Out with the old...

in with the new!

Amazing another year has come and gone. The list of accomplishments we've had at The Center for 2011 is long. Too long to remember or list off the top of my head. I know I had a number of live radio interviews, we had newspaper and magazine articles, the movie Buck made a great fundraiser for us, we held events and clinics, afterschool programs, our official non profit status was granted, new horses came in, made new friends and reconnected with old ones, the recent rescue of the Baca horses. That's just the tip of the iceberg though because beyond this list, we learned alot as an organization, and personally I've become aware of the continuing self development that the horses have inspired in me.

Having a lot of faith in humanity, and the Universe helps get us by. That pretty much sums up my year! Have had to do a lot of envisioning, manifesting, trusting, and taking the high road. Lifes lessons and opportunities keep coming no matter what. That's the moral I think. So many things have unfolded, so many truths founds, and still yet, many more in front of us.

The Center runs its affairs based on the values of honesty, hard work, love and finding humor in a lot of situations. Among other things, but those come to mind right now. We laugh alot, we worry alot, we work alot, but we do these things together as a board which makes it easier. We've been blessed with moral, physical and financial support this year, as our still newly organized venture is moving forward in it's own development and branding.

So a big sincere thanks to the Board of Directors, Jo, Brenda, Mary Anne, Elsie, Deanna, Sherry and Dierdre. This year wouldn't have happened like it did without your hours and hours of dedication. All for the horses.

Cheers to everyone,

Steph

Baca horse rescue Update

Please check out our latest update and news. It's good!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Rescue-Update.html?soid=1104030126606&aid=qrCPNx1_hk4

A hearfelt letter from the owners of the rescue horses.

Our statement, and a letter from Annette Baca Gonzales. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

From The Center
A rare and unique herd of Colonial Spanish horses in New Mexico are sadly being dispersed. From one of the last original families who have bred Colonial Spanish horses for six decades, the time has come for them to place individual horses into the hands of others. The Center for America's First Horse has been asked to take a stallion, a mare and her 2011 filly at her side, and an 11 year old broodmare. They must be moved immediately! The owners are not able to support or care for them much longer. We must act now!

Not only will The Center be providing a loving and forever home for this group, but we will be continuing the legacy of these bloodlines. A number of offspring from the stallion already reside at The Center and are proven performance and ambassador horses. Our purpose as a non profit organization is to assist in rescuing Colonial Spanish horses in need, and aid in genetic conservation. An opportunity awaits them!

Please help us assist these horses by making a donation of any amount. If you can't give financially, consider a donation of goods or services which could be sold or auctioned on Ebay. Your contribution is fully tax deductible and will go towards transportation, feeding and care.

Please read the heartfelt letter below, written by Annette Baca -Gonzales of Baca Chica Farm.

For the horses,
Stephanie Lockhart and the Board of Directors

***************

Sometimes the best thing you can do is the hardest thing you have ever done.
From Annette Baca Gonzales of Baca Chica Farm

This year has been one of the most emotional years that I have ever experienced. But our faith will carry us as it always has. "Lift it up to the Lord," my Mom always says. She is and has always been right. 2011 went down in history as the driest, hottest summer on record in New Mexico. No rain for months, no grass on the field where our horses graze, just dead barren ground. Hay was at $9 to $12 dollars a bale. No breeding for years and years and as timing would have it we were blessed with 8 new foals this year.

Going through times like this just breaks something deep inside of you. These animals depend on you and everything inside of you is crying with despair about where their next meal is going to come from. Fortunately our farm has been a recognized part of the community for over 60 years. It was the most rewarding feeling when we finally reached out and felt the most overwhelming sense of support. It is so frightening how in a matter of weeks a healthy mare can drop weight when she has a foal by her side, even though you are doing your best to feed them.

I want to share our story because there are times when these situations are real and innocent and not at all a result of lack of love or due to neglect. We worked desperately to help them. As a family who loves their horses we made the very difficult decision to place our precious horses. Within a couple of weeks they had all been placed or reserved. The mares are fine now; I think our recovery will take longer than theirs.

As I watched while we loaded each of these horses onto the trailer, I saw my father's eyes well up as he said goodbye to each one of the horses individually. Each he had known from birth. Blessing them and just saying a few words just like you would a really good friend. It was just so hard to breath and tears fell from my eyes.

His life's work was the preservation of this breed. He just wants the whole world to know how important they are, but more than anything he wanted them to be taken care of. Only a few months ago he suffered a severe sub dermal hematoma. Dad wasn't supposed to survive and once again here he is, but he realizes that it's time that we hand off that proverbial baton. It was so hard to see him say goodbye but we knew that it was the right thing to do and the right time.

And poetically in the end, from the dust, broken hearts and tears as we sit looking at each other feeling so confused, we suddenly realized that all our dreams, all our prayers, and all our promises have been fulfilled.
Our "Baca Chica" horses will live on helping children at the Sandhill Child Development Center with Linda and Ralph Zimmerman, our angels, and with Stephanie at "The Center for America's First Horse". Stephanie and her family were sent to us in such a miraculous way so many years ago. Our hearts are overflowing with how grateful we are for the kindness they have shown us. In addition, we will continue to raise awareness with the help of Mary, Maxine, Tina and Greg Parra, Carla, Linda and Bruce. We can continue to offer breeding services with our 2 stallions and enjoy our small group that we will maintain at Baca Chica Farms. A new plan, but the same passion for the preservation of the Colonial Spanish Horse.

We are working hard to raise funds to get a small herd up to Stephanie at The Center For America's First Horse in Vermont. Anything anyone can do to help would be greatly appreciated. Contributions will go directly to transportation, feeding and care of the horses and will be 100% tax deductible.

The last day of class

Today was the last day of the 6 week natural horsemanship class I taught at The Center. It was great to see how the 10 women in the class had built their confidence and skills with their horse. Today, we ended the session with doing work at liberty in the round pens. It is still an awesome thing for me to watch when people are using their energy and body language in a way the horse understands. RESULTS! YES! It's an empowering thing to cause a horse to move, stop, back, change direction, face you and look at you with two very attentive eyes and ears perked forward. All with out the use of ropes or halters.

More than just being tasks, what I have learned and want to teach, is that while at liberty it's really just a dance of the amount of life in your core, the timing and harmony with the horse, along with a strong sense of focus. Not focus with eyes, but focus of intent and a lot of visualization.

It's a learned skill that takes practice. It takes a lot of practice. And lots of mistakes are made in the process which are really not mistakes but just learning curves. It's all a learning process. Even when it comes naturally and comfortably, I'm still learning and observing the horse and being receptive of what he has to say to me.

I'm really proud of the group of gals that spent their Saturday mornings at The Center. I know first hand how much learning a new thing can be humbling and awkward. Frustration can set in. What a great opportunity for growth. So many times the horses give us just what we need. As long as we stay open and find the humor in it all is well.

A new beginning

Lightening's owner came today to spend time with her "new" horse. She looks the same but she asked, "What happened to my horse?!" Lightening greeted her with a sniff, perky ears and a soft eye. It just warms my heart to see the two of them beginning a partnership now. I hadn't seen what the previous relationship looked like, but could pretty well guess it was Lightening running the show.

Today they had dialogue. There was asking, telling, questions and answers. There was purpose, feel, patience, understanding. But there was also a lot of love. I have always liked the Parelli-ism, "Love, language and leadership in three equal doses". So often do I see the imbalance, with LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE being the only component of the relationship. Usually with women who are new to owning horses! Too much leadership and the horse becomes resentful and feels like a puppet. Not enough language or communication and things can go awry pretty well. So balance is the key as I understand it.

The other thing that struck me today was that so often we bring our own baggage into the relationship. Especially if there's been some disharmony with the horse somewhere along the line. I experienced it myself this spring with Morado. Just had a hard time trusting and it snowballed into a confidence issue for both of us. Glad that is behind me now...and I've learned how to let go of any negative thinking when I enter into Morado's world.

Attitude is the most important factor to me when working with horses and their people. Making a conscious decision to stay positive and knock old thinking out of the way is hard, but doable. It just takes practice and an environment where that is the norm. Both Lightening and her owner are on the right track to a better way with each other. It's satisfying to be part of it.

On the Baca horse rescue note...Things are taking shape. We still have a good amount of money to raise but each day donations are bringing us closer. I am contacting transport companies searching for the right match for this precious load. It's a special load of horses that is going to take a knowledgeable driver, and one that will closely monitor the horses health along the way. I've had enough experience with hiring transport now that I know what I'm looking for.

We've had an enormous amount of generosity shown towards this rescue effort and am so grateful for everyone who has helped in some way. Our goal is to keep the momentum flowing and get the horses here as safely and quickly as possible. Will keep updating news as it happens!
Thank you!

It's good to have friends

This afternoon I caught Lightening and Turtle having a friendly moment together. They both are on the bottom of the pecking order and I have watched them jockey for the second- to -lowest- rung -on -the -ladder position for a few days now. As Lightenings confidence around other horses is developing, she has given him "the look" and he "looks" back at her but neither really moves. A lot of gesturing going on there. He's not a very assertive guy in the herd. It makes people feel bad for him.

But today, I spied on them standing side by side, head to tail. Alone in the arena they stood next to each other, almost looking as if they were going to groom each other. It was an awkward moment, like two teenagers who were going to kiss for the first time! Neither one really knew if they should or not.

Then they saw me walk in and immediately, as if they got caught doing something wrong, moved away from each other. I see Turtle allowing her to share hay with him now and then. But she has to ask permission. It's so subtle. How I wish I could be that subtle and respected as a mother of teenagers! I can learn from Turtle and Lightening. I think they really are friends and probably during the night hang out and I don't even know it.

On another note...some of you may be following the rescue situation at the Baca Chica Farm in NM. Today we were blessed with friends of the horses who sent in donations to help with shipping. It's been amazing the support and generosity that has been shown to assist us in bringing these horses to Vermont. I know we will reach our goal, and exceed it with so many friends and supporters. Many thanks to everyone who has donated or shared the story with others. It makes a difference for the horses. We are grateful.

The Center to the Rescue

I have recently been notified that a rare and unique herd of Colonial Spanish horses are sadly being dispersed. From one of the last original families who have bred Colonial Spanish horses for decades, the time has come for them to place individual horses into the hands of others. The Center for America's First Horse has been asked to take on one stallion, a mare and her 2011 filly at her side, and an 11 year old broodmare. The horses must be moved immediately! The owners are not able to support or care for them much longer. We must act now!

We want to bring this breeding group to The Center to continue their legacy. The Center for America's First Horse will be the only facility to have a stallion and mares from these rare bloodlines. A number of offspring of this group of horses already resides at The Center and are proven performance and ambassador horses. Our purpose as a non profit organization is to assist in rescuing Colonial Spanish horses in need, and aid in genetic conservation. An opportunity awaits these horses.

Our organization is ready to bring these horses to Vermont as soon as funds are raised to ship them. $800 has already been donated towards this project. The mare and filly will be placed in foster care near their current home until the spring. The stallion and broodmare are waiting for us to raise an approximate $2,200 in additional funds before they can come to their forever home. It is critical that these horses be transported before our winter weather sets in for good.

Please help us assist these horses by making a donation of any amount. If you can't give financially, consider a donation of goods or services which could be sold or auctioned on Ebay. Your contribution is fully tax deductible. Www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org

With gratitude,

Stephanie

CurlyQ is on the payroll

Enlightening had a job today. It was first her job since she's had her enlightenment. It was a simple job, but an important one nonetheless. She really didn't have to do much physically, which made her happy. She didn't have to make any tough decisions, and her only responsibility was to be quiet and at ease. If all jobs were so easy for us humans.

All she had to do today was be one of the demo horses for our saddle fitting workshop. I could have used a number of my other horses, but I wanted her to have a purpose for all the changes she's made recently. While we oohed and ahhhed over the pretty saddles presented to us, Lightening stood next to me and waited for her time in the spotlight. She didn't fidget around much but was curious. A little girl spent time kissing her nose and petting her while I sat down holding her on a loose rope. She called her CurlyQ. It was pleasant to have CurlyQ standing next to me with a hind foot cocked and her head low. She was patient. That in itself is a big lesson accomplished.

We put a number of different bare trees on her and fussed with the saddles, learning about shimming and placement. All of us staring at her back can create discomfort, as the horse can perceive it as pressure. Nine sets of eyes focused on her at once made her a little bit unsure of the situation but instead of getting pushy because of her discomfort, she allowed me to guide her and help her feel okay. She relaxed into it and started to enjoy the attention. She got a lot of praising and smiles and in return, she relaxes. It was such a subtle moment and possibly I was the only one to notice it.

Many horses are happiest when they have a task or purpose. The more jobs they have, the more their confidence builds and they learn life lessons like being calm and trusting. I can't expect CurlyQ to build her confidence if she doesn't get an opportunity to be part of something. I have to trust her as much as possible and allow her to trust me too. Self esteem in horses is as important as our own self esteem. When they are able to put their new skill sets to work and get rewarded, they'll begin to look for the right answer. I like horses that ask questions. It's the beginning of a partnership based on communication.

Of horses and humans.

I strive to be more like my horse. He is a clear communicator to those of the same species, he is a good leader, recognizes dangerous situations, has a high level of self preservation which keeps him out of trouble, and has a respectable level of self esteeem. My horse is not overly egotistical, however he knows his worth and is not afraid to portray himself as who he is. He is honest with those around him and with himself.

Then...there are some horses that I really would not want to be like. Some are full of fear, disrespectful to others, unfair and show little emotion. These are the horses that have most likely been brought up in an unnatural environment for a horse. Those that have been spoiled, treated as overgrown lap dogs, and completely misunderstood by the humans surrounding them. These are the same horses that often end up in auctions, or passed around as a problem horse, or worse yet, euthanized.

And it is no fault of the horse they behave like this. We have a responsibility to our animals whether they are hamsters or horses. The horse owner that admits there is a problem with the relationship with their horse, and takes action any way they can by getting help is on the road to the right place.

Not everyone can afford to take regular lessons or send their horse to reform school. Not every horse needs reform school either. Most common it's the owner that needs more understanding of their horse. But in cases like Enlightening, she really needed to understand a few things first since she had missed some essential lessons from the herd.

I watched with interest yesterday when she pinned her ears at Turtle and drove him away. She had been on the bottom of the pecking order the last 5 days. She half heartedly nipped at him, I could tell she wasn't really confident about driving him away from her hay, but she gave it her best effort. And Turtle moved, much to her surprise. She's gaining confidence within the herd. Enlightening is working towards finding balance in her life.

In the end, I guess that's really what I'm looking for too. That, and being more like a horse in a herd.

The struggle with change and why it's important

Thanks to a new horse I have in for training, I felt inspired to make time to get back into the blog mode.

Most of us are in the know that horses can be metaphors in our life, can be a catalyst for change, and bring way more to our lives than meet the eye. This 9 year old Curly mare, Lightening, who I now call Enlightening, has been a great example of the change that can come when boundaries are set.

Enlightening's owner sent her to me for a week initially, after the mare bucked off her young grandchild for no apparent reason that made sense to the owner. I believe the horse had no intention to hurt anyone, but through her lack of respect she had no reason to carry this child any longer and acted on that impulse. Not a good situation for anyone.

This mare was pushy, opinionated, disrespectful and due to not being raised with other horses, she had no sense of what moving to pressure meant. My other horses gestured at her and she didn't respond. I "gestured" at her by swinging the tail end of my rope and the response I got was to barge into me. So that was the first problem we had to fix, then I figured the rest would come pretty naturally to her. And it has.

In 8 days, Enlightening has had a...well...enlightenment! She had been labeled an extroverted personality, never relaxed, her feet always moving, a real busy body. With her new boundaries set and an understanding of leadership from humans and her new herdmates, she is now a relaxed horse and has crossed the line to more introverted, calm horse who I believe is her innate horsenality. I've seen her hard eye change into a soft one, she licks and chews at each opportunity of new ideas, she sighs and carries herself with more softness and flexibility in her body.

To allow Enlightening to make these changes took a matter of only a few hours. But those hours weren't pretty. She was resistant to make those changes initially and I had to be as firm as another horse may be. Clear communication, and passive persistence on my part was the key.

Her changes have been made into her core. She has a feeling of safety being with the other horses and feels safer with people now. I believe she never had a leader in her life and was always running on adrenaline because of it. I can see how she has finally "let down". I can see it emotionally in her but also physically. She spent almost two days sleeping. I was on the verge of calling the vet she was so sleepy. Laying down on and off all day. As her owner and I stood with her talking she layed down flat, closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Enlightening is here for another week or so and my hope is to blog each day about her progress. Perhaps it can raise some awareness of the fact that there are no bad horses, just ones that need boundaries set. The result is respect and trust.