June/July 2010 Newsletter

Wow is this summer going fast! Two of the three shows we’re doing this year have come and gone, we’ve now had all our foals for this year, and finally, we are getting more sun than rain! A good thing too, as getting stuck in the mud (with either boots, bobcats or trucks) was becoming a regular occurrence, not to mention having 3 pumps going full time and having a heck of a time getting pictures or videos of any of our horses! What pictures we did get - well - take a look for yourself!

The Calgary Stampede Experience

We were very pleased to participate in the Calgary Stampede this year, a renowned 10-day Stampede with year-round facilities dedicated to promoting and preserving western Canada’s heritage and values.

The events were full of information and fun displays for everyone from a “city-slicker” to the more agricultural based attender, and our involvement centered in on the Agriculture Building, where many different breeds of horses and farm animals had the chance to show their stuff. For our part, as well as manning a booth for five out of the ten days, we participated in a breed demonstration every day.

Featuring our young two year old stud colt North Fork Cash and our three year old mare Bailey, our full-time trainer Wendy Walker and trick trainer Jackie Johnson and her crew performed a combination of Western riding and trick training. Our main goals in the breed demonstrations were to communicate to the public the versatility, calm nature, and beauty of the breed. Most people that stopped by the table or came to meet the horses and their riders after the demos had never even heard of Gypsy Cobs.

Attendance during the event topped out at 1,145,394 people (yes, we’re talking over a million people)! Needless to say our voices were shot by the end of the day. All in all it was a positive and interesting experience, one we hope to take part in next year and for many years to come.

For the full version of our article on the Calgary Stampede, check it out on our website, as well as a some of the media released about our involvement at the Stampede. Apparently, we were the very first exhibitors to ever show Gypsy Cobs at the Stampede.

What’s Next - News & Events

Shows

Our next and last show for 2010 will be The Masters at Spruce Meadows in Calgary Alberta. This is a world renowned event committed to being the leading venue in the world for international horse sports. We’re looking forward to once again being part of the exhibitors and bringing our mare Bailey as well as our stud colt Cash to be part of the breed demonstrations. As the events are focused more on an International and English riding audience, we will ensure our program reflects that focus. Come on out and see us, we’d love to talk to you and share more about our beloved horses. For pictures and video of last year’s event, click here.

Fall Plans for North Fork

In September, we will be starting an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Program at North Fork. Part-time to start, certified experts will use our horses to work with those who need a more “out-of-the-box” method of dealing with life stresses. We feel that the Gypsy Cob is the perfect breed as they are so people oriented. More information to come on this in the future! www.eagala.org