http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krj4S8Lzwtc
Created by our friend and supporter, Jamie Friedman. Please tell your friends to tell their friends to tell their friends! And help us RAISE THE ROOF!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
It is sort of amazing how much we have going on at the Center right now even though it's the dead of winter, the arena hasn't arrived yet, and there is still only less than 12 hours of daylight. Never a dull moment.
The Pasta Dinner and Auction to benefit the Center is coming up fast. Feb. 26th. For all the Stowe Derby-ites who need a carbo-load before the big race Sunday, this is a great opportunity.
We've got some fantastic auction items too! A moonlight snow shoe tour from Umiak, books and maps from the Green Mountain club, two dozen pair of Darn Tough Socks, made right here in Vermont! More items coming in daily. And the food...WOW, it's gonna be great!
To order tickets in advance:http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/dancing-with-horses-registration.html
Today was the last day on the job for a woman who did a job skill internship with me for the last 12 weeks. She was such a trooper and hard worker. The working conditions weren't always the most pleasant with the cold and snow, but she dedicated 3 days a week to the horses which I am ever so grateful for.
And following on her heels is a student from our local high school who will be starting an internship next week. I feel spoiled having help!
Dancing with Horses workshop is looking for individual or business sponsors to assist with a scholorship fund so Johnson State College dance students can participate for a reduced fee. A great opportunity to support the Johnson community and The Center. All sponsors will be listed, announced and noted on our media releases and space is available to hang your company banner in our arena! Please contact me directly if you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund. Vtblackpony@aol.com
Glad to report that amongst all the planning and development that is going on, the horses are happy and relaxed. They haven't been phased by the onslaught of sub zero weather and are looking like yaks with their wooly coats. Life is good for the horses! Today I saw Pete laying flat out asleep with Destiny standing guard over him. She was asleep too so I don't know how effective she would have been if a predator was stalking him, but...it made her feel very grown up! I doubt Pete realized she was asleep too!
The Pasta Dinner and Auction to benefit the Center is coming up fast. Feb. 26th. For all the Stowe Derby-ites who need a carbo-load before the big race Sunday, this is a great opportunity.
We've got some fantastic auction items too! A moonlight snow shoe tour from Umiak, books and maps from the Green Mountain club, two dozen pair of Darn Tough Socks, made right here in Vermont! More items coming in daily. And the food...WOW, it's gonna be great!
To order tickets in advance:http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/dancing-with-horses-registration.html
Today was the last day on the job for a woman who did a job skill internship with me for the last 12 weeks. She was such a trooper and hard worker. The working conditions weren't always the most pleasant with the cold and snow, but she dedicated 3 days a week to the horses which I am ever so grateful for.
And following on her heels is a student from our local high school who will be starting an internship next week. I feel spoiled having help!
Dancing with Horses workshop is looking for individual or business sponsors to assist with a scholorship fund so Johnson State College dance students can participate for a reduced fee. A great opportunity to support the Johnson community and The Center. All sponsors will be listed, announced and noted on our media releases and space is available to hang your company banner in our arena! Please contact me directly if you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund. Vtblackpony@aol.com
Glad to report that amongst all the planning and development that is going on, the horses are happy and relaxed. They haven't been phased by the onslaught of sub zero weather and are looking like yaks with their wooly coats. Life is good for the horses! Today I saw Pete laying flat out asleep with Destiny standing guard over him. She was asleep too so I don't know how effective she would have been if a predator was stalking him, but...it made her feel very grown up! I doubt Pete realized she was asleep too!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
It's been quite some time since I've blogged. Funny thing is that not too many horse adventures have happened since my last post. I guess that's a good thing. Especially this time of the year (cold and colder) when it's about just getting through each day without incident.
Mas has settled in just fine with Ringo acting as pasture mate-he's a grounded soul who is a good presence for Mas. They don't seem all buddy-buddy but I know Mas appreciates his company because when I took Ringo out the other day Mas whinnied and was looking for him. Hope to get Mas integrated into the bigger group in the near future.
Knock on wood...all's been pretty quiet with musical pastures. I think everyone's found their place. Pete and Destiny are living together in the round pen since he had instigated some rough horse play which took down a fence last week. Can't have that in the middle of the night. Everytime the phone rings and I don't recognize the local number, my heart sinks and I start to put on my boots to go fetch a loose horse! I've been traumatized by late night round-ups.
Mark your calendars for February 26th. The Center is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser the night before the historic Stowe Derby. We've been working hard and fast getting organized. Three seating will have us serving a total of 300 people. Get your tickets in advance on our site http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/upcoming-events.html Check out www.stowederby.com too.
Dancing With Horses workshop coming up March 18-20. This will be an amazing workshop with Joanna Mendl Shaw and our horses. Space is limited so if you are interested in attending, take action now. http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/upcoming-events.html
As always, we appreciate our friends sharing our social networking links with their friends and family. Or with strangers if you want! You never know who may take an interest in our efforts.
Warmly,
Stephanie
Mas has settled in just fine with Ringo acting as pasture mate-he's a grounded soul who is a good presence for Mas. They don't seem all buddy-buddy but I know Mas appreciates his company because when I took Ringo out the other day Mas whinnied and was looking for him. Hope to get Mas integrated into the bigger group in the near future.
Knock on wood...all's been pretty quiet with musical pastures. I think everyone's found their place. Pete and Destiny are living together in the round pen since he had instigated some rough horse play which took down a fence last week. Can't have that in the middle of the night. Everytime the phone rings and I don't recognize the local number, my heart sinks and I start to put on my boots to go fetch a loose horse! I've been traumatized by late night round-ups.
Mark your calendars for February 26th. The Center is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser the night before the historic Stowe Derby. We've been working hard and fast getting organized. Three seating will have us serving a total of 300 people. Get your tickets in advance on our site http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/upcoming-events.html Check out www.stowederby.com too.
Dancing With Horses workshop coming up March 18-20. This will be an amazing workshop with Joanna Mendl Shaw and our horses. Space is limited so if you are interested in attending, take action now. http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/upcoming-events.html
As always, we appreciate our friends sharing our social networking links with their friends and family. Or with strangers if you want! You never know who may take an interest in our efforts.
Warmly,
Stephanie
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Dancing With Horses workshop
The Center for America’s First Horse
Presents “Dancing With Horses” in Vermont
An Interdisciplinary Workshop In The Heart Of The Green Mountains
Johnson, VT (January 10, 2010) New York City-based choreographer JoAnna Mendl Shaw, founder of The Equus Projects http://www.dancingwithhorses.org/ joins Vermont-based Natural Horsemanship professional Stephanie Lockhart to lead “Dancing With Horses,” an extraordinary 3-day workshop grounded, in the shared principles of dance and natural horsemanship, on March 18-20, 2011.
Instruction will take place inside the arena at The Center for America’s First Horse, http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/, and at the dance department studio at Johnson State College, both located in Johnson, Vermont. Space is limited to 15 individuals, and auditors are welcome and encouraged. No prior dance or horsemanship experience is necessary. The fee is $225 per individual and $100 to audit the 3-day workshop, lunch included.
Under the guidance of Mendl Shaw and Lockhart, participants will engage directly with horses to explore various spatial, psychological, and energetic concepts integral to the development of effective improvisation and partnership. Material learned from the horses will then be transferred to the studio and explored more deeply among the dancers.
Registration applications and other information are available online or contact Stephanie Lockhart, Stephanie@centerforamericasfirsthorse.org, 802-730-5400.
The Center for America’s First Horse, Inc., a non-profit organization founded by Stephanie Lockhart and located in Johnson, Vermont. Home to the most diverse group of Colonial Spanish horses in the eastern United States, the center’s mission is to enrich lives through the spirit of the Colonial Spanish horse. The Center offers programs focusing on education and public awareness, natural horsemanship, community outreach, work-study and rescue of Colonial Spanish horses.
Like the buffalo, the Colonial Spanish Horse has served many of America's native tribes for centuries, and is now listed as critically endangered with only 3,000 remaining worldwide. Brought to the New World by Spanish explorers in the 1500's, these small, hardy horses were used as courageous war horses, the mounts of the Native Americans, and Pony Express riders. By the turn of the 20th century, they were near extinction, due in large part to U.S. government attacks on feral and sacred tribal herds. Today, preservation efforts are underway to secure the Colonial Spanish horse for future generations.
Informational Links
Logo/Images: http://gallery.me.com/josabel - 100260
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFWxl6t-MGI
The Equus Projects: www.dancingwithhorses.org
The Center for America’s First Horse: http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org
Stephanie Lockhart: http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/board-of-directors.html
JoAnna Mendl Shaw: http://www.dancingwithhorses.org/mission.php
Registration: http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/dancing-with-horses-registration.html
Johnson State College: www.jsc.edu
Presents “Dancing With Horses” in Vermont
An Interdisciplinary Workshop In The Heart Of The Green Mountains
Johnson, VT (January 10, 2010) New York City-based choreographer JoAnna Mendl Shaw, founder of The Equus Projects http://www.dancingwithhorses.org/ joins Vermont-based Natural Horsemanship professional Stephanie Lockhart to lead “Dancing With Horses,” an extraordinary 3-day workshop grounded, in the shared principles of dance and natural horsemanship, on March 18-20, 2011.
Instruction will take place inside the arena at The Center for America’s First Horse, http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/, and at the dance department studio at Johnson State College, both located in Johnson, Vermont. Space is limited to 15 individuals, and auditors are welcome and encouraged. No prior dance or horsemanship experience is necessary. The fee is $225 per individual and $100 to audit the 3-day workshop, lunch included.
Under the guidance of Mendl Shaw and Lockhart, participants will engage directly with horses to explore various spatial, psychological, and energetic concepts integral to the development of effective improvisation and partnership. Material learned from the horses will then be transferred to the studio and explored more deeply among the dancers.
Registration applications and other information are available online or contact Stephanie Lockhart, Stephanie@centerforamericasfirsthorse.org, 802-730-5400.
The Center for America’s First Horse, Inc., a non-profit organization founded by Stephanie Lockhart and located in Johnson, Vermont. Home to the most diverse group of Colonial Spanish horses in the eastern United States, the center’s mission is to enrich lives through the spirit of the Colonial Spanish horse. The Center offers programs focusing on education and public awareness, natural horsemanship, community outreach, work-study and rescue of Colonial Spanish horses.
Like the buffalo, the Colonial Spanish Horse has served many of America's native tribes for centuries, and is now listed as critically endangered with only 3,000 remaining worldwide. Brought to the New World by Spanish explorers in the 1500's, these small, hardy horses were used as courageous war horses, the mounts of the Native Americans, and Pony Express riders. By the turn of the 20th century, they were near extinction, due in large part to U.S. government attacks on feral and sacred tribal herds. Today, preservation efforts are underway to secure the Colonial Spanish horse for future generations.
Informational Links
Logo/Images: http://gallery.me.com/josabel - 100260
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFWxl6t-MGI
The Equus Projects: www.dancingwithhorses.org
The Center for America’s First Horse: http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org
Stephanie Lockhart: http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/board-of-directors.html
JoAnna Mendl Shaw: http://www.dancingwithhorses.org/mission.php
Registration: http://www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/dancing-with-horses-registration.html
Johnson State College: www.jsc.edu
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
One Mas horse
The Center for America's First Horse is happy to announce that we were able to rescue a very special horse from a situation he did not deserve to be in. Mas de Domingo,a 17 year old Spanish mustang gelding has returned to my care and his herd mates. He's been fed well and cared for but there is more to being a happy horse than just having food. I picked him up yesterday and he settled in quickly. He knows he is home.
Mas, as he is called, has unique markings of coloration-known as a medicine hat. The Native American's regard medicine hat horses highly, as they carry special "medicine" or power. Only the tribal chiefs would ride a medicine hat.
Mas is a direct descendant of San Domingo, the medicine hat stallion from the Santo Domingo Pueblo in New Mexico. San Domingo was one of the first stallions which began the Spanish Mustang Registry in the 1950's. The famous author, Marguerite Henry, wrote a book long ago called "San Domingo" based on the story of this stallion. If I'm not mistaken, I believe that San Domingo is Mas' grandfather.
It is only because of recent donations we've recieved that we were able to take Mas back so quickly. EVERY dollar our organization is sent goes to protect, preserve or promote Colonial Spanish horses of all bloodlines. We Thank all of our supporters for their contributions, no matter the size, so we can help horses like Mas.
Pictures posted on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/pages/Center-for-Americas-First-Horse/10150104999335094
Mas, as he is called, has unique markings of coloration-known as a medicine hat. The Native American's regard medicine hat horses highly, as they carry special "medicine" or power. Only the tribal chiefs would ride a medicine hat.
Mas is a direct descendant of San Domingo, the medicine hat stallion from the Santo Domingo Pueblo in New Mexico. San Domingo was one of the first stallions which began the Spanish Mustang Registry in the 1950's. The famous author, Marguerite Henry, wrote a book long ago called "San Domingo" based on the story of this stallion. If I'm not mistaken, I believe that San Domingo is Mas' grandfather.
It is only because of recent donations we've recieved that we were able to take Mas back so quickly. EVERY dollar our organization is sent goes to protect, preserve or promote Colonial Spanish horses of all bloodlines. We Thank all of our supporters for their contributions, no matter the size, so we can help horses like Mas.
Pictures posted on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/pages/Center-for-Americas-First-Horse/10150104999335094
Friday, January 7, 2011
One Mas horse
Today, because of a recent donation, we were able to rescue a horse from a situation he didn't belong in. Mas de Domingo, a 17 year old Spanish Mustang gelding has returned home! Mas is a medicine hat overo, a pattern of coloration know to the Native Americans to carry special "medicine" or power. Only chiefs would ride medicine hat marked horses.
If you have read any of Marguerite Henry's classic stories you may remember San Domingo, the story of a medicine hat stallion. Mas is a direct decendant of San Domingo, a beautiful stallion that came off the San Domingo reservation in New Mexico. The stallion was traded/sold to Bob Brislawn, one of the first Spanish Mustang preservationists and he became a foundation stallion of the Spanish Mustang Registry. That was back in the 1950's. I consider San Domingo to be one of the most highly regarded and popular Spanish Mustang in history. But that's just my opinion.
The Spanish word Mas translates to "more." "More of Domingo". He is called Mas for short. And here's his story:
He was raised in North Dakota and Minnesota, and used as a breeding stallion until he was eight years old. When he was 13 I learned he was for sale and I encouraged clients of mine to purchase him for their daughter. He came to Vermont and spent two years teaching his rider about horsemanship while she boarded him with me. Mas was part of the herd and represented his breed well. He was sold in 2008 to what I thought would be a forever home--what I wish for every horse.
Up until last month, I kept in touch with Mas' new owner. I recently learned she had given him away. My heart dropped. I was scared for him and felt a deep responsibility to find him and bring him to The Center where he belongs.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
All is calm.
As I was feeding the horses in the peace of the first morning of 2011, listening to how quiet it was at the Center, except for the munching noises of them eating hay, I heard bells. Yes, bells. Like Church bells. I really thought I was losing it. Wouldn't suprise me after a few rough days back in 2010.
I listened closely and sure enough, We Three Kings was playing far far away. It was echoing up the valley and the melody rested at The Center. I listened for the whole song. Then another played and in the middle of it the wind must have picked up the noise and moved it on to another unsuspecting soul.
Only minutes later did the neighbors 9 year old grandaughter and mom who are up visiting from CT, stop by to visit the horses. They lugged water, moved troughs and dragged hay down to the barn for me. I never thought of asking them if they heard the music.
Maybe it was just me.
As I was feeding the horses in the peace of the first morning of 2011, listening to how quiet it was at the Center, except for the munching noises of them eating hay, I heard bells. Yes, bells. Like Church bells. I really thought I was losing it. Wouldn't suprise me after a few rough days back in 2010.
I listened closely and sure enough, We Three Kings was playing far far away. It was echoing up the valley and the melody rested at The Center. I listened for the whole song. Then another played and in the middle of it the wind must have picked up the noise and moved it on to another unsuspecting soul.
Only minutes later did the neighbors 9 year old grandaughter and mom who are up visiting from CT, stop by to visit the horses. They lugged water, moved troughs and dragged hay down to the barn for me. I never thought of asking them if they heard the music.
Maybe it was just me.
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