She's Happy

When I think of what she endured...

... I am glad she's so happy now.

The North American Nationals (NAN)

I used to do quite a bit of showing with my collection of model horses. As I began teaching, weekend time became harder to find, and so, while I still collect and keep up with what is happening in the hobby, I rarely travel to shows anymore.

But, after a show-drought of seven or eight years, I attended three shows in Indiana, Iowa, and Kentucky in 2012, including Breakables in Lexington, the largest all-china show in the world. (My tablemate was from Puerto Rico, and folks from all over the world were there.)

My 1958 Hagen-Renaker china Sherif winning the Reserve Grand Championship of the Americanware Show. (The red china horse head is a stirrup cup trophy sculpted by Kristina Lucas Francis just for this show.)

All three of those shows were qualifiers for the very biggest model show in the world - a three day show that encompasses not only china, but plastic, resin, customs, and performance called NAN (North American Nationals).

With reciprocal qualifying shows in Europe and Australia, folks from all over the world who qualify pieces come together for those three days to show annually at venues across North America. This year it is being held in Lexington, Kentucky - a four hour drive and thus quite doable.

I attended the inaugural NAN in 1995 and then the third NAN in 1997, winning several Top Tens at each. There were 100+ showers back then; that number has since more than doubled. Competition is FIERCE. (I may not have gone since 1997, but I do watch the show as it is live streamed each year.)

All in all, I have about 30 pieces qualified, but I am only taking 15, the best of my best. (Including Sherif who has won multiple trophies and championships over the years at shows. Not bad for a $4 auction find!)

So, I organized all the needed qualifiying cards, filled out the online entry form, and then mailed in the cards (they prove that I was at the show and won the class) to the registrar in Texas.

I have a BUSY summer coming up, and I may end up not being able to show depending on family plans. I can get a refund of all my entry fees until June 13, so I will make my decision by then.

Indiana Horse Rescue - Checking In

When I adopted Abby, Indiana Horse Rescue asked me to check in with them annually and let them know how Abby is doing. Here is this year's letter.

Hello,

This is my annual "check in" email that you asked I send you when I adopted my horse in 2012.

It has been two years since I adopted my beloved Abby (formerly known as Sassy to you.) She was one of the 19 Beech Grove horses that were rescued.

Abby is doing well! She is very gentle, especially with little children, and is happily roaming 9 acres of pasture with her BFF Diablo and five other horses. Her favorite treats are carrots, apples, and candy canes, and she comes when called, usually at a trot and sometimes at a canter.

She loves a good scratch on her chest and back, and she has no health issues or problems. Her formerly slippered hoof (one of the issues she had when you rescued her) is doing well as I have kept it trimmed.

Attached is a picture taken earlier this week of Abby with me.

My best,
Lynn Isenbarger

Gentleness with Children

Seventy five degrees and sunny? Skip the grading (okay, bring it home for later) and head to the barn after school!

It was windy, but the breeze felt good, especially after such a long winter. I haltered Abby and brought her out of the pasture so she could graze on the fresh spring grass near the parking area. Then I grabbed a brush and began working on getting her winter coat to finish shedding out.

Tim was taking Lauren Shumway on a trail ride, so Millie (Lauren's little sister) and her mother, Arianne, came over and patted Abby while they were away.

It was interesting to observe Abby with Millie. Just as she does with my grandchildren, she was very, very gentle as she reached for the carrots that Millie offered. (Millie got the giggles when Abby thoroughly licked her hand after snagging the treats!) Millie spent time petting her, handing her other treats, and just loving on Abby, while Abby would gently put her head down for that petting and moved carefully around her. Abby acted as though being around young kids was something with which she was quite familiar and found enjoyable.

As a rescue horse, I don't know much of Abby's history. But clearly she enjoys being with children and has experience with them - she doesn't spook if they move quickly or are loud, and remains calm at all times.

But what I love most about it is that Abby, who can be quite the sassy miss, turns meek and mild in the presence of a child, and moves carefully and slowly around them.

I have seen horses do that before. I don't know why; surely it isn't instinctual, but they do often "take care of" the little humans that are bouncing around their legs.

One of the many reasons I love horses. Especially this one.