Horse of the Americas Newsletter
Vol. 3 No. 1
FALL 2003
Hidalgo and Beyond
Presidents Letter
By Vickie Ives
As the year draws toward its close, HOA celebrates its
3rd anniversary and a dawning era for America’s First Horse.
Besides HOA’s own efforts promoting the Colonial Spanish
Horse, HOA’s own John Fusco has once again featured our
horses in his latest film epic for Disney, Hidalgo. Disney’s
Hidalgo will open in March of 2004. But Hidalgo isn’t the
only promotion for our horses that Disney and Animal Planet
have on tap.
At this writing, John Fusco, screenwriter for both
Spirit, Stallion of the Cimarron and Hidalgo, working with
young and talented producer Angelique Midthunder, are
editing tape shot in Oklahoma, Texas, Montana and Wyoming
and featuring real Colonial Spanish Horses for an Animal
Planet special with the working title “American Horse”.
Angelique Midthunder
tries out one of the
Rickman Spanish
Mustang stallions with
the Frank
Hopkins/Gilbert Jones
race winner Ramon
Llames II and his filly
Boy’s 3 of Diamonds,
SSMA #2448.
Although Disney opted to use four modern Paints to
play the legendary Mustang Hidalgo, John Fusco felt that
public deserved to see the type horse the real Hidalgo would
have been. He and Angelique sold the folks at Touchstone on
the idea of promoting the movie by filming a documentary on
Colonial Spanish Horses today.
Angelique shepherded her crews to the various
locations, shooting an SSMA style 50 mile endurance race and
the Jones horses of Rickman Spanish Mustangs in Oklahoma,
the HOA foundation herd at work at Karma Farms, the pride of
“The Horse of the Americas is a dream. Not only my dream,
nor just the dream of the four incorporators. In fact HOA is
more than the dream of Robert Brislawn and Jeff Edwards
who founded in so many years ago, more than the dream of
John Fusco who bought the registry and returned it to the
hands of the people who needed it the most. Certainly each
of those people plays a role in the dream but it isn’t the
exclusive property of any of us. This Dream belongs to each
of you –and to America’s first true horse.”
Vickie Ives wrote the above for the 2001 newsletter.
And the Dream lives on. The HOA has been busy in the past
year, our annual meeting in Oklahoma this past fall. Another
cold and rainy meeting, but we showed up, we talked
Spanish horses, we looked at Spanish horses and we rode
Spanish horses. Lots of good people, and good food.
Across the country, the HOA banner has been
shown at shows and exhibits. We have provided awards and
sponsored classes at the shows including the AIHR
Nationals.
Internally, we have made some changes in handling
the paperwork and hopefully this will cut down on some of
the delays some have experienced. The new Board of
Directors Page on our website will let all the members know
where we are at and what we are trying to do. If you haven’t
checked this out, please do.
Financially we are solvent, Thanks again To Kim
Downing for holding competitive 2 trail rides and donating
the profits to the HOA. We are still growing membership
and thank all that have kept their dues paid. Remember that
the Farm/Ranch special for Registration helps keep the costs
of registering your horses down.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone again in
October in Arkansas. Maybe the weather will be better for
us.
Let us come together to enjoy the common bond in
our Spanish Horses and be big enough to overlook out minor
differences.
Tom Norush
Pres. HOA
Continued on page 2
Newsletter 1
Continued from page 1
SMR at the Brislawn’s Cayuse Ranch and horses doing
rehab work with young riders in Montana.
Registrar’s Report June 2003
By Gretchen Patterson HOA Registrar
Colonial Spanish riders
gallop out of the famous
Medicine Springs front
gate as the Hopkins race
gets underway.
And while Angelique was immortalizing some of
our horses today, Elizabeth Austin Shephard’s Dreams ‘N
Color Ranch wanted to give her a real dose of our horses.
Liz donated “Proud Mary” (Born To Run/Wyoming’s
Dolly) to the hard-working producer. The bay overo appy
filly, trained at Karma Farms by Vickie Ives and daughter
Tomlyn Speir, will head to California in September after
Angelique has finished her editing on the special.
Angelique on Wakiya’s Doll HOA #1265 (Born to Run/Wyoming’s
Dolly)
The resulting 40 hours of film is now being
condensed to a half-hour that will be aired early in 2004
before Hidalgo opens in March, and will also be an added
special feature on the Hidalgo DVD. Now HOA would like
to share with you some of the “behind the scenes” shots as
Angelique and company shot unique video of our horses
across the nation. 
We currently have 243 horses registered with the
papers for Many Ponies Ranch on their way. Annette
Gonzales is working diligently on the applications for the
Baca Chica horses in New Mexico. I would like to urge all
our breeders to register their horses as soon as they can.
Organizing the paperwork is a job not many folks enjoy, so
please let me know if this is not your thing, and I will do
my best to help.
If your website is listed on the HOA Homepage,
the Board of Directors feels that you should have your
horses registered with HOA. If you can only afford to
register a few at a time, we understand. HOA offers lots of
exposure to our breeders and we want to know that the
horses are recorded with the registry.
Also, please be sure that if you are listed as an
HOA Breeder with a link to your website, please give
HOA a reciprocal link. An expanding network of web
rings will keep the horses in the public eye as we continue
to explore ways to preserve and continue the work started
by Frank Hopkins, Bob & Ferdie Brislawn, Jeff Edwards,
Gilbert Jones, Ilo Belsky and a host of other folks who
loved the Colonial Spanish Horse.
The Board of Directors added a new page to the
HOA website. On this page, we will report on the various
topics that come across our desks. The first topic published
concerns our Inspection Process. I would like to urge
everyone to read this page, and pass on this information to
anyone who is considering a horse for inspection.
Inspection Process:
The HOA Board Of Directors decided to clarify
the Inspection Process, thereby making the selection and
inspection of horses for inclusion in the Registry easier to
understand.
Horses from the wild or BLM Horses may be
inspected by photographs and videos. Only horses of
EXCEPTIONAL COLONIAL SPANISH TYPE will be
considered for inclusion into the Registry. We also need
any capture information as well as any information
provided by the Bureau of Land Management. When
possible, physical inspection by one or more of the
INSPECTORS is desired.
Typical Colonial Spanish characteristics:
Size: 13 to 15 hands; 750 to 1,000 lbs. Reaches full
maturity at 7 to 9 years.
Gaits will be smooth and comfortable, whether lateral or
diagonal.
Many colors including bay, black, blue corn, brown,
buckskin, chestnut, dun, gray, grullo, ysabella, palomino,
roan and white.
Harris Done, Sam Hurvitz, Angelique Midthunder, Vickie Ives, Tomlyn
Speir, Dreamgiver, and Tractor the dog. Set up for a conformation shot.
Continued on page 3
Newsletter 2
Continued from page 2
Color patterns include appaloosa, tobiano, overo, Medicine
Hat, War Bonnet, calico, sabino, frame and splash paint
plus many variations.
CONFORMATION:
Nostrils are elastic, crescent-shaped with roomy nasal
cavity, allowing for large extension and ample air intake.
Eyes are set low and wide; bone over the eye is heavier and
more protruding than modern horses.
Ears are fine and narrow, often hooked on the tips.
Neck is muscular, but not coarse or short. The head is
attached to the neck with a cleanly arched throatlatch.
Shoulder will be strongly angled and well laid back.
Back is short, often with one less lumbar vertebra; the 5 th
and 6th lumbar are usually fused if the 6th lumbar vertebra
are present. The shorter backed horse may have one less
pair of ribs.
or profile as we are looking for ground covering stride. A
lope or canter is optional; as is additional video of the horse
under saddle. Close-up video is also needed to view
muscling, bone structure, leg and overall conformation.
Completed HOA Registration Application; include
BLM Capture Information if possible. Do not send
money until the Inspection has been determined. You will
receive notification about the Inspector's decision. Please
allow 4-6 weeks; we have to mail the video to each
Inspector.
Mail to:
HOA Registrar, Gretchen Patterson
202 Forest Trail Rd
Marshall, TX 75672
Include SASE postcard for confirmation that your packet
was received.
Neck, back and hip are approximately the same length.
Loins are deep and strong.
Barrel is well filled with long underline; narrow front and
rear.
Tail set will be low and hip more deeply angled.
Legs are well boned with large, strong joints, tendons and
ligaments.
Structurally, bone will be dense, hoof wall thick and cannon
bone round rather than oval.
Small ‘chestnuts’ or ‘ergots’ on inside of legs.
Feet are compact, comparatively rounded, elevated with
thick, dense walls.
There are three distinct types and other intermediate types
which fall somewhere between these three:
1) The lighter bodied and leggy horse is called the light or
SOUTHWESTERN type.
2) The heavy or Northern type is a more blocky horse like
the SPANISH GINETE.
3) The third resembles the ANDALUSIAN, the classic
Spanish horse seen in Renaissance art.
To submit your horse for inspection, please provide the
following:
Photographs: Both sides, front and rear, plus up close
facial markings. Be sure to include all of the horse
anatomy--ears to feet. Take the pictures in a field or use a
building as a backdrop.
NOTICE
The links on the HOA Website are for members
only. If you are not a current member, the link to
your web site will be removed.
Video: At least a 15 minute video of the horse walking and
trotting at liberty. Be sure the video is taken from the side
Newsletter 3
HOA Meeting UPDATE
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have to move
the date of the Annual H.O.A. Meeting. The new date is
October 10, 11, and 12, 2003. Our previous date was the
same weekend as the SSMA Annual 50 Mile Ride, and we
want to give all our members the opportunity to attend both
events.
The meeting will be held at Southfork Trailrides and
Campground; North Little Rock, AR. Their website is
www.southforktrailrides.com and their phone number is
501-835-9425. They will be taking reservations beginning
mid-June.
Southfork has 17 electric sites with many primitive camping
sites. Electric sites will be $15.00 per night and primitive
sites are $10.00 per night. There are 9 covered stalls
available for $5 per night and 12 corral panel stalls for $3
per night. Ron, the owner, said that there are plenty of trees
for those who prefer picket lines. Wood for fires will be
available for $5.00, which should give you plenty of wood
for two nights. Hot showers and facilities are also available
on site.
If you don’t want to “rough it”, there are two motels within
6 miles of the campground. Also, a grocery store, Wal-Mart,
hardware store, etc. in nearby Clinton, Arkansas.
Directions: If heading in from the east, north, or south, take
Hwy. 65 to Clinton, Ark. In Clinton, take Business 65 to 95
West 3 miles to Southfork. Sign is on the south side of the
road. If coming from the west, take 95 East through
Scotland, then 8 miles further to sign.
All those bringing horses to the meeting must have
current coggins and health certificates according to
Arkansas state laws. These papers will be checked.
The weekend is open to all members and anyone interested.
However, only members with current paid dues will be able
to vote at the annual business meeting.
Should you have any questions or need additional
information, don’t hesitate to contact one of the officers!
Sharon Jackson
Secretary/H.O.A.
farmrust@iland.net
Driving as places for mustangs to excel.
By Mona Pomraning
Driving a buggy, you must be crazy, that’s not for
me. I need more excitement, more speed, and most of all
more challenge. Carriage driving is for old people, trips in
parks, and weddings. Forget the stereotypes. Carriage
driving is fun, requires concentration, and according to my
husband is more therapeutic than horseback riding.
I discovered the magic of driving by accident. I did
not want to risk putting my young Spanish Mustang under
saddle to soon, but I did want to start working with them.
Harness work and driving was the obvious answer.
With encouragement from my husband, I bought an
easy entry cart and good leather harness. After ground
training for several months using driving tack with my most
experienced horse, I hitched her up to the cart. She was
kind and forgave my mistakes as I learned how to fit the
tack and the basics of driving. Over this period of time I
also studied every driving manual I could get my hands on
and attended driving shows as often as I could.
In the following spring of 2002 I started my new
black and white mare, Chickasaw Cochise, (Cc). She could
lunge, accept all tack, and respond to basic voice
commands. Cc took to driving right away. By the third
driving lesson she was proudly pulling our Meadow Brook
Cart and is now our best driving mare. Last fall Don, my
husband, sold his roping saddle and has no plans to ever ride
a horse again. For him driving is the only way to enjoy
horses. We have driven Cc around the neighborhood, and at
several local arenas. She drives with and against traffic,
past farm animals, barking dogs, tractors, semi trucks, and
passing cars.
We did have one very close call driving her one
afternoon with 2 other green-broke driving horses. One of
the other horses bolted, the driver jumped out of the cart and
the frightened horse collided into Cc at a full run pulling a
bouncing and very noisy cart. CC did not bolt and
continued to attend to my husband’s voice commands. At
the time of the collision Cc had only 35 days of training. It
is a tribute to the Spanish Mustang Breed that Cc could stay
on task given the intensity of situation.
Two weeks after the driving collision we took Cc, a
second Spanish Mustang (Fancy), and my sons mini to our
first driving show. It was an Idaho State Horse Show
Association approved point show, and I entered Cc in
novice driving. Due to scheduling delays, I was required to
take Cc into the indoor arena without a warm up. This was
a new experience for her. Not only was this her first show,
but it was also her first experience in an indoor arena. Cc
looked very elegant and took 2nd place. After the class was
over many people congratulated us and said they thought we
should have won. I was happy with the 2nd place
performance as the 1st place winning horse had several years
of driving experience.
Shortly after the horse show we had to stop driving
Continued on page 5
Newsletter 4
Continued from page 4
Cc. She was pregnant and would no longer fit between the
driving shafts on the cart because her back is so short
typical of the breed characteristic. Cc now has a grulla
sabino colt and we will continue Cc’s driving training in
the near future. The colt has already been imprinted to
facilitate driving, and with his color he will look great
under cart.
Driving is becoming very popular and Spanish
Mustangs are an ideal breed for this sport as a result of
their temperament, size, and confirmation. Open driving
shows divide the classes by size, with 14 2 being the
breakpoint between the pony and the horse division.
Consequently some Spanish Mustangs will compete with
the pony division, and others will compete with the horse
division. Driving attracts a number of breeds, with the
Morgan being the most popular followed by the
Standardbred and the Arabian. The driving crowd is a fun
group of people and the Spanish Mustang will not be
discriminated against in driving competition.
Our family has been driving for only three years,
but we now own more harnesses than saddles, and the
number of carts is adding up fast. Six months ago I gave
up my leadership role in a large 4H club and started a new
youth all breeds driving 4-H club called “Driving Me
Buggy”. I have wonderful help from the local professional
drivers. I organize the lessons and these folks provide
horses, carts, and help for any youth that wants to learn to
drive. Our club has participated in one parade. Our club
won the horse group theme trophy, and one member of the
club, our son, received the individual youth horse trophy.
Our 4H club is sponsoring a fund-raiser driving
play-day on May 3. The play-day will have a combination
of judged, timed, traditional and fun games. Funds from
the play-day will be put back into youth driving and 4H
scholarships. There will be pleasure driving, obstacle
driving, roadster driving, a costume class, Pop & Go,
rings, and a judged lunging class just for the green horses.
The play-day will have 5 equine divisions. These
include stick horse, mini, pony, horse and green horse.
There will be 7 age groups. Any equine can participate.
There are already several mules and donkeys preregistered.
The stick horse division is a horse-less event with
two people. One is the “horse” and the other is the driver.
This division facilitates reinsmanship, concentration, and
the coordination necessary to hold a driving whip, and a
set of driving lines in one hand.
The green horse is for the green driving horses.
Driving tack in the green horse division is optional. For
example, the horse can be driven using a saddle with lunge
lines looped through the stirrups. The green horse class
will be non-competitive, with a focus on safety and
confidence building. Drivers of green horses can have
extra handler’s leading, and if a cart is attached they may
drive sitting in the cart or walking behind the cart.
There will be a high point award for each age
group, equine division, and special awards for
sportsmanship, lunging, and the costume classes. The
Danish ribbon system will be used. Each participant
will receive recognition based on his or her own
individual accomplishments. This recognition system
borrows from the best of the 4-H model and historical
horse trials used to qualify horses for entry into the
studbooks.
The levels of recognition’s are:
 Best of show (purple ribbon),
 Best of class (lavender ribbon),
 Standard of Merit (blue ribbon),
 Standard of Excellence (red ribbon),
 Standard of Satisfaction (white ribbon),
 Participation (yellow ribbon),
 Personal Best (pink ribbon), and
 Equine in training (green ribbon).
Each green horse earning a ribbon will be given
a drawing ticket that will be entered into the green horse
high point award. Additionally, contestants will be
provided with a sportsmanship nomination form giving
them the opportunity to recognize their fellow
contestants.
In summary, our play-day is designed as a
training level fun show, and no one will go away empty
handed. I have found that it is helpful if there is a
generous amount of variety in the events. For those preregistering the cost per classes will be $3, or $15 for the
day, or $45 for the family. Day of show registration is
$4 per class. Play Day Sponsorship is still available for
as low as $20.00 per high point. Sponsors may donate
cash, merchandise or gift certificates. Concessions, and
raffle tickets will be available at the play-day. The
raffle tickets are only $.50 each. The raffle drawing is
for a leather, silver trimmed horse size show halter, two
logo HOA tee shirts, and other small items.
We expect to have a lot of fun. If you are new
to driving this is a great place to start. I know that
several different 4H groups will be bringing their
members to compete in the stick horse and green horse
events. The local mini club and the all bred driving club
will also be in attendance. If you are geographically
near to Meridian Idaho (i.e. Boise) bring your horse, or
just come and watch.
Newsletter 5
ON THE OKMULGEE TURTLE
TRAIL
Or
THE SPANIARD WHO RIGHTED MY
LIFE, tra-la-la
WILDSTAR RANCH
WILLS POINT, TX
By Bryan Wallace
wildstarranch@earthlink.net
903-896-4237
Website:
http://wildstar.freeyellow.com/
Home of “No Myth”,
Fully gaited Spanish Mustang stallion.
AIHR National Champion.
Accomplished in CTR, performance and speed events.
Training available from AIHR certified show judge.
Riding lessons by the hour or day.
Four 2003 Foals: Almost Free
I call this beautiful Spanish Mustang Choctaw
“mine”, because Darolyn allows me to think that he is
mine - although he is clearly hers. He is certainly my friend,
and I hope that he counts me as his.
We first met on May 28th 2002. It was a big day in
my life, although I didn’t realize this at the time. I hadn’t
ridden for more than 50 years, but was around horses every
weekend to support my daughter Angela (12) – a very
enthusiastic rider.
We live on the south coast of England, and I was in
Houston on a business trip. Alone in my hotel room the
previous day, suffering from room fever as usual, I
couldn’t summon up my family but I could at least go and
see some horses. The Yellow Pages in my room gave many
options, but the prospect of a 30-mile drive out to Cypress
Trails (http://home.swbell.net/darolyn) appeared the most
interesting. Remember – I only wanted to look at horses!
Once out on Cypress wood Drive, just north of
Houston Intercontinental Airport, I immediately felt at home.
About 40 horses, mostly Arabians, in natural surroundings
and clearly very relaxed and at peace with the world. The
riders coming and going on trail rides appeared equally
happy. I sat on a bench and was very content just to observe
and to be a part of this. The people were very friendly, and it
was not long before the local wranglers were asking me if I
wanted to ride. Fifty years is a long time, but I suspected that
I had not forgotten everything and eventually agreed to come
back at 9 a.m. next day – before it got too hot. Little did I
suspect that this casual decision was to change my life!
I was there at 8:30 next day, Sunday, and DJB
Choctaw Traveling Man was given the more than slightly
onerous task of reintroducing an out-of-shape Englishman to
riding; one who had not sat in a saddle for 50 years. It was a
life changing experience – certainly for me. I can’t
remember having had so much fun for a very long time, and
Choctaw was a real gentleman and didn’t once complain or
laugh at my efforts. My signals must have been totally
confusing to him, my balance terrible, and my contribution
to the ride negligible. There were also irreversible
consequences – the most important of which was that I had
ceased being a spectator around horses! I had a couple more
rides the following week, before returning to England for 6
weeks, and spending much of them thinking about my new
Continued on page 7
Newsletter 6
Continued from page 6
friend Choctaw. I couldn’t wait to get back!
Mid-June, and with my own boots and helmet, I
was again fit to face the world with Choctaw. I was even a
little jealous when others rode him, and this was quite
often as he is strong, very stable and honest. Although
each hour left some of my skin on the inside of my jeans (I
still have the scars), we were now posting with some
confidence and I was getting back into shape. I also met
lots of really nice people. I was out at one day Cypress
Trails when I was asked if I would be interested in riding
Choctaw back from a dinner ride to Pappacitos – a 10-mile
ride. I knew I wasn’t yet up to it, but agreed immediately
to the prospect of spending more time in the company of
my mustang friend. By this time, Choctaw and I were
“being seen together”, and there were more than a few
comments. I enjoyed washing him down in the evenings,
and we occasionally took walks together on foot so he
could find good stuff to eat. He is a horse, a partner and
not a pet, but he usually nickered when he saw me and we
seemed to be at ease together. Regardless of his feelings, I
felt happy in his company, and was even beginning to
understand the things he liked (food mostly – and
particularly fruit!) and disliked - mud (and any other
insecure footing). He is also the best smelling horse I had
ever met.
The Pappacitos ride was an unforgettable
experience. The picture above from my second Pappacitos
ride shows Choctaw, followed by my daughter and wife.
Doesn’t he look good? I hadn’t taken the trouble to
consider the implications of it being night, and I was
certainly not confident enough to move quickly in the dark
after perhaps 5 hours in the saddle during the last halfcentury. Fortunately Darolyn’s daughter Ceci took pity on
me, and we rode back VERY slowly in the night. Choctaw
was amazing, particularly in the woods where I could see
absolutely nothing. He didn’t once scrape me off by
passing under or too close to trees, and always seemed to
find easy ways of negotiating the trail. For me, it was
another level of feeling good in the company of my
mustang friend. He really did look after me!
Three weeks in Houston passed all too quickly,
but by this time Choctaw and I were making good
progress and could tackle most things together. On
my last day, Choctaw and I had a hard ride, all
posting and cantering, before I took a shower and
checked-in for my flight to London. I slept like a
baby all the way, and can strongly recommend trail riding
as a pre-flight activity! Now I was really missing him, and
we quickly rescheduled the family holiday so that we
could all be in Houston together and enjoy Cypress Trails
and Choctaw in August.
By common consent, it was the best holiday we
have ever had. I am lucky because my family all ride, and
we could do a lot together. Pappacitos (there and back) was
no longer a challenge, even for my 10 and 12-year olds, and
two and three-hour rides were fast becoming less scary. I
found that Choctaw was good crossing creeks, and we
worked out some paces where we both felt comfortable.
One really nice development was that Choctaw allowed me
to take more and more of the decisions, now that I was
getting back into shape. I was always looking for him at the
stables – the long white stockings, the white triangle behind
his right shoulder, and the white tea towel across his withers
– and he occasionally looked for me. He may not have the
posting speed of his Arabian stable-mates, but was
practically “bomb proof”, so sure and reliable that I could
ask him to take me home in the dark – and he never failed
me. People notice “the Paint”, and I have become tired of
telling them he is a Spanish Mustang. To me, he just looks
great.
We were fast approaching another milestone.
Darolyn, several times US Champion endurance rider and
not a person to ignore a challenge, was beginning to hint that
I should try something more demanding. The “something”
turned out to be a 50-mile ride in Oklahoma, “MOVIN ON
UP”, and I was far from sure that I was ready. In fact, I knew
damn well that I was not. I had survived about 50 miles in 50
years (all during the last 3 months), and was far from
confident about my ability to double this and cover a further
50 miles in only 12 hours. However, Darolyn and husband
Mark had taken me under their wing, ably supported by their
daughters Ceci and Brittany and friends and wranglers, and
all knew so much more than I did that I had few problems
accepting their judgment on all matters equine. I just felt that
they did not realize that my partnership with Choctaw had a
really weak link – me! There was never any doubt about
Choctaw; even when carrying a heavyweight Englishman, as
he is just plain sound.
They had befriended me, they outnumbered me, and
for some unknown reason they were filled with unjustifiable
optimism. I didn’t really have a chance – especially when I
thought of tackling something unknown but definitely
difficult with Choctaw. We had been on a couple of 3 hour
trail rides together, including an epic Spring Creek Ride on
Labor Day with 22 riders, and I was able to stand after these
– just! A 50 was surely no more than three of these – backto-back. I mentioned it to my family, and my wife said,
“You’re mad ……and be sure to check your insurance.”
Friday 13th September (there’s an omen, if ever
there was one) saw me taking Continental to Tulsa;
complete with my entire luggage for my flight from Houston
to London on the Sunday. I really had no idea what to
expect, and was probably the first person to attend an
endurance ride with a business suit in his luggage. I rented a
car from Enterprise at Tulsa Airport, and set off down I75
for the Okmulgee Game Reserve at about 4 p.m. Following a
short stop in Okmulgee, to fill the rental with food and drink
Continued on page 8
Newsletter 7
Continued from page 7
for our 8 man (actually 3 men and 5 ladies) crew, I
continued on minor roads to find the camp. Be absolutely
clear, I had no idea what I was letting myself in for, but it
was now too
late to turn back. The directions were good, and yet
another possible excuse evaporated. I made the camp by
nightfall, to find that our team had unloaded the two
trailers, had all the horses settled down in their pens, and
had completed all the hard work. With nothing to do
except make friends, I had time to be completely
overwhelmed by all the people I met. Endurance riders are
really special, and I could not have been made to feel
welcomer. All must have been wondering what a distinctly
middle-aged Englishman was doing at an endurance ride
in the wilds of Oklahoma, but were too polite to comment
on this unusual situation. I also said “Hi” to Choctaw, and
then started a rather disorganized round of preparations for
the following morning. Ceci instructed me on the
procedure for Vet checks, and I then wheeled Choctaw
through the arrival check – fortunately without problems,
thanks to a very understanding vet. Tack had to be fitted
and checked, and I was introduced to the sponge –
fortunately not to be used in anger this time. One of my
biggest concerns, my lack of experience, was resolved as
usual by Darolyn. There was another novice from Cypress
Trails, a young man in his early 20’s called Jay who had
even less recent experience on horseback than I did! Brave
guy. Darolyn had got us into this mess, despite our
misgivings, and husband Mark volunteered to get us out of
it! The three of us were going to do the 50 miles together,
with lots of moral support and direct help from the rest of
our team. Thanks all of you – especially Vicky, who
somehow remembered what it was like to be a novice, and
was really helpful to this one.
After a very casual and impromptu tactical
discussion, it was time for a final chat with our new
friends and then bed. I slept in my rental, and I have no
idea where everybody else went. The really nice thing was
to sleep so close to the horses, who were clearly enjoying
their own social function and could be heard doing so.
There was a brief shower just before dawn, and it was
good to stretch and get into riding clothes. I was successful
in dressing myself, but needed help with Choctaw. There
was also some new stuff to learn, like electrolytes for both
horses and riders. These were taken regularly throughout
the ride. How green I was. There was a ride briefing to
explain trail markers, and places of difficulty, and we were
then sent on out way. Our band of three had decided to let
the fast group leave before we got under way; principally
to avoid being sucked into the rush and getting these really
competitive horses wound up. This worked well, and we
were soon on the trail for the first 17-mile loop.
This went surprisingly well, if a little slowly,
although I failed in my plan to end the first loop without
having used any energy at all. Clutching my vet form, I then
did my first real vet check. We had to wait until the horse’s
pulse was below 60 before entering the check area, and I was
amazed just how thorough they were. Nobody gave a damn
about the riders, but the well being of the horses was vitally
important.
Choctaw was in really good shape, and got straight
“A’s”. Then there was a compulsory 40-minute “hold” to
allow the horses to be fed and watered, and to have a break.
Darolyn, who was either 8 or 16 miles ahead of us on the
trail (I was too confused to know which), was concerned
about our time, so we kept the hold to 40 minutes – just
enough time for me to change a really sweaty shirt and refill
my water bottle. The next 8-mile loop, to be ridden twice
with just a trot past the vets halfway, was flat.
Unfortunately, there were also two mud crossings
to negotiate, and Choctaw hates mud! Even worse, the horses
in front of us had churned up the mud until it was almost up
to our girths.
We kept a surprisingly good pace over the two
loops, despite having posted for some hours by now. The
mud was bad on the first loop and totally horrible on the
second. Choctaw really did not believe he could do it second
time round, and needed some encouragement from Mark to
restore his confidence. However, Mustangs don’t quit and
we made good time into the 33 mile vet check.
Due to our pace over the two loops, Choctaw’s
pulse was just over 60, and he needed some water from the
lake on his neck to and withers to cool him down. After 5
minutes he was into the check, and again received a really
good assessment. Another 40 minute “hold” for the horses to
have a break.
This almost obsessive focus on the welfare of the
horses was heartwarming to observe, and no less than 12 of
the 53 starters were eventually “pulled” while ensuring that
no horse suffered any ill from the ride. Fortunately, there
was probably not a doctor within miles, or I might have
suffered the same fate! Boy was I tired!
There was no question of quitting, and after the
“hold” we remounted for the last 17 miles – a repeat of the
first loop. Choctaw, who has a strong mind and much
commonsense, was reluctant to embark on the final stage,
probably out of consideration for me. We turned around half
a dozen times on the edge of the ride camp before agreeing
to get on with it. By this time his other hate, sharp stones,
was beginning to have an effect. I had never before seen
Choctaw tired and sore-footed, and it was another good
lesson for me that I was not the only one to be feeling sorry
for himself. He has really good feet, as a mustang living
barefoot should have, but the sharp stones and long inclines
were really getting his head down. My right knee (old
football injury combined with too little training) was also
playing up, and we walked most of the last loop. Choctaw is
normally a good eater on the trail, and seldom misses an
Continued on page 9
Newsletter 8
Continued from page 8
opportunity to graze; but by now he was just too damn tired.
Fortunately, he was able to continue drinking, and we kept
each other going – as old friends should.
I really did not expect to reach the finish within the
time allowed, but news that we were in good shape for the
coveted “Turtle” prize kept us going. In fact, the finishing area
was in a nice field, and we managed a very respectable canter
to the line. And then, once again, into the veterinary area for
the final vet check. We could still have been pulled, if Choctaw
had not been in good shape. Thanks to the efforts of my
mustang, we had made it. What a relief.
For me, this was a truly awesome experience that I
could not have enjoyed without the constant encouragement of
the crew from Humble, and most of all through the efforts of
my trusty Spanish mustang. I now have even more respect for
honest and gutsy Choctaw, and just can’t wait to enjoy further
adventures in his company. They tell me, with some
justification, that endurance riding is highly addictive. So are
Spanish mustangs, if Choctaw is representative of the breed.
I am left with the thought that I have written too much
about myself, and too little about the hero of the piece –
Choctaw.
He really is magnificent. Being a mustang, his social
sense is very well developed, and he fits seamlessly into the
herd. You can’t take liberties with him, especially at feed time,
and if anyone considers intruding on his conversations
with me they would be well advised to reconsider. I
have seen him plant both rear hooves on the butt of the
intruder - so fast that there was a clear impression of his
frogs. This may be yet another argument for barefootin’.
He is very competitive, and does not like to be passed on
the trail. He also does not care to be last in line, as this is
too far from the center of the herd. Because of this, he
has to be constantly reminded to leave a little space
behind the horse in front. He has no fear of water, and
will cheerfully cross deep creeks. He is also quite brave,
and does not spook easily, even when others are doing
so. He is quite capable of making up his own mind about
most potential dangers. He doesn’t like having his face
washed, but will now happily play with a jet of water
just in front of his nose. Above all, he is proud of
himself but never arrogant. He really is a good friend to
have.
It will be obvious that I don’t have enough
experience to talk about endurance riding. The
American
Endurance Riders Conference (http://www.aerc.org/)
can do that much better than I can. What I can say is that
“my” Spanish Mustang appears very well suited to this
Newsletter 9
Continued on page 10
Continued from page 9
most natural of activities to share with your horse. He may
not have the unbelievable posting speed of the Arabians with
whom he lives; but his honesty, courage and strength are
great assets to have on the trail. I have become addicted after
only one ride, and look forward to our next 50 with great
anticipation.
What I can’t yet come to grips with is the way
Choctaw has changed my life in only 3 months. I celebrated
(?) my 68th birthday during the 3 months, so I wasn’t exactly
a young novice. I hadn’t planned on getting involved in any
more endurance sports, and was well on the way to
becoming a couch potato. Outside work and family, I really
had no great enthusiasms.
All that has changed. I have taken in two notches on
all my belts, I want to spend all my time in the saddle, and I
am still on a high after our first 50. I have met more people
that I really respect and care about than for many years, and I
have a new learning curve to climb. My family wants to
move to the US and, who knows, we may soon have our own
horses there - and at least one will hopefully be a mustang. I
feel better, work better and have a new zest for living.
Choctaw didn’t do it all, but without him it may
never have happened. To Darolyn, Mark, their daughters,
and all the nice people in Humble, TX and in Okmulgee, OK
– an enormous THANK YOU. I owe you all.
.
dues. Five farms are not current on their dues and
three don't appear on the membership records. Of
those three, two of the sites can't be found.
We have eight Strain Club Representatives. Only four
of those are current on their dues. Two of them don't
ever appear on the membership records.
Remember, we are all working together! If you want
to be linked from the HOA home page as a breeder,
you would be a member. Likewise, if you want to
advertise horses for sale, you should be a member.
For us all to continue to support and promote our
horses, your membership dues and registration fees
are what keep the HOA going! 
Secretary's Report
June 5, 2003
According to the records, as of this date, here is the current
membership information.
We have a total of 76 members on the rolls. Of these, only 48
are current of their dues. We also have four members who are
Lifetime Members, which was approved by the Board of
Directors. Remember, to vote at the annual business meeting,
you have to be current on your dues.
On the HOA home page, we have Breeder Links. Of the
eighteen farms we have listed, only 10 are current on their
Trail Blazing in New Mexico
A small crowd of boys 13 yrs to 18 yrs old
circled around the horse trailer upon arrival at the New
Mexico Boys Ranch. Curiosity and questions were
abundant. As the gate of the trailer opened, Trail Blazer
jumped out with finesse.
The boys were amazed and awed when they
saw him. Questions like: “WHAT KIND OF HORSE IS
Continued on page 11
Newsletter 10
Continued from page 10
THAT?” and “HOW CAN HE SEE THROUGH ALL
THAT HAIR?” were asked.
Young juvenile boys sent to the ranch are given
an opportunity to work with horses as part of their
rehabilitation programs. They are used to Quarter horses,
Thoroughbreds, and a few BLM mustangs. This was their
first experience with a Spanish Colonial Horse.
Don Chavez, a local historian and social worker
with the public schools gave a short narrative on the
evolution of the ‘Vaquero’, from Spanish colonial times to
today’s modern cowboy. Mr. Chavez explained the
uniqueness of the Spanish horse, compared to the modern
breeds of horses today.
Trail Blazer remained relaxed but alert
throughout the presentation. He was taken out into a round
pen, where he demonstrated his unique gaiting ability for
the attentive crowd. Inquisitive boys crept closer after the
demonstration and the stallion, was soon surrounded by
numerous boys. He stood patiently as his forelock was
parted, and questions were asked as to how he could see
through all that mane. His glossy coat was touched and
petted, and he tolerated all the attention like a pro.
The opportunity to present a living piece of
history was one that we at Buena Suerte Farms will never
forget. The behavior of this wonderful stallion was
incredible. At the Boys Ranch there were many mares and
several stud colts, all nickering, and enticing the old man
into a confrontation. Trail Blazer was quite the gentleman.
He remained focused and steady. This was our first
opportunity to present him in a public forum, and we were
very pleased with the results, as well, were the Boys
Ranch instructors who invited us.
Our next public event where we were able to
showcase this great horse was at the BLM Adoption in
Belen, New Mexico. We were invited to be volunteers at
this adoption because we have several BLM mustangs that
we have gentled and use as workhorses. We decided to
bring out Trail Blazer as we were also presenting
information on the Spanish mustang.
The BLM employees, who were amazed by this
stallion’s appearance and behavior, showed the most
surprise. Young children and older people approached him
with some hesitation, but his calm disposition soon had
them petting and taking photos with him.
The BLM employees appreciated the history of
this magnificent breed, as did the public. This was helpful
in getting more horses adopted when people understood
more of the history of the horse in the Americas.
We were very proud to present Trail Blazer at
these events. We look forward to involving our horses in
future community activities.
Til next time,
Adios, y Buena Suerte a todos.
http://buenasuertefarms.com
The Baca Chica Horses
By Annette Gonzales
The family ranch, Baca Chica Farms, is located
directly on the historic “Camino Real”. This is the exact road
the Conquistadors used when traveling thru the New Mexico
territory. The trail’s full name is the “Camino Real de Tierra
Adentro”, the royal highway of the interior lands. It is
considered North America’s first European road. In the early
1600’s, the 17 00-mile journey from Mexico City to Santa Fe
took approximately 6-months. The ability to survive proves
not only the Colonial Spanish Horses heritage, but also their
amazing hardiness.
Today Baca Chica Farms proudly owns 43 Colonial
Spanish Horses, 7 Stallions, 16 Mares, 9 Yearlings, 3 Foals,
and 7 geldings. For over 20 years the herd lived in a very
natural and beautiful mountain environment. They were
located in the Zuni Mountains on Timerberlake and the Box
S Ranch. This ranch is located just 18 miles from the El
Morro National Monument (also known as inscription rock).
This is where so many years ago travelers carved their names
on this historic rock. Don Juan De Onate is one the many.
Every year, in spring we have a trail ride from the Ranch to
El Morro. It is great family fun and very educational.
Currently most of the horses live in La Costancia
New Mexico. The Baca’s contribution to the preservation of
this breed continues to this day. Joty Baca began breeding
horses in the 1950’s. Over the years he acquired mares and
stallions. One of his breeding mares was a war bonnet from
Arizona. Her name was Freckles. She was foaled in 1958
and acquired by Mr. Baca in 1965. She was registered with
the American Mustang Association.
In an original inspector’s handbook written by Ilo
Belsky, Joty learned how to pick his breeding stock for
typiness. Many of the HOA’s standards today are included in
the book, as well as Lateral and Vertical flexion in the legs.
Mr. Baca believes that this extra “Flexion” is one of the
reasons for their hardiness and ability to survive harsh
conditions. For his personal choice he also looks at specific
characteristics. These horses have a unique look to their
eyes. He also looks for the “Paso Largo” characteristic in
their stride.
This Spanish term is used when a horse’s rear hoof
reaches farther than where the front hoof fell. This is very
desirable as they can move faster with fewer steps. Another
unique trait, which Mr. Baca contributes to endurance, is a
sound that can be heard when the horse is running. It is deep
within their stomach. In Spanish it is called “Quajo”. He
feels that once these horses get their 2nd wind they can go
forever.
Of the Baca horses they have small well formed
heads with rounded upper lips. This along with a finer neck
helps with balance and the ability to carry more weight. In
the study of the bones of a deceased Baca horse. We were
able to see the round cannon bones as well as the shorter
Continued on Page 13
Newsletter 11
Karma Farms
7925 US Hwy 59N
Marshall, Texas 75670
903-935-9980
World’s Leading Breeder of Colonial Spanish
Horses
Congratulations to El Tigre Segundo &
Kyle Germany-- SMR Rodeo Horse of the
Year and Dance Magic & Ashia Yother-SMR Games and Show Horse of the Year
Our horses are eligible for registration with AIHR “O”, HOA, SMR, and SSMA.
Proven performance, trainability and conformation. Why not the best?
Email: karmafarms@marshalltx.com, website: www.karmafarms.com
Horses for Sale
Guided Trail Rides
Stallions at Stud
Riding Lessons
Overnight Campouts
AIHR/SMR Judge
Congratulations to Allison Clark on
her purchase of the champion mare
Buck’s Girl. Good luck at the AIHR
National, Allison. See us for your next
champion!
Newsletter 12
Continued from Page 11
back with the 5 fused vertebrae. His focus has never been
based on color. Currently the colors consist of bay, sorrel,
flaxen mane, black, chestnut, gray (flea bitten and almost
white), dark sorrel, red and blue roan, as well as appy. They
appear to be of possibly the southwest type or group. They
are light bodied and leggy.
The Baca family is proud to stand among those who have,
and continue to, work and sacrifice to save these precious
and historic animals. This is the horse that our country was
built on. ! Viva los Caballos De Colores ! (Long live the
horses of color) 
Fort Washita, Oklahoma
April 2003
Written by Susan Tuscana, Rockin B Ranch
After traveling for what seemed like forever, the
girls were ready to get out and stretch their legs. I was at
the office getting signed in when I heard them calling,
telling me to hurry up. There was a stomp, a sure sign of
impatience coming from the trailer.
Once we arrived at our camp they finally got to
be unloaded. Stepping ever so gently, Lil Bit and Dove
backed out of the trailer one by one. While walking to the
corral, they had to reach down to sniff and nibble the
grass. This was a new place with new smells, each one
being even more curious than the last.
The mares and I were honored that we were asked
by the Oklahoma Historical Society to attend the
educational rendezvous at Fort Washita. The greatest
honor however, was when we were allowed to be
representatives of the American Indian Horse and the
Horse of the Americas Registries.
That was why we were here to set up a few days
early. I had a few days to get the mares once again
accustomed to the 1800’s way of life before the children
would be coming to the fort. The mares would have to be
ready for anything, including cannon fire, for the big
cannon was less than fifty foot from the end of their corral.
But, after a few times they understood what was going to
happen when the man yelled, “fire in the hole”.
When the school children came on Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday, I dressed in my buckskins for the
presentations and saddled White Wing Dove as an Indian’s
mount with a squaw saddle with all the trimmings. Lil Bit
was saddled as a horse that an Indian Scout would ride
when riding with the cavalry, complete with a period
saddle and bridle. For the younger ones we talked about
the pretty things on the horse and their use. For the older
children we talked of how much different the American
Indian Horse was from anything the cavalry rode, and why
they were saddled so differently.
No matter what, the children’s favorite time was
when they got to pet the horses. I would always make them
wait until I was through, and then ask if they were ready to
pet some horses and of course they said yes. Dove would be
walked out of the corral and towards the children, while I
asked for volunteers. Of course every child’s hand would
shoot upward. Then I told them that the volunteer had to kiss
Dove on the end of her nose or she wouldn’t let anyone pet
her. (The blank faced looks that followed were enough to
make you bust out laughing) Needless to say, someone
would speak up and volunteer. Once the kissing was done, I
gave the command to make Dove froze where she stood. The
children would step up anxiously to love and pet on the
gentle giant. Dove really ate up all the loving. She would
occasionally bend down into the crowd to let the little ones
kiss the end of her nose.
I guess that I just overdid it the first day. Hours of
continuous presentations without a break wore on me badly.
However, I was lucky enough to have a few friends drop by
and help out with the horses. Scott had never been around
horses before, but his Indian heritage really came out when
he started speaking to the horses. By the end of the first day,
Scott had heard the talk enough times that he pretty much
knew the routine, so I ran him threw a few of the simpler
things and let him do the talk about the horse gear.
Scott was nice enough to help me with the horse for
the remainder of the week, even being kind enough to dress
the part of a cavalry scout to make it more interesting for the
kids. In return for his kindness, I gave him a few riding
lessons. Before the second day was over, he was loping
bareback around the corral on Dove as I talked about the
smoothness of our gaited horses. When it came time for
Scott to speak, he’d pull up beside the corral fence and let
the kids pet Dove while he talked.
Once the school days were over, I went to the fort’s
office to see how we faired as demonstrators. The ladies in
the office were amazed at the outcome, for it seems that no
matter which teacher they talked to, praises were always
made about the people doing the Indian Horse presentation.
It seems that we made more of an impact than we realized.
Needless to say, we’ve already been invited back for next
year’s activities at Fort Washita.
White Wing Dove (AIHR #O-1190) and Lil Bit (AIHR #M1966) both hold multiple championships in the American
Indian Horse Registry, and have been used as mounts for
handicapped children. Both are currently semi-retired and
are the pride and joy of the Rockin B Ranch.
Special thanks to Joe and Cynthia Caldwell for their help
with the horses, and to Scott for his help with the
presentations and for dressing the part. I couldn’t have
done it without your help.
Newsletter 13
BUENA SUERTE FARMS:
Buena Suerte Farms is located in the beautiful and historic Rio Grande Valley of
New Mexico. We offer various services, such as: breeding, training, lay-ups, sales
prep and are available for presentations and seminars to help educate the public
about the Spanish Mustang. We breed from proven, foundation bloodlines and are
actively working to bring the Spanish Mustang out of the past and into a promising
future.
Performance prospects, occasionally available. Please contact for availability.
Muchas gracias!
Mary Phillips, Lisa Housen, John Plog
Buena Suerte Farms
www.buenasuertefarms.com
Newsletter 14
Newsletter 15
HOA Board of Directors
Tom Norush
President, Executive Committee
Vickie Ives
1st Vice President, Executive Committee,
Webpage Design
Kyle Germany
2nd Vice President, Executive Committee,
National Awards Committee Chair, Gaited
Activity Group Chairman
Gretchen Patterson
Registrar, Executive Committee
Sharon Jackson
Secretary
Della Norush
Treasurer
Dr. Phil Sponenberg
Special Consultant to the Executive
Committee
Carol Stone
Reporter
Polly Aulton
Publicity Chairperson
Jean Vaughn
HOA Sales Page Webmaster
Publicity Committee:
Carol Stone
Tom Herbert
John Fusco
Newsletter 16