spanish Mustang is a direct individual gait performed by each horse and its descendant of the horse that was brought over for overall presentation should be one of pleasing the conquest of the Americas. It is a combination cadence, symmetry, roundness, smoothness and a of the best Spanish and European breeds for joy to ride. Every gaited Spanish Mustang is an individual, and the gait will be unique to that combat, endurance, survival and durability. individual. Some may have a slow gait, others a fast gait, and different footfalls can be present. The Spanish Mustang is not to be confused with the wild BLM mustang. The BLM mustang is a * “Faulted”: Characteristic exists that is beyond the horse that may contain many different breeds that parameters of an original Spanish Mustang. This particular mixed together in the wild, whereas the Spanish characteristic is not typical of a Spanish Mustang. A faulted trait does not indicate that this is not a true Spanish Mustang. Mustang is a pure breed of selected horses that Breeding to this faulted trait is not encouraged. have been carefully collected to preserve what is left of this special horse. Because of their Spanish ancestors (Paso Fino and other European breeds), some of these horses will gait, or do what the

American cowboys referred to as the “Indian Shuffle”. Needless to say, those that would gait were highly sought after by both American Indian

and cowboy alike. A horse that made spending long hours on the back of a horse more comfortable was worth many hides.

The Cayuse Ranch, located in Wyoming, is owned and operated by the Brislawn family. They are dedicated to preserving the Spanish Mustang as close to the original horse as possible. There are

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 5 relatively few registered Spanish Mustangs in the In 1989, Chief world, and few breeders. The impact that the Yellow Fox, owned Cayuse Ranch has had on the breed is probably the by Kim Kingsley main reason that we have them for our enjoyment and a descendent today. Without dedicated breeders and of Yellow Fox SMR 3, one of the promoters, this hardy little horse would vanish. foundation sires of the Spanish These horses have all the physical attributes that Mustang Registry one may wish for in an endurance mount, and then and Horse of some. They are compact, much like an Arabian Americas, horse. They are extremely good at taking care of competed in AERC themselves, they will eat, drink and most and won the Jim importantly, they have good brains. They do not Jones Award for the most miles, 1,450 in the 1989 waste energy fighting you, and they stay calm at season. The previous year he was ridden 800 miles in 17 the vet checks. This is an excellent quality, since a rides. horse is competing not only how fast he covers In 1989 Chief Half Moon, also owned by Kim Kingsley, trail, but also on how fast his pulse recovers. Since came in 2nd with 1,300 miles in 22 rides, while the they are descendants of a traveling and warring following year he made 1,250 miles in just 14 rides. horse, they are specialists in survival. Martha Grisham and Cholla completed many miles The Spanish Mustang horse has a proven track between 1988 and 1991. AERC listed them as record in all distances. These sturdy horses can completing 2,920 miles in 56 rides. That’s almost 1,000 carry people through very tough terrain, and not miles for three consecutive years. just carry, but win over other breed competitors. Regardless of their typically small stature, Stephen Huffman averaging 14.1-2 hands, they are noted for carrying and Dutch Pete heavyweight riders. SMR 907 completed 2,030

AERC miles. Here are some of the more noted Spanish Dutch Pete was a Mustangs and their endurance accomplishments: Brislawn-bred gelding In 2004 Geronimo's Warrior, owned and ridden by Don purchased from Funk, and bred on the Cayuse Ranch, WY, won the Jim the Cayuse Jones award (given to the stallion for the most Ranch. In 1990 AERC Open miles in a year) for the 5th year running, and the pair finished logged his 10,000th mile in AERC competition. the 2-day 150 mile Race of Champions in 16th place. The following year, they did the National Championship series of three 100 st mile rides, going into the third race ranked 1 in the nation when Dutch Pete was injured by a runaway horse and had to pull. He still finished 7th nationally that year

even though he had completed only the first two races.

Photo credit: Genie Stewart-Spears All rights reserved

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 6

These days most rides are dominated by Arabians He hesitates, moves back through the bunch, circles and Arabian crosses. However, there are many around twice and moves out in front. breeds of horses that can do endurance and do it I’m able to work him into the pen and as he circles well. This sport is a big tent, and there is plenty of nervously thinking, “This is some place I’ve never room for other competitive breeds in that tent. been”. The next time you see a Spanish Mustang at a ride you may look at them a little differently and with With patience and time and a soft touch, getting his some admiration regarding their roots and what trust won’t take too much. they have accomplished over the years, not only in the founding of our nation, but of their deeds in It’s taken some time and he sort of lets me get near, endurance. He wants to trust me but he still has a fear.

Now I’ve touched him all over; head, legs, back and neck, COWBOY POETRY by Donald Suchy He’s still pretty nervous but that’s what I’d expect. Hi Everyone; Last year and the year before I spent the summer at the Cayuse Ranch working with Josie, I slip in close and stand by his side, and he gives me his head and the halter gets tied. breaking and handling yearlings and 2-year-olds. We spent our mornings and evenings and most of the day I put on some pressure with a pull on the lead. working with these colts trying to get them handled and ready. This is what more or less inspired me to write Just give me one step, that’s all that I need. this poem and share it with you: Soon he is following wherever I go, and I knew it would pay off if I just went slow. “Some Place I’ve Never Been” While working the , I kept eyeing the bunch, and On the Cayuse winter and spring has passed and I’ll latch onto a little dun filly after we have lunch. summer is now here, and now it’s time to start doing a job that I really hold dear. Now I’ve turned out the roan to go where he might want to be, Working yearling colts and two year olds, getting them handled and settled and ready to be sold. Running with his buddies on the Cayuse and feeling so free. I’m watching 30 to 40 working their way to water coming out of the hills. -Donald Suchy Saddletree Gallery Some are running, some are walking and others are kicking up their heels.

We’re starting this morning to gather up some, they all seem a little edgy, so we hope they won’t spook and all start to run.

The wind is blowing and kicking up the dust, if we get them to settle we can avoid the big bust.

The corral gate is open and in it we’re spreading some cake, and with a bunch in we’re securing the gate.

I got my eyes on one in a group of ten, a little blue roan yearling I need to put in the pen. © 2012 Kate Taylor

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 7

Recent News from Takoda Spanish Mustangs Australia

By Kirsty Hagger www.spanish-mustang.com

I am very happy to report that Grey Feather (I’Kkitsi Peta x Prairie Feather) has arrived safely in Sydney and will be home by mid-July. It has been a very long process, however, this spectacular mare is well worth the wait. We will likely breed her to Cazador Del Trueno for a 2013 foal, and she will then start her saddle career. It has been a very long process getting Grey Feather to Australia, and I am extremely grateful to Donna Mitchell at the Little Cayuse Ranch for all that she did to make this possible and for her patience, generosity and assistance in the long process. We have three foals expected in the next few months at Takoda Spanish Mustangs Australia. All foals are by Neosho out of our purebred mare Indian Scout (Steel Dust x Sha-ko-ka) and our two other , an Australian brumby and a very well-bred Australian Stockhorse.

Neosho, as always, is a dream to handle, and we had a lovely time recently taking him to the beach. This was his first time seeing the surf, and although he was unsure about the fast moving water at first, his curiosity soon took over, and he was happy to go into the water and watch the surfers in the distance. As always, he was the perfect gentleman to handle, and he seemed to enjoy the day as much as we did. We couldn't be happier with him, and he is a standout favorite for any visitors due to his beautiful, gentle soul and noble presence.

Both our stallions are standing for their first breeding season at public stud this year. I will also be having both boys tested for frozen semen in August/September and should they freeze well, I am taking expressions of interest for frozen semen for international export. Should anyone have an interest in importing semen from either of our wonderful stallions, please feel free to email me at [email protected] to discuss further about possible future options. Cazador has settled in well and will be started to saddle this summer after the breeding season is finished. I hope to begin his endurance career in 2013, and I am certain he will excel at this sport and any other discipline we may try in the future. He is a highly talented colt with breathtaking movement and endless energy, and he promises to be a standout stallion to promote the breed in endurance and in the general Australian market.

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 8 Moon Fox SMR 3874 and help and support we had from Teena Mack Elijah, Paul Classical in Portugal Elijah and Julie Elijah Barker we were able to make this dream a reality. So she was covered by Kim’s lovely By Julie Ann Rees www.cavalospirit.com grulla stallion Going to Thunder SMR 3664 (Thunder Cloud x Domingo’s Last Go) and ultra-sounded in foal. I am a classical riding Eventually, after unforeseen difficulties on our side, we instructor and trainer; I managed to ship her a later than planned. also enjoy taking a Unfortunately Moon Fox foaled at the quarantine so I natural approach in my was not there to see, but most importantly, Mother and training. I have spent my a lovely dunalino filly Gypsy Moon SMR 3950 were fit life learning about horses, how they think, react and and healthy with no complications. most important how to listen to them. Moon has been a wonderful mare. Last summer after My search led me along the classical route, a route I weaning the filly I began her training, which involved have followed for many years now. I like to take the lunging, working in hand, getting her used to a saddle good bits from many different trainers and adapt my and and own take on them depending on the horse I am learning backing her in with at the time. walk and . It was during my journey into the classical world that I She responded began to admire the paintings of the Grand Masters of wonderfully and old like Antoine de Pluvinel, The Duke of Newcastle and was happy to Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere. I loved the outline cooperate once of these beautiful baroque horses of varying colours she knew what I performing wonderful high school movements. wanted.

The Spanish Mustang being a smaller but still baroque Meanwhile, we sold our farm in Brittany France and horse and carrying the lovely colours that are quite rare began preparing to change our lives and move in Spain today, although more common in Portugal but ourselves, my seven year old daughter, two dogs, seven still a rarity, inspired me to look into the breed. cats, four stallions, three , two mini ponies, Moon Fox and Gypsy Moon to Portugal’s beautiful I fell in love with a small photo of a two year old Gardunha mountain region. cremello filly born at Horsehead Ranch, ND. So the seed was sown; I felt drawn to this filly and was going to It was a huge task but thankfully we managed it, and do everything in my power to get her, but the thought everyone arrived safely after spending some months at of shipping to Europe seemed such a big responsibility a livery yard that cost us a fortune! It was so important to organize. to find somewhere that I felt was safe to leave my horses and somewhere that could also deal with my Needless to say, my partner Jacques felt the same and stallions without traumatizing them, especially the elder had experience in horses flying over from the States as ones. he had collected a few from the airport for his clients as he was doing horse transport at the time. So Moon Fox, Gypsy Moon and a yearling colt Apache Cavalheiro SMR 4067 (Teton Brave x Prairie Breeze) Anyway, we decided to put her in foal before shipping. whom I purchased from Rowan Stanford in Brittany So came the confusing but interesting issue of choosing France, became the first Spanish Mustangs to set hoof which stallion to use. It is so difficult trying to organize in Portugal, the land of their ancestors! this when living so far away, but thanks to Kim Kingsley’s knowledge of his horses and the enormous

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 9 So began the still ongoing work of renovating house, Milton Keynes 3 Day Event stables, fencing, making a sand school for training and ByByBy Brego SMR 3449 adapting to a new language, country, climate and way of life.

As I needed to get Moon back into training soon but was bogged down with work I decided to send her to someone here in Portugal. I chose a brilliant classical rider - Charlotte Wittbom, www.charlottewittbom.com- who has trained under the incredible riding master Luis Valença and participated in the wonderful Apassionata performances. She is based at Nuno Oliveira’s old riding school near Lisbon. This I thought was so exciting; a Spanish Mustang working in the legendary picadeiro of A while back my dad came to see me and said to me the Grand riding master Nuno Oliveira. that I was going to be doing a three-day event at Milton Keynes. He told me that he had a telephone call from Charlotte loved Moon and described her as very Jess, one of the girls who rides me, and that the stables intelligent and a quick learner. The many visitors to the where I live had entered a team of four horses into a yard also loved her kind nature and beautiful baroque three-day event. However, one of the horses had thrown its rider, and she was injured. They needed stature. She was there for four months work creating someone to take their place, and he was asking me to wonderful promotion for the Spanish Mustang in step up to the plate with Jess as my rider. Europe. During her final month Charlotte was even able He said that he had also discussed it with Tessa, the to use her in lessons for some of her classical riding yard owner, and she felt confident that Jess and I could students. I also enjoyed lessons on her from Charlotte, do it even though there was little time to prepare. I which was a great experience for me. soon found myself in a whirlwind of preparation including dressage training. Although I'm not really a th, dressage horse, I did my best. We also visited a cross- On June 20 my birthday, she came back to our farm to country training course at a place called Rosehill, as be reunited with her best friend, Wynnie, who is a BLM well as jumping in the school at the yard. It was all very mustang crossed with an unpapered Lusitano whom I hectic but lots of fun. rescued in Portugal sixteen years ago. He is now an The time to leave for Milton Keynes soon came, and we accomplished high school performing horse and very horses were put on Tessa's lorry and driven up to the similar to Moon in character. three-day event site at Milton Keynes. I was told it was a long format three-day event, but this did not mean Now she will have a little time off before I continue her anything to me as I'd never done a three-day event before. Jess and I were in for a steep learning curve. training. In total, she has had about five months training. One month of lunging and backing with me As it was a late entry for us, we had to use the name of and approximately four months with Charlotte. As you a horse that had been withdrawn, which was Wild Smurf, as all the horses in the team were named after can see from her photos she has accepted the work Smurfs. (Smurfs, I understand, are strange small blue beautifully and no doubt will be a wonderful example of creatures.) Also, as it was a late replacement, Jess and I a classically trained could only enter into the team event and not into the individual, as well as the class the original horse and Spanish Mustang, rider were entered. The jump height was 2'3" which I mimicking the though was a bit of an insult. beautiful baroque The accommodation there was not as good as at home. portraits of the This stable was smaller, and the roof had a hole in it Grand riding which gave a damp patch on the floor as it was raining masters of old that most of the time. However, for a short stay it was tolerable, and there was plenty of food. Of course, first inspired me. being a stallion, they insisted on putting me away from the other horses. Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 10 On the first day we did dressage, and I was a bit water hazard to go through, and I didn't realise you confused as the dressage arena was in the field and were meant to canter through it, so I trotted, which marked out by low whiteboards. They looked a bit like slowed us down some more. Jess looked at her watch jumps to me, but Jess told me I wasn't to jump them but and told me we needed to get a move on to get back in to use them as the edge of the arena. Also, there were time, so she gave me my head, and I went as fast as I several of these things side by side. I did my best, but I could, flying over the last jump without breaking pace got a bit confused. Although the test went as well as and arriving in the collecting arena at a full gallop, could be expected, we had about 50 points to add to which got people’s attention. our score. There was a farrier at the collecting ring who was On the second day it was the individual dressage, being kept very busy replacing lost shoes on the shod which of course I was not doing. But I had a vet check, horses, as they were losing shoes due to the very soft bloody cheek…did they think I was unhealthy? Anyway and muddy going. He commented that it was nice to I passed with flying colours. see a horse doing a three-day event without shoes on. I was glad my dad does not want me to be shod. On the third day it was a roads and tracks, followed by a steeplechase, followed by another roads and tracks The vet insisted on checking the horses over again, and and then the cross-country section. This was pretty I later learned that although almost 400 horses and tough, and sorted out the horses from the ponies, so to riders had started the event, only about 200 went speak. The going was very soft which made me glad I through to the last day for show jumping. Apparently do not have shoes on as the shod horses were losing some were withdrawn by their owners and others were shoes in the mud. I am told this can be quite painful if failed as “not fit to continue”. The vet also seemed very it damages your hoof. I was also pleased when my dad interested when my dad told all about the Spanish appeared, and he gave me lots of cuddles and treats, Mustangs and what a wonderful breed they are. If I which was very nice. could speak I would have told her that myself.

Jess said we were to start our After the vet check I went back to my stables where Jess first roads and tracks at 4:54 and other helpers groomed me and felt all round and PM. My dad thought this was a declared that I had some warmth in my feet. Well I had strange time and as I was being just done quite a hard day’s work, so what did they tacked up, we were running expect!! They put some cold wrap up on them to take slightly late for this start time the heat out, and after giving me food, left me for the when one of the other humans night. By next morning I was as fit as a fiddle and ready came up and said, “Why are you for the show jumping. still here? Your start time is 4:45 pm, and you should be there The jumps where 2'3" in now.” Jess had transposed the height which, as I said time which I suppose was before, was a bit of an excusable given all pressure she insult as I regularly jump was under. 4 foot back home. However, I decided to do This meant a fast trot all the way from the stable down my best for Jess, and we to the start of the roads and tracks, and we arrived got a clear round. some nine minutes late. We set off as soon as we could, and halfway around one of the helpers yelled at Jess to The team did not win the team award but neither did get a move on to make up time. So Jess told me to speed they come last. I understand that I had approximately up, and I gave it my best shot. I'm told we made up 100 points and that had I been entered in the several minutes at the expense of me not having a rest individual entry as well as the team entry we would period between this and the steeplechase. Whilst this have been about 20th. Whilst this may not seem very may have upset lesser horses, we Spanish Mustangs are good, I am told that as it was both Jess and my first-ever tough, and it was not a problem. The steeplechase had three-day event, just to finish it was an achievement only three or four jumps, and then we went straight into the longer roads and tracks, which was After the show jumping and the awards we were loaded approximately 6 to 8 km long. back onto the horse box and back to the yard. We were greeted like returning heroes, and the next day I As soon as we got back there was a vet check, which I overheard Tessa saying to someone “I don't think that passed, however I understand some of the other horses Jess realises what she and Brego achieved at Milton did not. Once I passed the vet check we went off on the Keynes.” Certainly my dad seemed to think we've cross-country section where some of the jumps were achieved something special, and I was given a couple of very scary, and I am embarrassed to say that I refused days off to recover and lots of treats, both of which at two of them at the first attempt. Also, there was a big were very nice.

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 11 LET THE HORSE DO THE TALKING right? Is this what you want me to do?" Or he's telling By Stephanie Lockhart me, "I'm bored." A bored Spanish Mustang is not a good thing! Their crafty little minds conjure up all sorts We are all drawn to of ideas to make it more interesting! Spanish Mustangs Staying one step ahead of them can be a challenge for generally for the same reason. Their rich those less experienced. history, natural beauty, Aside from the training process, allowing our horses to versatility and speak for themselves in the promotion arena is athleticism are important. I want people to be attracted to my horses attributes that keep us and seek further information. Trying to convince them enthralled with the of the qualities of the Spanish Mustang gets me breed. There is another nowhere. This is why the horses need to be presented component, one that I don't see as strongly in many of in a way that draws people to them: clean, well today’s modern breeds. The ability to speak. They speak groomed, hooves trimmed, and shown by handlers or to our hearts as well as speaking to us in their language. riders that are skillful enough to gracefully handle any I'm not referring to talking like Mr. Ed, or the messages unexpected behavior. that animal communicators hear, but dialogue between By presenting the horses this way, they become the the horse and those in his presence. focus, not my words or lengthy dissertation of the qualities of the breed. I've seen people zone out while That is, we must be willing to slow down, observe, listen talking to them. They just can't gather the information and reply. The language gap between humans and quickly enough. I'd prefer they spend 15 minutes quietly horses is not as large most people think, especially with petting my horse or watching him move freely, than the Spanish Mustangs and their high level of self- spend that time filling their heads with information that preservation and sensitivity. Our horses speak the truth. they most likely won't retain. I've been blessed to have spent most of my life with I love the saying, “People don't remember what you various breeds. It was the clarity of communication said or what you did, but they will remember how it with the Spanish horses that got me hooked on them. made them feel." Let us allow our horses to speak to They were beautiful to look at as well, but only with this others so they too can feel the spirit of the Spanish breed did I feel that they were eager for a conversation Mustang. Let us allow our horses to communicate with and ready to engage. us in their training and daily handling. It is amazing This has made training them uncomplicated. It has led what they tell us when we listen. to the successes that I’ve had with my horses in both Stephanie Lockhart is the founder and Executive promotion and performance. Director of The Center for America’s First Horse, Inc. Daily I am reminded of the “less is more” theory as I located in Johnson, Vermont. The Center is home to the work with and around them. Being quiet in my mind largest and most diverse group of Spanish Mustangs in and body allows the horse the time it needs to read me the eastern United States. In addition to her and vice versa. I am always watching for the signs that preservation and promotion efforts of the Spanish he's ready to partner with me, or that he has an Mustang, she is a natural horsemanship professional. aversion to something. She instructs, trains people and their horses, lectures and conducts clinics throughout the region. Is my horse saying, “Listen, I'm trying really hard here. Why do you continue to ask me the same question?" Or http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org perhaps he's asking me a question such as, “Is this

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 12 Cayuse Autumn Sun: was happening here. It was really bad, and we were scared. Being able to speak to Josie via e-mail One Tough Little Lady was very helpful and supportive to us during this whole ordeal. All we could do was pray real hard By Joannie Viator and keep our fingers crossed that Autumn would be spared.

The horses’ temperatures were ranging from 102 degrees to 106 degrees. They were also off their grain and water, had diarrhea, and some were showing neurological signs. All remaining horses were being temped twice daily, and everything was to be cleaned and sterilized. Every precaution was being taken to stop it from spreading any further.

Finally we got a break after about five days. The veterinarians had contacted the University of California Davis with a report of all the symptoms. UC Davis Diagnosis was Equine Corona Virus. They requested blood and fecal samples from every horse, which they so generously tested free of charge to all of the horse owners. Within 24 hours the results were in … UC Davis confirms… Equine Corona Virus outbreak. This is a new and unusual My name is Joannie Viator, and my husband John disease so data is somewhat limited. This and I live in Gloucester, Massachusetts, which is particular outbreak is now part of a case study and located as far Nor’east as you can get in this state. will be reported in the literature in an effort to keep In fact, we are just a little island connected to the everyone in the veterinary community abreast of mainland by two bridges. We reside here with our this disease. This virus came out of the blue. No very special four year old War Bonnet Spanish one knows where it came from or how it got here. Mustang mare named Cayuse Autumn Sun SMR 3936 (High Desert Sabino x Minnesota Maiden), At the time of this writing, I learned that 95% of and our four Labrador Retrievers that we breed, the horses (33 in total at this farm) tested positive show and run in field events. for the Equine Corona Virus. The remaining 5% that tested negative were nowhere near and had no We board Autumn at a local stable located about contact with any of the infected horses except one, 12 minutes from our home. On April 12, 2012, our little mare Autumn. God love her, she was our barn was suddenly under siege by an right in the middle of this whole mess and that unknown and deadly virus. The veterinarians were mustang immune system protected her and never stumped. At first they suspected the Equine allowed the virus into her body!! Absolutely Herpes Virus; however, the symptoms that the sick amazing. She was literally surrounded by infected horses exhibited were not completely consistent horses. with that particular virus. The sick horses were quickly put into quarantine, but it was too late. It We are so proud of Autumn, her heritage, and spread like wild fire, claiming the life of one horse what she represents. Everyone has been very and hospitalizing two others. The two others were impressed with her and how she came through this shipped out to the Dover, New Hampshire Equine crisis unscathed. She is definitely one tough little Emergency Hospital where they remained for a lady. As of February 2012, we purchased another week receiving IV fluids, heavy duty antibiotics and Spanish Mustang from the Brislawns. His name is ‘round the clock care. Cayuse Canyon Hawk SMR 4062 (Canyon Rim Charley x Charlie’s Lady Hawk). “Hawk” is a 2008 While the veterinarians were desperately trying to Black Stallion and, along with Autumn, will be our find out what we were dealing with, the for Little River Spanish Massachusetts State Animal Health Inspector had Mustangs. We want to start a small preservation been notified of the situation and placed the farm program here to educate the public and produce under strict quarantine. No one was to go in or out the finest pure Spanish Mustangs in the Nor’east. except the farm owners and the horse owners. The What we mainly look forward to is sharing our lives road to the farm was police taped off. We were with these very special and amazing horses. terrified and feared for our little mare. I notified Josie Brislawn at the Cayuse to let her know what

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 13 Becoming Horse People ridden horses before, but usually from a stable By Leslie McBride where I called ahead, paid for an hour ride and had Cerrillos, NM a saddled horse and guide waiting for me. So…entering the corral, approaching these giant In 2005, we left the hustle and bustle of Santa Fe, animals, grooming them, trying to get them to NM and headed for a quiet life in the country move around…I was intimidated. My friends sent where we built a home on a beautiful, secluded 40 over an “at liberty” trainer the first week the boys acre lot. I always figured we would get horses—I were here. Looking back, it was too soon simply wasn’t sure how or when, but I knew I would share because I felt overwhelmed and nervous and not my life with equines. Every year or so I would completely focused, but it was also helpful. This mention the subject, and my husband (William) trainer encouraged me to sit in the corral and read would say, “Not yet. Too much time, too much a book or work on my laptop---to be with the money, too much responsibility.” Friends would horses but not necessarily focusing on them. They come out and ask why we didn’t have horses. They immediately relaxed and so did I! Sonny often tries would get William’s stock answer, “Too much time, to see what website I am surfing on my laptop. The too much money, too much responsibility.” trainer also taught me how to move the horses with a willow reed and my energy. I felt a bit In early May 2012 I received an email from a friend. foolish at first---and my husband probably thought She knew of two well-trained, ride-able horses in I was out waving a magic wand over the horses--- need of a good home. Their current owner was but moving them around the corral this way really sick and needed to place them quickly. My friend works. thought they sounded perfect for us since we didn’t have much (any, really) experience. I We quickly became “horse sponges” learning immediately told my husband and assumed I would everything we could about their care, feeding, get his standard answer. I was astonished when he personalities, leadership. We read books and said, “Go get them. If they need a good home, we articles about Spanish Mustangs and realized we need to help them.” Shocked, I said, “I don’t think were truly blessed to have adopted two of these we’re really ready---too much time, too much amazing, sturdy, hardy, smart equines. (Frankly, I money, too much responsibility!” William calmed can’t figure out why anyone would want anything me and assured me that it was time. On May 23rd, but a Spanish Mustang!) We also started talking 2012 my life changed forever when we became the with other local horse people and soon learned proud family members of two Spanish Mustangs, that everyone has a strong opinion, and it will Morning Son SMR 3294 and Mexican Moon SMR usually differ, completely, from any person we 2185, both bred by Kim Kingsley of Horse Head spoke to previously. Ranch, ND. Sonny is a 16 year old Yellow Appy. He is quite tall and has extraordinarily beautiful, Sonny and Moon came with some tack. The soft eyes. Moon (aka “Mex) is 21 years young and saddles were old, and we weren’t sure they fit is a typically beautiful Spanish Mustang with a long properly. As many do, our Spanish Mustangs have mane and tail and the fuzziest winter coat you high withers and slightly narrow backs. After much could ever imagine. research, we decided to buy Stonewall Saddles. Saddle-maker Jackie Fenaroli has a Spanish Knowing next to nothing about horses, we had to Mustang and understands their unique body hustle for their arrival. We quickly built a corral, a shape. Being a novice, I have had many questions sizeable run-in shed, bought a water trough and about saddle fit, rigging, pad type and thickness, some grass hay. Sonny and Moon were thin when how tight to cinch, etc. Jackie has been patient (I they got here and were very happy to have regular have asked A LOT of questions) and a wealth of food. I tried to act like I was comfortable around information. Sonny and Moon now have well- them, but the truth is I was a bit scared. I had fitting, super-lightweight, beautiful endurance saddles. Our southwest desert landscape is perfect Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 14 for long, easy rides. With these new, light saddles they are relaxed and open. If I am upset or feeling the boys seem to love our outings. negative, then they show me that. What really gets me is that they give me room to change. Unlike a Our excursions have been somewhat challenging, human who might engage or escalate a negative though. The horses were well trained and very situation, the horses simply reflect it and wait. well ridden before joining our family. Trying to That waiting allows me to calm down or re-center understand our cues (or lack thereof) has probably or laugh. It is almost more efficient than been tough for them. Sonny is full of personality. traditional psychotherapy. With the horses, I have Strong personality. Last weekend he decided that to make in immediate decision about calming and he wasn’t going to turn for my husband…at all. As getting back to the present moment; I don’t have the observer, it was really funny. I got so tickled the option of holding on to thoughts or feelings that I couldn’t even offer help. What I realized was that aren’t working, or talking about something that William was leaning back while trying to turn. until I am blue in the face but doing nothing Sonny, being the smart one, was hearing two differently. The horses are continually giving me opposing things: stop and turn. I have hope for the instantaneous opportunity to be a better and Sonny but I am not sure I can get William to learn happier person. What an amazing gift and yes, it is new things! Sonny is a very frisky, very engaging incredibly therapeutic. horse, and he loves to make eye contact. Breakfast is always a big deal with lots of exuberance. He is On May 23, 2012 my life changed forever. Daily, I very personable and likes to be part of any activity shed tears of gratitude and wonder. Sometimes I from scooping poop to cleaning water troughs to wonder what I got myself into. But after all is said raking the front yard. Moon is much more and done, I cannot imagine life without Sonny and subdued and stoic. He is a reliable, obedient, calm Moon, and we will always have Spanish Mustangs horse….we thought. Recently, the vet came out for in our family. their fall checkup. We decided that some dental work was necessary. I have to say that I was a bit shocked at the slightly archaic metal contraption vets use to work on horse teeth. We sedated Moon and got ready to float his teeth. He was so relaxed that he had to rest his head on the side of the shed. That made it easy to slide his head into the padded sling. Soon he was so relaxed he could barely stand---until the vet started the “drill.” Somehow that horse managed to gather all of his energy and fight by pulling back as hard as he could—nonstop! Our vet is very sweet and waited until he calmed down. She said she had never had another horse fight like this. Sweet, stoic, calm Moon.

People told me that horses would become my therapy. I really couldn’t comprehend that. Now, I’Kkitsi-Peta (Grey Eagle) confronts another having spent time with my own equine stallion, Kid’s Reflection, with his band of four companions, I get it. I am continually humbled and mares and foals in the background, located at the amazed by these animals. They are so sensitive Cayuse Ranch, WY. and so intelligent. They mirror my energy. If I go Photo courtesy Kate Taylor, taken during the 2011 outside and I am uptight, they show me that I am Annual Meeting of the Spanish Mustang Registry uptight. If I join them when I am relaxed and open, members and Board of Directors.

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 15 Better than a Gym Membership By Jennifer Klitzke

February’s dark and cold was getting the best of me, and respite came in the form of daily perusing of horses for sale on Craigslist. My heart stopped when I saw him: Indian’s Legend SMR 3801, Spanish Mustang. He’s the American-born colt out of Indian Scout before she was exported to become Australia’s first Spanish Mustang. Indy would be the closest thing to owning my dream horse, an Andalusian. I HAD to see him. Only, how would I convince my husband that I needed just one more horse? After all we had four. I had many great reasons for another horse. Nearing 50, I wasn’t getting any younger, and neither were our three senior horses. And poor Makana, my seven year old Walking horse, needed a friend closer to her age. I needed to lose weight and monthly horse expenses would be equivalent to that of a gym membership, yet I’d enjoy riding far more than pumping iron and riding a stationary bike going nowhere. Not to forget the empty stall just waiting for him. It took two weeks of prodding when my husband finally buckled to meet Indy and make the five-hour drive North to the coldest spot in the United States. Seeing Indy in person made me love him even more. We should have just brought the trailer with us to save another trip through the ice and snow! Since February 2012, I have had more fun than ever in my 25 years of horse ownership. Indy is the most intelligent, friendly, bold, athletic and versatile horse I have ever met. My dressage has been enhanced with over fifty miles of trail riding at state and local parks, navigating trail obstacles, jumping stadium courses, and even chasing cows at a team penning practice! And that’s not all‒I’ve lost 20 pounds in the process! Just for kicks I took Indy to six schooling shows last summer. We rode at Walker’s Triple R, Rocking R, North Run, Lakewood and Sanborn schooling shows, and Indy was a standout at every one, many times winning the class! Up until owning Indy, I had never even ridden through a hunter or stadium course, and we took first place in our first stadium course over ground rails, our first three-gait hunter class, and our first nail-biting hunter course over two-feet-three-inches! Plus, we placed in all Intro and Training Level dressage tests we entered with respectable scores as high as 69%. Next show season, I’m planning on blending the dressage, trails, obstacles and jumping together by attending a combined training event. I will have to get fitted for one of those safety vests, but I better wait because I might just lose another 20 pounds by then!

Photo credits to the dressage and trail shots: Dressage: Ashley Blegen & Trail: Kristin Christain For more photos, videos and stories, visit us at http://facebook.com/SpanishMustang.

Loping & Lingering – Special Edition 2013 16 Lifetime Aspiration Bill By Néil UíBreasláin By John Adams The Mississippi Mustanger In the passing of the long, long centuries, no one, absolutely no one, has ever been able to sneak up on an Indian Pony.

In my very earliest years I set myself to the carrying out of this feat. But alas, each and every time, from as far off as the eye could see, raise my head ever so carefully over the edge of the hill, and every horse's head, in the faint far away, was watching me.

Well, years of failure must certainly have honed my skill until, with the help of a brushy draw, and a high wind blowing toward me and away from them, how could I miss. Moving without a sound, and ever so slowly I inch my eyes over the Bill SMR 1239 came into this world in the rise --- spring of 1985. He is from a crossing of Bill SMR 838, a bay, and Chickasaw Buff SMR 7654, a buckskin. He was a little yellow fellow (buckskin) but a little different shade than I had ever known. He did (and does) have a line down his back. I had plenty of stallions, so at two years old he was gelded.

He developed into a horse of 14 hands, with a flashy creamy yellow coat and fancy step that caught the eye. As a trail horse he had to be out front, thereby aggravating some as being disruptive. I and some of the boys riding with me were riding him about all the time. By the time he was five years old he was a hand full. He was plenty manageable, but one could not go

to sleep on his back.

I had a grandson born during the fifth year of Bill’s life and career. This little yellow horse would be 10 years of age and an ole settled horse by John Britton’s fifth birthday. Not so, but JB had time to grow and Bill time to become the ole settled horse.

I began riding him more and more until he became about my main mount. He, by this time, had proven to me that he was a doer and a shaker and not a kid mount. But, there was never more horse wrapped into an 800 pound package.

Timijin even coming to see what's Bill being introduced, I will just reminisce in no keeping me so long, back in under there.... particular order.

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One of the first times we began to realize that Bill was Mississippi. Bill needed a drink, as the horses all did, hyper came on one of our Sunday afternoon rides. It but he and I headed out at a walk. In about one half was a winter day with a skim of ice on the water mile we crossed a creek that had running water where holes. Kevin Stafford (maybe ten years old) was up I let Bill have about 10 good swallows of the water. and we were two or three miles from anywhere. The Maybe another quarter of a mile I let him have 15 group (six or seven boys) stopped to, well, just to do swallows. At the third creek I let him take what he what we had to do. Kevin being young and eager, wanted. Bill came out of that water hole with a spring road on up the road a hundred yards or so and turned in his step. He walked for some distance then hit a to come back. Bill turned it on, and I was getting long swinging trot right in to where the rig was ready to try to catch them. Did I mention we were parked. No horse was damaged, but they were plenty right by a big mud hole full of icy water? Bill ran right glad to get water. up amongst us and stopped dead still. Yes, Kevin fell in the water. It was about 35 to 40 degrees by this Bill’s story would not be complete without the time of day. There was not a dry stitch on Kevin. My buzzard episode. During a long Sunday afternoon ride lighter worked, so we built a fire, stripped the boy we came to the bridge over Meridian Creek canal. We down, dried his clothes and finished the ride. had been riding several miles and stopped to allow the horses to water at a large water hole beside the We went on a lot of Sunday afternoon rides. Some road. As we sat around talking and resting a little, I Sundays we cut church and rode all day, but that was had thrown my left leg over to crook my knee on the for something special. When riding on Sunday saddle horn. After a while, a buzzard arose from afternoon, we were in church in the morning and back under the bridge, in Bill’s face. Bill whirled to the at night. I was training citizens as well as Spanish right, and I caught the off rein as I went off on the Mustangs. near side with my right foot in the stirrup and the knee crooked around the horn, causing Bill to Another scary scrap with Bill happened in my absence. continue to whirl several rounds before I could grasp There was to be an organized trail ride at Stinkin’ Jim’s something to pull back up. The event was exciting to (a horse camp on the edge of Tombigbee National me and a great amusement to everyone else. Forest along the Natchez Trace Parkway). I, having been encumbered with making a living, could not go Did I say Bill, in his day, was a mover and a shaker? On as early as the rest. The Mahans took my mount along a ride in a large forest in another state there was an with theirs. Justin had become a top hand (he older couple and a younger man on a tall black thought- maybe 10 years of age) and he asked to ride . The lady rode over to say Bill up to the pavilion about 150 yards away. The camp that if they got too fast for my little horse to let them site the Mahans had chosen for us was on the edge of know to slow down. Vanity took over. In a little while a tree-lined bluff 10 or 12 feet high. Going up the I put Ole Bill into his running walk and begin to tickle gentle slope to the pavilion (where a crowd was him with the off side spur. Before long the younger gathered) went fine. When the pair headed back to fellow pulled alongside and asked if we could slow camp, you guessed it, Bill turned it on. They were down. headed for the bluff at top speed, with Charles Dee screaming “jump off”. Justin stayed on and Bill went It must be told, also, that I twice road Bill in the Bird to the edge of the bluff and STOPPED with the rest of Dog Field Trials. This event is held on the Ames Farm the Spanish Mustangs. out of Grand Junction, Tennessee. We carried several horses and riders. Most of the true bird dog people Bill was, in those days, “wired up” but not stupid. rode Tennessee Walkers of the old plantation type. Bill had to hustle to stay with the pack. Bill met his Bill was tougher than whang leather. A Sunday ride in match as to speed. He did not tire nor did they. If the same forest, on a very hot summer day, resulted memory is correct, that was a thirteen mile trip with a in the horses being ridden too hard for the weather. lunch break. Those rides were not his longest but They were in no condition to ride the 10 miles back to sure a good test with some great horses. the truck and trailer. Need I say we had made it to a road that could be accessed by the truck and trailer? I Bill and I may think of some other stuff. He who was lighter than some, and had not run Bill quite as tootith not his own horn the same shall not be tooted. much. Being hot and dry in August was not unusual in

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The Future By Aileen Glonek In answer to her father Emmett Brislawn’s question:

“What’s going to happen to this ranch when I am gone?!”

We will continue to keep the wonderful dream alive and well. It’s time for winter now, so it’s cold and blustery here on the ranch. Spring will come, and the foals and calves will start popping out.

We’ll gather in June for a time of memories and fun. The ranch will be here as long as we have the courage to keep the Spanish Mustang spirit alive.

With continued support for the horses from friends and family, it will continue to grow.

We have to enjoy our lives and horses, to keep the future going. We need to get out and do with our horses and not Spanish Mustang Registry founder, the late Emmett Brislawn, at the Cayuse just talk about it. Ranch north of Moorcroft, WY. Photo by Ralph Jahnke Cattle drives and working cattle are all coming in the spring and summer. The future of the Spanish Mustang can go on by teaching our young kids about them. Laura loves her horses; I hope she loves them enough to keep the Spanish Mustang spirit alive.

Dad, we will hang in there, tough or easy times. The horses are here to stay. For the future looks good, with lots of people doing lots of great things with their horses.

That’s the future!

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SPANISH MUSTANG REGISTRY, INC. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Dues payment covers one fiscal year from July 1st through the following June 30th. Membership applications and renewals are also available via PayPal on www.spanishmustang.org

Family Membership Mail completed application along with your check made $50 per year, two votes payable to the Spanish Mustang Registry, Inc. to: Adult Members of same household Carol Dildine, SMR Secretary Phones: One copy of all publications 323 County Road 419 254.546.2177 Horse registration / transfer in either name Chilton, TX 76632 512.966.6065 email: [email protected] Single Membership $40 per year, one vote Individual 18 years or older Include me as a BREEDER on the website. One copy of all publications Registration / transfer of horses If you do not want your contact information shared Youth Membership with other SMR members please check the box below. $30 per year, no vote Individuals under 18 years of age Do not put my information on any member list. One copy of all publications Registration / transfer of horses

R. E. Brislawn Scholarship Foundation *

International: Add $10 to any membership I have added $______to my dues payment category to cover additional postage. in contribution to this scholarship (any denomination accepted).

* The scholarship is awarded annually to assist in the educational pursuits of an eligible SMR member, based upon application and selection process – please contact Publicity Director for application and further details.

Ranch Name______

Member Name______

Second Adult’s name if this is a family membership ______

Mailing Address ______

City ______State / Province______

Zip Code / Postal Code ______Country (if not USA) ______Phone ______

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