Today, the rescue horses from NM will begin their journey east. If all goes well, they should arrive Thursday. The plan is to unload them right into pens in the indoor arena where they will be closely monitored and get settled. Although the horses will have some winter coat, inside the arena they will be warmer and protected from the wind while they recover from their long trip. I am very excited to see the horses again!
The arrival of these horses is a bittersweet event. The Baca family has dispersed their herd. Sixty years of breeding Colonial Spanish horses has now come to an end. It is very sad for the family. The aweful drought and Mr. Baca's failing health has prompted this dispersal. No matter the reason, the herd is seperated.
Just a little history: The Baca Chica farm sits directly on the Camino Real, the first road to carry Spanish explorers. In the late 1500's Don Juan Onate led his people to Inscription rock at El Morro National Monument along this road. The actual road, over 400 years old, is still clearly visible on the Baca property. The horses would often cross this path in their daily meanderings. Sixty years of the Baca family breeding America's first horse produced a unique southwest strain recognized as "critically endangered" by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
The first time I visited the Baca Chica Farm I stood on this dirt path under the ancient cottonwood trees and it was a moving experience. To envision the Spaniards exploring the new world on their little horses, the same type that the Baca Family has preserved, was powerful. I remember that moment clearly.
The dispersal of this herd is more than just relocating some horses. It's the end of an era. Most of the mares are retired from breeding now, a few young ones are still looking for homes, and only 4 stallions of this strain remain. One will be with us in Vermont. One is in Texas, and the Baca's hope to keep two of them on the farm.
In 2005 when my first trailer load of Baca horses arrived in Vermont, (Morado and Ringo were on that load) they were blessed by a Catholic priest before they left. He felt so strongly and often said that these horses were bridging the gap between New Mexico and Vermont. They were here to help educate people about the rich history of New Mexico, the Spaniards, and how important these horses were in shaping America.
Now, 7 years later, as we await the arrival of this small group, the last and finest (in my opinion!) of the Baca horses are arriving at The Center, a facility and organization that was inspired by Adelantado, our first horse from New Mexico.
There are a lot of mixed emotions today. Feeling sad for the Baca's as they watch the last of their horses get loaded, but also so excited to be able to help the horses and care for them, and to provide them a bright future. They are beautiful spirits.We are able to carry on the legacy for the life of these horses, although sadly, I feel it is too late strengthen the gene pool at this point.
If not for the support from people all over the country this would not be happening. We raised almost exactly enough money to cover transport expenses. From here on out we are looking at additional expenses for hay we had not planned on.
Fundraising is not easy. It takes energy, time and committment. It means going out of our comfort zone asking for help. The goal at the Center is to be self sufficient through revenue from our programs and other events. We do not want to rely on private donations forever. We are writing grants and working diligently to raise money. Until then however, we are developing a sponsorship program for these horses exclusively, reaching out to individuals and businesses who are interested in supporting the horses.
As the horses begin their trek, I will be in close touch with Tony from Troja horse transport. I know he will take good care of the precious cargo. I will be blogging daily on their whereabouts and updates.
Thank you everyone for your well wishes. May we continue to serve the horses with your help.
Stephanie
www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
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
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
Friday, December 30, 2011
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
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Rescue-Update.html?soid=1104030126606&aid=qrCPNx1_hk4
Sunday, December 18, 2011
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
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.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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.
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.
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