Triumph…MaryAnn Schafer riding her gorgeous Morgan mare Rikki on an Australian Beach…Heralding another one of MaryAnn's dreams fulfilled.    Photo courtesy of Noni Martin.

17^th September 2011.  Well good morning everyone and welcome once again to Heavy Thunder.  The Morgan horse is in the hearts and minds of many people worldwide.  They are strong, adaptable and easily handled.  This has once again bought us back to the Morgan Mare Rikki.   But Rikki, along with her owners, is a powerful team.  A team who share…

A Winning Attitude And The Triumph Of  A Morgan Mare…

You may all remember the story of Diane Howard, MaryAnn Schafer and their morgan mare called Rikki?  It was the heart warming story of two women who worked together to bring valuable Morgan Horse blood lines to Australia.  Rikki travelled those miracle miles across the Pacific Ocean from America. 

For those of you who may not be familiar with this story please go to www.heavythunder.com/the-miracle-miles-pt1

Well, Diane and MaryAnn have been working together now for many years.  There is a day in each year that will stay in the hearts and minds of both these women.  August 25^th.  In August 25^th 2008 the battle was on to save Diane’s stallion from a bout of colic.  Which, we might add…He won!  

August 25^th 2009 brought a new day and Diane and MaryAnn discovered their beloved mare, Fox Brush Custom Design, aka Rikki, was lame in the paddock.  Now most of us who own horses have all had lame horses and we have mostly managed to heal them.  But as time went on and when Rikkki didn’t improve Diane decided to investigate.  MaryAnn was visiting from America for an upcoming Inaugural Beach Ride at the time.

So Diane and MaryAnn did what most of us would have done.  Put Rikki on a float to take her to the vets.  But not without first leading her over some trenches Diane and her husband Jock were having done on their property.  This was the only way to get her out of the paddock. 

Rikki kindly and willingly jumped over these trenches as her owners asked.  She also travelled for Diane and MaryAnn which, we might add, isn’t her favourite thing.  At the initial veterinary consult it was thought the mare would improve over time, as with most lameness’s. 

After MaryAnn went home, and when Rikki didn’t improve, Diane decided to continue the veterinary investigations.  X-ray after x-ray revealed no abnormality…Until Diane requested an x-ray be performed on Rikki’s hind cannon bone rather than on her hock. 

The final test revealed, to Diane’s horror, a fracture.  But the good news was the fracture was an “S” shape.  There were a couple of bony “spurs” or “hooks” if you like which helped “stabilize” the bone.  And although Rikki’s recovery wasn’t going to happen too quickly, the nature of the fracture saved Rikki.

Diane and her husband stabled Rikki to follow her vet’s advice to restrict her movement while her leg healed.  Diane and Jock built a stable amongst the hubbub of the Howard’s daily life and kept Rikki in the loop as it were. 

Rikki calmly watched the daily proceedings and allowed herself to be pampered during what was a very stressful time for Diane and her family as well as for MaryAnn.  Did we mention here Rikki was in foal for part of this time?  So added to everything else going on, the Stress Factor was probably off the Richter scale for everyone!

But in amongst all of this Rikki managed to successfully carry the foal.  And as time went on, Rikki’s leg healed and she produced a bouncing, baby bay boy.   Diane and MaryAnn both adore the colt, Wirraway Copyright, and is not only an achievement but quite something to look at. 

As most of us would be aware, Diane and MaryAnn are dreamers.  Life went on and Rikki’s working career didn’t come to an end once her leg was fully healed.  So true to form, once Rikki had fully recovered, and her leg was totally healed, Diane decided to enter her in the Australian National Morgan Horse Show.  In harness! 

MaryAnn just loves combined driving events and had an unfulfilled dream at this point regarding her Morgan’s.  So when MaryAnn travelled to Australia Diane made it her mission to plan for the show.   Maryann ended up travelling to Australia to compete with Rikki in a horse drawn vehicle in the scheduled harness events.  Rather than be sidelined as a spectator.  And the rest, as many of us have said in the past, is history.

But what was most impressive for the Howard Family and MaryAnn Schafer is August 25^th is no longer a dark day.  August 25^th 2011 passed uneventfully as will many more to come.  So the 25^th of August is now a dark day conquered.  And the winning attitude and the triumph of a Morgan mare would now be recorded in the annals of history.

So the words “Miracle Mile” is so apt for Diane, MaryAnn and a Morgan mare called Rikki.  As every mile the mare has travelled has truly been a miracle.  And it was all thanks to two women whose dreams were not only to fulfil personal goals but to expand the Morgan horse’s horizons in Australia. 

And we at Heavy Thunder think it is now safe to say, ‘Well done guys and congratulations on having the courage of your convictions to achieve your goals.’

Well thank you for joining us on this superb spring day here in Ravensbourne Australia.  And we’ll look forward to your company next time.

Cheers

Paul and Jann

Penny Lane with the, 'mighty man behind the scene's,' according to wife Jan Young…Lex Young …Photo courtesy Jan and Lex Young.

Hi Everyone and Welcome to Heavy Thunder.  Well the Brisbane Ekka has come and gone once again but the end of this year’s Ekka heralds the end of an amazing harness career.  Jan and Lex Young have decided to retire Penny Lane from the Show World so we would like to take this opportunity to bid…

A Fond Farewell From The Horse Show World To The Perfect Penny Lane

Have you ever noticed in life you really should be careful what you dream of, as it might actually happen?    Well Jan Young sat on the side of the arena at the Ekka as a child and dreamed of competing in the Brisbane Exhibition.  Since that time Jan and Lex Young have not only competed but won events way beyond Jan's wildest dreams, particularly with their mare Penny Lane.

So we at Heavy Thunder would like to congratulate and bid a fond farewell…not only from us…But from the horse show world to the perfect Penny Lane.  Jan and Lex Young and their Perfect Penny Lane have won the following awards in recent times:

• ·         Champion Non Hackney Pony at the Brisbane Exhibition in 2008  
• ·         Reserve Buggy/sulky Turnout also at the Brisbane Exhibition in 2008
• ·         1^st Viceroy Turnout at the Sydney Royal Easter Show
• ·         1^st Ladies Non Hackney Pony twice at the Sydney Royal Easter Show
• ·         Supreme Champion at the Qld Show-driving Champs twice 
• ·         Reserve Champion Non Hackney at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney in 2009 
• ·        1st in the Buggy Turnout again at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney 2009
• ·         Reserve Champ Pneumatic Tyred Vehicle at the 2009 Brisbane Exhibition
• ·         1st Best Light Horse Turnout on Parade at Sydney Royal Easter Show twice and 2nd twice
• ·         Welsh Pony & Cob Soc Achievers Award for 2010
• ·         Champion Turnout and Concours D'Eleganze winner at the Qld Show driving Champs 2011
• ·         A special presentation for Jan and Lex’s contribution to the RNA for the last 30yrs and let’s not forget:
• ·         Many Champion awards at Agricultural Shows in Queensland

Jan and Lex were also recognized by the RNA in the night parade.  What an absolutely awesome achievement!  So parting will be such sweet sorrow for the show horse world and the Perfect Penny Lane.

Congratulations Jan and Lex on your brilliant performance over so many years with Penny.  But we all look forward to your continued participation and seeing you both competing in the horse show world for many more years to come.

We at Heavy Thunder would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best with your next showing endeavours Jan and Lex.  And we know you will both continue to make new friends but above all we know you'll continue to have fun! 

So thanks for joining us everyone and we’ll look forward to seeing you all next time.

Cheers

Paul and Jann

The perfect Penny Lane winning another blue ribbon to add to her already impressive collection.  Buying the mare has been win-win for both owners Jan and Lex Young  as well as for the bay/black mare Penny Lane.  Photo courtesy Heavy Thunder Down Under.

Paul and I were at Crows Nest Show in South East Queensland this year when we noticed a lady scooting around the showgrounds in a motorized wheelchair.  Paul was judging and we never thought any more about it until that same lady, Jan Young, entered his show ring.   Paul was judging light harness classes that day.  Jan was driving the superb dark bay/black harness horse Penny Lane.

Jan and Lex Young are an amazing couple as Jan had polio when she was a child which explained the need for a motorised wheelchair.  Her husband Lex was involved in a head on motor vehicle accident in 1965.  He lost not only an arm, but a leg as well as a result.

It is truly inspirational to watch this mature couple with their horses.  On arrival at a horse show Jan and Lex take their horses out of their truck and prepare for the day’s events.  There is definitely a process to what they do and they do it very well.

But there was certainly a melding of souls for the American Saddlebred, Welsh B cross mare Penny Lane when she ended up being owned by such a special couple.  Penny Lane also had her challenges; Penny had been kept in a small stable without windows in Broken Hill when Lex and Jan Young went to pick her up about 7 years ago.

 
Penny’s owners at the time went through particularly hard times.  And although they did what they could to look after the mare, they found it extremely difficult.  It was these circumstances which prompted the sale of the mare.

Meanwhile, Lex and Jan grappled with the idea of travelling such a long way to pick up a horse in far away as Broken Hill. But as we all know in life, timing is everything.

So when the timing was right, Lex and Jan got in their truck, threw in some bedding and an esky.  They grabbed their little dog and off they all went to pick up their Penny Lane.  It took them a day and a half to get down there and a day and a half to get back with the horse but the journey was worth every kilometre they travelled to pick her up. 

As a child, Jan had been brought up around horses.  Her mother was an avid horsewoman.  Jan would go to the Ekka each year with her family and sit on the side of the arena and dream…Of being a competitor at the Brisbane Exhibition one day. 

While growing up, Jan and Lex both went to pony club and local shows.  But the couple didn’t meet until some years later.  They met at a rehabilitation centre in Brisbane after Lex’s accident and married sometime later.  It wasn’t long before the pitter patter of little feet was heard by Lex and Jan.

 
And surprise, surprise…Their children grew up to love horses too.  The couple began driving horses in harness in 1981.  So when Lex and Jan finally started going to such large shows like the Ekka, the children would compete with their horses in the ridden classes, while Mum and Dad competed in the harness classes.

 
Jan was living her dream at last.  But the acquisition of Penny Lane was to take that dream to a new level.  To date, Jan reckons Penny has won at least 50 Championships in harness.

 
These Championships including Royal Shows like the Brisbane Ekka.  But one of Jan’s finest achievements, she believes, was winning Reserve Champion harness horse at Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2011.

 
Jan is particularly proud of that ribbon as she competed against 12 others in the Championship class.  A Championship class of that calibre is a very respectable class indeed and one well worth winning.

 
But in more recent times, Lex and Jan went to the Show Driving Championships in Beenleigh in Queensland.  Jan and Penny won the dressage tests/events in harness.  They also won the show driving events as well as all the turnout classes.  What more could girls want?

Jan has come a long way since dreaming on the side of the arena at the Brisbane Ekka all those years ago.  And life dealt the perfect Penny Lane an extraordinary hand since that day 7 years ago when Lex and Jan Young came into her life and bought her. 
Jan and Lex are an extremely competitive, tenacious and an amazing couple.  A couple who will continue to love and show their exquisite harness horse Penny Lane as long as life allows.

Jan has also been the President of the Range Horse & Carriage Club Inc on the Darling Downs in Queensland.  So Jan and Lex aren’t just dedicated to Penny Lane but to horses in harness in general.  They believe driving is another opportunity for people to get out and enjoy their horses, particularly when they could no longer ride.

Well that’s a perfect wrap everyone.  We at Heavy Thunder would like to congratulate Lex and Jan on their efforts over such a long period of time.  And we wish them well in whatever endeavours they choose to embark on.  As we know they will accomplish whatever it is they set their minds to perfectly well.

Cheers

Paul and Jann

Doing what he loves to do…Judging and teaching.  Mentoring horse owners is the next step and a dream come true for internationally recognized horse judge Paul Maskell.

G’day everyone and welcome back.  Have you ever thought of finding a passion and turning it into a successful career?  This was something I have pondered on for quite some time.  Until I came across something I knew I would love to do…

Mentoring

As you might know by now I have had a lifelong passion for horses of all breeds.  And I have pursued that passion with vigour.  My wife Jann and I have bred pure Crabbet Arabian and Clydesdale horses for many decades now.

At one stage friends of ours dreamed of having a horse stud of their own but didn’t know how to go about it.  So they asked me if I would mentor them.  I liked the idea and decided I would.  Horses were handpicked, and I helped them establish their first horse stud. 

These people were in constant contact with me and I would teach them about their horses.  The discussions we had included horse handling, horse tack, grooming, feet care, horse feeding regimes to mention just a few topics.  But the list went on and on. 

Meanwhile we had plans of our own and were in contact with many different horse studs and horse people as we were perusing our own horse breeding program.  And we targeted a particular stallion for one of our mares. 

The stallion owners didn’t believe we had made the right decision and thought we hadn’t chosen wisely.  However we were pleased with our choice and really confident the mating would be a good one.  We explained the logic of this particular plan and eventually they could see where we were going.

The result was a superb filly most breeders would simply love to have in their paddock…Including the stallion owners.  Other breeders offered to buy the mare from us, but have since learned she was not for sale. The mare is truly irreplaceable.   

The amount of time and research devoted to breeding this particular mare has been well worth the effort.  The stallion owners have talked to us at length and have learned from us too.  Even though they run an extremely successful and well established stud.

From these and other experiences I discovered I love to mentor people so they too can be successful. But thinking back, this was the first time I had "officially" mentored others.   I have been helping others and mentoring for a long time but really hadn't realized it.

And because of my thirst to know all I can about horses, I have accumulated an incredible amount of knowledge.  I have learned through structured industry recognized horse courses and by talking to countless well respected horse people. 

‘So where is all of this going?’ you might ask. 

Well, the thing is I would like to continue to pass my knowledge onto others.  So I have developed Our Horse Secrets  which is a unique home study course you can access completely online.  This means you can learn from the comfort of your own home. 

The program includes weekly e-classes, email access or, you can talk to us directly.  Any issue you may be experiencing at the time with your horse relative to the course is up for discussion. 

My mentoring includes many, many topics including basic horse handling, buying a horse right through to breeding and foals…The topics are too numerous to mention here.

I am really excited about this opportunity we are offering as it is something really positive.   My wife Jann and I are still very successful with horses.  And being able to help people with horsemanship and horse management at Our Horse Secrets really is a dream come true for me.   

I have wanted to pass on my knowledge before my life ends.  And one thing you might not be aware of is the meaning of my name.  My name is Maskell, which means tender of horses. 

So I look forward to be able to help you tend to your own horses efficiently and effectively.  As I have helped others over many years.  But by using today’s technology I can help others with their horses quickly and easily.

Please feel free to check out our new website Our Horse Secrets.  There is lots of free horse information available there.  But remember, if you do need a helping hand, there is one if you want one in the form of our mentoring program.

As I have already successfully mentored others I know I can help you with your horse.

Well that’s it for today.  Thanks for dropping by once again and I look forward to your company next time.

Cheers

Paul

Jan Young enjoying another successful day in the show ring.

A herd of superb, healthy horses.  People are so concerned about flying foxes in their areas they are considering putting down perfectly healthy horses.  Photo courtesy Heavy Thunder.

1st August 2011. Hello Everyone and Welcome.  Well…We have had a number of emails regarding the Hendra Virus which is understandably distressing many people.  A discussion then followed with a friend of ours whom is an equine veterinarian about…

How To Reduce The Hendra Virus Risk For You And Your Horse

During our discussion it became clear to us that people are becoming increasingly alarmed about the situation.   And the Hendra Virus is of particular concern for those living in flying fox inhabited areas.

We must say we can’t blame people…But it is truly sad when horse owners are so frightened they seriously consider putting down perfectly healthy animals.  These animals have more than likely been family members for many years.  They are probably much loved and cherished.

But it would seem, for some, it is a matter of survival…

So we asked ourselves, ‘what can we do as responsible horse owners to stop our horses and ourselves from being infected?’ 

Ultimately we all make our own decisions and hopefully our decisions are beneficial for both people and horses alike.  As most of us realize, the decisions we make today can impact us in the future. 

It would be gratifying if we could all look back in hindsight and say, ‘I’m pleased I decided to do that.’

Dr Mary Carr, PIRSA Biosecurity – Animal Health wrote an article in May 2010 designed to help horse owners deal with the flying fox situation.  Dr Carr lives in South Australia which highlights the fact equine professionals and scientists around the country are concerned.  And Dr Carr has made a number of suggestions which might be helpful:

·         If possible, remove horses from paddocks where flowering trees have resulted in a temporary surge in flying fox numbers.  Return the horses after the trees have stopped flowering

·         Wash your hands regularly with soap and water during and after handling multiple horses

·         Make sure gear exposed to any body fluids from horses is cleaned and disinfected before it is used on any other horses.  This includes items like halters, lead ropes and twitches.  Talk to your vet about cleaning agents and disinfectants to use.

For any further suggestions please contact Mary Carr, PIRSA Biosecurity – Animal Health 08 8207 7872

Something also worth considering may be temporarily agisting healthy horses in a known flying fox free area, if that option is at all possible.  Another possibility may be perhaps you can keep your horses in a completely closed in environment while the bats are in your area.

And be mindful of your movements.  If you go near, or enter, a bat affected area, please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothes and yourselves.

We shouldn’t forget there is also a vaccination currently being developed.   The CSIRO’s current goal is to have the vaccine developed and available to vets and horse owners by 2012.  

Dr Deborah Middleton from CSIRO’s Animal Health Laboratory believes, “A horse vaccine is crucial to breaking the cycle of Hendra virus transmission from flying foxes to horses and then to people, as it prevents both the horse developing the disease and passing it on.”

But in the meantime, until this vaccine is fully developed, all equine professionals agree prevention is far better than any attempt to cure this disease.  And if we can take appropriate action we could very well prevent the disease from taking any further toll on either our horses or us.

Although Dr Carr believes the Hendra virus is, “an extremely uncommon virus.”  It can be fatal in both horses and people as most of us know.

We sincerely hope this information has helped and look forward to having your company and seeing you again soon.

Cheers

Paul and Jann

Whilst we at Heavy Thunder love to help please note the use of this information is at your own risk.  Please refer to our Disclaimer Policy by clicking on the following link www.heavythunder.com/disclaimer

For further information on the Hendra Virus please go to www.heavythunder.com.au/newdesign/  and www.csiro.au/MediaCentre

The grand finale of a story that continued for over 10 years across the miracle miles…From America to Australia.  Two amazing women and equally amazing horses who rose to many challenges and came up trumps.  MaryAnn Schafer driving Rikki at the Toowoomba Showgrounds at the 2011 Australian National Morgan Show.  Photo compliments Diane Howard.  For part 1 of this story please go to http://heavythunder.com/the-miracle-miles-from-america-to-australia-friendship-fun-and-a-morgan-horse-mare-called-rikki

9th July 2011  Welcome back people.  Well, this is it…are you ready for the unfolding of the amazing story of…

The Miracle Mile from America to Australia…Friendship, fun and a Morgan Horse Mare called Rikki…Part 2…

Diane had by this stage fulfilled a large part of her dream…

But let’s not forget MaryAnn’s unfulfilled dream of not competing in the National Morgan Show in America with her beloved Rikki.  She went to visit her Morgan’s in Oz and found the horses totally content…Meanwhile there was talk of the Australian National Morgan Show being held in Queensland in 2011.

MaryAnn knew she would be back but was to be blown away by Diane’s offer for her to compete with Rikki in this major Australian show.  MaryAnn decided to enter Rikki into performance classes, namely harness. 

And Rikki was no stranger to harness.  MaryAnn had broken her to saddle and harness in the States and competed with her both under saddle and in harness.  But Diane didn’t have a vehicle or harness.

Not to be deterred, MaryAnn contacted an old college friend, Aussie, Sandi Jephcott to secure a vehicle for the event.  And as for the harness…Well, MaryAnn went out and bought a set of harness to fit Rikki. 

So once MaryAnn had flown into Brisbane, she met her friend Sandi Jephcott.  After catching up with her old chum for a couple of days, the ladies then headed off to the Toowoomba Showgrounds with the vehicle literally in tow. Where, no doubt, Diane was waiting excitedly for MaryAnn’s arrival.

Rikki was back into harness and went like a dream MaryAnn worked with Rikki for the three days she had leading up to the event. 

The day of the event was gloriously sunny.  The indoor arena at Toowoomba Showgrounds was buzzing with excitement.  Then…the events MaryAnn had been waiting for all her life to compete in finally arrived.

Diane entered Rikki in the Horse in Harness and Precision Driving classes for MaryAnn.  Fox Brush Custom Design, (aka) Rikki, performed like the true champion she is and, against all odds, won both of her classes.

Although the real challenge of the day proved to be the Precision Driving class, after being out of harness for all those years.  MaryAnn navigated Rikki around18 cones twice, like a true professional. 

The second time was against the clock.  Something neither MaryAnn nor Rikki had practiced. Rikki hadn’t been driven in harness for around 2 and half years and hadn't been driven around an obstacle course or cones in about 4 years.  But she still performed faultlessly.  What a spectacular team they made!    

So the dreams for these two women really did come true across the miracle miles.  Talk about win/win for these two long time friends Diane and MaryAnn. What exciting times ahead for the Morgan Horse in Australia.  And this is history in the making across the miracle miles from America to Australia.  With friendship and fun and this chapter of the Morgan horse history began with a Morgan horse mare called Rikki.

Who said dreams don't come true?  It's amazing what can be accomplished if you focus just like Diane and MaryAnn did over 10 years ago…But do you know what the most fantastic thing was?  Both women never, ever gave up!

If you would like to know more about the Morgan Horse please go to http://www.morganhorse.com                  

Erica Richard is the Registrar of the American Morgan Horse Association and would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you so much everyone for dropping by and we'll look forward to seeing you all next time.

Cheers

Paul and Jann

The two horses that full filled two dreams for two women and long time friends across the miracle miles.  Rikki ridden by MaryAnn Schafer and leading Rikki's colt Brikki.  A great source of joy for both MaryAnn and Diane Howard. From America to Australia with love.  Photo courtesy Barbara Mottern.

28th June 2011…G'day Everyone and Welcome to a story of perserverance and commitment.  Pull up something to sit on and a cuppa, you'll really enjoy this story we promise you.  Please note as this was quite a long tale we have split it up into two parts we'll post the rest in a couple of days…But in the meantime please enjoy…

The Miracle Miles from America to Australia…Friendship, fun and a Morgan Horse Mare called Rikki…Part 1…

Have you ever sat and dreamed about something you would really love to have or achieve but perhaps has taken a while?  Well, if you have you will definitely identify with this story.  It is a success story that has spanned across the miracle miles from America to Australia.  This story involves friendship, fun and a Morgan horse mare called Rikki.

We reckon it gives sea horse a different meaning…As Rikki came from across the Pacific Ocean.  But if you have ever had the nail biting experience of importing a horse across great distances, you’ll relate to the almost impossible horse dream that became a horse reality…To Australia (from America)…With love.

It all began back in 1995 when Australian Diane Howard dreamed of importing a Morgan Horse stallion by the stallion Funquest Erik.  Diane wanted these performance lines as Funquest Erik was the second Morgan Horse in history to win the coveted American Morgan Horse Association Sport Horse Award. 

This event is open to all breeds and is a combination of riding and driving events.  Any horse that wins this award would have demonstrated versatility, stamina, heart and would have won events in many equine disciplines.

So Diane persisted, without success, for around ten years when one day she got an email from a lady in America.  Her long time friend and fellow Morgan horse breeder…MaryAnn Schafer.

MaryAnn had been involved in Morgan horses since the 1970’s when she was just 13 years old.  She had riding lessons at a Morgan Stable at Philadelphia PA.  From those humble beginnings MaryAnn Schafer went on to win the prestigious American Morgan Horse Association Sport Horse Award with a pure bred mare she bred, Bowood Elusiv Dream affectionately known as Dream.

But across those miles MaryAnn still had an unfulfilled lifelong dream of her own.  To compete at the Morgan Grand National Horse Show in Oklahoma City with either Dream or Rikki…Whose registered name was Fox Brush Custom Design.   However MaryAnn saw an opportunity for the Morgan horse, but more importantly for her mare, Rikki. 

This mare was by Funquest Erik and she decided to send her to her Australian friend Diane Howard.  So MaryAnn offered this valuable American mare to Diane to flourish in the Land of Oz.  The decision was prompted by a vision of continuing this particular Morgan horse line in Australia.  MaryAnn decided to email Diane and offered to lease Fox Brush Custom Design (aka) Rikki to Diane. 

Overwhelmed and overjoyed Diane took MaryAnn up on the offer of a lease arrangement that eventually led to part ownership.  Diane now owns half of Rikki while MaryAnn retained the other half.

Owning a horse like Rikki, that carried those much sought after blood lines, was part of Diane’s dream come true.  Being a wise and insightful woman Diane decided to breed Rikki before making the epic journey to Australia.  

So she decided to breed her to PKR Primavera Brio.  Bingo…In these two horses Diane achieved ownership of the blood lines she dreamed of and strived for…For over ten years.

And this is where the dream team really swung into action…You may recall Diane initially looked for a colt to import.  Well in life, we all want to be careful what we wish for as…MaryAnn foaled Rikki out for Diane in America which was, you guessed it, a colt. 

MaryAnn handled the strapping colt foal, Wirraway Trademark, affectionately called Brikki, in preparation for exportation.  So in September 2008, MaryAnn put what she called a “treasure chest of blood lines,” onto the truck for exportation to Australia. 

So Diane’s dream was fulfilled when she took delivery of Rikki and Brikki somewhere over the rainbow, in the Land of Oz…

If you would like to know more about the Morgan Horse please go to http://heavythunder.com/the-morgan-horse-little-giant

Well we hope you enjoyed the beginning of the story of Rikki and Brikki.  It does pull at the heart strings…It certainly did ours.  For Part 2 of this story please go to http://heavythunder.com/the-miracle-miles-from-america-to-australia-friendship-fun-and-a-morgan-horse-mare-called-rikki-part-2  See you in a couple of days.

Cheers

Paul and Jann

8^th June 2011 Hi Everyone and welcome once again.  Well the Morgan horse and their owners were full of fun and laughter at the recent Australian National Morgan Horse Show, Toowoomba Queensland.  And the show did go on…even in the absence of a horse.  Morgan horse owner Diane Howard presented herself, instead of the horse that won second place, to the Judge.  She collected the second place ribbon for Mt Tawonga Campbell, in one event at the Show.  Photo courtesy Heavy Thunder Down Under.

The Morgan Horse Encounter at …The National Morgan Horse Show

 ‘Hands up!’ called out the photographer excitedly. ‘You need some ears.’ 

And with that Diane obliged looking as much like a horse as she possibly could.  She was awarded the second place ribbon for Mt Tawonga Campbell,  owned by Kerry Hill, and, when all the ribbons had been presented, she cantered off as best she could with the other Morgan horses.

Such is the nature of Morgan horse owners.  The spirit of the Australian people matches the spirit of the horses.  They are not only fun and kind, but also genuine and willing…This was in fact the spirit of the whole horse show.

There are around about 300 Morgan Horses in Australia today which was a far cry from small beginnings in 1974.  This was when the first Morgan’s were imported to Australia to begin a pure bred Morgan breeding program. For more information please go to http://heavythunder.com/the-morgan-horse-little-giant

As the Morgan’s were small in number in Australia the dedicated few in this country decided to organize a National Show to increase Australian public awareness in the breed.  And so the first National Morgan Horse Show was held at Wodonga in New South Wales 1994. 

Just four short years after the Morgan Horse Association of Australia Incorporated was formed.  Enthusiastic Morgan horse owners at the time were so excited about their breed they all got behind the inaugural show determined to make it a success. Today, the Australian National Morgan Show is held annually to showcase the breed.

And showcase the horse they do!

We were very impressed with the youngest competitor.  She was 7 years old and Amy Hvejsel won a blue ribbon with her part bred Morgan mare Wirraway Nefertiti.  Morgan's are so forgiving and willing…But the do no more or no less than the owners ask.  The horse’s kind nature shone through as was evident when 9 year old Nina Hvejsel competed in her event with the same mare, affectionately known as ‘Billie

Morgan horse owners came from Qld, NSW, VIC, South Australai and from as far away as Western Australia and the United States of America!  The 58 horses and their owners that converged on Tooowoomba would be an amazing response for any show society to achieve, but an exceptional result for such a close knit and supportive fraternity. 

The breeders all get together not only to promote their breed, but to have fun and celebrate the continuing success of the Morgan Horse in Australia.  So with the great bunch of people involved with the Morgan horse, both the horses and the show are destined to become a must attend event for anyone interested in horses in Australia. Now the word is out, there will be no stopping the event.

The next National Morgan horse show is scheduled to be held in Toowoomba in 2012 on the 16^th to the 18^th   March.                           . 

But in the meantime let us all celebrate the fun and great companionship of the Morgan horse fraternity here in Australia.  And let’s all look forward to the Morgan horse encounter aka the Australian Morgan Horse National Show next year.

Once again thank you for joining us, it was great to see everyone once again and we’ll look forward to seeing you next time with more fun and surprises.

Cheers

Paul and Jann

What a lot of young girls dream of…Owning a beautiful horse…And winning a blue ribbon…But to have that dream come to fruition at such a young age…Now that's something special!  9 year old Nina Hvejsel and her sister 7 year old Amy with their blue ribbon winning Morgan mare, Wirraway Nefertiti, affectionately called Billie. Photo courtesy of Heavy Thunder.

28^th May 2011

Hello All and it’s great to see you once again.  As you all know Heavy Thunder recently went to the Toowoomba Royal Show and met Morgan horse enthusiasts.  We consequently went to the National Morgan Horse Show right here in Toowoomba and learned more about…

The Morgan Horse…Little Giant…

Little giant was how the Morgan horse was referred to when the first one appeared in America in 1789.  Some would argue the original Morgan horse, “Figure,” was out of an Arabian mare by a Thoroughbred sire…An Anglo Arab for all intense and purposes…But that has never been determined.

“Figure” was originally known as the Justin Morgan horse after his owner, Justin Morgan but the name was eventually shortened to the Morgan Horse.

“Figure” was able to out pull larger horses and was even able to snig logs out of the woods another draught animal wasn’t able to.  Then, after a day’s work, he was matched in trotting and galloping races.  Although smaller than most contenders he put his heart and soul into anything he did and usually came out the winner.

So “Figure,” or the Morgan horse, became a legend.  As were his descendants.  History would tell the Morgan horse "Comanche" was the lone equine survivor of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, probably the most famous of the American Indian wars. 

Then, in 1907 the United States Government set up a stud with the sole purpose of breeding Morgan stallions.  The foundation sire, "General Gates," was publically commended by the American War Department.

Fast forward to the new millennium…Kathy Lyons has been a supporter of the breed since around 2000.  She bought her first mare with the intention of her being a trail riding horse…But…As the breed is very morish, most owners can’t stop at one. 

Morgan horse owners effectively become morgandocks, similar to the potato chip gobbledocks!  Enthusiasts end up with more than one Morgan in their paddock. These horses are known for their longevity allowing them to be a constant source of pleasure for their owners for many years. 

Now please allow us to put things into perspective…The very first Morgan horses were actually imported to Australia in the 1800’s by the trotting fraternity.  This move proved to be very successful as trotters infused with Morgan blood smashed existing track records.

It is unclear what happened to the breed after that but thanks to a small group of dedicated people here in Australia, the Morgan horse dynasty began in earnest in 1974.  Saddleback Sultan, Saddleback Sundance and Green Meads Fashion were the foundation Morgan horses imported to Australia. 

These horses proved to thrive in this sunburnt country of ours and later imports included the stallion Wawyanda Watch Out and the mare Lizotte Lil Bridget in 1981.  1986 heralded the arrival of Sumicaro Beau Geste and 1994 saw the arrival of the first Lippitt Morgan’s including the stallion Marvellous Encore and the mare Wood Run Trillium. 

Now most of us would know, the upkeep of a horse can be quite expensive, but Morgan’s are renowned for their ability to live on the sniff of grass…So to speak.  Their feet are hard requiring little maintenance and they are pretty relaxed.  So they don’t have a lot of nervous energy to burn.

With that in mind, Greg and Kathy Lyons imported their buckskin stallion RanchBoss Cortez in 2005.  They now breed their own and make friends of the new owners of Cortez’s progeny which is a really cool outcome for any breeder.

And when Heavy Thunder went to the National Morgan Show recently here in Toowoomba the events listed in their show schedule were many and varied.  The spectrum covered led in events right through to jumping.   The program even boasted an obstacle course!  The whole day was cool, calm and collected…Just like the Morgan horses.

So it would seem the Morgan horses, like their owners, give their all and come up trumps in no matter what they do.  That’s pretty exciting news for the horse world here in Australia.

It could mean today’s Morgan horse, the descendants of the horse called “Figure,” also known as the "Little Giant" way back in 1789 America…Could be here not for just a good time in Australia…but for a very long time to come. 

Thanks once again for dropping by.  We'll look forward to seeing you next time.

Cheers

Paul and Jann

14^th May 2011 Welcome one and all to Heavy Thunder’s International Horse Shows Calender.  No matter where you are in the world, horse shows are both enjoyable and demanding for competitors.  But I recently had the pleasure of watching a group of superb competitors at the 2011 Toowoomba Royal Horse Show.

It was twilight at the Toowoomba Show Grounds, the shadows were forming and the temperature was dropping.  But non of that really mattered as one of the most coveted prizes was being competed for…it is usually the supreme challenge and one of the most coveted prizes of any show…The Supreme Ridden Hack Exhibit. 

At the end of most shows there are those selected few who strive to have their name engraved on a  perpetual trophy.  In this instance it was a superb bronze bust.

The competition was fierce and this superb horse, rider team was put through their paces.  And…they acquitted themselves supremely, shall I say.  For more posts on the Toowoomba Royal Show in Queensland, Australia, please go to http://heavythunder.com/toowoomba-royal-horse-show

http://heavythunder.com/welsh-ponies-at-toowoomba-royal-horse-show

and…   http://heavythunder.com/the-mightiest-breed-of-them-all-the-thoroughbred-horse  Photo courtesy of Heavy Thunder.

International Horse Shows Calender

Heathfield & District          May 28, 2011               Heathfield and District Agricultural Show Society

Agricultural Show

This event will be held at Little Tottingworth Farm, Broad Oak, Heathfield, East Sussex in the UK.  For more information please mailto:lmcgrath825@btinternet.com

132nd Derbyshire             June 26, 2011          Derbyshire Agricultural & Horticultural Society

County Show

This show will be held at Elvaston, Near Derby in the UK.  For more information please mailto:emma.rushton@ntlworld.com  

47th Anuual Northleach     July 2, 2011

Welsh Pony & Cob Show

This event will be held at Cirencester Park.  For more information please mailto:info@handhevents.com

BPS National Championships      July 2, 2011             British Palomino Society

This event will be held at