The Big Red Horse

I Met a Horse Whisperer

Red Horse — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:33:15 +0000

Have you ever thought how cool it would be to talk to animals like Dr. Doolittle? I had the opportunity to meet the horse whisperer Bill Northern last night and it was quite fascinating. He specializes in race horses and spends time helping to solve both their mental and physical problems. For those who have pets and are in tune with them, it is fairly easy to hear what they are saying, but Bill Northern can dig a little deeper through his dowsing techniques. Check out his web site for more specifics on what he does, I’m more interested in sharing some of the highlights from his stories.

A colorful story teller who often had tears in his eyes while telling his tales, you can tell Bill Northern loves what he does. When he isn’t working in Kentucky, he can often be found jetting around the globe to California or New Zealand. In fact, I believe he left for New Zealand today - he finds it a bit more comfortable in the winter (mostly because it is summer there). In addition to treating horses, he has treated almost any other kind of animal that you can imagine.

The story highlights:

Cats Lie - most animals will tell him the truth about their behavioral issues, but cats want to bargain and will often lie. He says that they will tell the truth if they are in physical pain. Take the cat he consulted about its nasty habit of scratching on and tearing up its owners furniture. Bill worked a compromise where the owners would feed the cat that pink fish (salmon) everyday and the cat would no longer tear up the couch. . . Well you can guess what happened the one day they ran out of salmon!
Maybe horses do see color? I’ve often heard that they see in black and white, but perhaps not so! One race horse Bill treated because it was finishing dead last. The horse had recently changed stables and it told him that it didn’t like the sissy colors that it was racing under. They were able to get permission to race the horse under red again instead of in the pale blue that it did not like and she came in second place.
Elephants have opinions! When Bill visited the Phoenix zoo he went to see the elephants. One of them had been particularly stand-offiish and no one knew why. Bill found out that she was mad because they were no longer giving her the red stuff (translation watermelon). The keepers thought that she didn’t like it because she wasn’t eating it. Apparently the elephant was hoarding it and saving it for later. The elephant brought Bill a mouthful of bamboo as a present and the director of the zoo invited Bill to come back the next day.

So, next time you are walking your dog, feeding your cat or otherwise engaged with an animal, take some time and listen. . . perhaps they will give you a clue what they are thinking!

If you like this post, please comment, tweet, bookmark or link to the site! Thanks!

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The Perfect Man is Waiting!

Red Horse — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:52:48 +0000

So maybe he is a stallion, not a man. EVEN better, when he is bad it is ok to leave him out in the pasture. The American Trakehner Association (ATA) just announced that bidding for the 2010 ATA Stallion Service Auction (SSA) will open next week on January 1, 2010. Over 40 of the countries top stallions are participating in the event, including Olympic medalist, Abdullah *Pg*E*. Of course Favian *Ps* aka The Big Red Horse is participating too. What a great way to start the New Year by getting discounted breeding to a versatile Trakehner horse.

Best of all, if you have registered to bid in a previous SSA Auction you don’t need to re-register for the 2010 event. Online bidding ends on February 14 at 12 p.m. EST, so pick your favorite valentine before the day is over! The minimum starting bid for each stallion is $500. Bidding will increase in $50 increments thereafter.

All foals resulting from SSA breedings are eligible for the ATA Awards programs and ATA Futurity - which have paid out over $500,000 to date.

For detailed information on participating stallions, visit http://www.americantrakehner.com. For further information on ancillary breeding costs, call the phone number listed next to each stallion’s name before you place your bid. Make sure you understand any associated fees required by the stallion owner as all winning bids in the ATA SSA are non-refundable.

For more information or if you have any questions regarding the auction, contact the ATA Office at 740-344-1111.

December 29, 2008 -- 2009 American Trakehner Association Stallion Service Auction
May 31, 2008 -- Why the Big Red Horse and I are a Perfect Match
March 6, 2008 -- Big Red Horse at ATA Convention
December 27, 2007 -- Congratulations to Laura and Fivestar
December 5, 2007 -- Lovely Gelding by Trakehner Stallion Favian
December 3, 2007 -- Tall, Red and Handsome seeks Female for Companionship
November 28, 2007 -- Comments from the Experts
November 28, 2007 -- Favian Means Man of Wisdom
November 19, 2007 -- Trakehner Stallion Favian gets his 15 minutes

The Pastor’s Donkey

Red Horse — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:37:00 +0000

AKA - The Pastor’s Ass

The Pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won.

The Pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered it in the race again and it won again.

The local paper read:

PASTOR’S ASS OUT FRONT

The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the Pastor not to enter the donkey in another race.

The next day the local paper headline read:

BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR’S ASS

This was too much for the Bishop so he ordered the Pastor to get rid of the donkey.

The Pastor decided to give it to a Nun in a nearby convent.

The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day:

NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN

The Bishop fainted.

He informed the Nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey so she sold it to a farmer for $10.

The next day the paper read:

NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.

This was too much for the Bishop so he ordered the Nun to buy back the donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild.

The next day the headlines read:

NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.

The Bishop was buried the next day.

The moral of the story is . . . being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery .. . even shorten your life. So be yourself and enjoy life.

Stop worrying about everyone else’s ass and
you’ll be a lot happier and live longer!

Have a nice day!

Special thanks to my friend Carol Green for emailing this to me. The original source is unknown. This is a photo of our Donkey, who is the butt of many jokes, at the Blessing of the Pets in 2008.

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Urgent Notice on Dangers of Horse Hair

Red Horse — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:55:13 +0000

In a press release today, the National Institute of Health has announced the discovery of a potentially dangerous substance in the hair of horses.

This substance, called “amobacter equuii” has been linked with the following symptoms in females:

Reluctance to cook, clean or do housework
Reluctance to dress up, wear make-up, nice clothes or heels
Reluctance to spend money on home or car repairs until after “baby has new shoes, pad, blanket, tack, grain, hay & supplements”

“Amobacter equuii” usually results in long hours away from home and exhaustion which may lead to a loss of physical contact with other humans (especially husbands).

“Amobacter equuii” is thought to be addictive, driving the need for additional sources - this may lead to a “herd mentality” or like the potato chip commercial, “you can’t have just one.” (Especially potent if infected from miniature equines)

Beware! If you come in contact with a female human infected by this substance, be prepared to talk about horses for hours.

Surgeon General’s Warning: Horses are expensive, addictive, and may impair the ability to use common sense.

December 31, 2008 -- Trakehner Horse 2008 Merit Awards

Horse Talk

Red Horse — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:51:08 +0000

So what do all of those horse terms, phrases and expressions really mean? Brad Krebs, president of the American Trakehner Association shed some light on them in the spring Trakehner Times. Here are a few of my favorites.

Horsing Around - comes from the idiom “horse play” describing young horses in various forms of rough or rambunctious play.

Horse of a Different Color - derived from people comparing registration certificates listing color and noticing that the certificate description did not match the color of the horse being observed. And I thought this referred to a gray horse or an odd color.

Straight from the Horse’s Mouth - a racetrack tipster known for picking winners once told his clients that he got his information from the horse itself.

One Horse Town - used first in the 1850s when there were many more horses than people in some American towns. if a town only had one horse, it was a very small town with little happening.

Chomping at the Bit - all horse people have seen this behavior when a bridled horse is anxious to get started with an activity. It is used today to describe anyone who is impatient and ready to get started with an activity.

Looking a Gift Horse in the Mouth - checking a horse’s teeth to determine the age of the horse in front of the person giving you the horse is considered rude. Meaning when given a present, you should be grateful for your good fortune.

Starting from Scratch - I thought this was a cooking term! Apparently it is derived from racing when the starter would take a stick and scratch the starting line across the track.

Stepping over the Line - crossing the scratch line on the race track. Today it means to cross the boundary of civilized behavior.

There are lots of others too!

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Is it too HOT for your Horse?

Red Horse — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:10:23 +0000

Lately I think it has been WAY to hot in Hotlanta to ride. Here is an interesting formula for determining if it is really to hot to ride your horse!

The Formula:
air temperature + relative humidity - wind speed = answer

Evaluating your answer:
180 or above don’t ride,
130-170 use caution
130 or below ride!

Determine: Temperature (F) + relative humidity (%) - wind speed For example: Temperature (F) 79
Relative Humidity (%) 58
Wind Speed 4.6 (MPH)
Answer = 132.4

Less than 130: All go-horses can function to cool themselves assuming adequate hydration.
130 - 170: Caution-a horse’s cooling mechanisms can only partially function as intended. Some cooling management procedures will need to be performed.
180 or above: Stop-a horse’s cooling systems cannot and will not
function adequately. All cooling procedures will need to be utilized
to keep the horse out of serious trouble.

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The Original SUV

Red Horse — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:30:35 +0000

This is too funny. Enjoy a good laugh with the original SUV. The off road vehicle runs on hay, grain and H20. Could be the wave of the future.

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Trakehner Horse 2008 Merit Awards

Red Horse — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:18:17 +0000

The American Trakehner Association (ATA) recently presented its 2008 Awards of Merit. The Big Red Horse gives a neigh of congratulations to these horses, riders and owners. (Photo is Windfall)

The Koenig/ NowPac Young Riders’ Dressage Award is a monetary award awarded to the highest scoring junior/young rider competing in dressage on an ATA Trakehner or Part-Trakehner horse. The 2008 recipient is Laura Noyes of Delaware, Ohio. Noyes competed at Prix St. Georges riding Syncro ORB-A-G442 (by Enrico Caruso *Ps*E* out of Sonset *E* by Habicht); bred by Perlebach Farms, Omaha, Neb. and owned by Laura Noyes, Delaware, Ohio.

The Palmenblüte Award is a perpetual trophy awarded to the ATA purebred Trakehner who has contributed the most in competition to promote the breed in North America. The 2008 winner is Syncro ORB-A-G442 (by Enrico Caruso *Ps*E* out of Sonset *E* by Habicht); bred by Perlebach Farms, Omaha, Neb.; owned and ridden by Laura Noyes, Delaware, Ohio.

The Trakehner Förderverein Award is a trophy donated by the Trakehner Förderverein of Germany and awarded annually to the most successful ATA purebred Trakehner in Eventing. The 2008 award goes to Windfall *Pg* OSB-E-S353 (by Habicht out of E.St. Wundermädel xx by Madruzzo xx). Windfall is bred by Heinz Lembke, Kaufbeuren, Germany; owned by Timothy Holekamp, Columbia, Mo. and ridden by Darren Chiacchia, Springville, N.Y.

The Trakehner Verband Award is a trophy donated by the Trakehner Verband and awarded annually to the most successful ATA purebred Trakehner in Dressage. The 2008 recipient is Martailo *Pg* ORB-B-S884 (by Hailo *Pg*E* out of Moselle by Martini *Pg*E*); bred by Lynn and Sam Culbert, Bradenton, Fla.; owned and ridden by Tracey Winter, Lake Worth, Fla.

The Cäsar Memorial Cup is a perpetual trophy awarded annually for the ATA approved Trakehner stallion with the year’s highest score in Eventing. The 2008 award winner is Stiletto *Pb* OSB-A-S339 (by Martini *Pg*E* out of Suprecocious by Abdullah *Pg*E*); bred and owned by Jean Brinkman, Wellborn, Fla. and ridden by Andrew Palmer.

The Gerda Friedrichs Memorial Award is a perpetual trophy awarded annually to a member of the ATA for outstanding breeding success of an ATA studbook registered Trakehner broodmare and her foals. The 2008 award goes to High Class OSB-E-M1536 (by E.H. Ravel out of Hasel II by Ferlino); bred by Horst Tessner, Germany; owned by Les Ecuries Bois d’Elan, Melbourne, QC, Canada.

The Karl-Heinz Barton Memorial Trophy is a perpetual trophy awarded annually to an individual for exemplary service to the ATA. The 2008 recipient is Allen MacMillan of Huntington, Ind.

October 10, 2009 -- Urgent Notice on Dangers of Horse Hair
December 30, 2008 -- Congrats to 2008 ATA Futurity Winners
December 29, 2008 -- 2009 American Trakehner Association Stallion Service Auction
December 29, 2008 -- 2008 Approved Trakehner Stallions
June 5, 2008 -- ATA Announces 2008 Inspections

Congrats to 2008 ATA Futurity Winners

Red Horse — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:20:30 +0000

The American Trakehner Association (ATA) congratulates the 2008 Futurity Award winners. Horses nominated for the futurity have two opportunities to win. As three-year-olds, horses may compete in the U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (DSHB) In-Hand classes under the USDF Horse-of-the-Year program rules. Horses compete at age 4 ½ to 5 in the Dressage Futurity by competing at Training Level in USDF recognized shows, following the Horse-of-the-Year award rules.
Each year the ATA Futurity showcases talented young Trakehner horses. More information on the ATA Futurity can be found on the ATA website at www.americantrakehner.com.

2008 ATA Futurity winners are as follows:

2008 In Hand Futurity - Born in 2005

First: Le Rubio OAB-D-G358 (by Rubino Bellissimo (HAN) out of Lacrosse by Vincent); bred and owned by Stefanie Moses, Chester, N.H.

Second: Rousselet ORB-A-M2713 (by Beaujolais II out of Raumflug by Erzsand *E*); bred and owned by Linda Boyles, Lee, Fla.

Third: Oksana SR OSB-A-M2360 (by Summertime out of Onia by E.H. Consul); bred and owned by Nancy and Todd Shaw, Eustis, Fla.

2008 Under Saddle Futurity - Born in 2003

First: LeDon ORB-A-G658 (by Donaufürst *Ps*E* out of l’Egant *M* by Hailo *Pg*E*); bred and owned by Corrine Morrison, New Orleans, La.; ridden by Iris Eppinger

Second: Forrte ORB-D-S812 (by Beaujolais II out of Fem Fatale by Hailo *Pg*E*); bred and owned by Jean Brinkman, Wellborn, Fla.; ridden by Iris Eppinger

Third: Donauwaltzer ORB-A-G726 (by Stiletto *Pb* out of Donaulied by Avignon II); bred by Laura and Mike Hassel, Alpharetta, Ga. owned and ridden by Kelley Delaperriere, Alpharetta, Ga.

Fourth: Cailn Leith ORB-B-S1130 (by Leonidas *Pg* out of Caledonia xx by Rogreek xx); bred, owned and ridden by Nancy Winning, Holtwood, Ca.

Fifth: Libbie *M* OSB-A-M2196 (by Feuertänzer out of Lucie by Enrico Caruso *Ps*E*); bred and owned by Rita Haas, Corvallis, Mont.; ridden by Courtney Ells and Barbara Crabo.

A hearty Big Red Horse congratulations to all of this year’s winners.

December 31, 2008 -- Trakehner Horse 2008 Merit Awards
December 29, 2008 -- 2009 American Trakehner Association Stallion Service Auction
December 29, 2008 -- 2008 Approved Trakehner Stallions
June 5, 2008 -- ATA Announces 2008 Inspections

2009 American Trakehner Association Stallion Service Auction

Red Horse — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:23:32 +0000

The Big Red Horse, Favian *Ps* is participating in the 2009 Stallion Service Auction. Breed your next warmblood champion.

Mark your calendar! Bidding will open for the 2009 American Trakehner Association (ATA) Stallion Service Auction (SSA) on January 1, 2009. Over forty-five stallions are participating, including two Olympic medalists, Abdullah *Pg*E* and Peron *Pg*. This is the perfect opportunity to ring in the New Year with a discounted breeding to a versatile Trakehner horse. Participants may bid online or via mail. Online bidding ends on February 14 at 12 p.m. EST. If bidding by mail, bids should be postmarked by February 1. Minimum starting bid for each stallion is $500 with $50 increments thereafter.

All foals resulting from SSA breedings are eligible for the ATA Awards programs and ATA Futurity - which have paid out over $500,000 to date.
For detailed information on participating stallions, visit www.americantrakehner.com. For further information on ancillary breeding costs, call the phone number listed next to each stallion’s name before you place your bid. Some stallion owners may require booking fees and/or deposits for shipping containers, stallion collection, mare care or shipping prior to breeding your mare. Please note that any such fees associated with the purchase of any of the donated breedings are the responsibility of the mare owner. This information (if provided to the ATA by the Stallion Owner) will be listed in the stallion information area under Fees/Contracts on individual stallion pages. If that information is missing, you MUST contact the owner. Make sure you understand any associated fees required by the stallion owner as all winning bids in the ATA SSA are non-refundable.
For more information or if you have any questions regarding the auction, contact the ATA Office at 740-344-1111.
The American Trakehner Association (ATA) was established in 1974 as a non-profit association of breeders, owners, and friends for the promotion and preservation, in the Western Hemisphere, of the warmblood horse of Trakehner origin. The ATA serves a number of purposes including:
•    Maintaining a public registry of Trakehner horses.
•    Marking and branding approved stallions, mares and foals with the Association’s corporate seal.
•    Disseminating information to breeders, owners and friends pertaining to the breeding and raising of Trakehner horses.
•    Promoting the performance of the Trakehner horse in dressage, three-day eventing, hunting, jumping, driving and other sporting disciplines.
•    Encouraging a public understanding of the Trakehner horse, its breeding and performance.
For more information on the American Trakehner Association visit www.AmericanTrakehner.com.

December 29, 2008 -- 2008 Approved Trakehner Stallions
December 29, 2009 -- The Perfect Man is Waiting!
December 31, 2008 -- Trakehner Horse 2008 Merit Awards
December 30, 2008 -- Congrats to 2008 ATA Futurity Winners
November 2, 2008 -- American Trakehner Association 2008 Convention
October 19, 2008 -- Lovely Warmblood Hunter for Sale Jumps 2′9″
June 5, 2008 -- ATA Announces 2008 Inspections
November 19, 2007 -- Trakehner Stallion Favian gets his 15 minutes

The Big Red Horse

I Met a Horse Whisperer

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The Perfect Man is Waiting!

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The Pastor’s Donkey

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Urgent Notice on Dangers of Horse Hair

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Horse Talk

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Is it too HOT for your Horse?

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The Original SUV

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Trakehner Horse 2008 Merit Awards

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Congrats to 2008 ATA Futurity Winners

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2009 American Trakehner Association Stallion Service Auction

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