From starving in a feedlot just a few short months ago to Rockstar at the KBHA Schooling Show on April 28th, Sis placed in every class they entered, including a shiny First Place ribbon! What an amazing transformation this mare has made under the kind tutelage of trainer, Samantha Hollinger.
From the time she arrived at KEC from as an emaciated Project Spirit rescue in November, 2018, it was apparent that there was something special about this horse. Whatever circumstances brought her to her skinny, scraggly state, she had managed to remain kind, and curious, if a little cautious about humans. Reportedly a "kids horse", everyone who met her remarked on how sweet and gentle she was.

Samantha, a current student at OIT and scheduler at Sky Lakes Hospital, has been working her magic with several horses boarded at KEC for the past couple of years. According to those who have had Sam work with their horses, including KEC owner, Maria Meister, she has a gift for getting the animals calm and focused.

Having had the good fortune to be born to a horse-loving mom, Sam was introduced to horses as a toddler and began riding at the tender age of 3. She grew up surrounded by many family friends and trainers who helped her as she showed and trained for all kinds of events including English and Western Pleasure, Equitation, and Trail classes, and working cows and reining... "almost everything", Sam says.

Though she utilizes methods learned from a number of trainers over the years, including Clinton Anderson, Samantha often turns for advice to her mother who has worked with trainers and has a great instinct for finding solutions to training issues. She maintains the goal of constantly becoming better, and making her horses better. 

Though she loves showing and training for events, Samantha's favorite thing about horses is the bond that it's possible to form. And that's clearly what she's done with Sister. This is the first rescue horse that she's worked with, and has found it to be a "wonderful and rewarding experience. It has been amazing to see Sis grow, learn to trust, and become a very well-minded mare." Sam says that Sis is "like a dog", wanting to be around her all the time, or just follow her around looking for her favorite treats... apples and grass. 

As we saw at the KBHA show, Sister is turning into a great "all-around horse", capable of doing well in showmanship, western or english pleasure, and would make an excellent trail or ranch horse. It's hard to let go of an animal you've developed a special bond with, but Sam--and all of us--will be happy to see Sis go to the new home she so richly deserves.

Anyone interested in adopting Sis or any of the other rescue horses at the Pegasus Project Rescue/Trainer Event in Central Point MUST be pre-approved before bidding. Application forms must be completed and returned to Project Spirit at the address below NO LATER THAN JUNE 20:

Project Spirit Equine Rescue & Rehab 
PO Box 580 
Chiloquin OR 97624​
​
For more information, visit the Project Spirit Pegasus Project page by clicking here, or contact Project Spirit by calling 541-892-2921. 

Clay Wright Horsemanship is designed to show you how to find the potential that is available between you and your horse.  He then can set you on a course for your best meaningful level of communication between your horse and yourself. Regardless of your chosen riding discipline, solid foundation principles are necessary and universal in producing good horsemanship. 

Principles of quality horsemanship include:

• The ability to feel what your horse is 
  thinking and what physical balance 
  his body is carrying, so you know how 
  to help him.
• He teaches the education that creates 
  a relaxed willing partnership between 
  you and your horse.
• The skills to overcome mental and 
  physical resistance which are the root 
  ​of problems--big or small.

Clay doesn't teach a "method", he believes in helping people learn how to read what the horse is communicating, feeling, and showing and how to set your physical and emotional self up to let the horse find the answers and have that "Ah Ha Moment". You can learn how to work with the whole horse: mind, body, emotions, and spirit!

A.K.A.:  Cranky Franky, Frankenfurter
Breed: Possibly Appendix QH
Color:  Black with a little "chrome"
Age: Somewhere's between 14 and 19, he ain't tellin'
Sex: Gelding
Boarded at KEC: since about May 2017
Owner: Kris Oyler, 50
Occupation: Nurse

This quirky pair can be found most evenings working out in one of KEC's arenas, or standing in some out-of-the-way corner while Kris chats on the phone (a crucial piece of equine equipment, as any horsewoman knows). They are barn regulars, and Kris is a founding member of KEC's (in)famous Cowgirl Bitches, and was recently "deppitized" by the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office to assist with the evacuation of horses from fire-threatened ranches in Northern California.

Kris never had horses growing up, and a couple of unpleasant experiences could have soured her on horses permanently; thrown from a pony at 12, and at 17 was chased through a pasture by a homicidal geriatric mare named Queenie (or "effing Queenie" as Kris called her). Queenie's malicious attempt was thwarted, but in hurdling a split rail fence to escape, Kris caught her leg on the top rail and flipped right over. Her thigh dragged that wooden rail, leaving splinters (which Kris swears she still has) and road rash in its wake. Not a good introduction, perhaps, but fate clearly had other plans

​Registered Name:
RAINMAKERS GENERAL LEE
Color/Sex: Palomino Gelding
Breed: AQHA
Date foaled: May 19, 2008, in Dear Park, WA
Boarded at KEC since June 1, 2017

Owner: Diana M. Nisbet
Occupation: Territory Manager for Syngenta
responsible for the Ornamental business in California. 

Our featured horse this month is a yankee doodle dandy, and flashy as fireworks! This copper Casanova is a head-turning standout in any crowd, and he and owner, Diana, have been wonderful additions to the KEC family.

Diana’s love for farming and ranching led to an ideal career as a licensed Pest Control Advisor since 1975. Her current field of expertise is the production of commercial ornamental flowers, bulbs, and trees throughout the West. She is a fourth generation California farmer and has represented agriculture throughout the USA. It has been her honor and privilege to have been interviewed by and delivered speeches for audiences as large as 1200, testifying on behalf of agriculture and the USFS, as well as numerous television shows. Diana is passionate about agriculture, our heritage, and providing the most abundant and nutritious food supply in the world.

Her love for horses truly was inherited; her entire family has a multi-generational history with horses. Her grandfather put her on a horse when she was 2 years old, and the rest, as they say, is history. In his day, her grandfather was known for the fine horses that he rode and used in the farming operation.  Diana’s love for all things horse grew through 4-H and years of competition. Her first horse was an American Saddlebred, and she has had the privilege of having many outstanding equine partners throughout her riding career. 

As anyone who loves and works with horses knows, the journey can be hazardous. The joy and sense of accomplishment is often punctuated with adversity, and Diana’s story is no different. A few years prior to getting Trigger, she was transitioning from showing Working Hunters competitively to seeking a pleasure horse. While “test-driving” a horse, Diana was launched 15’ in the air, ending up with both wrists shattered along with her confidence

This month we pay homage to our feline friends at KEC. Some like Tux,  the fluffy tuxedo'd charmer, and Tigger,  the cautious and diligent tabby, arrived with modest ceremony in a plastic bin  after being rescued and rehabilitated  from a life of debauchery which no  doubt included the trafficking of drugs  (catnip, mostly) and unwary humans across state lines for seedy purposes. 

They were recently joined by "Garfield" (not his real name--kitness protection) and the ease of his integration to the  gang would indicate prior criminal involvement with these two. We can only hope he does not influence T 'n' T to return to their prior life of crime. It appears, however, that all are content to earn their keep in more legitimate endeavors.

Sophie   
a.k.a. Sophie Major
​a.k.a. Fuzzbucket
a.k.a. Her Fluffiness
a.k.a. You Horse You
a.k.a. Gassy McFartsky
Registered Name: Sewell's Princess Sophie
Breed: ​Rocky Mountain Horse
Color: Chocolate Palomino
Foaled: March 1, 2000
Age: 18

Owner: Debra Lindland, 63
​Occupation: Semi-retired graphic/web designer and cleaner of tack and stuff...
​​
Sophie was foaled at Hickory Ridge Farms in the rolling hills of Limestone, TN, on March 1, 2000. The breeders, Sue and Jack Fleenor, loved breeding Rockies because of their gentle, easy-going natures and versatility, but were ready to retire from the business. 

Sophie was sold at a young age, but for reasons I don't quite recall--though I think it had something to do with her being one of the last offspring of a favorite mare--Sophie wound up back on the farm with Sue and Jack. With little, if any, training, she was turned out to pasture where she spend her days leisurely grazing and cavorting with her pasture mates. She was never bred.

Fast forward to spring, 2015.... Meanwhile, in Portland, Oregon, my own life was finally on the upswing after experiencing four of the darkest years of my life. As my lot improved, I decided that by gawd I was going to have a horse before I got to old and frail to enjoy one. Now keep in mind that that I was living in the city and about to short-sell my home to avoid foreclosure. I had no idea where I was going to be living, much less what I would do with a horse. Nevertheless, I logged onto my computer and began to search the internet. 

And thus enter Sophie.

What struck me first about her was that she was the spitting image of my first horse, Cindy! They were identical; from her color and markings, right down to the shape of her head and her "kind eye". My father, who once said that if I ever busted my head open, all that would come out was little tiny horses, bought Cindy for me after my mother died when I was eleven. It was one of my mom's last wishes that I have a horse, and my dad was true to his word. Having Cindy, who had been a working ranch horse in her former life had helped me immeasurably in coping with the loss of my mother. 

I had never even heard of Rocky Mountain Horses, so began to research the breed. Often referred to as the "Labrador Retriever of the horse world", they are widely known for their calm, gentle natures, and an ambling four-beat gait. These traits make them great mounts for older riders and those with limited physical abilities. Every new detail learned simply solidified for me that this was "my" horse, and the fact that she had the same name as my beloved Sophie-dog, who recently passed on to the next realm, was clearly a sign. A lovely conversation with breeder Sue Fleenor sealed the deal.

Even details for transporting Sophie from Tennessee easily fell into place. On June 9, 2015, she arrived at R&R New Options Equine Rescue & Rehab in Sandy, OR, where I had been volunteering, and where we both would begin our training with "Aunt Les". She was pushy and disrespectful (Sophie, not Aunt Les), and paid little attention to her handlers. After a few months at R&R, I moved her to a stable a little closer to my house where we continued to get acquainted with generous assistance from other boarders like Tacy Brotherton and the owner owner, Joyce Montgomery, who raised and trained Missouri Fox Trotters. We stayed there through the fall, and then we both moved to Klamath in December, 2015. Early the following year, we began lessons with the lovely Michael Wakefield. 

We've come a long way, Sophie and I. Our progress has been deliberately slow and steady...no rush. We've spent the past couple of years getting to know each other and building our skills into a solid partnership. We've been on a few trail rides and a camping trip, and are looking forward to longer and more challenging ones in the future. 

What some may call a "dumb idea" has turned into one of the smartest decisions I've ever made. This horse has helped to heal me, body and soul, and restore the hope and confidence I'd lost. Her best gift, though, has been the parade of incredible people--and great friends--she continues to bring into my life. We always seem to land in exactly the right place with just the right people, and at KEC we found more than a great boarding stable, we've found family.

Confession: I have never actually called Sophie "Gassy McFartsky", but now that I've thought of it I'm going to use it all the time. So there.

KC   
Registered Name:
Triple Threat Again and Again
Breed: ​
Tennessee Walking Horse
Age: 32

​​It's appropriate that our February valentine is a stately old charmer named KC. In his previous "employment", he was a stud on a Georgia TWH farm. His stud career ended when he was proud cut at the age of 10, and soon after was shipped west on a train to a new home. 

For some reason, KC and his first west coast owner were not a good fit, and he was sold to his current owner, Yvette Wenzel, then an Emergency Room Nurse. This soon proved to be a much better match. Yvette had worked with horses since she was eleven years old, and put KC to work on biannual cattle roundups and rode him in a competitive rodeo drill team for five years. 

KC has always been curious and "all up in your business", according to Yvette. While he lived at home, he often made his way onto their porch to look in the windows, probably hoping for a bottle of Coors beer...his favorite treat.

In their twenty years together, KC and Yvette have packed over the Sierra Nevada mountains on a toll trail established by her family in the 1800s. The pair have camped and rode trails over the mountains and beaches of California. Both are retired now, and getting a well-deserved respite from their very busy life. 

When asked what she likes most about boarding at KEC, Yvette quickly replies that it's owner, Maria Meister. "She is so connected to the horses in her care. I really admire the way she always has their best interest at heart. She has given my boy so much care and attention in my absence, and that means the world to me."

Formerly known as Stormy
Make: Quarter Horse, Foxtrotter, and Arabian?
Model: 2004
Body: Cremello gelding
Owner: Joanie Browning
​KEC boarder since 2016

Sky came to Joanie Browning, and ultimately to Klamath Equestrian Center, almost by accident. After a visit to the hospital in 2016, and on prednisone, Joanie was approached by fellow KEC boarder, Bobbijo Wheelock. Bobbijo told her that they were going to pick up three horses from Blue Sky Rescue for the Pegasus Project, and asked Joanie whether she’d like to tag along. A medicated Joan agreed. One of the horses was a cute little white gelding who was being called Stormy at the time. One look into those big blue eyes, and Joan was hooked. The rest, as they say, is history.

After considerable ground driving and training, and a few rides by some adventurous volunteers including KEC boarder, Bobbijo Wheelock, Joan was confident enough to climb aboard. Though she had worked and trained race horses for a number of years when she was younger, taking on an energetic, green horse at 66 required a little more caution and preparation, especially when mobility is an issue as it is with Joan. But over 100 successful rides demonstrate that Joanie was up to the task. She has been the sole rider/trainer since that time.

Visitors to KEC may often witness the unique relationship between these two, when Joanie can be seen sitting on a chair in the middle of the round pen as Sky canters around the perimeter. You might also catch a glimpse of Joan riding her bike around the outside of the round pen while Sky obediently trots beside her in the pen. Joanie loves training and learning from him, or just hanging out with him in the outdoor arena.
​
She admires a number of professional trainers like RFD-TV’s Chris Cox, and Clinton Anderson, and gets lots of tips from KEC rider/trainers like Bobbijo and Samantha. About being a member of the KEC family, Joanie remarks, “KEC is simply GREAT! Everyone is so helpful, and you can count on them to look out for you and your horse.”

DUDE            
Registered Name:
Sports R Awesome Dude
​(a.k.a. That Spotted Son of a Bitch)
16-year-old Appaloosa Gelding
Owner: Maria Meister
KEC boarder since 2007
​
Dude is one of more colorful fixtures at KEC in many respects, and not just because of his spotty butt and bald face. Owner Maria Meister, owner/manager of KEC and also CFO at The Carriage Works, describes Dude as a fun-loving pest. “If there is something to get into, he’ll get into it”, Maria says.

Foaled in Morgan Hill, California, in 2001, Dude popped into the world with an impressive pedigree, having been sired by Zippo’s Pine Chip whose line includes such notable stallions as Three Bars, Leo, and Poco Bueno. His dam, Maria’s mare, the late, great Mare Bear, did not initially take to motherhood, and tried to kill her foal when he was three days old. Maria’s attempts to find a local mare to graft him onto were unsuccessful, and not wanting to bottle-raise him, they stayed in the stall with Mare and Dude for three days to protect him and hold Mare so he could nurse. Mare finally accepted him, and turned into a great mother.

Dude was started with a trainer between two and three years old. About ten days into his training, the trainer called Maria to report that Dude was “not ready” for training, “but boy that sum-bitch can buck!” He was restarted a few years later at a more mature seven or eight, and though still green broke, became a natural on the trails.

His progress was interrupted again in 2013 when he somehow broke his right front leg, and was put back out to pasture to mend. Once completely recovered, nearly four years later, his training resumed with the help of Bobbijo Wheelock, another boarder at KEC, and owner of last month’s featured horse and Dude look-alike, Olaf. Dude continues to learn, and is currently being ridden by Samantha Hollinger, who is doing some beautiful work with him according to Maria. He is also helping Bobbijo’s daughter, Temperance, build confidence.

Eventually, Maria would like to be able to ride him without a bridle as she did with his mother, Mare. He’s not quite there yet, but is turning into a quiet, soft, and willing horse thanks to Bobbijo and Samantha according to Maria.

Having loved working with horses “forever”, Maria feeds her passion being a stable owner, and enjoying the simple pleasures of grooming them and going for a nice ride. She admires a number of famous trainers, and freely shares her knowledge and experience, but has particular admiration for local trainer, Michael Wakefield, for his intelligence and experience with horses, and Bobbijo Wheelock, for her perseverance, courage, and abilities on a horse.

As owner of KEC, Maria has enjoyed watching KEC evolve into the facility it is to day, and still has many plans for the future. She and husband Les Hathorn have built a wonderful community here. As Maria says, “I love everyone here, and think we have the best group of boarders anyone could ask for.”

14-year-old Appy/Arab Gelding
Owner: Bobijo Wheelock
​KEC boarder since 2014

Olaf is that striking, athletic fella you may see as you first pull into the KEC facility, often with his tiny black mini pal. He had the good fortune to land in the capable hands of nurse Bobijo Wheelock three years ago as a rescue from Blue Sky Horse Rescue in Klamath Falls.

As a rescue, little is known about Olaf's history. He had been at the rescue for over a year, and was not trained. Originally, Bobi had thought he'd eventually be a good horse for her daughter, Tempy, who was very afraid of horses, especially a spirited, untrained one like Olaf. When Bobijo's original event horse, Christmas, became lame and ultimately had to be put down, Olaf stepped up and became her event horse, and quickly proved himself to be a talented eventing partner. 

A horse lover since before the age of ten, Bobijo now enjoys competing with Olaf in eventing shows, and has been influenced by a numerous riders and trainers... "Too many to mention", she says. The two are frequently seen in the KEC arena practicing dressage or jumping. Daughter Tempy appears to have been "bitten by the bug", and often accompanies her mom to KEC where she's building her skills and confidence on Dude--another KEC resident and Olaf look-alike. 

As a member of the KEC herd, Olaf is writing new and happier history for himself, and owner Bobijo has found "a second family" at KEC.