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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Photos of Whistfull!


Winter Paxson was kind enough to send me a whole bunch of photos of Whistfull at a recent hunter show. I am reliably informed that Whistfull is Champion of her division every time out and is rarely denied her blue ribbon in all her classes...not to shabby for a 2006 model!












































Whistfull is by Waldaire out of a Babamist/If Only homebred TB mare named Hope - who is out of Winter's mother's breeding program at Whizard's Lair in MD. Hope's full sister is an A Hunter for a big barn outside of Baltimore, MD.

















She is for sale and is worth mentioning that Winter is nearly 6 feet tall, so while Whistfull is not a giant mare, she certainly can carry a taller rider with style. :)







Congratulations Winter & Whistfull on all of your successes and good luck for the rest of the season!








Keep the photos coming! :)




Monday, June 29, 2009

Another schooling day for youngsters

Lacy (Wallace WF) and Kitty (As You Wish WF) had a lovely school off the farm today over at Laurel Hill Farm in Unionville...what a pretty farm it is, too! Lovely rolling hills and just a breezy, sunny afternoon. Sally and Kitty had a great time cantering and jumping everything that was there in the field, while Lacy and I strolled around looking at all the material. (please note - I am NOT an event rider by any stretch of the imagination!!!!)

I am digging through the photos looking for some mom might have taken of me & Lacy, but am not too optimistic...something tells me you guys will need a photo of me with short stirrups to believe I was actually out there in cross country attire! :) Needless to say, Lacy was a very good girl - calm and relaxed in her new surroundings and we had a nice trot around all the material before Kitty was ready to do her Thing!

In any case here are some lovely shots of Kitty & Sally doing what they both love!









Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Congratulations on another Champion Waldaire!

Just a bit of small brag - Waldaire's daughter Whistfull (x Hope by Babamist/If Only) was Champion of her division at another hunter show! She is just 3 years old, knows her lead changes and is confidently jumping around the courses with her rider/trainer Winter. The last show took place during another one of our 2009 deluge rainstorms, so Whistfull got to stand in the barn aisle and then trot down to the outdoor arena to do her classes - all of the over fences classes were done as a solo adventure, mind you. What a lovely mind this filly has!

Congratulations Winter & Hoppy for raising such a little star!

(now for some photos!!!) :) LOL

Congratulations go out to Dorit & Hermann!

Big news just in from Europe!

Dressage Royal is going to be represented by two sons at the upcoming World Championships for Young Horses!







Nadine Plaster and the 2008 World Champion Five Year Old Deperado OLD (Dressage Royal/Rouletto/Barsoi xx) will be competing in the FEI Six Year Old division. They enter the competition ranked in second position for all of Germany. Good luck to Nadine & Desperado!

Uno Don Deigo will also be competing in the Six Year Old division but under the Danish Flag. UDD is a licensed son of Dressage Royal and just a handsome fellow!





















Speaking of licensed sons of Dressage Royal, some video footage of Doringcourt has been uploaded by the Bank family in New Zealand!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9KaL3tif

He too is a delight to watch and it is so exciting that we will have 2 of our very own Dressage Royal's under saddle next year with Daylily WF and Don William WF! And with the youngsters growing and developing - how exciting is it to see their sire's quality stamped so cleanly on each and every one of his offspring?!?!?

So with great anticipation and enthusiasm, I promise to keep you all informed of how the 'relatives' are doing around the globe! But more than that - we all have to thank Dorit and Hermann for their vision and good sense when they picked Dressage Royal out as a stallion for their lovely farm in Wacken!

This is the open publishing of an event here on Watermark Road

Since there are political folks reading this blog to keep abreast of what's going on here at Watermark Farm here is a copy of my letter to the County Bridge Supervisor and all the various public officials involved in Chester County Bridge #21.

If anyone knows which department should be contacted (EPA, Dept. of Natural Resource or Army Corps of Engineers) about the bog turtles leaving their homes, I would be more than grateful. The bidders tromped through their nesting habitat and I am afraid they may be leaving their protected area that we had set up more than a decade ago. I did an online search via Google and am not coming up with a direct contact link for who's in charge of their habitats and status beyond the fact they are on the Endangered Species List and pretty pictures of the tiny turtles.




To all concerned....

I humbly request that you remove me from this mailing list. The stress of facing the loss of my future business, financial security and employment is taking quite a toll on my life. The bridge will go forward without my input and consent regardless of being 'informed' of what is going on on a daily basis. The long term environmental impact and destruction of local fauna and potential poisoning of thousands of people is also not an easy burden to bear.

In the meantime, I will continue to try to manage the damage that has been done to our livestock and allow you all to have the concerns of what is going on with this project from the legal, environmental and sociological aspects. Good luck and please leave me to run my business for as long as I have it.

However, there are some day to day management solutions that will help prevent injury and legal matters. When the project is decided and plans are laid to have more people entering into our pastures - be sure to notify me in a timely manner so the young horses can be removed from the dangerous situation that will be created. A 2-3 week window would be ideal so we can create a different living arrangement for the horses. Failure to notify me of any inspection or persons entering the area where there are horses would be quite unfortunate as the animals are now being inspected and current condition is documented daily. The $60,000 loss of one youngster has also been documented by several outside professionals in the equine community. Perhaps it is a good thing that he was one of the least valuable animals in that field...the others had been appraised for far great amounts. It is horrible as it was an easily preventable injury but what's done is done. The irony is that that particular bidder refused to give me his name, business affiliation or card, so I suppose his conscience is clear when he goes to sleep at night.

My final questions involve liability and responsibility.
- What liability releases are available to protect the landowners from any resulting injuries to persons operating on or affected by the Bridge 21 project? There are several species of snakes inhabiting the area around the bridge that are not something that are recommended for personal interaction. Copperheads, water moccasins and cotton mouth snakes have been sighted since I have lived here. Leeches are very common as well.
- Is the area that will be tested considered County property and the liability is assumed by the county for any and all injuries, illness or damage to people, environment and/or livestock?
- If there is an additional environmental disturbance of the area that the bog turtles inhabit and they are forced into relocating, who is considered responsible? It is currently fenced off but the bridge footer is less than 10' away from where the spring nests were. I have seen 2 turtles since the inspectors strolled in and around the bridge but the little turtles have not been in the usual locations. I fear they were disturbed and have begun the march to a new location.
- Are any of the environmental team(s) prepared to deal with the mercury and other toxic debris that are likely to be found around the bridge footers and immediate area? The stream does feed the Octorara Reservoir and subsequently the City of Chester's water supply, so it is a concern of mine on a personal level. I would not be able to live with myself if others were to become ill from something that could have been prevented. The 2000 census had the population of Chester at 36,854. That is 36,854 souls nagging at my conscience for what may be lurking beneath the topsoil, not to mention the 100's of cattle (both dairy and beef cows) and other livestock that drink from the stream or the people who have wells that feed off of the local groundwater. The previous inhabitants of this area who operated the papermill had no idea what environmental impacts their actions would have when they were producing manila paper.
- Are there liability release forms available for our clients to sign once the construction phase of this project has been decided? Injuries are rather predictable (in that they happen) when working around horses, so I want to be prepared for the legal disaster that will ensue once construction begins. Our current liability waiver does not address any construction projects and as this construction operates under the auspices of the County - the liability rests outside of Watermark Farm and its agents. If there are no liability waiver forms available, can you please provide me with the contact information of the legal department for construction projects?

Please do not continue to involve me in the back and forth discussions. I have tried to provide you all with a simple list of concerns that keep me awake at night.

Sincerely,

Ellie Rawle



Eleanor M. Rawle
Watermark Farm
136 Watermark Road
Oxford, PA 19363 USA

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Last chance reminder for the AWR/NASPR Inspection




So the website is in limbo at the moment...our inspection page is out of date, the schedule is not up and lots of folks are unsure if we are hosting this year.

The answer to the hosting question is YES, we are having our AWR/NASPR inspection on Saturday July 11th. There are still a few days to get your paperwork in order with the office but you have to contact them pronto! Please call or email the office to be sure that your spot has been reserved - amerwarmblood@aol.com or (406) 734-5499.

We have ample parking space, the usual inspection spaces - the indoor for loose jumping and for those horses who think our 3 rail fence is an inviting jumping height and the outdoor for photos and the rest of the inspection process. I can have a videographer on site if participants are interested (www.videobypatrick.com), Bill Alphin is lined up to take wonderful photographs (http://www.alphinsphotography.com/A_%26_A_PHOTOGRAPHY/Home.html). My house will be tidied and ready to shield us from the sun while we all eat lunch. The farrier will be on site for the use of his forge for branding, the vet is on call...and if there is anything I have forgotten to mention - just shoot me an email and I'll double check that that item is taken care of as well!

So to recap -

Date: 7.11.09
Time: 8:30 AM Start
Order of go - Stallions, Youngstock (Yearlings, Two year olds), Older Equines (3+ years), Mares, Mares and Foals, Foals of 2009.
Noon - Lunch
Critique
Branding

Photographer - Bill Alphin
Videographer - VideoByPatrick

If you are interested in having your horse or pony go through the inspection process, please contact the AWR/NASPR office immediately - amerwarmblood@aol.com or (406) 734-5499.

As always, we are hoping to have a great turnout with lots of spectators, so if you are in the area that day - please stop in and see the lovely products of American breeding programs! :)

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A wonderful stallion that is available here in the US!

So a few years ago, I went out to Wisconsin (in February --- NOT recommended AT ALL) and saw a couple of stallions that are from outside our breeding program. The big man at the barn was Nancy Maloney's Ironman - a proven jumper and hunter breeding sire, nice guy, tons of fun to ride and just a gem.

The younger stallion was an import from Germany. His name is Barleone and he is a love...just sweet as can be, relaxed & good natured and very kind. Now that all being said, his sire Barnaul is quite famous over in Germany even though he has passed away. So here is Barleone's website - http://www.performancewarmbloods.com/horses/barleone and this is his sire's - http://www.hengststation-voelz.de/hengste09/nuruebertgsamen/barnaulxx/index.html There is an English version...I just have to find it and add the link. In the meantime, have a peak at the photos! Such pretty boys!!!



In any case, there is a local breeder here in PA, who bred their Galoubet mare to Barleone. This is Big Ayr LSF (aka Britt)...








She is quite a mover and a very special filly! If you have some time, check out her website - http://www.laststopfarm.com/forsale/bigayrlsf.html











They grow up so quickly!

Our foals are getting bigger! They are too funny when you watch them play "Tag" or "Duck, Duck, Goose" out in the pasture...everyone is beginning to have quite an individual personality, so they are behaving less like little babies and more of their adult personality is showing through.

Dolce is very funny as she is the oldest and she likes to boss the boys around...typical big sister, right? Most of the time she can not be bothered to play in their games. After all, she is a big girl and too mature for silliness...









Dru is all boy. He likes to play with Dolce (who is a larger version with very similar markings & mannerisms) and trys to ignore Louie. Maybe Louie is not cool enough? Or it could be that he has a different father? Who knows...













Louie is a mama's boy who is a bit more reserved when it comes to play time. In his opinion, it is fine to play tag if he initiates the game but if one of the other foals decides it's time to play, he retreats to his mother's side. Such a silly boy!














And last but certainly not least is Wilson...who is too funny!
Personality wise he is a bit like Dru (a macho fellow) but he is also quite similar to Louie (a mama's boy), so with this very colorful personality - it is never dull watching him out in the pasture! :)

























But when it is all said and done...who can resist this sweet face?

Monday, June 8, 2009

Eventing has stuff when you win!!

I think dressage needs to take a peek at the eventing system...

All the entries can be done on line.
Results are often up the same day.
Photographs are available for online viewing very(!) shortly after a competition is over.
Fees are lower for the horse, rider, owner memberships.
There are a bazillion entries that manage to do 3 different phases of competition in a single day.
Everyone is super friendly and happy to give you hand if you are in need.

AND they have lots of sponsors and LOOT when you win!!! :)






Congratulations and our deepest thanks to Sally on another well ridden weekend. And we are sending lots of good luck vibes to you and the horses this coming weekend up in Bromont, Canada!

Good luck!!

Totally NOT horse related...

So I watched GMA a few months ago and saw the show with U2 at Fordham University...they were just awesome! (typical right?) I vowed to go and get the new album but life has been a bit busy (imagine that) and so I had a reminder in Peter King's MMQB about "Breathe", so I scampered over to You Tube and pulled up the available videos. *contented sigh*

Here is one of my favorites -

I'll stop there. Otherwise I'll just link the rest of the album and bore you all to death. Speaking of albums, I'm off to do a bit of online shopping! So for all you music lovers, this is your reminder - don't let life get so busy that you forget to have the music that makes your heart smile in your life each and every day!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Congratulations to Waldaire!

He has another champion youngster out in the show arena!!!

Waldaire's 2006 daughter Whistfull (x Hope xx by Babamist/If Only) was Champion of her division today! She was 2nd in the Walk, Trot class, 2nd in the W/T/Canter, 2nd in the first over fences class and she won her final class. Whistfull is a smaller Wally daughter at just over 15 hands but her trainer reports that she was unfazed by the busy atmosphere at her first show and took all the decorated fences and other show highlights in stride. Her future as a show horse is very bright indeed and we are looking forward to hearing lots of good things about her in the future!!

Congratulations to her rider Winter and trainer/owner/breeder Hoppy on a job well done!

(now we shall all wait for photos) ;)

Waredacca Photos

Some photos of Kitty & Sally from Waredacca -

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/ThumbPage.aspx?e=4774662&g=2N&s=0

There is a bit of a mix up with another rider - just look for a white saddle pad or lavender for the jumping shots.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

As You Wish WF has a big win!!!



Sally's experience helped our As You Wish WF (Kitty) have a big win today at Plantation Field's Horse Trials. They won the Open Novice division!!! So Sally had 2 wins today!!! The footing was fairly atrocious at the start of the day - mucky, deep, bottomless mud. However, by the end of the afternoon it had firmed up nicely. Kudos go out to the management team for making the parking areas safe enough to negotiate. Mega planetary sized kudos go out to Sally for allowing all her horses to show to their best ability under these conditions...

It was a treat to be a part of Team Cousins - they're just great folks and it was just a wonderful day!!!

Yay for Sally & Kitty!!!!

Full results available here - http://plantationfieldhorsetrials.com/cms/eventdocs/results/0609Rresults.htm
























































Kitty's half sister by Adamant - Beltane is a homebred of Sally's and she too had a good day out at Training Level...such a lovely mare!!