A while back, I was doing some reading on equine color genetics when I came across information about the silver dapple gene.  I’m always interested in learning new things and when I started to read about this dilution gene, I immediately perked up.  The silver dilution gene acts on black points of the body and lightens them to varying degrees.  This can be expressed as either “black silvers” (white mane/tail, seal brown body, often dappled) or “bay silvers” (chocolate body, silver mane/tail that is darker at the roots, mottled silver legs).  I believe that Tiny may have the bay silver gene, which would explain her unusually light-colored legs and the silver in her mane. 

As I continued learning about the intricacies of equine coat color genetics, I discovered that the silver dapple gene is sometimes associated with ASD – Anterior Segment Dysgenesis.  ASD is an abnormal development of the eye and can result in impaired vision.  ASD is not restricted to horses with the silver dapple gene, but it is thought that there is a connection between the two conditions.  Horses are born with ASD – it is a congenital condition with varying degrees of severity.  There are several signs that a horse has ASD:  a ”pop-eyed” appearance, cysts, cataracts, or abnormal dilation of the pupil.  The retina is also occasionally affected.    So what should you do if you suspect your horse might be affected?  First, have him examined by an equine opthalmologist that has the necessary diagnostic equipment.  It is important to remember that ASD is not progressive and does not result in blindness, and that most affected horses continue to have normal vision throughout their lives. 

Further Reading:

A missense mutation in PMEL17 is associated with the Silver coat color in the horse.  2006.   Brunberg, et al.

http://www.horse-genetics.com/silver-dapple.html

http://www.silverequine.com/

http://old.cvm.msu.edu/research/mregl/asd.htm

This week’s Sunday Stills challenge is called “Textures.”  Hope you enjoy my selections!

One of the most familiar and comforting textures of the horse world: a bale of hay.

Intricate knots in a rope cross tie.

The well-worn leather of a favorite headstall

Woven western saddlepads come in a variety of colors and patterns.

The leather of a broken-in saddle molds to the rider perfectly.

Check out Sunday Stills for other entries, as well as Laughing Orca Ranch, The Skoog Farm Journal, All Horse Stuff, and Baba Yaga’s Mirror,  all of whom frequently participate in the challenge.

Gulf Coast Quarter Horse show in Tampa, Florida

Recession?  What recession?  At least that’s how it appeared to this first time visitor to the Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show series held at the Florida State Fairgrounds.  The Gold Coast is part of the Winter Quarter Horse Circuit, consisting of the Gold Coast, Gulf Coast, and Fox Lea Winter show series.  TWENTY AQHA shows held between December 27, 2009 and January 17, 2010!  Talk about a horse lover’s dream! 

Trainer Rob Meneely taking a break from warming up his mount.

I stopped by the show this year to check it out as I’d never before gone.  Not knowing what to expect, I was shocked when I pulled into the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.  Row upon row of horse trailers, trucks, and cars.  Numerous vendor trailers displaying their wares; western attire laden with enormous crystals sparkling in the sun, saddle pads in all the colors of the rainbow, horse tail extensions bundled together like a wigmaker’s dream.  Horses and exhibitors in various stages of preparation meandered through the golf carts, dogs, and spectators.   I couldn’t believe the magnitude of the activity taking place.  Trainers admitted that entries were down in comparison to previous years, but this was by far the biggest horse show I’d ever been to in Florida.  Shows were run on a two day system – Day 1 consisted of hunter events (over fences and flat), cattle classes, and trail.  Day 2 was halter, western pleasure/horsemanship, western riding, and trail.  Each show repeated 3 times for the circuit, so exhibitors were alternating daily between hunter and western events.  Numerous awards were given out including overall high points for various divisions for the combined circuits, high points for individual circuits, and circuit awards to the top two in each class for each circuit.  Fees were steep though, with all day fees and office fees priced per judge, and drug testing fees priced per circuit.  An amateur showing one horse in the all around (typically at least 5 classes) would incur over $350 in entry fees, plus an additional $200 stall fee just for the Gold Coast.  These costs would repeat for the Gulf Coast and Fox Lea series and don’t include feed, bedding, trainer’s fees, etc.  As you can imagine, this resulted in an elite level of exhibitors and horses being presented.  The very best Quarter Horse trainers, exhibitors, and judges were in attendance and it was fun to observe and learn for the day.  Exhibitors were courteous and gracious and I saw no poor sportsmanship or mistreatment of horses while I was there. 

Vendors line the streets at the horse show

I enjoyed wandering between the main show arena where the western pleasure was being held, and the indoor trail course where horse and rider expertly navigated a series of obstacles, including a gate, bridge, and multiple lope- and trot-overs.  Outdoor practice areas were filled with hunters bounding over fences and western riders effortlessly changing leads.  Spurs jingled and it was Christmas for me all over again!  I was like a kid in a candy store, not knowing which way to turn next.  I spent the whole day there and would have gone back the next if I had been able.  If you enjoy horse shows, especially stock breeds, and are even slightly close to the central Florida area, I would recommend putting this event on your calendar for next year.  It’s a great place to meet people, see horses, and stock up on supplies, and you can even make a vacation of it.  Maybe I’ll see you there in 2011!

Scenes from the Gold Cost QH show

I had a great time selecting my photos for this week’s Sunday Stills challenge.  Although I only participated once in 2009, I had several photos that I absolutely loved so I chose from those!  I have to admit, I cheated a bit – I just couldn’t narrow it down further than this.  Hope you enjoy!

I chose this photo of Tiny’s eye because it signifies so much to me.  When I look into her eyes, I see her soul and it reminds me why I love her so much.  Plus, in my opinion she has the most amazingly beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen on a horse.  I guess I’m biased though!

This photo was taken on one of our many trail rides.  I love the way it captures the moment of connection between Tiny and that cow, just that silent acknowledgement of each other’s presence.

This photo was my first foray into the world of photo editing.  I took this photo of Abby one day at the barn and I loved the way the light played off her form.  With a few editing lessons from my artist buddy Luke, I was able to enhance that contrast even more.  Although this photo might not have the best composition, it entrances me every time I look at it.  It inspires me to improve my photography AND my editing skills!

Check out Sunday Stills for other entries, as well as Laughing Orca Ranch, The Skoog Farm Journal, All Horse Stuff, and Baba Yaga’s Mirror,  all of whom frequently participate in the challenge.

Photo courtesy of Petronella02, Photobucket

Have you ever taken one of those quizzes that ask, “What animal most closely represents you?”  I was driving home from the barn last night pondering this very topic, and surprised myself with my revelation.  I have answered this question, or some variation of it, many times over the years.  Maybe I never thought about it that closely, or maybe my perspective has changed.  Either way, last night I realized that if I were asked that question right now, my answer would be the horse.  I am transparent and cannot be dishonest – one look into my eyes and you can see right through me.  If you communicate clearly and fairly with me, only then will I “get” what you truly want from me, as I don’t understand games or agendas.  Put me in a wide open space and I will run and play, but when it’s time to bridle up and work I’m focused and ready.  I am strong and powerful and can carry a friend for miles if I need or want to.   Yet I am delicate – a wrong step and I might break, anxiety will find my belly churning.  I might kick out if you approach too fast and if you restrain me too firmly, I’ll surely pull back, break the ties, and be gone before you know what went wrong.  But my heart is pure and my spirit is strong and I would trek through the desert with no water for the partner that appreciates that about me.

 I wonder, do I identify these traits in horses because the qualities represent me or do I connect so strongly with horses because they mirror my soul?  When you think of the essence of the horse, do you think of the same images as I do?  Would you say that the horse represents you better than any other animal?    If so, do you think that you are drawn to horses because you have those similar traits or does your relationship with your horse develop them?  If you’re not a horse person, do you feel that your traits mirror those of your favorite pet?

I had so much fun doing a virtual trail ride last month that I set out to get some more great trail shots again!  This time, Tiny and I (accompanied by a friend that served as assistant photographer) ventured through the woods down to visit Lake Harney and do some gator spotting.  Unfortunately no gators this time, but we did see a gopher tortoise hanging out next to the trail.  She was kind enough to pose for a few photos before we set out on our way.   Gopher tortoises are fairly common in wooded areas of Central Florida, but I haven’t seen many of them right along the trail like this.  It was a great start to our adventure!  

We continued on through a series of woodland trails and sand roads, heading toward our ultimate destination of Lake Harney.  Along the way we spotted many birds and lots of pretty foliage.  We had great fun snapping shots of our tracks in the sand!  

Photo courtesy of Hazem Behiry

Hoofprints in the sand

Lake Harney is a huge lake – about 6,000 acres –  that is very near Tiny’s barn.  I used to take Grady and Bella to the beach there to romp and play and we would walk the trails that pepper the woods along the shoreline.  Once, we saw an owl swoop down and grab a snake right in front of us!  The lake is always a good place for wildlife sightings and the water is teeming with alligators and fish.  It’s hard to believe that in the heavy rains we had last year, this whole area was flooded under several feet of water for almost a month.  

Tiny isn’t a fan of the water, but she does like to look around and see what is going on out here.  There is always something fun – airboats, birds, fisherman.  Not too much going on this day, just a man and his metal detector, scouring the beach. 

Although we didn’t see much wildlife on our trail ride this time, it was the perfect day to spend some time with my girl.  I hope you enjoyed the ride as much as we did! 

Photo courtesy of Hazem Behiry

For a long time now, I’ve been watching the blogs participating in the Sunday Stills challenges.  I’ve been itching to put my own two cents in, but just haven’t gotten around to doing so.  Finally, here is my entry for the last Sunday Stills of 2009:  Odds and Ends… from around the barn.

Chomping at the bit

Tiny's breastplate

Check out Sunday Stills for other entries, as well as Laughing Orca Ranch, The Skoog Farm Journal, and Baba Yaga’s Mirror,  all of whom frequently participate in the challenge.

Ok, I’ll be the first to admit:  this might sound lame.  Winter Wonderland?  But indulge me for a second here.  Christmas is the ONLY time I miss the cold and snowy north and the holidays bring back many memories of playtime in the snow.  There is something to be said about a little icicle magic adding to the ambience of the holiday season.  With that being said, we’re a little lacking in the snow and ice department here, although we did just have a wicked cold front blow through a few days ago.   These newly cold temperatures provided the perfect backdrop for hunting down holiday cheer.  On Saturday night, a group of friends went for a walk in nearby Crane’s Roost Park that was beautifully decorated for the holidays.  The path wound around a large lake lit by festive lights and peppered with families and couples enjoying the fresh, brisk air.  After we were thoroughly frozen (ok, maybe it was only me that was frozen!) we drove to a nearby neighborhood that was brilliantly decorated for the season.  We walked among the homes admiring both the traditional and the more unique decor.  I can honestly say I’ve never seen a Christmas hippo in a tutu before!  Sometimes it’s hard to find the Christmas spirit when you are surrounded by palm trees in balmy 80 degree temperatures.  But surrounded by millions of blinking lights and festive tunes, you can almost pretend it’s a winter wonderland after all.

As I write about the festivities that surround me, I am reminded of my own little yearly tradition that I started about ten years ago.  Every year around the holidays, I select a charity whose cause resonates with me and I support that charity.  Sometimes I might support financially, sometimes I volunteer.  One year I even adopted my extra special Goober Head.  To me, the holiday season is above all about giving to others so I hope you don’t mind if I share some of my favorite organizations from years past.

Neo Rescue, Inc. ~  This great charity finds homes for unwanted Neos.  Many people don’t realize how many unwanted Neos (and mastiffs in general) there are out there.  These dogs are expensive and messy and huge and can be hard to manage for uneducated owners.  Many of them suffer from numerous health conditions and often require surgeries before they can be adopted.  In this rough economy, rescues like this one are suffering.  This is actually the rescue that I got Grady through six years ago.  They have a lot fewer dogs now, and I imagine the likely reason for that is lack of funds and lack of foster homes.  There is a great shopping boutique on the website, so donaters have the option of purchasing dog related items that provide a referral fee to the rescue.

Pet Rescue by Judy ~ This is a local rescue organization and this woman has worked tirelessly for years to help the animals.  I have witnessed her struggle to continue rescuing animals after city ordinances forced her to disperse her fostered dogs.  Until recently, she has relied solely on foster homes and volunteers to keep her operation running.  She now has a permanent home in central Florida but is relying on donations to keep up her rescue efforts.  This is one charity I really like supporting, because it really helps our local homeless pets. 

Stirrups N Strides Therapeutic Riding ~ This organization hits close to home because this is another great local group that not only rehomes retired or unwanted horses, but also provides riding instruction to handicapped riders.  I am intimately familiar with this program, because my sister has been a rider on their show team for many years.  This is another group of people that sacrifice a lot of time and money to help others and could really use monetary donations, used tack and clothing, or volunteers. 

I know that many of us (myself included) are struggling financially this year.  Don’t let finances inhibit your charitable nature.  If you can’t afford to donate to your own favorite charity, be creative!  Pick up trash along the road, volunteer at a local animal shelter, help an elderly woman to her car with her groceries.  The important thing is to give freely to someone in need, without expecting anything in return.  This is the best holiday gift you can give!  Enjoy this kick-off to the week of festivities!

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday! I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for. If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here. If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have. If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

Over and over I find myself singing the praises of living in Central Florida.  I’m starting to feel like I should be earning a commission from the Florida Tourism Board!  But it’s true – I feel incredibly grateful to live in a community with all the benefits of city life that still embraces green spaces and wildlife.  When many people think of the Orlando area, they think “Mouse Town!”  But in my opinion, far too many people are drawn here to visit Disney and fail to experience all the other gems that we have to offer.  Here are some of my favorite things about the place I call home:

Little Big Econ State Park

One of my absolute favorite weekend destinations (and one that I’m sure to be visiting frequently during my upcoming holiday vacation days) is the Little Big Econ State Forest.  Despite the funky name, this park is a great place to visit – either on foot, bike, or by horseback.  Grady and I have spent many a day wandering through the numerous wooded trails spotting wildlife.  I even went out once on Tiny, but we got a little lost and I think I scared Emma off of trail riding with me in the real forest for good!  We’ve seen a great deal of wildlife in these woods, including numerous bird species, alligators, snakes, bald eagles, and otters.  We’ve also seen evidence of wild pigs on many occasions.  In some parts of the park, the trail follows along the riverbank and you can sometimes find canoists camping along the banks.  This network of trails is an amazing, meditative place to spend a day exploring the natural world that lies just minutes from the downtown city of Orlando.

Fleet Peeples Dog Park

When Grady and I aren’t trekking through the wilderness, you can often find us hanging out at Fleet Peeples Park, easily the BEST dog park I have ever seen.   This 23 acre park is everything a dog could want and more.  The park is entirely fenced and has a large wooded section along one side with trails for walking.  A beach area borders the enormous lake where dogs frolic and splash in the water.  Pavilions with grills, a well appointed bathroom, and plenty of benches and trash cans make owners happy.  There is even a dog wash station where you can remove the sandy evidence of the day’s fun before heading home.  On weekends dogs can easily number more than 50, but generally things are all in good fun.  And the best part is that Fleet Peeples is just down the street from yet another of my favorite Saturday haunts:  the Winter Park Farmer’s Market!

Photo courtey of Natalie Maynor

Farmer’s Markets abound in central Florida and we have the option to be quite picky when it comes to the ones we frequent.  There are several wonderful weekend markets nearby, but I particularly like Winter Park’s Farmer’s Market.  Winter Park is a charming little locale and is very dog friendly.   The market is fairly large and offers a wide selection of produce, baked goods, cheeses, plants, crafts, and so much more!  You can often even find ethnic goods like Brazilian ice cream (mmm, the corn flavor is the best!) or British specialties.  My friends and I will often make a day out of going to the farmer’s market – do some shopping, nosh on some tasty treats, and meander over to the nearby Starbucks to finish up our conversations.   Great fun!

Finally, it wouldn’t be a Thankful Thursday if I didn’t make some mention of horses, right?  Since moving to Central Florida 10 years ago, I have become almost nonchalant about the sheer number and quality of horses, tack and feed stores, and trainers that populate this area.  I can recall the days of traveling anywhere between 5 and 12 hours to get to a trainer that could help me prepare for a National level show.  Since moving here, I have been fortunate enough to be selective about who I choose and why.  At one point, I used 4 different trainers – 3 of which were within a twenty minute drive from my barn, and all of which were champions in the style of riding I used them for.  Sometimes, when I actually stop and think about my horse life ten years ago I remember to be thankful that I can swing by one of the tack stores on the way home from work or call a neighbor to borrow an item I might need in an emergency.

All in all, I love it here.  I love the green spaces, the horse and dog friendly atmosphere, and the abundance of entertaining activities to suit any interest or mood. 

Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.

Photo courtesy of Andrea Sartorati

Recently, I came across a fun little book called “Is Your Horse a Rock Star? Understanding Your Horse’s Personality.” I’ve always loved taking personality tests and of course I’ve been known to anthropomorphize on occasion.  So I was intrigued and excited to hear about this book, written by Dessa Hockley.  Dessa owns and operates Liberty Stables in Alberta and has been involved with horses for much of her life.  She has used this experience to develop classifications for horse personality types, and offers suggestions for training and building relationships with each type.  The premise is similar to the Myers-Briggs personality test used often in psychology.  There are four categories:  Dominant/Submissive, Energetic/Lazy, Curious/Afraid, Friendly/Aloof.  There are a number of questions for you to answer about your horse, such as “Is your horse interested in investigating new objects?”  Your answers are compiled to provide a personality type, based on the dominant combinations of the aforementioned traits.  There are sixteen cleverly titled variations of traits, like the Rock Star, the Boss, or the Prize Fighter.  The book provides a synopsis of each of the types and follows up with general training tips and a section on Do’s and Don’ts for each type. 

In addition to the book, Dessa also has a website with information on her stable and workshops that she offers.  There is also a chapter excerpt and links to reviews and news articles. One of the most fun things on her site is the horse personality quiz!  You can actually take the test online, but you need to get the book to see the complete description and get the training tips.  I took the test for Tiny, and she was defined as the Reluctant Rock Star – Dominant, Lazy, Curious, and Friendly.  Just as I’d guessed before taking the test!  Just for fun, I also took the test for one of my old show horses that I’d had some serious personality conflicts with (Zippo Par Three).  Predictably, he was the Macho Man – Dominant, Energetic, Curious, and Aloof.  I can’t wait to get the book so I can read the full descriptions and learn some tips on dealing with different horse personalities.

This looks like a great book and a fun topic to explore.  It is well written by a horsewoman with a great deal of experience and the illustrations are fantastic!  I highly recommend this book for any horse lover that would like to learn more about their horse’s personality.