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March 21st, 1972 35 years old at present
My horse experience started with this grade Quarter
Horse mare, 35 years ago. She was born on my dad's ranch and was
owned by his ranch foreman. Her mother died during foaling and the
owner wanted nothing to do with bottle feeding a foal so he gave her
to me, I was 8. I knew nothing about raising a baby or training a
horse. I did have a Shetland pony named Prom, who taught me
wonderful lessons in what not to do with a horse.
My goal is to produce horses with her versatility, temperament and
maybe some color as an extra bonus. There was nothing this mare
wouldn't do. My dad had about 300 head of cattle and a daughter who
loved to ride. This mare was the header, the heeler, the cutting
horse, the team penner and sorter, without the convenience of
arenas. She did barrels, at age 25, with my oldest son at 18 seconds
without skipping a beat. My dad's friends used her for hunting and
packing. She worked 2 seasons at the Del Mar Race Track as a pony
horse. There was nothing in a trail class she wouldn't do either. To
this day if she sees a gate open she will close it herself. When I
taught her this stuff it was out of pure laziness, I just didn't
want to get off and close the gate myself.
When we were training each other over the years I didn't realize
until I was older, what a great horse she really was, to be able to
get on your horse and ask her for anything and get it. Now I am not
saying she is perfect by any means, but to me, she is an awesome
example of what a Quarter Horse should be.
The pictures of her above were taken this summer (2007) and I think
she looks great for 35 years old.
The two fillies on the foal page, Dottie and Bobbie Ann, though not
related to Fairlady, exhibit her temperament and eagerness to please
and learn. I hope to pass these qualities on to others who wish to
own a very versatile horse.
Beth Edmonds
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