Just Horsin' Around - Thoughts on Central Texas Real Estate and More

 

 

To my mind, the holidays are a great example of what our business is really about.  

 

Think about it.  Families gather to share the holidays, whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Festivus or any other.  They eat food, lovingly prepared and redolent of holidays past.  They talk and laugh and cry and remember and tell stories and give and receive gifts.

 

Where do they do all these things?  For the vast majority, it is in homes – all gathering at the home of the grandparents, or the first holiday hosted by the now-adult children who not that long ago sat at the “kid’s table”, sometimes the adult children switching back and forth between sets of parents, sometimes, as we did it this year, all celebrating together.  

 

But gather in homes we do.  This is, in a sense, the culmination of all of our efforts as real estate agents – families, celebrating together in the homes we helped them find and acquire.  

Wise worlds from Gail Robinson.  I've also found that if I discuss my interests and theirs outside of real estate with clients, I'm much better able to help them accomplish their goals in a way that is pleasing to them, whether it be finding the perfect home or selling the house they already have. 

 

 

 

At this time of year, every year, hearts are opened and people reach out to help those in need. 

Here in Central Texas, because of the drought and the wildfires that resulted from it, there are more of those than usual, and many organizations are focusing their efforts on those who lost homes and more in those fires. 

The Native Plant Society of Texas is one of those organizations, and the donations raised with their efforts, while only totaling $1800 in dollars, will multiply into more green than you can imagine, and will be of greater value than dollars in the end. 

300 groups of children, from schools, churches, and youth groups, took the materials purchased with that $1800 (compost, clay, and seeds), and made 150,000 seed balls containing over 50 varieties of native Central Texas seeds to be given to the victims of the Bastrop County fires to use in restoring their land to its former beauty. 

Right now, they look just like what they're made of, balls of mud.  But once they're distributed and used by the fire victims, they'll be a beautiful bounty of green helping the land restore itself. 

 

 

                                                                                                                Photo Credit:  skodonnell

 

 

 

 

Anyone in this neck of the woods who's spent any time at all on the roads or in stores has to have noticed a distinct change from this time last year - CROWDS!  Whether it's a grocery store or a book store or a department store, there are crowds everywhere you go, and they seem to be buying things.  Yesterday, in the middle of a Monday afternoon, my husband and I were out and about, and even at that time of the day, on that day of the week, it felt like a busy Saturday. 

I've been showing more houses to more buyers, and had more calls from buyers looking for property - the numbers are up. 

Then, today, the Austin Board of Realtors released the November figures, and the news that Central Texas home sales were up about 11 percent and that median home prices were up 3% over November 2010. 

Add that to some other positive signs that I've seen here and there, and maybe, just maybe, that light at the end of the tunnel isn't a train after all! 

 

 

 

                                                                                                             Photo Credit Iain Sarjeant   

 

 

Photo Credit DHuss

 

Many people, when they think of Central Texas, don't think of vineyards and wineries.  But we have quite a few award-winning ones in the area (there's even a vineyard half a mile up the road from me between Jarrell and Salado), so it's possible to Shop Local for wine, as well as other things.  I thought I'd prepare a list of wineries - some you can visit and pick up wine for gifts or yourself, others you can find in local stores. 

Driftwood Estate Vineyard & Winery south of Austin

 

Salt Lick Cellars, likewise in Driftwood

 

Duchman Family Wines, Driftwood

 

(Are you seeing a pattern here?)

 

Spicewood Vineyards, Spicewood

 

The Vineyard at Florence, north of Austin between Florence and Jarrell

 

Rising Star Vineyards, Rising Star and Salado

 

Perissos Vineyard and Winery, Burnet

 

Stone House Vineyard (on Lake Travis)

 

This is just a start.  You can find more Texas vineyards and wineries at Texas Wine - Toast a Rising Star. 

Or, can't make up your mind?  Give a wine tour! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liz and Bill make excellent points in this blog.  There's lots of people who THINK they know all about real estate.  The ones who really do are those who make their living at it every day.

Who would you rather have handling your real estate transaction?

 

Anyone who’s lived in Texas for any length of time knows about the ongoing Great Texas BBQ Wars that are a major source of entertainment in these parts.  You know, “XYZ BBQ has the best brisket!”  “No!  ABC BBQ does!”  On a good day, this can be good for several hours worth of “conversation”, not just of the best BBQ joints, but also the best (read:  ONLY) way to cook BBQ at home. 

 

I admit to being a BBQ aficionado, myself.  Not in the preparation (I leave that to the menfolk in the family, resting on my gumbo laurels), but in finding the best commercial BBQ around. 

 

You may have heard that Bon Appetit, a few months back, declared Franklin’s BBQ in Austin to be The Best BBQ In The Country.  Now, no insult intended to Franklin’s, but the Texas BBQ expert who dubbed them so is from Georgia, then  New York City, and my guess is that he hasn’t had the proper grounding and experience in the pit boss’s art - and art, not science, it is - necessary to make such a statement. 

 

I propose that he come back down to Texas, and be taken on a Grand BBQ Tour of Central Texas.  I have my own list of places that I’m pretty sure he should try, and then he can revisit the issue.  I’d be surprised if you do not have your own such list; why not post your suggestion or suggestions in the comments section and we’ll compare notes, and perhaps make up a list of suggestions to send off to the fine gentleman? 

 

My list would be sure to include the following (this is by far not a comprehensive list; I am not going to give away ALL my secrets!):  Sam’s BBQ in East Austin (recently closed and I do not know if it's reopened - it's been in Austin as long as I've been in the area); House Park in Central Austin; Cooper’s in Llano or New Braunfels; Laird’s Barbecue in Llano; Black’s in Lockhart; Schoepf’s in Belton; Taylor Café in Taylor; City Market in Luling; Perez BBQ in Bartlett; Snow’s in Lexington, O.D.'s in Jarrell.  That would be good for a start, and then we could drive the roads of Central Texas looking for those priceless jewels, the little BBQ shacks that can be found dotting our highways and byways, offering the intoxicating aroma of pit smoke and the promise of the BBQ of your dreams. 

 

What about you?  Where would you take someone to initiate them into the delights of Texas BBQ? 

Here we have the next batch of Morgans/Morgan crosses that have found themselves in a dire situation (one hoof on the truck to slaughter), have made it to foster, and are now looking for their forever home.  Take a look and see if one speaks to you. 

 

For the month of December we'll be running a holiday special on adoption fees.  One of the rescued Morgans below could be waiting for you, and you alone, to take them home for the holidays and ever after. 

 

For more information, and to apply to adopt, contact us at ForeverMorgans @hotmail.com.  More information on who we are, what we do, and how you can help, along with an application to adopt, can be found on our website at www.forevermorgans.org. 

 

 

 

 

Forever Dakota and Bella

 

 

 

Barn name: Forever Dakota

Registered name: NA

Registration #: NA

Sire/ dam: Dam: Bella  Sire:  Unknown

Color: bay

Height:

Age: foaled 6/20/2011

Gender: colt

Links to other photos and/ or videos:

 

Source: Rescued in utero from Enumclaw Auction

Current location: Molalla, Oregon

Comments:  Forever Dakota was a surprise!  We rescued his dam, Bella, from the Enumclaw Auction, and she smuggled Dakota in on us.  Dakota was weaned and Bella has moved on to her new  forever home.  Now it's time for Dakota to find his!  Isn't he something?  Ready for you to take home and bring him up right!

Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $250

 

 

 

Mac

 

Barn name: Mac

Registered name: NA

Registration #: NA

Sire/ dam: NA

Color: Black

Height:  14.1H

Age: Approx. 7 years

Gender: gelding

Links to other photos and/ or videos:

 

Source: New Holland

Current location: Thompson, CT

Comments:  Very pleasant, sweet, kind boy, very willing and cooperative.  14.1h.  Excellent stall manners, no cribbing, no pawing or kicking.  Crossties well, good for hoof cleaning.  We are still evaluating him for other training.  Lunged him this weekend for a short time, he was very receptive.  We each tried leaning over his back from the mounting block, again, no issues displayed.  He is not familiar with clippers or electric concepts in general - he's Amish, but learning the non-Amish ways.  Has had his first round of shots, and one round of deworming.  Sheath and teeth scheduled for tomorrow, along with his follow-up shots.

 

Getting very attached to him!

 

Update 12/3/2011:  Mac did a fine job this morning. We fitted a bridle for him (took two tries, he's likely cob size), and saddled him. He had been lunged with a saddle last week and leaned over/on  but we had not been on him. At his "evaluation" a gentleman was on him bareback but clearly Mac was confused about being ridden. The theory is he was driven as he arrived a the broker pen with "lots of harness marks".  It was very chilly in CT and as this was his first outing, Valerie rode him up and down the road with me walking with them and then I saddled my horse and we rode together down the road for a ways and then back to the barn.  We decided to end on that note and will likely go further tomorrow.

Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $385

 

 

 

  

 

Tony

 

 

 

Barn name: Tony

Registered name: (grade)

Color: bay, back right white

Height: TBA

Age: approximately 7

Gender: gelding

Links to other photos and/ or videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypmJukOdYCY

 

Source: New Holland

Current location: Pennsylvania

Comments from Tony's current foster: This is our sweet Tony. When he came to us we nick named him "Boney Tony" due to the fact that he was so very thin. Tony had a full set of road shoes on. When hitched to a cart he took off like he was shot from a gun, as he had been expected to do in the past. Tony had three gaits, all of them at the trot, fast, faster and fastest. Tony was traumatized by his experiences and by being shipped to slaughter. He wanted so much to please us. The trouble was he was so anxious and nervous, obviously afraid of being hit, that it took some time for Tony to learn that we were not going to hit him, no matter what he did. In a manner of speaking, Tony tripped over his own feet in his frantic effort to do what was asked of him. He was adopted on his very first day here and returned the next day due to his anxiety. Had the adopters only given Tony a chance and a little time they would have had the perfect horse but they didn't take into consideration that he had been through so much and needed time to learn to relax. After all, the cardinal rules of horsemanship are "calm, forward and straight". Calm comes first for a reason. If you don't have that in both horse and horseman, you might as well forget the rest. Tony drives and rides like the pro that he truly is. He appears to be sound, has no vices, loads, clips, is good with farrier and vet. Tony loves to be loved and has been lavished with attention for the past several months by a fourteen year old girl. He is ready to be the best Christmas present for someone who wants a devoted friend. We age Tony around ten years old. He truly is a wonderful horse and deserves to have a wonderful forever home.

Tony needs help in keeping weight on.  He benefits from being fed beet pulp and a flax supplement.  He appears to be very healthy and strong but he is a svelte boy.  He is good with farrier and vet and pleasant to handle in the barn.  Tony is also easy to catch, always the first one to the door when he hears the grain bucket. 

Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $600

 

 

 

 

 

Cherish

 

 

Barn name: Cherish

Registered name: (grade)

Color: chestnut, 3 white socks, star, snip

Height: +/- 15 hands

Age: approximately 14 years

Gender: mare

Links to other photos and/ or videos: http://youtube/Bk1q2Ptnyx8

Source: New Holland

Current location: Pennsylvania

Comments:  

Cherish is a darling little mare, somewhere in her early teens, 13.3hh, beautiful chestnut with some chrome and the sweetest face.  She is absolutely safe to be around in the stall and on the ground.  Cherish loves to be groomed and loved on.  The smallest horseperson can pick up her feet with very litttle practice. Cherish is very willing to please to the point of being anxious so she needs a confident rider.  For a small mare Cherish is fast at all gaits but obedient.  For instance, if you ask her to walk, she will but it will have impulsion, a "can't wait to see what is around the next corner" attitude and a lively, forward step.  She worries that she will make a mistake and needs a gentle, reassuring hand.  Cherish came to us with a full set of road shoes on her feet.  They were overgrown and she had some road founder.  We removed her shoes and with regular trimming she is starting to move sound again.  Once her feet are fully grown out and with regular attention Cherish will eventually be usably sound.  She also had severe muscles spasms in her neck.  We have had a massage therapist working on her every week and the spasms have improved but they may never resolve completely.  In any work Cherish is asked to do in the future she should not have her head checked up.  She doesn't need it to drive and it is detrimental to her well being.  My opinion is that this petite mare with the huge heart was asked to pull heavy loads for long distances at a fast rate of speed.  Cherish did whatever was asked of her until she was completely spent and then was shipped off to the sale. Her deportment under saddle suggests that Cherish had some english / dressage type training prior to becoming a working road horse.  She rides and drives very well but is not for a beginner rider due to her fast, forward go and anxiety.  Cherish has no vices of any kind.  If anyone has any questions about Cherish please feel free to call me.  I will work with any potential adopter to make a happy, successful transition for Cherish in a loving, patient home.    

Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $550

 

 

Harley

 

 

Barn name: Harley

Registered name: (grade)

Color: bay, back right sock, star

Height: TBA

Age: TBA

Gender: gelding

Links to other photos and/ or videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgYHHAffpCc

 

Source: New Holland

Current location: Pennsylvania

Comments: This is the beautiful Harley.  He is well named because like his name sake, the motorcycle, Harley is hot and fast.  Unfortunately, Harley met with some kind of accident that caused his ribs to be caved in near the girth area.  The area is reminiscent of perhaps a broken shaft that struck him in the ribs or,we hate to think this but it could have been caused by the strike of a hammer.  Regardless the cause, Harley has some definite flash backs to something that traumatized him.  He has come a long way since his arrival here several months ago but it seems unlikely that Harley will be suited to riding.  He might be driven if someone were to work with him patiently to get a bridle and bit on him.  Harley has progressed so that he willingly puts his head in a halter and he will ground drive quite nicely in that.  We have not had success in bridling but I like to think we would have if I had not broken my leg in September.  Harley is a beautiful Morgan with huge eyes, tiny ears, a beautiful face, lovely "up and over neck" and good type and conformation.  It is quite likely that Harley has always been "hot" and that temperament coupled with some kind of trauma may have rendered Harley unusable for riding or driving.  He has no vices otherwise, is good with the ferrier and can be worked on by a patient veterinarian.  He has progressed with worming from being completely resistant to having anything put in his mouth to accepting a wormer with only a little fuss.  We have had to use two Power Packs of pyrantel pamoate with Harley due to a heavy load of worms that have been resistant to regular deworming.  Whoever gives Harley a good forever home will need to keep a close watch to be sure he remains free of parasites.  Harley might have some arthritis in his hocks or hips.  Some days he seems perfectly sound but other days he is stiff and sore.  That said, when you see Harley put his tail up over his back and take off in that powerful "above level" trot you can't help but be taken in by his beauty.  He would make a good pasture pal.  He loves to be with mares and does well with only one gelding.  He does mix well with mares and geldings at the same time.  Harley is about 14.1hh, dark bay and probably in his mid teens.  More pictures to follow.  Our weather has been horrible and wet so taking pictures is a challenge but we will prevail.  Please be patient with us.  Anyone who is interested in Harley is welcome to call or write.  Harley would make a wonderful, worthwhile project for a knowledgeable horse person who is able to really get into a horse's head and earn his trust. 

Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $550

 

This is the second in a series of postings of rescued Morgans currently in foster awaiting their new forever homes and forever friends.  Take a look and see if your new best friend is here! 

For more information, and to apply to adopt, contact us at ForeverMorgans @hotmail.com.  More information on who we are, what we do, and how you can help, along with an application to adopt, can be found on our website at www.forevermorgans.org. 

 

 

Earth Wind And Fire, aka Windy

 

Barn name: Windy

Registered name: Earth Wind and Fire

Registration #: 00127261

Sire/ dam: Marno's Fireoncommand x The Best of Both

Color: bay

Height: 16.1H

Age: foaled 3/27/1992

Gender: gelding

Links to other photos and/ or videos:

 

Source: New Holland

Current location: Geneseo, IL

Comments: Windy is a nice, big guy that is ready to go.  He's been an Amish road horse for 12 years and is now looking for a home where he can do a little less work than 20 miles/day.  Don't let his age concern you; he's got plenty of energy, doesn't spook at anything, and covers a LOT of ground at the trot!  He goes just fine in a snaffle bit and was cool with both western and english saddles, although he doesn't neck rein yet.

 

This guy is a sweetheart!!!  He just wants to please you.  Windy is reported to drive, and was sent to auction because he could no longer handle the hard drives his owner wanted from him.  He is broke to ride, but he still gets a little confused sometimes; however, he tries very hard.  This guy has a killer trot and a nice, forward moving Morgan walk.  His gaits are lovely to watch, he has that real pretty front end high-knee action.  At the moment, he is a little underweight, but is progressing very nicely.  He's in a big herd, and toward the bottom of the food chain.  He gets along with just about everybody, and just really wants to make you happy!!  Ties, cross ties, picks up feet, lets you touch his ears, legs, and belly.

Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $300

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topaz

 

Barn Name: Topaz

Registered name: n/a

Age:

Height: 16.0

Gender: Mare

Color: Buckskin

Source:  New Holland

Current Location: Geneseo, IL

Description: This little mare is a looker.  She has a ton of character, you can always tell exactly what's going through her mind.  She is broke to ride, she was a little confused at first but got the hang of things real fast.  This girl is SMART.  She is always learning new things, and is a nice relaxed ride.  We just rode her in an egg-butt snaffle and she was just fine with that.  She is a very in-your-pocket type horse, always wants to know what you are doing and why and what she can do to help.  She pays very close attention to her rider, and tries so hard to make them happy.  Ties, cross ties, picks up feet, lets you touch her ears, legs, and belly.

 

 

This is a nice mare; pulled from slaughter!  No idea why she was at the auction in the first place.  She's easy to ride, bold, never spooks.  In fact she likes to play with tarps.  She's a smart horse and will need owners who will call her bluff when needed.  But once she decides she wants to follow you, she'll follow you everywhere.  Her manners are improving daily (a horse that big needs extra good manners) and she's looking for someone special to bond with. She stood for mounting, moves off at a walk or trot readily.  A bit rusty under saddle but very willing.

Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $350

 

La Mirage Empress in Black

 

Barn Name: Empress

Registered name: La Mirage Empress in Black

Registration #: 01310791

Sire/ dam: La Mirage Mr Commandant x Clair Dee Pecoson

Age: foaled 3/9/1993

Height:

Gender: Mare

Color: Black

Source:  New Holland

Current Location: Geneseo, IL

Comment:  Lamirage Empress in Black, 20 ish black reg mare.  Reported to be a driving

pair with SMS Valhalla, and they sure act bonded in the pasture.  A bit tense

under saddle, but led trail ride, crossed water etc.  With some more rides,

she'll make a good trail buddy for someone. Been here since Aug 2011

Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $300

 

 

 

SMS Valhalla

 

Barn Name: Valhalla

Registered name: SMS Valhalla

Registration #: 0157807

Sire/ dam: FCF Val D'Isere x SMS Almost Heaven

Age: foaled 5/5/2001

Height: 14h or so

Gender: Mare

Color: Black

Source:  New Holland

Current Location: Geneseo, IL

 

Comment:  Small and slight.  14 H ish.  Been under saddle twice.  Very frightened of people, shakes when approached.  Did get her to drop head, chew and shake with me on her on a fairly long trail ride.  Had to force her into creek crossing.  Not suitable at this time for anyone with limited experience.  But we'll work on that as weather permits.  Been here since Aug 2011

 

It would be wonderful if we could find a forever home that would like to be this mare's redemption.  She's scared.  Not mean in any way, just scared.

 Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $300

 

For a few years now, I've been on the Board of Forever Morgans, LLC, a national Morgan horse rescue that works to rehome Morgans at risk, most often being pulled from a broker in New Holland who sends horses to Canada for slaughter, but also right here at home in Texas and across the country. It's my way of giving back to the animals who have given so much and ask so little, and to the community that loves them.  I've repeatedly seen Morgans that are thin, have scars or current injuries, who, with good reason, are frightened of people, blossom when they are given time and love and patience in a new home.

This year, we have many horses in foster, some registered, some grade, whose holiday wish is for nothing more than a Forever Home and Forever Friend of their very own.  We know you're out there somewhere - won't you step up and identify yourself? 

For the month of December we'll be running a holiday special on adoption fees.  One of the rescued Morgans below or in following posts  could be waiting for you, and you alone, to take them home for the holidays and ever after. 

For more information, and to apply to adopt, contact us at ForeverMorgans @hotmail.com.  More information on who we are, what we do, and how you can help, along with an application to adopt, can be found on our website at www.forevermorgans.org. 

Arabella

 

Barn name: Arabella

Registered name: grade

Registration #: (n/a)

Sire/ dam: (n/a)

Color: black

Height: 14.1/14.2 hh

Age: 17, best approximation

Gender: mare

Links to other photos and/ or videos: none currently

 

Source: New Holland

Current location: Geneseo, IL

Comments: Arabella used to be an Amish driving horse, and we have hitched her a few times. She didn't like it at first, but she stood quiet and was well behaved. She stands very well while being tacked, vetted, and having her feet trimmed. However, she is flinchy towards people, like she had been hit in the past, on the other hand, since she has come her she has improved tremendously and continues to be better around people. She is still learning how to be a good riding horse, but she does extremely well in mounted drill team, will ride quietly down the road, and tries very hard.  She is a very forward horse, not like she's thinking about taking off, but she has a very long stride, especially for her height. Bella will need an intermediate rider to help finish her, but she is a fast learner. 

Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $500 (Adoption Pending)

 

 

Vigilante, aka "V"

 

Barn name: Vigilante "V"

Registered name: grade

Registration #: (n/a)

Sire/ dam: (n/a)

Color: bay

Height: 14.1/14.2 hh

Age: two year old

Gender: gelding

Links to other photos and/ or videos: none currently

 

Source: New Holland

Current location: Geneseo, IL

Comments: V is a very sweet, small horse sized gelding. You can tell by the way he reacts to people that he has had bad experiences with them.  However, with some TLC, he has become very friendly, in-your-pocket kind of horse. He is still a little stranger wary, but otherwise he loves attention and anything you feed him. V is halter broke, lounges in the round pen, and knows basic showmanship skills. Due to his small stature and being young for him age, we are waiting to start him under saddle until he fills out a bit more. He will need someone who will go slow with him, but will be firm enough to not let him develop any bad habits.

"V" was rescued last winter at the advanced age of 18 months along with his dam, Arabella.  He's been pretty much growing and learning not to be afraid of people.  He was a fear-kicker when we picked him up, and a cryptorcid.  Now he is a (gelded) pest-in a good way.  He's about 14.2, still growing.  Ready for someone to start their way!  Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $310

 

 

 

Oscar

 

Barn name: Oscar

Registered name: not registered, but eligible to be and that's in process

Registration #: (n/a)

Sire/ dam: Foggy Hollows Magic x Figurehead Foxy Lady, see more here

Color: bay

Height: 14.3 hh

Age: 11 years old

Gender: gelding

Links to other photos and/ or videos: more photos on ForeverMorgans Yahoo chat site

 

Source: Enumclaw auction

Current location: Molalla, Oregon

Comments: Oscar does not drive and we have been told he was very green broke. He appears a bit frightened after all that has happened to him but is very sweet, his foster mom hasn't had any problems with him.There are pictures of him before the auction that shows him with an english saddle on. He has had some neurological damage to a nerve in his face, but doesn't let that stop him from making new friends, and latest report is that it's healing!  Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $325

 

 

 

Maizie

 

 

Barn name: Maizie

Registered name: grade

Registration #: (n/a)

Sire/ dam: (n/a)

Color: blood bay

Height: 14 hh

Age: 17-18, best approximation

Gender: mare

Links to other photos and/ or videos: none at this time

Source: broker pen at New Holland

Current location: Clayton, NC

Comments:

Excellent for vet and farrier.  Takes wormer easily.  Stands tied to be groomed and bathed although she doesn't love the hose too much.  Will let you fly spray her if you hold on to her fly mask.  Loves carrots and horse treats.  W/T/C and neck reins, quiet, willing & wants to please, does anything asked of her. Just waiting to be some little girl's dream horse - contact us today!  Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $505

 

 

 

Fancy

 

 

Barn name: Fancy

Registered name: TBD

 

Registration #: TBD

Sire/ dam: 

Color: Chestnut with flaxen mane and tail, broad white stripe and left hind sock

Height: 14h

Age: estimated 11 years but could be younger

Gender: Female

Links to other photos and/ or videos: 

 

Source: New Holland, PA broker

Current location: Southeastern PA

Comments: "Fancy" is very sweet, friendly, easy to catch and has no vices. She is comfortable around people and gets along very well with the resident mare. She is also athletic and has lovely gaits, particularly her trot! She understands treats, grain, is good in cross-ties and for grooming and bathing, so she was loved at some point before arriving in foster care (where she has quickly won our hearts). Information from broker at time of rescue was that she is registered but registration papers were not released with her. Vetting paperwork that came with her indicated she might be a Morab (Morgan-Arab cross). A forever home may be able to identify her through DNA testing. Fancy is easy to tack but only appears to be green broke. She will need an experienced rider to bring her along to her full potential. Overall, she is a lovely little mare and will be a wonderful addition to someone's family.  Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $300

 

 

 

 

 

William

 

Barn name: William

Registered name: grade

Registration #: (n/a)

Sire/ dam: (n/a)

Color: bay

Height: 14 hh

Age: 3, best approximation

Gender: gelding

Links to other photos and/ or videos: none at this time

Source: broker pen at New Holland

Current location: Mountville, SC

Comments:  

I have had him only a week but this is what I can tell you so far.

Health;  Weight is good...could use a few lbs, but mostly needs conditioning.

Eyes, Nostrils and Ears...no signs of disease ,discharge or injury. Clear eyed and alert

Feet.  Looks good. No signs of disease or lameness of any kind

Appetite. Good.  Free choice costal bermuda hay. 12% pelleted feed. Only 1 lb a day to start. Will increase as he becomes accustomed. He looks forward to his grain, but does not pace or beg. Stands quiet.

His manure is normal. He urinates as appropriate.

Temp and heart rate all in normal range. Teeth look appropriate to age.

Wormed him Sat. Took it well.

 

Temperament ;  William is quiet . Likes attention. Doesn't bite, nibble or push. No cribbing, weaving or pacing. Will follow you in the paddock. Doesn't push , or get in my space. Seems easy going until he meets a mare. They HATE him and he will kick at the fence boards in defence. Can't keep him near the mares. He does share a fence line with my 20 month old Morgan gelding and our mini gelding. No kicking or biteing, an occasional squeal. May put him with the mini in a couple of weeks. Not with my Morgan. He is too precious and I am unwilling to risk his safety. But they do commune over the fence line. He may have herd socialization problems. Maybe spent alot of time alone?

Training. ; William halters easily. Leads well. Stands tied for extended sessions. Likes being groomed. Will readily pick up feet for picking out. Loads and unloads in the trailer. As long as on a lead is well behaved. Spent a few minutes trying to get some pictures running free. He became defensive and kicked out towards us. Havent tried to lunge or anything else yet. Maybe next weekend.  

Take Me Home For The Holidays Adoption Fee:  $350