Toad Hill Miniature Horses

2012 Cutter/Chariot Events

2012-01-23T10:05:00.005-06:00

2^nd Annual Jackson Hole WinterFest

Saturday, February 18, 2012 - Sunday February 19th, 2012

Shriner's All American Cutter Races - Melody Ranch - 12:00pm each day
http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events/event_details.php?event_ID=47306&title=2nd%20Annual%20WinterFest&loc=Jackson,%20WY
Overview: The Cutter Races are a western version of horse-drawn chariot races. Cowboys thunder past the cheering crowd in cutters, pulled by a team of thoroughbreds. Teams are run two abreast for a 1/4 mile down the snowy (or muddy) track to the finish line. Each February, hundreds of supporters come to Melody Ranch to watch the excitement of each race.

When: Held every February during the Jackson Hole Winter Festival, the races are run Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 am.

Where: Melody Ranch, located about 4 miles south of Jackson Hole, is the home to this event. Snow or mud, meet your friends here.

Wasatch Slopes Chariot Racing

GOLDEN SPIKE EVENT CENTER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Children ages 12 and under admitted free. Price - Low: $5.00. Contact: Mark Hodson, 801-540-2776. Saturday, January 28, 2012, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Golden Spike Event Center-Race Track 1000 N. 1200 W. Ogden, Utah 84404.

http://www.trumba.com/events-calendar/ut/ogden/weber/fairgrounds/golden-spike/activities/events/races/rodeos/team-roping/barrels/fair/weber_county_calendar

Wasatch Slopes Chariot Racing

GOLDEN SPIKE EVENT CENTER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Children ages 12 and under admitted free. Price - Low: $5.00. Contact: Mark Hodson, 801-540-2776. Saturday, February 11, 2012, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Golden Spike Event Center-Race Track 1000 N. 1200 W. Ogden, Utah 84404.

Utah State Chariot Races

GOLDEN SPIKE EVENT CENTER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Price - Low: $5.00. Contact: Shannon Demler, 435-757-3162. Sunday, February 26, 2012, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Golden Spike Event Center-Race Track 1000 N. 1200 W. Ogden, Utah 84404.

World Chariot Races

GOLDEN SPIKE EVENT CENTER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Children 12 and under are admitted free. Price - Low: $7. Contact: Mark Hodson, 801-540-2776. Saturday, March 17, 2012, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Golden Spike Event Center-Race Track 1000 N. 1200 W. Ogden, Utah 84414.

World Chariot Races

GOLDEN SPIKE EVENT CENTER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Children 12 and under are admitted free. Price - Low: $7. Contact: Mark Hodson, 801-540-2776. Sunday, March 18, 2012, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Golden Spike Event Center-Race Track 1000 N. 1200 W. Ogden, Utah 84414.

World Chariot Races

GOLDEN SPIKE EVENT CENTER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Children 12 and under admitted free. Price - Low: $7. Contact: Mark Hodson, 801-540-2776. Friday, March 23, 2012, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Goldens Spike Event Center-Race Track 1000 N. 1200 W. Ogden, Utah 84404.

World Chariot Races

GOLDEN SPIKE EVENT CENTER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Children 12 and under admitted free. Price - Low: $7. Contact: Mark Hodson, 801-540-2776. Saturday, March 24, 2012, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Goldens Spike Event Center-Race Track 1000 N. 1200 W. Ogden, Utah 84404.

World Chariot Races

GOLDEN SPIKE EVENT CENTER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Children 12 and under admitted free. Price - Low: $7. Contact: Mark Hodson, 801-540-2776. Sunday, March 25, 2012, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Goldens Spike Event Center-Race Track 1000 N. 1200 W. Ogden, Utah 84404

Photo found at: http://cdn3.standard.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/max_800/2010/03/28/story-29chariotwinner-22323.jpg

Labor Day Adventures

2011-12-26T19:15:00.008-06:00

Had some free time on Labor Day and decided to take some photos. Yes, I know it is really the holiday season, but this is the first time I had a week off and time to catch up on my posts and photos.

Fancy Pants was home after a busy summer at Wendy's. She had him driving most of the time but also provided him with quite a few ladies to court when he was not working.

Madame Butterfly below was poising for her permanent registration photos. With some many mares and stallions and the lousy economy I had to cut back so several nice mares were not bred this year.

We did have some nice foals this year however. Below you can see Wind in the Willows with her newest offspring, Merlin.

Another foal this year gave use quite a scare. Graham below is checking out a visitor, Marley. Graham caught a form of pneumonia and was sick for a couple weeks. Fully recovered now he is just one of the guys.

The last foal of the season was also the last foal that Apache Gal will ever give us. We are calling him the Apache Kid, his mom passed away at 23 years old after weaning her foal at five months old. We will miss her.

T. H. Madame Butterfly

2011-12-26T10:56:00.000-06:00

We often have neighbors come by and want to visit with the minis. Not everyone has the property to own their own horses, but still they love to visit. This little girl walked around with her mom and was followed by Butterfly the entire time. We put a halter on her, and let the little girl sit on Butterfly and then walk her around.

Her mom sent us this photo of the two together. Just thought I would share.

2011-11-26T09:03:00.021-06:00

Jamie Wentworth with JMS Redskin Warrior

In a previous most I asked about when Chariot classes were first held at Naitonals. Now I know that at least in 2006 there was a chariot class at Nationals. I was online when I came across this post. The information below comes from and is directly quoted. In included all the photos as I am sure that the owner is very proud of her Redskin Warrior.:

https://sites.google.com/site/showmeminiaturehorses/home/my-horses

The Sites page for Show Me miniature Horses in Wentworth, MO.

JMS Redskin Warrior (HOF)

AMHA/AMHR Registered

Foaled: 5/11/2003

Height: 33.00"

Timber Ridges War Chief X Trey Acres Lu Molly

Red is a 2x AMHR Reserve National Champion in Single Roman Chariot back in 2006 and that same year was a National Top 10 in Open Obstacle Driving, Under. In 2008 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Obstacle. After that year I decided to give Red a break but I think its time to bring him back out in 2012. He will be showing in hunter, obstacle, and roman chariot.

More Protection Against Rain

2011-11-21T11:24:00.005-06:00

At 7:20 am I decided it was time to get up and feed the horses. I had taken the day off because the carports were to be coming and I was supposed to also get another automatic waterer installed.

Just as I walked out the door, a workman came up and asked was this the place for the carports. Yep. And to work they went. Within minutes the frames were being assembled.

The crew of three knew exactly what to do and within 45 minutes were done with the first one and off to assemble the second one.

This one will ultimately contain another mini feed bunk.

The second one was completed in even less time since the trees did not interfere with construction.

Once the carport was erected and the fence panels in place, I was able to let the little kids in to check it out.

It looks like they approve, so much so the little horses were all ready to have lunch.

I am sure that the minis will appreciate not having to eat in the rain anymore.

Have to admit the three construction guys were fast and efficient. Considering how quickly things went up, how happy I am with the results I am already thinking about buying another one in the spring, but perhaps bigger.
This is not a commercial, not am I getting anything for saying that I was happy with Carolina Carports, Inc. and would recommend them to my friends.
http://www.carolinacarportsinc.com/Home.html

Just What I Need, Another Stallion

2011-11-14T19:12:00.003-06:00

So one day I was online and noticed that Sally Stephens of Mini Bucks in Cambridge, Illinois was selling out. In addition I was going through an Overo Phase.

What do you mean Overo Phase?

I decided I would like to bred a perfect Frame Overo. I had already purchased Foxfire's Picture Perfect, but here in practically my backyard was another opportunity to get a frame overo stallion.

So this post is to introduce Mini Bucks Avalanche.

AMHA, AMHR registered, foaled 5/6/2009 this two year old stallion has already been bred to two Toad Hill mares for 2012 foals.

Avalanche is 33" tall and his pedigree is shown below the next photo. Avalanche's sire, Colorworlds Neon Knight is also the sire of one of my other stallions, Toad Hill's Rust Spot.
You should see how nicely Avalanche has matured, he trots around here with his head held high and that beautiful archy neck. I am really very happy with him.

Oh, did I mention also that I bought a frame overo filly also from Sally, shes in the next post.

Sire: Colorworlds Neon Knight 33" sired by Winter Knight MMR out of Sunkist Golden Girl.

Dam: Mini Bucks Midnight Sky, 34" sired by Circle S Cisco's Kid, 32" (Sired by Oh Cisco, 33.5" out of Jumpin Miss No Flash, 35.75") out of S Bar P's Missy Misty of Marion, 33".

Blue Eyes, White Mane and Tail and Palomino

2011-10-30T14:53:00.001-05:00

Guess you can say I am a little slow on getting a photo and information out about this filly. So here it is four months later and the best two photos I have are below. Sorry but obviously I am going to have to find some better photos.
Filly was foaled: June 26, 2011.

Well it took me until December, 2011 before I came up with a name for this filly....Toad Hill's Golden Kashi. Remember this line of miniatures represent my "Cereal Collection." So here is a baby photo that shows Kashi's color after she was about a couple weeks old.

I was asked if she has eyeliner. Never really paid attention to that, so I had to take a photo to confirm (see below).

Photo taken January 24, 2012 Blue Eyes/Dark Eyeliner

Here is a photo of another filly I own, Toad Hill's Run for the Roses. Rosey is a 2008 model, but has really obvious blue eyes and mascara.

Toad Hill's Golden Kashi's breeding is below:

Mare's breeding:

Sire: Spragues Buckeye (AMHR/AMHA 30.25", buckskin). His sire is NFCS Yankee Clipper (AMHA-28.00", sorrel), his dam is 4GS Hemlock Brook Silver Jane (AMRA - 33.50", grey)

Dam: Koch's My Angel Baby (AMHR/AMHA 33.50", chestnut pinto). Her sire is Little Hoof's Midget Mite (AMHR/AMHA 29.75", bay), her dam is Koch's Little Brandy (AMHR 36.00" chestnut)

Kashi's Sire: Lucky Four Rebelchase Rebelheir

Pedigree:
Sire: Lucky Four Rebels Chasin Rainbows (32.50", sorrel pinto-photo to right) by Sids Rebel (31.00, sorrel) out of Glenns Calico Kitten (AMHA)
Dam: Glory Be Farms Painted Jingle (33.75, black pinto) by Glory Be Farms Chocolate Chip (AMHA) out of Glory Be Farm Rebels Lady Jingle (AMHA)

Trail or Driving This 4 yr Gelding Does It All

2011-10-02T17:17:00.008-05:00

Thinking of a perfect trail or driving gelding for your son? This four year old gelding can do it all. Check out the photos below from videos shot of him driving and being ridden.

He is used to walking in creeks but occasionally needs a little prompting to step in, but once in he is fine.

Will travel in almost any terrain. Below you see him going up a steep hill.

He drives real smooth, is good natured. Fine around trucks, combines and snowplows. Noise does not bother him.

Serious inquiries please email for a link to view him in videos that these images were pulled from.

2011 AMHR Chariot Races - Parade Lap and 1st Heat

2011-09-22T21:47:00.009-05:00

I attended the Nationals and this year on Friday night "real chariots" races were held.

Before you watch these: CAUTION. Driving Chariots is dangerous.

Do not try this without have many hours of driving experience.
Make sure your horse is well trained so you can control him during the excitement of the contest
Carefully inspect and make sure everything on your chariot is in good shape (During one chariot class, a driver's chariot broke where the shaft attaches to the chariot. Luckily the driver was able to stop the horse before the shaft dug into the ground and could flip the chariot.)
Practice the proper gaits and enter the driving classes before you even consider entering a chariot race.

Parade Lap and First Heat
More heats after I get them processed. Also will list winners.

AMHR Chariot Racing, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Heats

2011-09-22T21:45:00.033-05:00

Second heat:

I was talking with an AMHR member who remembers back when the chariot classes were first put in the rulebook. According to my source, it was in 1994, and racing was one of the classes.

The rules for the races were explained, but now even the AMHR does not have a copy.

Does ANYONE have a copy they can send to me??

Third Heat

Fourth Heat

Final Heats and Winners

2011-09-19T12:00:00.011-05:00

After three heats all six competitors were called back into the ring. Everyone assumed winners would be announced...not so...

Seems there was a tie and a run off was necessary.

And now for the placings in the chariot race.

299 - Single Roman Chariot Race, 38"& Under NR
Entries that placed:
Entry	Place	Horse	Owner	Rider	Trainer
874	1	MY TINY HOOVES BOSS'S TINY TATTOO	MEHARRY, MELISSA	MEHARRY, MELISSA	MEHARRY, MELISSA
1556	2	PAINTED DESERT MACHOS ANGELINA	ANDERSON, RAYMOND	PRICE, KALA	ANDERSON, RAYMOND
868	3	KFME MAGIC	KUCZER, ERICA	KUCZER, ERICA	KUCZER, LINDA
1156	4	WALL STREET BETTY BOOP'S BILLY ED	STRASSLE, MIKE/LISA	STRASSLE, MIKE	STRASSLE, MIKE/LISA
882	5	LIL PROMISES REGAL DANDY BOY	STEP, BO/BARB/BECKY	STEP, BO	STEP, BO/BARB/BECKY
873	6	KFME BUGLE BOY BILLY	KUCZER, CHASITY	KUCZER, LINDA	KUCZER, LINDA
885	7	FRICHNICK'S WALK IN THE CLOUDS	STEP, BO/BARB/BECKY	STEP, BO	STEP, BO/BARB/BECKY
659	8	CAREYS KUEL MICRO DUDE	BRUTON, DENI	BRUTON, DENI	NAPIER, DANNY/DONNA

2011 AMHR - Amateur Roman Chariot Winners

2011-09-13T13:58:00.001-05:00

105 - Amateur Roman Chariot, 38" & Under (15141)
Entries that placed:
Entry	Place	Horse	Owner
1156	1	WALL STREET BETTY BOOP'S BILLY ED	STRASSLE, MIKE/LISA
874	2	MY TINY HOOVES BOSS'S TINY TATTOO	MEHARRY, MELISSA
1556	3	PAINTED DESERT MACHOS ANGELINA	ANDERSON, RAYMOND
882	4	LIL PROMISES REGAL DANDY BOY	STEP, BO/BARB/BECKY
696	5	GRAHAMS CHORUS GIRL	FOX, ALYSSA
659	6	CAREYS KUEL MICRO DUDE	BRUTON, DENI

This year was a large class compared to previous years. Perhaps chariots are catching on. There was a seventh entry, but unfortunately they scratched because their horse pulled up lame just last week. Too bad, it would have been nice to see them again.

Sandy Beach Loves Kids

2011-09-11T19:08:00.002-05:00

Sandy has spent the summer playing best friend to most of the girls in an Amish family. Talk about a kid friend mini, below you see the girls hitching you the cart. The younger brother is supervising, after all he's three and must take charge.

After hitching her up they start off for a ride, four little girls with the seven year old taking command.

While there is video, just thought I would add one more photo of Sandy being ridden as well.

Read more about Toad Hill's Sandy Beach by clicking on her name above.
Sandy has never been exposed to a stallion, she is just a sweet little horse that I have kept since she was born on the farm.

Time to Get the Team Home for Winter

2011-09-11T18:45:00.007-05:00

Toad Hill's Lincoln Award and Toad Hill's Baldrige Award are half brothers born within two weeks of each other. Their sire is Toad Hill's Rust Spot.

As luck would have it they are pretty close to a perfectly matched pair of sorrel pintos with blue eyes.

Yesterday I drove down to Arthur to bring the team back for the winter and try a little work with them myself.

That's Daniel, my expert 12 year old trainer. He has done all the work with the team since they were two year olds and next year if that chariot is ever completed we should have them ready for show.
This pair will ground tie while in harness and are working towards moving in a synchronized manner.

Wendy Steerman went with use to pick up the horses, and she could not wait until it was her turn to ride in the breaking chariot. Knowing Wendy, she probably will want one of her own by next year.

Colorworlds Neon Knight

2011-08-07T10:48:00.001-05:00

Reference only, this horse was recently sold by Mini Bucks

"Neon" is a 33" red roan with a bald face, two blue eyes, and four white socks. Breeding overo mares to him will produce the ultimate color patterns, including the lace overo pattern. Although not an overo himself, he is a carrier of the overo gene, just the right combination for those loud overo babies! We are extremely excited to have purchased this AMHA/AMHR stallion from Circle S Miniature Overo Horses owned by Dwight and Jan Strassheim. Neon will be the foundation of our overo breeding program at Mini Bucks Miniatures. We will be anxiously awaiting his foals! Put some "Color" in your world with a Neon foal.

When Are Chariot Classes At Tulsa, 2011?

2011-06-23T18:24:00.012-05:00

2011 AMHR National Horse Show
September 8 - 18, 2011
At Expo Square in Tulsa, OK

Sunday, Sept. 11 - Class 105. 6:00 PM Amateur Roman Chariot

Wed. , Sept. 14 - Class 191. 6:00 PM Single Roman Chariot

Thurs., Sept. 15 - Class 245. 6:00 PM Team Roman Chariot

Link to AMHR Premium list and schedule.
Note: link should download a PDF.

Remember time is Tulsa, Ok time. You may have to adjust for your time zone.

Touched by an Angel is Growing Up

2011-06-23T18:09:00.000-05:00

Now a yearling, this little filly is beginning to look more like her mommy every day. She is now 33.25 inches tall and her projected mature height should be about 34.5 - 36 inches.

Woven Basket Chariot - Bo's Ready for Chariot Class at Tulsa

2011-06-20T17:22:00.002-05:00

Bo Step has done it again. Always trying to recreate what is most like the original first chariots, Bo has designed and built a chariot that is woven of reed and willow. So now may I present Step N High's 2010 chariot....drum roll please.

The wheels, floor and shafts are all wood stained and varnished....drat mine is supposed to be like that too. Every one will think I copied that. I especially like the two tone die on the reeds.

I had to include an interior close up of the frame showing how the shafts for this chariot were connected.

And here is the interior of one of Bo's other chariots...

If you want to see more of Bo's chariots you can look at the label Chariot to the left and also click on the words in the next line to get to his website:

StepNHigh -- The Chariots

StetsonUpdate2

2011-06-19T15:39:00.002-05:00

Stetson is the first horse born under the Toad Hill name. He was shown in 2002 as a yearling by Brenda Plass and during the first year of showing he was entered at 4 shows won 4 Grand Champions and 4 Reserve Grand Champion...and then we pulled him from the show circuit and based upon the trainers recommendation gelded him. The following year he went oversize and was never shown again.

Hall of Fame Category: Halter
Points From 2002: 36
Grand Champion wins: 4
Reserve Champion Yearly Gelding,Over and Reserve Multi-Color Gelding Over

We have had him on the farm ever since. In 2008 a neighbor, 16 year old girl, who was showning in competition a dressage horse spent the summer training Stetson for riding. She said if she could show him the next year, she would train him in dressage. Well, the next summer she found a job and could not fit Stetson into her busy schedule.

A couple years later we sent him to Arthur, he was getting fat and needed someone to exercise him. Daniel, our young Amish trainer kept him for the summer. He was ridden and exposed to driving. But it was obvious to Daniel that Stetson is a riding horse and he really did not like pulling a cart.

He has been here since, but once again is getting fat. He needs a home where kids will ride him so he is reluntantly being offered for sale.

Stetson is a hard worker, he helps with everything around the house. He is used to being on the lawn (fenced in) but supervises all jobs such as fixing the riding mower, unloading wood for the fireplace or paint a house.

To see more photos check out: PICASA WEB

Apache Gals Foal

2011-06-06T22:17:00.012-05:00

Apache Gal decided it was time to have her foal early this morning. I have to admit it is one of the smallest foals ever born at Toad Hill but what do you expect when the sire is 29" and the mare is 32.5"? This little foal is well portioned and has a definite black strip down her back. Can't tell if she has roaning but is definitely not a true black.

We finally got around to checking and see whether new foal is filly or colt. He's a colt, and I do not have name yet..but it will come to me. So far the only photo of this colt is him at a day old.

Mustardseed Legionaires Apache Gal is a 32.5", 23 year old mare. Her sire is: Flying W Farms Legionaire (30.25") and her dam is San Antonios Foxey Lady (32").
Apache Gal's previous foal was Toad Hill's Sids Rebel Legionaire and he measured 29.5" as a two year old.

Willows 2011 Foal

2011-06-05T20:04:00.008-05:00

Spent the weekend at the Ionia, Michigan miniature horse show.

We enjoy the show the Mid-Michigan club puts on but it is a long drive and we have to leave the mares alone during our foaling season.

We generally do not breed the mares to have March or April foals since the weather is so unpredictable.

And, I have come to the conclusion that for mares, having their foals outside, on the lawn is the most natural for them. We have fewer problems when they foal in "the wild."

While we were gone, on Saturday my grandson who takes care of the horses while I am gone, called to say there was a black and white mare with a new foal, and it looks just like her. He thought the mare was Willow.

He was right...this little foal does look color wise very much like a Willow foal. The proud dad is Lucky Four Rebelchase Rebelheir.

I have decided to call this little colt: Toad Hill's Merlin.

Rebel's Pedigree:
Sire: Lucky Four Rebels Chasin Rainbows (32.50", sorrel pinto-photo to right) by Sids Rebel (31.00, sorrel) out of Glenns Calico Kitten (AMHA)
Dam: Glory Be Farms Painted Jingle (33.75, black pinto) by Glory Be Farms Chocolate Chip (AMHA) out of Glory Be Farm Rebels Lady Jingle (AMHA)

Willow's Pedigree:

Sire: WF Flashy Boy
Dam: Quincy Made Patchworks

Little Darling

2011-06-02T08:23:00.008-05:00

Toad Hill's Buttermilk had a lovely little colt this morning about 4:00 am on the lawn. It seems to me that letting the mares foal on the lawn is really the best. Certainly much more natural than foaling in the barn. On the lawn their instincts seem to kick in and the foals are up and nursing so much sooner than when in the barn. When I choose this way to let them foal, I try to make sure they have a companion mare with them and plenty of room to locate a secluded spot to foal.

This photo was taken about a hour after the foal was born.

BELOW: Photo of Buttermilk and Colt taken June 20, 2011

Who's Your Daddy?

2011-05-31T19:16:00.003-05:00

Well finally, Boone's Buckeroo Fancy Pant has sired a blue roan for me.

Sire: Boone's Buckeroo Fancy Pants (29 inches)

Dam: Toad Hill's Kiss Me Kate (32 inches)

Below: Photo of Kate's colt and Buttermilk's colt (Yet to be named)

Storm Chaser

2011-05-31T19:14:00.002-05:00

Born on Wednesday, May 25th, as I was driving in a storm from Chicago to Bloomington I received a call from my grandson..."Is there supposed to be a little horse out on the lawn? It's raining and the mare and foal are running around."

As I drove down there were news broadcasts of storms in the area being followed by storm chasers...it seemed a natural for this little filly.

AMHA/AMHR eligible

Sire: Lucky Four Rebelchase Rebelheir
Dam: Toad Hill's Pilgrim - Sired by Double B Farm's Wee Macho Man out of Klavohn's Oreo Delight

Special Delivery

2011-05-26T05:23:00.035-05:00

Ever just sit up in the middle of the night thinking there's some wrong and you have to get up and check it out?

Happened this morning at 4:25AM, Thursday, May 26th... I jump up and get out of bed...something is wrong. Immediately dressed, grab the flashlight and went outside...first place I go is the open shelter north of the house and there on the ground is TBD attempting to foal...the foal with one leg and a head out.

I break open the bag to allow air to the foal, try to put the foal back in a little while feeling for that second leg. Tried several times with my hand completely in the mares body...no luck.

Leave the foal, run to call vet...he's coming...I'm back in the barn....as I approach, I see the foals front body completely out...both front legs...WOW, missed a tragedy that time.

Back to call the vet, go to the warmer barn, set up a stall, rush back out to grab the foal (by this time the afterbirth is passed), pick up foal, carry to barn with mom following close behind.

This was a Special Delivery...beautiful reddish brown color....star on forehead, some white legs. AMHR eligible colt.

Sometimes the name is obvious. I started this Blog at 5:22 AM, thought I would jot down the adventure before going out again. Besides you have to let the mare and foal spend sometime together...she will relax a while, lick off the foal and mind-meld with foal.

I have to go back in, change clothes, have some tea and get ready for the day's chores. And of course, take a photo for the blog.

First photos taken a day after foaling followed by several taken June 11.

Sire: Lucky Four Rebelchase Rebelheir

Dam: Toad Hill's TBD Day of Defense

UPDATE: Photos Taken June 11, 2011

The Cereal Collection: Another Palomino Paint

2011-05-14T20:28:00.005-05:00

May 11, 2011 probably about 5 AM GrapeNuts had her second foal. This one is a palomino colored paint. Photos do not show the pattern well, will have to work on them.
Brother to Honey Nuts I am proud to present (drum roll):
   Toad Hill's Fancy Granola.....hmmmmm no?
Perhaps:
         Toad Hill's Fancy Kashi ...still don't know
Might he be?
                    Toad Hill's Fancy Honey Grahams

No matter what he is named, he is a member of the:

Cereal Collection

Yes, his head is a little darker and he has shades of black on his mane and tail.

On a sadder note, Boones Little Buckeroo, grandsire to this little kid, passed away today, May 11th...perhaps I should put a reference to him in this Fancy boy's name.
Sire: Boones Buckeroo Fancy Pants, 29.75 inches
Dam: Toad Hill's Grapenuts, 30 inches

One week old photos

Below: Graham and GrapeNuts Photo Taken June 20, 2011

Derby Day 2011

2011-05-14T11:50:00.017-05:00

While at the DuQuion Show Me Little Equine Show on May 7th I received a call about the time of the Kentucky Derby..."There's a new pony and all the mares are looking at it."
Stormy Weather decided it was time to have her foal.I had some interesting name suggestions: Animal Kingdom....really, can you imagine a horse named Animal Kingdom?

I don't care if he did win the Derby, not for my horse. Big Brown...that was the winner several years ago, and I did consider Little Brown, since the colt is all brown. But hey, Big Brown was a bay, no black on new colt.

Brown Derby...but only a few would remember what that was.

So Derby Daze or Brown Derby Daze...still thinking.
Look at him, what would you name him?

BELOW: Derby June 22, 2011

Toad Hill's Run for the Roses

2011-02-20T09:35:00.002-06:00

Rosey is growing up. These photos were taken summer 2010. I wish I could show all my horses, but since I am so busy with three or four black and white pintos, Rosey will not be shown.

Her sire is Toad Hill's Rusty Spot and she is small.

Pirate's First MiniVan Ride

2011-02-12T15:15:00.005-06:00

Let me begin by saying that this photo blog is about Foxfire's Picture Perfect's first minivan ride. While driving to Excaliber's Training Stables we decided to call him Pirate, so in the future Picture Perfect will be called by that name.

Shortly after Pirate's arrival in Illinois we figured out he really does not understand lifting his feet to walk into a trailer. Given this information we assumed that getting him into the van would be a challenge.

Our work-around was get him into the trailer and then back up the minivan to the trailer and have him walk from the trailer into the minivan. The first obstacle was the blizzard had filled part of the trailer with snow. Luckily Pirate went right through the snow.

It worked just as planned. No pushing or tugging, just wave the feed pan in in he went.

After Pirate got in, he went right to the hay.

This was the weekend after the blizzard (some of you in the central part of the U. S. should remember this event in February, 2011).

Well Saturday was nice and sunny, so the ride was uneventful. Pirate kept his nose to the feed and missed all the scenery.

Once arriving at Excaliber's in Herscher, Illinois, we opened the door for Pirate to jump out, but he would have no interested in it. Rather than attempt to drag him out, Jason walked around to the other sliding door in the van, and clapped his hands loudly to encourage Pirate to escape.

Once on the ground, Pirate was quite content with himself and I am sure we was thinking "No problem"

A short walk to the barn and his temporary home until his first show in April. Watch for Pirate in Illinois and perhaps Michigan and/Wisconsin during the 2011 show season.

Nothing like an ole fashion blizzard

2011-02-02T17:37:00.001-06:00

Nothing like a little blizzard to make you really appreciate a warm house, electricity, and the Internet.

Horse owners understand that they must feed and check water at least twice a day to insure their animals are well cared for.

The photo above is what I saw as I arrived in the north shelter about 4 pm Tuesday night. The 30-45 mph winds were coming out of the East, too bad the shelter was designed to prevent winds from the West.

Some of the horses went to the lee side of the shelter. They looked like woolly yaks from Tibet.

Inside (below) the horses were eagerly munching their hay, oblivious to the weather outside.

It took me two and a half hours to completely feed all the horses, a chore that typically takes about 20 minutes. Needless to say, I was glad to get back in the house.

It's Official -2010 All Stars Top Ten

2011-01-23T14:11:00.009-06:00

2010 All Stars - AMHR Division A
National Champion (1st Place) 34" and under

Multi-Color Stallion and Gelding - Toad Hill's Spots and Dots
Multi-Color Mare - Toad Hill's Little Dove

Owned, Bred and Shown by Exhibitor:

2nd place - Toad Hill's Little Dove
3rd place - Toad Hill's Spots and Dots

And AMHR Yearling Stallion - 32" and under:

In 9th place: Toad Hill's Spots and Dots (he was not entered in many of these classes so this was a nice bonus)

Above Spots and Dots in front,

Little Dove behind

Toad Hill's Little Dove

Little Doves Sire: Toad Hill's Paint Me Picasso,

Picasso's Sire: Toad Hill's the Great Gatsby

Picasso's Dam: Toad Hill's Wind in the Willows

2002 National All Star Champion Multi-Color Mare Over
2007 National All Star Champion Produce of Dam
2009 Reserve National All Star Champion Produce of Dam

Little Dove's Dam: Mustardseed Legionaire Apache Gal, AMHA-AMHR - 30.25

Apache Gal's Sire: Flying W Farms Legionaire (30.25" AMHA) by Flying W Farms Sugarfoot (28", AMHA) out of Flying W Farms Lizette (32")

Apache Gal's Dam: San Antonois Foxey Lady (32", AMHA) by Del Whistler (30.5", AMHA) out of Joy of Hopewell (32", AMHA)

Toad Hill's Spots and Dots

Sire: Boones Buckeroo Fancy Pants - 29.50" , Sired by Boones Little Buckero Megabucks (HOF) out of A A Fancy Girl, blue roan

Dam: Toad Hill's Kiss Me Kate - 30.25"

2007 National All Star Champion Multi-Color Mare Under
Shown to win 2007 National Champion All Star Produce of Dam for Willow-

Kate's Sire: Toad Hill's Oreo (black pinto)

Kate's Dam: Toad Hill's Wind in the Willows

2002 National All Star Champion Multi-Color Mare Over
2007 National All Star Champion Produce of Dam
2009 Reserve National All Star Champion Produce of Dam

Thanks to

Franke Photo Design, LLC
608-436-2530
http://www.yourhorsepics.com/
Who took these photos at the H. A. M. E. this summer. I was extremely happy with the way their photos turned out.

I Didn't Know Fancy Only Spoke Amish!

2011-01-02T15:16:00.004-06:00

Fancy Pants was delivered to Wendy's home after Thanksgiving, 2010. Wendy plans on showing him in driving in 2011 and also using him as one of her breeding stallions.
After a week at her house Fancy was taken to training facility where he could be driven in doors. Fancy was used as a "school bus" by five Amish kids several years ago and is "bomb proof." But that was almost four years ago since he was driving. At Toad Hill he was not used for driving.
So everyone at the training facility was very surprised when after hitching him up and saying "Walk On" they got nothing from Fancy but a dirty look. Fancy stood his ground, looked back as if to say "Do you know what your doing?"
After leading him around, and a lot of "clucking" he finally started responding a little. Consensus was that Fancy did not know the correct commands, and one of the trainers suggested that perhaps Fancy only speaks Amish.
Wendy and crew decided that was enough for one day. Wendy got home and as the Microsoft ad says: "To the Cloud."
She looked up Amish driving commands and came up with: "Step Walk", "Step Trot" etc. Next day, she tried these commands and Fancy went right to work.
Comments below are from:
http://www.miniaturehorsetalk.com/index.php?showtopic=120907

Toad Hill's Black Jack

2011-01-02T12:44:00.002-06:00

On Wednesday, December 28th I finally got the grandson to help hold horses for their photos. He's not too good at standing them, so these are the best I could get at the time. I had planned to have a friend come over and take better photos Friday, but Thursday we had 50 degree weather and a lot of rain, so by Friday the place was a mess, the horses were all looking soggy, and the weather was down to freezing again. Strange weather this year.

Apple Jack is a really darling black mini with a large star on his face who will stay under 34 inches. He is a bright, blue eyed colt. I often refer to his blue eyes as: "Piercing blue eyes" a phrase I first hear on the PBS Brit Comedy "As Time Goes By."

Apple Jack is true black and has a splash of white on his tail and with three white feet.

I will try to get better photos as time allows. Black Jack and his buddy Apple Jack are both scheduled for gelding January 19, 2011. If you want a stallion, you need to let me know quickly.

It's Official...the 2010 National MultiColor Stallion

2010-11-14T12:10:00.008-06:00

Toad Hill's Spots and Dots -

2010 National All Star Champion Multi-Color Stallion/Gelding Under

Spots and Dots, 29", was shown as a yearling for the first time this year.
He was also shown in Bred, Owned and Shown by Exhibitor (BOS) placing 3nd in National All Star 2010, the Reserve National All Star winner should be Little Dove, also owned by Toad Hill.
For me that is quite a feat, since I am not a professional trainer. I have learned by trial and error to show horses, have very little time outside of work to train, clip my own horses and show them myself. I have never felt comfortable in open classes so when I discovered this class I thought I would try it. I can show my horses against a more level field with other owners who raise and show their own horses. Yeah BOS classes.
Spots and Dots now has a full brother, yet to be named. If I do not sell Spots and Dots I may show both in Produce of Dam and Get of Sire, yes I have a third foal sired by Fancy Pants.
UPDATE: 2011 - Spots will come in 2nd to my other stallion: Foxfire's Picture Perfect and he and Goblin will be National Champions of Produce of Dam for Toad Hill's Kiss Me Kate and also National Champion in Owned, Bred and Shown by Exhibitor Stallions Under.

Spots and Dots is currently offered for sale at $3,000.

Sire: Boones Buckeroo Fancy Pants - 29.50" , Sired by Boones Little Buckero Megabucks (HOF) out of A A Fancy Girl

Dam: Toad Hill's Kiss Me Kate - 30.25"

2007 National All Star Champion Multi-Color Mare Under
Shown to win 2007 National Champion All Star Produce of Dam for Willow-

Kate's Sire: Toad Hill's Oreo
Kate's Dam: Toad Hill's Wind in the Willows

2002 National All Star Champion Multi-Color Mare Over
2007 National All Star Champion Produce of Dam
2009 Reserve National All Star Champion Produce of Dam

Thanks to
Franke Photo Design, LLC
608-436-2530
http://www.yourhorsepics.com/
Who took these photos at the H. A. M. E. this summer. I was extremely happy with the way their photos turned out.

Chariots - Friesians Do IT!

2010-11-14T11:46:00.001-06:00

Chariots...There are a number of other horse breeds that have chariot classes or exhibitions. I was somewhat amazed to find a number of these on YouTube. Friesian MWFNA 2010 FHANA Chariots

Mini in Dressage

2010-10-31T10:24:00.011-05:00

Okay, this is cool!!! Run this video, it is a beautifully colored leopard miniature horse doing dressage.It will take 20 seconds before you see the star of this show, but it is worth the wait.

How did she train that horse to do this? If I knew I would train one of my miniatures.

How about a class in miniature horse dressage for AMHR and/or AMHA?

Have to thank Wendy for this link.

Another example of "Shetlandpony" - really looks mini to me.

Chariot Just Advertised

2010-10-28T16:32:00.001-05:00

This is an update: October 28, 2010 This chariot was posted for sale on lilbeginnings.

"Think the Chariot class looks like fun at Nationals? Here is a chariot ready to go!

Fiberglass bucket designed by Dale Lutke with wooden shafts and wheels. Adjustable shaft height to fit Minis or Shetlands. Very good condition.

Delivery available to Glen Rose, TX later this weekend or to ASPC/AMHR Convention in Little Rock, AR next week!"

To check if it is still available try: http://www.strasslein.com/sales.htm

Country Roads Shadows Sunny Boy

2010-10-25T20:07:00.007-05:00

Rarely do I buy a miniature horse any more. I have way too many already to justify just one more.

But this spring I received an email from a breeder in Malta, Illinois.

She was interested in one of my filies, so after some discussion a trade was worked out.

Sunny was shown as a 2 month old at HAMES and was a perfect little gentlemen.

After spending some quality time with Sunny, Wendy and Mike it was time to head home with Sunny.

Walked little Sunny up the to rear of the van and "Whoa, you want me to what?" asked Sunny.

"Sure, you can do it little boy," I said.

"I don't know, it's pretty high up there but here goes," and with one colossal jump in he went.

"So what do you think? How do I look in here?" said Sunny.

Wendy climbed in to say her goodbyes to Sunny.

Sunny assured mommy, "Yes mommy, I promise to be a good little minis. I will brush my teeth, and eat all my hay every night."

I think I saw a tear coming out of Wendy's eyes as she left little Sunny in the van ready to head off the farm and on to a new adventure.

It was a two hour drive, and Sunny was very well behaved.

Arriving at home, Sunny looked out and said,"Wait a minute, that's a big jump outta the van. I don't think this is what I was planning on."

"Where's mommy Wendy? No way you are going to get me out of here."

"I wantta go home, no you can't make me get out!!" said Sunny.

Needless to say, it took a little convincing, but finally Sunny left the safety of the van and trotted down to meet his new family.

In a few days I will post again with photos of Sunny in his new home.

If you want to see baby photos of Sunny visit:

http://www.countryroadsminis.com/foalsforsale.htm

Sunny is a true blue eyed baby. His sire is Boones Little Buckeroo Too Shadow, a 27.5 inch, Top Ten BTU son. His dam is Serenity Acres Bonnie Blu Eyes, so now you know where those baby blues came from. I just love blue eyes on a mini!!

Top 5 Chariots for Miniature Horses

2010-10-07T18:46:00.001-05:00

Over the past year I have posted photos of some really good looking miniature horse chariots. This post shows what I would consider among the top 5.

In 5th place:

This is not exactly a show chariot, really it is a racing chariot that is used out west. Racing chariots are constructed for speed and you can see all views at the link in this sentence. Read more about these races here and see them race (quarter horses) here at Video Chariot Races.

In 4th place:

This was the only photo I could find of Dave Charleton driving his chariot. Dave was kind enough to share his building plans with me and I am currently having a chariot for myself built.

To see more of Dave's chariot go to Chariot Measurements.

In 3rd place:

Deb, dressed as Cleopatra, drives this two horse team. At the DuQuoin show she won over both Hal and Bo (shown below). Hal built two red chariots and when he is not showing the four horse team, he splits them and both he and his wife show a team.

In 2nd place:

This photo of Bo Stepp was taken at the DuQuion fair grounds during a miniature horse show in 2007. Bo is still showing and place first at the Tulsa Nationals.

Check out the Single Roman Chariot class at Tulsa 2009 with video at this post.

And your 1st place winner is:

I have to say, Hal and his team of four pulling a chariot is the most impressive example of a miniature horse chariot I have seen. At Nationals he drove this team during the parade lap and it was a big hit. Other photos of Hal, Bo and Deb can be seen at the blog: Roman Chariots Race in DuQuoin.

Hey, Hal also does a draft team: LINK

http://youtu.be/7jI8ZUixH5w

Miss Peach Meets Her New BFF

2010-09-21T13:07:00.030-05:00

A neighbor down the road from me had a miniature mare that needed a friend. Her owner stopped by one day and asked if I had a yearling that might be friendly, not a dominant mare, but one who was looking for a new friend.

We walked around, the mini had to be a filly or mare. If a mare, she must not be bred...the new owner was not looking to raise minis, just a companion for her current one.

Miss Peach caught her eye. She walked up and wanted all to be petted, and the decision was made.

The following week I loaded Miss Peach into the MiniVan and off we went.

There was still some feed in the pan in the minivan from my picking up Sunny (previous post), from Ole Country Roads north of Bloomington. After Miss Peach finished the last of the grain, she started to look around, "Okay, so where's the rest of the feed. I'm hungry still!!"

Lucky for Miss Peach she noticed the MacDonald's Happy Meal still in the front seat.

"Yum, yum, now that's more like it!!"

Miss Peach made short work of the burger and fries, then wanted to know "Where's the shake?"

Opps, too late, we had arrived.

Out she went and into the barn to meet her new

BFF.

This this will be a great friendship and adventure for Miss Peach.

(BTW: Miss Peach is out of Toad Hill's Buttermilk whose photos are just below this post.)

Buttermilk's Registration Photos

2010-09-19T14:07:00.007-05:00

In 2009 Buttermilk was permanently registered in AMHR at 33 inches. The registry requires four photos so here are three of them.First the rear shot, simply because I can put this text to the right of the photo.

I did not clip her before this photo and to be sure she is much more pretty in person. And she is a darling when it comes to disposition. She is always the first to come up and wait to be petted.

Buttermilk was named after Dale Evans horse. She was almost pure white with dark mane and tail when born.

Buttermilk's sire:

Toad Hill's Ivanhoe who was sired by Sprague's Buckeye (30.25") out of Koch's My Angel Baby (32.5")

Buttermilk's Dam

Ventura's Smiling Waters was sired by Circle S Heza Dandy (28") out of Ventura's Smiley Face (29.5")

Several Miniature Horse Chariots

2010-09-06T11:17:00.004-05:00

This year there have been a few chariots offered for sale. I have pulled all these into one blog which I will add to as others come up.
This first chariot was used in the 2009 Nationals and the owner took 1st place - National Champion in Chariots. She looked great in a long, white tunic with a flashy grey dapple (I think it was dapple based on video) mare with white feather atop her halter.
The ad for this chariot was found both on Little Beginnings and on the owner's facebook (September 6, 2010):

"ROMAN CHARIOT

National champion at 2009 AMHR nationals in both open and amateur single chariot. White with stain wood shafts and wheels. Ready to show now! Well balanced, safe, sturdy. Wood and plastic, no fiberglass. Can easily add team pole (not included). $1200"

This next chariot appeared in August, 2010. Follow the link to my full blog post on this one.

The owner writes:

If any more chariots go on the market, I will try to post them here too.

This is an update: October 28, 2010 This chariot was posted for sale on lilbeginnings.

"Think the Chariot class looks like fun at Nationals? Here is a chariot ready to go!

Fiberglass bucket designed by Dale Lutke with wooden shafts and wheels. Adjustable shaft height to fit Minis or Shetlands. Very good condition.

Delivery available to Glen Rose, TX later this weekend or to ASPC/AMHR Convention in Little Rock, AR next week!"

To check if it is still available try: http://www.strasslein.com/sales.htm

DISCLAIMER: I do not receive any compensation for putting these chariots on my blog. Nor do I assume any responsibility for quoted descriptions or additional information about them. I do not endorse their quality or construction, so if you buy one, talk to the owner for details and warranties.

Silver Belt Buckle with Chariot Image on it

2010-09-04T14:06:00.008-05:00

I was at Yolo Papers blog:
http://yolopapers.blogspot.com/search/label/horse%20racing

Mike writes:
"I have acquired the pictured silver belt buckle and have questions. It's one of those large (4 inches by 3 inches) and very well made belt buckles similar to those cowboys earn for bull riding or calf roping or bronc riding at major rodeos. This one, however, pictures two running horses, PULLING A CHARIOT!
I know there are chariot races held throughout the West and have searched the Web high and low and cannot locate a name that fits SRRA. The buckle is dated 1983 on the front. It was manufacured in German silver by the Montana Silversmiths of Columbus, Mont. My contact with them was brief, to the point of rudeness and completely helpless.
So, I'm turning to my reader with two questions:
1. What is the meaning of SRRA? 2. What does "1st Aged" mean?"

My curiosity has also been aroused. Can anyone help Mike?

There was a comment posted by another reader, Brenda. Brenda if you are reading this, may I have permission to paste your commends about your miniatures and the racing your kids to with chariots.

Just comment on this blog or email me directly at:
toadhillminis@gmail.com

Thanks.

Intermountain Horse Racing
I have posted the link to this club because they have have a section on Chariot Racing...these include horses of all sizes.

Another website referring to January, 2010 chariot races:
Standard-Examiner

February, 2011 - Plan for next winter
Jackson Hole Cutter Races (chariot races)

Toad Hill's GrapeNuts - 2nd Generation of the Cereal Collection

2010-08-26T20:33:00.011-05:00

Toad Hill'sGrapeNuts is a 32 1/2 inch, homozygous buckskin pinto. She was just permanently registered in 2010. When GrapeNuts had this year's filly, I saw her and the name: Honey just jumped into my mind.
It seemed a natural and so I decided she became Honey Nuts. With that the:

Cereal Collection

was born.
In keeping with this train of thought, when Kibbles (okay, I know Kibbles and Bits is a dog food, but it's all grains like cereal), had her colt this year, I thought briefly and came up with the name: Toad Hill's Captain Krunch.
The photos of GrapeNuts were taken out in the field with no preparation...she had her bridle-path trimmed in the spring, but her hair grows fast.

Chariot Project Phase II - Order the Chariot

2010-08-23T20:58:00.001-05:00

In the previous post you had a chance to see my mini chariot team.

Now the most important news is Chris, the Amish trainer's dad, has designed a chariot for me based upon the many pages on this blog showing the various chariots I have seen. We went over his plans, looked at the pulling sleighs he is building for Shetlands and draft horses for pulling races, and have given the go ahead to build the chariot.

Stay toned readers, this chariot...wooden wheels, most likely red carriage with wooden trim for accent should be unveiled sometime early next year (2011) in my blog. It will have the versatility to be driving by a single or team of minis.

Chris has said if others who see it like it, he would be willing to build your chariot custom to your measurements. Chris is a blacksmith and wood worker, and I have every confidence that this will be a super chariot!!

Chariot Project Phase I - Get the team

2010-08-23T20:56:00.009-05:00

As regular readers of this blog you probably know I have been interested in chariots for a long time and one of my goals is to have a chariot team to show. Guess you could say Phase 1 is complete. In 2008 as luck would have it, two sorrel pinto colts were born within days of each other. They are half brothers since they share the same sire: Toad Hill's Rust Spot.

I just picked them up from my Amish trainer (a 12 year old boy and now his younger sister is assisting). Videos will come of their primarily training in driving.

Next year they will be 3 years old, and training under harness. With good fortune they may be ready for their first outing late in the summer pulling a custom made chariot. I am hoping to make a show in DuQuion, IL with them and if so, I will bring dad and his son (who really desires a ride at least in the parade lap) if he is too young to drive in the class.

I know these two have strange names, but there is history behind them. I just returned from a three day seminar on the Lincoln Award when Lincoln (the one with the dark muzzle was born). Shortly thereafter a second colt was born..and rather than call them Castor and Pollux, I decided to name hims Baldrige Award. So now I own a chariot team with horses named: Lincoln Award and Baldrige Award.

Lincoln Award's Mom (He's the one with more sorrel, on the left as you look at the photo)

Toad Hill's Kibbles and Bits: Sire: Spagues Buckeye (30.25", buckskin, AMHR/AMHA) by NFCS Yankee Clipper (28.00") out of4 GS Hemlock Brook Silver Jane (33.50") Dam: Koch's My Angel Baby (32.50", chesnut pinto, AMHA/AMHR) by Little Hoof's Midget Mite (29.75) out of Koch's Little Brandy (36.00")

Baldrige Award's Mom :
Toad Hill's Butterscotch

SIRE for both: Toad Hill's Rust Spot: Sire: Toad Hill's Oreo (Black pinto, 32.0" AMHR only) by WF Flashy Boy (sire: Rainbow Ridge's Starburst Cody, dam: Cirlce S Missy) Dam: Toad Hill's Neon Echo (30.0", sabino overo, AMHA/AMHR) by Colorworlds Neon Knight out of Mini Bucks Painted Princess)

Really Nice Looking Mini Chariot

2010-08-23T20:51:00.001-05:00

I was on lilbeginnings and saw this chariot advertised. Here is what the owner says:

"This is a stunning chariot for miniature horses. You can have one horse or 3 across (comes with needed attachments). All metal. Body has been repainted recently, new tires, new no flat inserts, new interchangeable logos, always kept indoors. Flag holders on either side. This is the nicest and most sturdy chariot I have ever come across and it is not heavy! I bought this hoping my husband would do the Chariot Class at Nationals. He doesn't have any interest.
More pictures on my web site under the for sale section:
www.lonestarfriesians.com
$900 OBO - Make us an offer!!
Can get to 2010 AMHR Nationals.
Call or Text Marla at 210-389-6555"

I do not know Marla personally, but I sent an email to her asking for permission to include her chariot in my blog. Marla was kind enough to grant permission. She tells me that she is taking the chariot to her trainer's place. If you are interested in buying it, use the contact information on their website.

Obviously if it is sold, it probably will not be advertised on their website.

Just a note: I do not get any perks from Marla for putting this on my website, I just thought the chariot should be included on my blog.

So THANKS Marla, and I hope you sell your chariot. Perhaps someday I will compete against the new owner in Tulsa!!

Cheerios Arrive at New Home

2010-08-05T20:49:00.004-05:00

The weekend after the H. A. M. E. (Heart of America Miniature Horse Show) in Belvidere, Il. my human was going to Chicago and decided to let me ride alone to my new home. I was a little concerned about riding in a minivan but found the hay in it to be quite tasty. My human knows I like a snack when traveling.

We rode for about an hour and a half, then my human decided it was time to get some gasoline since she was not sure how much further to the next stop.

As we pulled into the gas station, a church van with at least a dozen kids pulled in behind us. Most of them went right for the food in the gas station store, but several of the girls stood at the entrance to the store looking at the van. Finally they came over, and one of the girls asked if she could pet me. I said sure, and she got in with me.

There was flurry of girls taking photos of me and my friend.

Sorry I did not get her name, but we had a nice talk, then her chaperones said it was time to leave. We finished gassing up the van and took off to my new home.

I have to admit the ride was fun, but I was ready to get out and meet the new family. Sunny, the little colt was quite curious about me, but his mom was very protective. Guess I will have to win her over with my great personality!!

UPDATE from new home:
Pip is doing great! Bonnie (mother of Sunny) ignores her most of the time. Thinks she is going to lead her son (Sunny) astray--he was into wild women before she came. Sunny loves her. They chase each other and rub each other's necks! Irish (the other yearling filly) likes her. They are a pair, when Pip isn't running around with Sunny, but Irish is in charge of where they go and what they do! Sunny will be four months the end of July.

Toad Hill's Run for the Roses

2010-08-05T19:45:00.005-05:00

Rosie is the sweetest filly, easy to work around, is patient while being clipped and her hooves trimmed. She is two years old in this photo and really could have made a nice show mini, but I had two others I wanted to show...so Rosie stayed home.

She is a palomino pinto, her beautiful blue eyes that a highlighted by mascara (black eyeliner). around her blue eyes, and a dark colored muzzle. If you look at her head, she has palomino coloring below her ears.

Alone with all these good traits, I measured Rosie August 3rd, 2010 and she is under 34 inches.
Oh, did I also mention she has inherited her sire's curly mane and tail.

Sire: Toad Hill's Rust Spot

Dam: Toad Hill's High Octane

Oh, Rosie does have one bad habit...she likes to EAT IN BED!!!

Toad Hill's 09 Grand Finale

2010-08-01T19:44:00.007-05:00

Finale is a black and white filly, measuring 33 1/2 inches.
Named Finale since she was the last foal of the 2009 season.

These photos were taken August 1, 2010. I know she has a little reddish hue on her black coat, but she has been in the field all summer and the sun has taken its toll on her beautiful black coat. I know that Finale is having a "bad hair day" as we just finished taking the cockle burrs out of her mane and she did not have a bath before the photo session.

Sire: Toad Hill's Rust Spot
Dam: Toad Hill's Wind in the Willows

Miss Peach

2010-08-01T17:17:00.010-05:00

Toad Hill's Miss Peach is a buckskin pinto filly measuring as a yearling at 32 1/2 inches tall.

She is a sweet, quiet filly with no bad habits. The spot on her shoulder is where rubbed some hair off in play with the other yearling.

Click here to see Miss Peach as a foal.

Coming Home From CSPA

2010-07-25T18:11:00.001-05:00

Sometimes taking your mini for a ride is just like having another kid in the car.

Toad Hill's Little Dove, a yearling blue roan pinto filly, was riding home from Central States Pony Show at Gordyville and she suddenly spotted a store. "Whoa, Nelly!!"

What that a KrispieKreme?... oh boy, oh boy!!! A KrispieKreme Donut shop. Oh, how I love donuts!!

Whinny, whinny...(Translation...I want one, can we stop, pleezzee just one pleeze?)

Human says, "Just stop your whinnying and just watch the trucks go by. You can have dinner when we get home, no deserts first."

Willow's 2010 Foal

2010-07-05T20:31:00.003-05:00

Born June 30th, this little filly is a really loud black/white pinto. Rebel has certainly delivered the color!!

Thought I would just let the photos speak for themselves....
Sire: Lucky Four Rebelchase Rebelheir
Dam: Toad Hill's Wind in the Willows

Junior Handler at CSPA

2010-06-30T19:49:00.000-05:00

While at the CSPA (Central States Pony Assoication) show at Gordyville, I met a young lady (7 years old) who seemed really into minis.

She was showing several buckskin mares in the over class and her stalls were next to mine. We got to talking and she was quite taken with Toad Hill's Little Dove, a blue roan pinto. So I said if she wanted she could show her in color class. She showed Little Dove and won 1st place under both judges...well done!!

Below is Brianna in the multi-color class.

Brianna with Little Dove..."Darn Fly keeps nipping me on the hind leg" said Little Dove

MiniVanAdventures - The Trip to the Area 4 Show

2010-06-27T16:53:00.007-05:00

Toad Hill's Spots and Dots, a 2009 29.5 inch stallion was talking with his human: "Alright, so you need to get on I-74 and take a right on to Rt. 136. Got that?"

Spots and Dots: "What do you mean you want to go down to I-57 then turn right?

Whoa, wait a minute...you're adding how many miles to this trip"

Spots and Dots: "I don't think my human knows how to read a map. Good thing we gassed up before we left home in the van."

Spots and Dots: " I love it when my human is wrong...can you see my smiling...hee hee, score one for the mini!!!"

Memorial Day - Time to take photos

2010-05-31T09:56:00.004-05:00

TBD and colt....what color will he be?

I suspect he may turn out to be similar to his mom, but what color is she?

First to the right is the colt with mom in the background. I included this photo because I suspect this little guy may not be a black but more the color of his mom...but what color is she? I don't know.

Below are left and right photos of Toad Hill's TBD Day of Defense. She is out in full sunlight, but since I know very little about photoshop, the pictures are pretty close to accurate.

Two Fillies

Stormy's filly is jet black with a really tiny white mark on her rump and white cornets on three feet (you can't tell it in this photo though).

June Bug's filly is small and well marked. Funny I tried to sell both June Bug and her mom because they never produced a colorful foal. I almost did, boy would I have been upset now that I see what Rebel can throw on a almost black pinto!!

Kibbles with her 2010 colt

Kibbles is a buckskin pinto.

TBD's First Foal

2010-05-23T19:27:00.006-05:00

TBD' s first foal is pinto colt sired by Lucky Four Rebelchase Rebelheir born on May 19th, Wednesday.

He is the one below with a star on his forehead. The filly besides him is June Bug's also with Rebel as the proud dad.

These two and Stormy's were born each one day apart. Looks likes Rebel had a busy week last year.

Sire: Lucky Four Rebelchase Rebelheir

Rebel's Pedigree:

Sire: Lucky Four Rebels Chasin Rainbows (32.50") by Sids Rebel (31.00, sorrel) out of Glenns Calico Kitten (AMHA)
Dam: Glory Be Farms Painted Jingle (33.75, black pinto) by Glory Be Farms Chocolate Chip (AMHA) out of Glory Be Farm Rebels Lady Jingle (AMHA)

Dam: Toad Hill's TBD Day of Defense

BELOW: Photo Taken June 20, 2011 of
Toad Hill's Mr. Ed D

June Bug's First Foal

2010-05-23T19:23:00.002-05:00

May 20th June Bug had her first foal, a filly by Lucky Four Rebelchase Rebelheir. This was the foal I was waiting for, she is well marked and small!!.

To bad I had to leave on Friday for the Hoosier Spring Fling in Edinburgh, Indiana.

Stormy's Foal

2010-05-19T19:52:00.006-05:00

One might expect that when you bred a multi-color national champion mare to a tobiano/overo cross stallion who is mostly white you would get a foal with some color.

Look close at this foal. I made the photo Extra Large...see the color??

Perhaps I should name the filly, 1 Square Inch of White Makes a Pinto?

Naa, too many letters. Guess I will have to think of another name. BTW, the foal was born May 18th, Tuesday.

She does have three white coronets.

Toad Hill's Buttermilk

2010-05-16T13:49:00.001-05:00

Buttermilk was foaled in 2005. Pedigree below:

Sire: Toad Hill's Ivanhoe (Black pinto)

Dam: Ventura's Smiling Waters (Cremello, 33.0")

Can't help it, fell in love with her as soon as I saw her. This is a breeding I will never be able to replicate since the sire was sold and gelded, and the mare was sold as well. We had visitors at the farm who had a two year with them. They looked at all the other horses, but the mare and the two year found each other and became inseparable. After must discussion, it was decided that Smiley could move to their house.

The mare left the farm when Buttermilk was just four months old, so I took the other two fillies, Stormy Weather and Butterscotch and weaned them all at once. They were the Three Musketeers getting into mischievous and constantly following me around the yard.

To the right is a photo of Toad Hill's Buttermilk and Rusty as yearlings. I plan to breed Buttermilk to Rusty when she is a three year old.

Sorry but the kids were not clipped. Seems like the horses don't wait for clipping before I photograph them.

Kibbles 2010 Foal

2010-05-02T12:07:00.028-05:00

On April 29th the third foal of the season was born. A solid light colored colt out of Toad Hill's Kibbles and Bits touched ground. And so we are now at a crossroads...what color is this kid?

Try figuring out what color type to assign to a foal when they are not one of the more obvious such as black, bay, sorrel or palomino.

According to the AMHR I think my colt is a DUN. "Dominant hair is some shade of yellow from mouse color to golden; mane and tail may be lighter or darker than body; often has a dorsal stripe."
From the AMHR color description.

So off I go to http://www.duncentralstation.com/DunOtherDilute.html to see what I can find.
Will new kid look this color when he grows up? You will have to follow the links to see examples, the photos I linked to are no longer good links.

Or is he a DUNOLINO??
"Dunalino foals will generally be very pale at birth. They will generally appear very similar to a palomino, usually with white mane and tail, except where the dorsal runs through them it will be red. As newborns, the mane may or may not show red hairs. This may not occur until a later, depending upon the individual foal. Their body coloring will generally be a pale peachy-yellow.?Dunalino foals will generally be very pale at birth. They will generally appear very similar to a palomino, usually with white mane and tail, except where the dorsal runs through them it will be red. As newborns, the mane may or may not show red hairs. This may not occur until a later, depending upon the individual foal. Their body coloring will generally be a pale peachy-yellow."

Direct quote from the Dun Central Station

Here are a few more photos of the kid.

The photo to the right is one of the kid with him mom. The sire of this colt is Boones Buckeroo Fancy Pants, a blue roan.

Yet a third photo shows a front view of the new colt.

Photos were taken at two days old, so it will be interesting to see what color he changes to as he matures.

For those of you who want to see a full photo of Kibbles, the colt's mom, look below. The color is fairly accurate.

Kibbles was measured by my when we took these photos...she is 36 inches. Since it has only been two days since the foal was born, she still have not gone back to her "girlish" figure.

Follow the link to previous blog page on Toad Hill's Kibbles and Bits.

So do we name him Kibbles Dun it?

Second Foal - I thought he was a Blue Roan Pinto Colt

2010-05-02T12:07:00.027-05:00

Born April 19th, this little colt is surely going to have blue roan coloring on some of the dark areas.(Update: Hob-Goblin is NOT blue roan. You never can tell their true color when born.)

This gives me two black pinto colts out of Katey and sired by Fancy Pants. One more black pinto and I may have a get of sire entry.

(Update: Goblin will be shown with his brother Spots and Dots in 2012 in Produce of Dam. Spot and Goblin are both available for purchase. Email me if you are interested.-3/18/2012).
The colt is shown in some of these photos with his mom who is the 2009 National Champion, Top Ten multi-color mare under. She was also one of two shown to win the 2009 National Champion, Top Ten Produce of Dam for T. H. Wind in the Willows.

Side view of colt

Rear view

Other side with Katey

Colt's Sire is Boones Buckeroo Fancy Pants

Links to Fancy Pants - The Transformation...see the many colors of a blue roan.

Fancy's Breeding:
Sire: Boone's Little Buckeroo Megabucks 31.5" (HOF) (Sired by Boone's Little Buckeroo 30.50"(HOF)) out of Dell Tera's Penny 28.25"

Dam: A A Fancy Girl 27.5"

Honey Nuts and Registration Photos

2010-04-18T15:09:00.002-05:00

Such a photogenic filly. Honey Nuts was posing just perfectly for photo so I decided rather than wait until December to take registration photos I would do it today.

I am delighted that this first foal of Sid's was so cute and so small!

MiniVan Continued

2010-04-18T15:04:00.000-05:00

So just two days old and already GrapeNuts and Honey Nuts are out for a ride.

Honey Nuts had a secretion from her eye, so into the van and off to the vets. This occurred when Honey was two days old. The eye irration only required day adminstration of oniment to prevent infection and in a week it was all cleared up. But ever since, Honey has been looking at the van -- guess she wants to go again with mom on a trip.

First Foal 2010

2010-04-02T09:10:00.012-05:00

First foal of 2010, first foal for Toad Hill's GrapeNuts, sired by Toad Hill's Sids Regency Legionaire. A well marked, most likely buckskin colored foal this is one great way to start off the foaling season.
Not expected this early the foal was with mommy out in the field with several mares. High Octane (seen in link with GrapeNuts mom--> Kibbles N Bits) was playing the doting aunt and keeping the other mares away from the proud mommy and foal.
GrapeNuts is 30 inches tall and Fancy was measured at 29.75 inches last year at a show...so this kid should be small...
Her name may be Toad Hill's Honey Nuts. Need to think on it, Honey is a good nickname considering her color.

Spring Vaccination Clinic

2010-03-28T10:51:00.019-05:00

2010 has started off with a more enjoyable visit to the University of Illinois Large Animal Hospital. It was the Horse Vaccination Clinic.

Typically when I go to the U of I Vet Medicine school, it is late Sunday night and an emergency. I do not know why horses seem to pick that time, but that's how it happens.

As any one can tell you, going to hospital for an emergency is no fun. Picking up horses after they are all better is a more relaxing visit but then you also have to deal with the financial part so business cools the atmosphere.The vets at the college always go that extra mile and if I do my part by identifying and bringing a horse in at the onset of a problem, they are able to resolve the problems and return a healthy horse to me. I strongly recommend them whenever anyone asks about my experiences there.

My appointment was 11 AM, so I arrived about 15 minutes early with four minis in the trailer. There were about a dozen vets and students (I will refer to all of them as vets to keep this simple) outside waiting for the next wave of arrivals. It was amazing how many I knew by name since generally I do not see all of them in one place at one time.

I went in, visited with the staff inside and filled out the paperwork. They are always very pleasant, but when you are engaged with serious problems you are pretty focused on what you are doing. This this time the atmosphere was very upbeat and cheerful in spite of the fact they had to work on Saturday.

When I returned to the trailer there were more vets in the trailer than horses...minis seem to attract the attention.

The vets had already started the regular exams: checking temperatures, teeth and taking fecal samples.

Paperwork for vaccinations reached the vets and with two on each horse all the vaccinations were given, blood work for coggins were drawn and the event was over in record time. As we were finishing up the next wave of trailers started to line up and staff were already starting to work on the paperwork. The sun was out, the weather perfect and the whole event seemed to be well organized. Next time though, I think I might bring donuts for the gang, it was more like a celebration than business and everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun

Thanks to the U of I Large Animal Hospital vets and staff.

The MiniVan

2010-03-21T11:46:00.024-05:00

If you type the command "define:minivan" in Google it will show the definitions of the word after the colon. One of the definitions for minivan states:

A minivan, multi-purpose vehicle (abbreviated MPV), people-carrier, people-movers or multi-utility vehiche (shortened MUV) is a type of automobile... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minivan

I think they overlooked one very important function: mini-mover...(see photo above). Toad Hill's Rusty Spot gets ready to go to his new home in Wisconsin.

And don't believe this is one time event...to right--> : like father like daughter.

Below is one of Rusty's fillies, Toad Hill's Run for the Roses, she just wanted to go for a ride with me and the grandkids.

But wait...Rusty's family of minis are not the only ones who enjoy riding..DQ (below) enjoys a riding now and again. When we delivered her and her foal to a friend in Andalusia illinois we took both her and her filly in the van instead of hooking up the stock trailer.

The first photo of DQ (black/white pinto) shows just her, but the second shows DQ with her blue roan filly.

Chariot Race Championships

2010-02-07T13:13:00.003-06:00

Doing Anything the last weekend in February or later in March? Check these out.

http://www.goldenspikeeventcenter.com

Utah State Championship Chariot Races
Open Date: Saturday, February 27, 2010 Close Date: February 28, 2010
Location: Golden Spike Events Center, Weber County Fairgrounds,
1000 North 1200 West Ogden, UT 84404

Phone Number: (801) 399-8798
Alt. Phone Number: (435) 279-7999

Also World Chariot Races
Saturday, March 20, 2010 12 - 4 PM And Sunday, March 21, 2010 12 - 4 PM

Day at the U of I

2010-02-05T09:58:00.010-06:00

Picking up Slate at the U of I, Picasso is going to Hals...Yeah!! It is really snowy but we all made it home no problem. Slate ran back in with his buddies and Picasso will be a pampered pony at the Bryants. In case you want to save his webiste it is at:
http://bryantsminiatures.bravehost.com/

Want to see what they do and what Picasso will be doing soon? Check out the Bryant's and their 6 miniature horse hitch. Picasso will be replacing one of the middle horses in this hitch and also becoming one of the Bryants' chariot horses.

Bryants Qualify for Nationals

Chariots in Sterling, IL?

2010-02-01T13:14:00.005-06:00

I was sent an email that lead to a link on Horsemen's Council of Illinois...At the 2010 Illinois Horse Fair there will be a show: Tommie Turvey's Night of Amazing Horses Show.

Okay, so that's nice...but read on and you will see they have CHARIOTS!!! this is the first time I have heard of their troupe but sure plan to see them in person at Springfield, IL March 5th through 7th, 2010.

They also have a website here: Equine Extremist...Check it out. Their January 06, 2008 shows a post on a Discovery Channel project.

The photos on this blog post were taken from the North Dakota Winter Show posting from the Turvey blog.

2009 Get of Sire Top Ten All Stars

2010-01-24T14:30:00.002-06:00

First in Get of Sire National Top Ten All Stars is this trio of paints sired by Toad Hill's the Great Gatsby. The black and white filly in front is Toad Hill's Summer Breeze (dam is Wind in the Willows), the second horse is the bay pinto Toad Hill's Mocha Jo (dam is Excaliber's Typhoon Queen) and the third horse is the black and white pinto Toad Hill's Slate (dam is Wind in the Willows).

2009 2nd Produce of Dam National Top Ten All Stars

2010-01-24T14:25:00.003-06:00

Coming in second in National Champion Top Ten All Stars is Toad Hill's Wind in the Willows, the 2008 1st place winner. This year's team is pictured above: Toad Hill's Summer Breeze and her full brother Toad Hill's Slate.

The 2008 team was Toad Hill's Paint Me Picasso and Toad Hill's Kiss Me Kate.

2009 All Star Multi-Color Winners at Toad Hill

2010-01-24T14:08:00.006-06:00

Coming in 3rd place in Multi-Color Stallion and Gelding - Over was Toad Hill's Slate. See other photos of Slate at: http://picasaweb.google.com/ToadHillMinis/StallionsGeldingsForSale#

Coming in 6th in Multi-Color Mare Over was Toad Hill's Summer Breeze, a full sister to Slate above.

Movies of Foals 2009

2009-12-29T13:39:00.005-06:00

I will be the first to admit, my movies are really amateurish, but here are some of the Foals 2009. These were all taken Dec 28th. The foals are dirty from the mud that set after 3.5 inches of rain and then froze with below 22 degree weather. Each listing is a hyperlink to a YouTube video.
Foals 2009 Part 1
Foals 2009 Part 2
Foals 2009 Part 3

I tried to identify each foal in the video.
Slate is the second black/white pinto in this video. He is a little larger that Picasso and is for sale as well. Slate will be a 2 year old as of 2010 and has been shown last year. He is in Top Ten Multi-Color this year, and was one of two minis in Produce of Dam (placed 2nd Top Ten) and one of three minis in Get of Sire (placed 1st in Top Ten).

Miss Peach Meets Mr. Picasso

2009-12-27T13:21:00.005-06:00

Picasso is one of my stallions. He currently shares a pen with two other breeding stallions (Rusty and Sid), three 2-year old stallions (Slate, Lincoln and Baldrige) and a "monster" sized miniature gelding (Stetson --can you say at least 42 inches--yikes!!).

Anyway, Miss Peach came for the day and decided she wanted to ride minis. She runs out into the pen with all the boys flapping her mittens held by strings connected to her coat. Needless to say it was quite a surprise for the boys and most of them headed for the the other side of the field.

Mr. Picasso, who loves attention, came up to be petted, and Miss Peach was put on aboard. Since I did not have a halter with me, I put my hand under his chin and we walked around the field until it was way too cold to stay out any longer. Miss Peach had decided I should bring Mr. Picasso up to her home in the big city and let her keep him.

Sorry Miss Peach, Mr. Picasso is headed to Hal Bryant's to become a Chariot Horse!!. Perhaps, Hal will let me drive him sometime. Mr. Picasso leaves in February for his new home.

Want to Rent a Chariot?

2009-12-17T17:50:00.007-06:00

I found this site: Phil's Animal Rentals . They are located in California. They rent CHARIOTS!!
I wonder if they include the horses...and to be sure they are big, full sized horses not minis.

Anyway, they do rental other things... horses, cattle, birds, livestock ...I am beginning to think they might be close to Hollywood and the movie lots.
Anyway if you want to see photos of Conestoga wagons, depot wagons, drays, grocery wagons, gypsy wagons, jail wagons, ox drawn wagons, and whole lot more...check out their website.
I'm thinking they must be the back lot for a lot of westerns!!

New Chariot Racing Site

2009-12-08T18:54:00.007-06:00

I have discovered a new Chariot Racing link...check it out:

http://intermountainracing.com/index.php

On the page: Chariot Racing, there are links to various chariot racing results for past races (but more important you get the idea of where the races will be this coming 2010), pictures from some chariot races and a video.

I don't know if it was my computer, but the video was a little jumpy.

Under the Chariot Racing news link there is a second link with Information about the 2009- 2010 season. I have pasted this information below:

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

November 20 2009

Sorry I am late with the first message. It is that time of year chariot racing is here. Yes!!!

It’s time to get those horses in shape and get your clubs paper work in shape.

Club to do list
• Current copy of your clubs by-laws 2009-2010 version.
• Your official qualifying races dates 2009-2010.
• Name, address, phone number or email of identifier for race results.
• Horse papers for the new horses running in your clubs.
• Send me invitational race dates you would like me put on the website
• We need more club pitchers on the website send me some
Warning:
Make sure your club by-laws do not disagree with the world by-laws, police your on clubs.
Note: ask for permission not for forgiveness

So I suggest at your first club meeting go through your by laws to ensure they are correct and approved by your club.

If you have questions ask your Vice President. If they can not answer it give me a call Ryan: 801-645-4002.
3602 South 3850 West, West haven Utah 84401

The weekly results forms are still on the website.

--------------------------------

I assume it is accurate, if someone follows up and lets me know more, I will post that information too.

There is a second site:

http://reggieanger.shutterbugstorefront.com/g/chariot_racing_pics

This site has photos from chariot racing events.

Toad Hill's Paint Me Picasso, Summer 2009

2009-10-05T20:23:00.009-05:00

Both Picasso and Rusty spent the summer of 09 visiting the Amish family and have some fun learning how to pull a wagon and get riding lessons. Rusty's movie was posted a couple weeks ago, and here we have the video of Picasso. Picasso took right to driving and riding and is certainly more dependable than Rusty because he is less distracted by noise and animals that go by him when he is working.

Picasso is a well behaved, quiet stallion. Rusty and Picasso are buddies and when they are away from the mares, they enjoy chasing and sparring with one another.

Another blog entry can be seen -- follow link.

Picasso's Sire is:

Toad Hill's the Great Gatsby

His dam is:

Toad Hill's Wind in the Willows