South Forty Circle of Life
South Forty Farms has put lots of time and love into the training of Big Un' for the show ring, trail riding, and demonstrations of the Mountain Horse breeds. Out of Classic's Sassy and Black Bart, this amazing brother to SF Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is an outstanding representative of the breed. Strong conformation, and an outstanding personality reinforces the fact that this guy is going to put some outstanding foals on the ground as well as earn a nice collection of ribbons from the ring.
South Forty Gideon's Torch
A phenomenal registered smoky grullo, Gideon is absolutely stunning and capturing attention in the field, at the barn, and in the show ring. 2007 RMHA Internationals Champion Weanling Colts B, 2008 RM show in Bowling Green Kentucky Champion 2 year old in hand, both dates. We're thrilled to have him to add to our "specialty" division of the farm, the grullo mountain horses, and are ready to show him to the world!!!
The article below is property of Amanda Cole and copyright material, please do not reproduce.
To have the chance to handle such an
incredible creature is an unbelievable gift. When we saw Big Un come around
behind his mom and bump the fence with his nose to greet us at just a few weeks
of age, I can't say that I would have guessed the impact he would have on our
lives.
Recently, I came to understand what it was to work with a horse so much, and
bond with them so closely, that you actually become more than trainer or
handler, you become a companion. You work so closely, bond so tight in your
work, that you actually come to depend on one another to complete the project.
The
first day I climbed on Big Un was October 1st, 2005, when he was 18 months old.
Many people will say that this is too young for horses, and that it's not good
training, but it's hard to explain that he just seemed ready. I had saddled him
a time or two, and that day had put on his bridle and walked beside him on the
rail, and we decided to take a moment to relax and look around. Mom was on the
other end of the arena dusting the fence where people sit and watch us work, and
he just turned to look at me and blinked, and I trusted him that much. I stepped
into the iron, and climbed on.
I hadn't intended to climb into the saddle that day, but it was just the right
time, and it was progress from then on...sort of. Well, to be honest, Big Un
backed most everywhere for the first week or two in our ten minute workouts. He
understood every command, except how to move forward without me by his side.
After mom assisted us, walking alongside a time or two, Big Un was ready to put
his best foot forward and move into the world of under saddle work.
He's been a blessing to this family and this farm, and I believe that he's
touched many lives along the way. He's been caught tossing empty bleach bottles
at unsuspecting cars and lawnmowers, he's stomped his foot many a times in the
cross ties - begging to start his workout just a few minutes sooner, and he's
been caught pacing the fence row on a night he was ill, listening for the sound
of Mom or me walking up to check on him, as he nickered wanting to return to his
stall. But never has he shown a moment's displeasure in the life we've laid out
for him. Our goals and efforts to provide him a happy home in the barns (for he
hates to be outside more than a few hours) did not go unnoticed to him. He has
his toys, he has the best view in the barn, and he's the first fed at
mealtime...he doesn't seem to ask for much more than that.
He learns so quickly, and is so ready to try to please. His patience is amazing,
for when he struggles to learn something new, you can see him try to settle and
focus, and try again to meet his goal. His first time in the show ring he was
fascinated, and I could feel the energy and animation in his motion. Slowing him
down to his slowest speed for his 2 Year Old Stallion and Gelding Class was the
hardest thing for me to ask of him, because he had to fit the mold that the
other horses had set as a standard for the year. But, by the end of the season,
those other horses knew him coming, and the competition had stepped up
literally, to allow him to perform at his natural passion.
Holding his reins, and asking him to move in the ring is incredible. I've shown
horses that were championed before I stepped in the saddle, I've trained horses
that I've been able to work into the ring through the years, but never have I
literally sat in the saddle and been able to present a horse so naturally...with
a loose set bridle, curb chain barely clipped on, and setting the reins to just
stay out of his way. He simply lights up. He draws up his muscle and flexes a
little for the mares, shakes his thick flaxen mane and waits for my permission
to enter the ring and dazzle. And he dazzles the entire time he's presented.
He's a gentleman to the ring masters and ribbon presenters by nature, waiting
patiently for whatever they may ask. And then, as any wonderful stallion might
do, he fusses and wiggles a bit as he exits the ring, just to make sure he has
everyone's attention.
Now, during our workouts at South Forty, he's learning to slow down and
appreciate the smaller things in life. Teaching him to side pass, neck rein,
pivot, and cross over elevated beams, he's showing just how diverse his talents
are. He might not succeed the first time, every time...no horse is that perfect.
However, I'm amazed that after a day
or two practicing, he'll reach his goal and perform the new task flawlessly.
To see him here, on a lunge line, where I ask him to "Get Out" and he steps out
about 8 feet and goes into romp and rear playtime, jumping and striking, running
and rearing, one might think he's a handful, as stallions usually are. But I
delight in bumping that lead and going to his side, knowing that as we step
towards the barn again, he's the quiet, elegant Big Un of the show ring, minding
his manners beside me.
As a baby, I don't think anyone really knew what Big Un had in store for us. As
mom took a deep breath and mustered the courage to "take a chance" as she said
that day we made the call to purchase him, we put our faith wholeheartedly into
Big Un to lead us into a new age in the ring, and he hasn't once shown us that
he'll fail to deliver anything but his best.
For all that we've accomplished, and all the adventures that lie ahead
To the journey of life that is so rewarding when you finally
find that perfect match
To Big Un