The Original Three

Show Time
Talbot’s Sparky

He left us on a warm morning in July. Unexpected, as he had been doing reasonably well; but the days had become much warmer. I had noticed curled leaves on the Redbud trees…an indicator of herbicide over spray in the wind drifts. So, it was inevitable… but still, as I stood by his still body, I couldn’t help but think about all he meant to me. Twenty-five years of years of friendship. Yes, I said friendship and that is how I saw it. Always waiting for me, talking as I walked his way, a gentleman always. Goodbye my friend.

I cannot go on without paying honor to Spot On Molly, who passed away in the same fashion. Laid down in the sun and went to the forever sleep. Molly was one of the original three who were boarded the flight to the states. All three were about 8 months old, if that, and new to us and the country here. We were on a new journey in the horse world introducing a breed no one knew about. Our lives had been wrapped around horses, but this was different and we wanted to share them with the public and did so at Equine Affaires long before there were shows.

I cannot sign off without letting you know Talbot’s Cracker, number three…is still doing well and was the one of the three that saw the most of the show ring and his blue ribbons will continue to decorate a wall in our tack room.

These three have left a legacy of great memories, offspring that exemplified what the “Travellers” of the UK envisioned as a proper cob (now known as Gypsy Vanners), and a life style change for a couple of souls who were retiring from corporate America.

Cheers and thank you for reading thru to the end.

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Time Passes

Where to start?   It is almost 2025 and we have been experiencing a political free fall the likes i have never seen.  In the meantime, life on Chocolate Horse Farm continues much the same as ever with one “big” exception…..the show world.  I must admit, showing was more of an exercise for me, something we thought we needed to do to market the horses.  Or! If I were David writing this, I would have to own my competitive nature. 

Back to today, December 3, 2024.  Sparky has been retired due to a serious knee injury and severe summer allergies, akin to heaves, but far more complicated, and has been present at this level since herbicide spraying a neighbors field began, and even though they are now using drones, the increase in chemical discharge from planes on high has increased.  At the same time, so has his ability to breathe. Maybe there is no connection,  just an observation.

In his stead, we now have his son, Arlo.  Arlo has produced his first crop of babies and like his sire, one colt and five fillies.   Sparky is known for putting a lovely disposition on his foals, and Arlo is following suit.  All are doing well and are about to be weaned (8 mo).  Most have been handled, and all are nosey and easily loved on. More on them individually soon!!

Have a great day!

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Days Gone By

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CHF Babies

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Thoughts

It all began with a need. The Traveller’s of Great Britain needed a small heavy horse to pull the house wagon known as a vardo. Prior to a movable house, the need was different. To make a long story short, given the native breeds of the British Isles, the horse we know as the Gypsy’s horse is representative of those which include the Clydesdale and Shire horses, and Dales, and Fell ponies. The resulting horse was smaller than the large draft horses and bigger than the ponies. Extremely smart and easy to work with, an ideal caravan horse was created. Due to the loss of their horses during WW1 (horses were confiscated for the war effort, especially the solid colors) the Traveller’s bred for color as insurance; however, today we see all color and color patterns.

So where does that leave us today? It is a very different world for certain. The breed is here in the states, horses are registered, there are breed shows, and breeders have come and gone,for better or worse. Conformation and disposition are the two most important factors, and when given the proper attention, the breed standard prevails. When color and hair are the primary elements, a lot can be lost that produces a good example of the breed standard. We are at a stage many breeds have been at when the horse is changed in some way by breeders looking to put their stamp on their produce. We see very few of this excellent driving horse in shows which saddens this breeder. Having determined driving to be a better start in a horse’s training, we found the use of words and tone to be extremely effective tools that carried over into the ridding disciplines. And so, at this point, I would highly recommend an interesting book for those that may not embrace or even consider this. The book by Mim Eichler Rivas titled…

BEAUTIFUL JIM KEY

Is a must read. “True saga of a truly exceptional animal, and the no less exceptional man that led him to greatness.”

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2023

Moving forward into year five has had its challenges! Talbot’s Sparky age 23 has had a rough year. Years ago, he came home from a training barn with a virus or infection, we don’t know which. Two protocols later he is holding his own with an occasional cough. Talbot’s Cracker shared the cough but non of the complex respiratory issues Sparky had. Over the years there have been episodes we managed with the help of several caring veterinarians as it popped up at shows and expos when extreme dusty conditions were present. Being an outside kinda guy, the Years moved on and he was fine until the herbicide spraying via crop duster began putting us right in line with prevailing wind direction. This was our worst past few months, starting in the summer of 22. When your horse can’t breath, he can’t eat, can’t walk…..Working with our vet Chuck Dake, we now have a protocol we implement when needed. Whew.. Dedication and diligence are the name of the game. Thanks for getting this far…will get on with the review shortly.

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Gypsy Vanner Mare, Angelic !

July 12, 2021 and it is unusually cool here in SW Missouri. What is new to us is the opportunity to present five lovely Gypsy Horses to the world. We entered into a consignment agreement many months ago and are now looking for new homes. Each horse will be presented one at a time and the first is a nine year mare, Windy Lane Angelic.

Angelic is 15hh and absolutely a sweet heart of a mare. She came to us with last year’s foal at her side, her condition was poor, and yet, as you can see, she has blossomed once again and greener pastures are the target. Additional information can be had by emailing chocolatehorsefarm@gmail.com, or FB messaging.

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Time Passes

Time passes, it is now August 15th and the year is 2019. David passed away Dec. 22, 2018 from a severe reaction to a thirty year old chemo, ironically named 5fu. David’s love of the horses gave life to our farm; therefore, Chocolate Horse Farm will continue to train driving horses, produce quality foals , and from time to time you will see us at a show or event. This blog may soon transition to a blog about David’s journey. Will keep you posted!

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Spring Has Arrived!

It may have arrived but someone needs to tell the weather man we all want warming news.  There are horses to be washed and pampered, mites to be treated, manes to be braided, and tails….well that is another big job, not to mention as the grass greens it grows and we all know what that means.

The herd as it was six months ago, size wise and comfortable with my routine. To stir things up a bit, Drew is now on board after school and so welcomed.  This journey with cancer dear David and I are on is like a new job, with everything different in some way so it goes without saying, after school relief is truly a blessing.  Aside from the fact that everyone needs a good grooming they are all healthy having come through this winter in good shape.  Gypsy Vanners, on the other hand, are chronically a little voluptuous.

The two boys I am sharing today are Archie and Otis.  These were taken last summer as you can see, but since we have been a prolific filly producing farm, I thought you would enjoy a look at two of the boys…handsome devils that they are!  Bye for now.

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The Ground Hog Says…..

Well, the critters and humans on Chocolate Horse Farm really don’t believe anything a ground hog says, but we do know it is cold!  There will be no babies this year as we have spent much time dealing with the big “C”.  For those of our readers who are not aware, we began a journey into the world of the cancer patient in late 2015. It is truly a journey, humbling, challenging, and at times exhausting; but we are surrounded by a tremendous support team, without whom it would be a lonely road. They are all incredibly special.

We did attend the 2016 Gypsy show at the Missouri State Fair with Hobbs, our first colt in quite a few years.  We are especially pleased with him but time only will tell whether he becomes the latest member of our small gelding herd.  Cracker, one of our three original imports, is still with us and it goes without saying, but I will anyway, he has been the very best boy one could imagine. There isn’t much he hasn’t done and done well.  Then there is Traveler.  Seems several farms have one….a Traveler that is!  He is just under 14hh and is awesome regardless whether in harness or under saddle.  As much fun as we have had with him, it would be good to see him with someone wanting a solid horse to show. Next, we have Otis, named for a very special man, Otis Fulbright. Otis is a big do ta do boy as I like to think of him.  So typical Gypsy.. with a laid back manner, in your pocket, giving kiddy rides even before any formal training, and now a solid driving horse.  He too needs a home where his personality will be needed and appreciated.   Fitzwilly fits in here as a good solid driving horse after nine months of road driving nearly every day.  He was our right brain introvert, good days bad days….all of which got worked out on the day to day routine that was put in place.  Sid is in this group, an older gelding, half Arab half Gypsy, and is also a well started and going driving horse.  A tad, well, maybe more than a tad….lazy, yet responsive.  Older, perfect for a green driver taking lessons.  Can be ridden, prefers the younger set.  I have to mention my big boy, 16hh The Broker, a big red quarter horse out of my lovely Toll Free and Easy by the now gone to horsey heaven, The Diversified One.  Broker is a …..well, just a super good boy, green broke under saddle and with this many boys, really has led the life of Riley!!!!  There are two more… youngsters, Hobbs and Archie, both Sparky boys, but I will save them for another day.  Thanks for joining us and our little run down on the boys at Chocolate Horse Farm.

Cheers, Carol and David

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