Looking Back & Looking Forward

Just wanted to post a bit on this last day of 2009. So many things have happened and changed for so many in the course of a year. And while everyone is feeling a bit of a crunch, maybe some more than others, I wanted to look at the bright side of 2009.

Think of all that you have learned in the past year, and then ask yourself, how will you use that in 2010 to be better. A better planner, a better person, a better rider, whatever the case may be there is something that each of us can learn from the past year.

I do believe that we then have the responsibility to take what we learn and apply it - use it for not only our own betterment, but also for those around us. Whether it is your neighbor, your community, your family or even your horses, it is there to be used. So instead of making New Years resolutions that focus on problems, lets make New Years Goals that will make a positive impact on us and our world. Everyone has a lesson they have learned in 2009, how will you use yours to improve 2010?

Happy New Year & Decade Everyone!!

Buying and Selling Horses with Stasser Equine

Artifactually (Indian Artbeat)

Today I feel that I must clarify some things that have occurred recently involving the sale of one our AQHA Foals. And while there has been a great deal of discussion about this topic on other forums, some of it not so nice, I choose to stick to the facts.

The hot subject right now is why we chose to not sell our weanling "Artifactually" to a certain person. There has been many false allegations made since we determined not to sell to this particular individual. So just to clarify, here are the facts so that you can come to your own conclusion.

• When purchasing a horse from a further distance away, it is always advised that the buyer have someone they trust such as a vet do an exam of the horse before deciding whether or not to purchase. This is something that removes risk from both the Buyer as well as the Seller. *This was refused.*

• The Buyer is normally always the one responsible for the transport of the horse to the new location. Although we try to make this as easy as possible, there may be times that we are unable to accomplish doing this ourselves, especially over long distances. In any case the Buyer is always responsible for transport cost, this is a normal part of business. *This became an issue which was not handled correctly by this person*
  

• We will email or fax a Purchase Agreement for a Buyer to look at previous to making a decision of purchase. These are legal documents and are not to be edited by anyone other than Stasser Equine staff and any kind of edits must be agreed upon by both parties, Buyer as well as the Seller. *This person edited the language and demanded a signature*

• When the Buyer has decided on the purchase of a horse from Stasser Equine, and all arrangements have been made, then the normal course of action is for the Buyer to pay the agreed upon price. *This was refused*
  

• Once Stasser Equine has a cleared payment in its account, then and only then will a Bill Of Sale be issued to the Buyer. *This person demanded a Bill of Sale repeadedly prior to Stasser Equine receiving any payment*

• When transporting a horse out of the state of origin there is a great deal of paperwork and preparation that must be done and decisions to be made. Email is the fastest way to send documents for the Buyer to look at and discuss. *This person claims to not have received the Purchase or Transport Agreement though they were the only ones not received*

• When selling online to anyone, Stasser Equine will never share it's account information and will NEVER ask for yours, that is to be done between the banks alone. Please note, this is very dangerous to do in any form. Deal ONLY with your bank. *This person asked numerous times for our bank account numbers in order to make a payment*
  

It is for these reasons we chose not to pursue this individual as an owner for one of our horses.

We care about the horses we raise and the homes they go too. We also admire a person who has enough moxy to make an offer and share their goals for the future of the horse.

In attempts to prevent any additional harassment or public slander, Stasser Equine will have some protocol in place for answering emails. We will require you to tell us what your experience level is with horses, what your long and short term goals are for the horse as well as yourself, and of course what you are looking for in a horse. We will also require that your first and last name be signed on your first email to us along with your phone number.

Our goals are still the same for Stasser Equine and that is to make a difference in the Quarter Horse Industry with great horses. The difference being the focus on proper nutrition which in turn gives you soundness for your ride at all levels. We believe that every horse is a treasure to be taken care of and enjoyed.

If you feel the same way, we thank you.

Blessings,
Bonnie Stasser
www.stasserequine.com

Do You Know Someone Who Is Looking For These?

Well we have finally recovered from the snow storm that went through. It dumped about 5-8" inches on us depending on where you were. A nice heavy wet snow that is going to benefit the fields and the crops for sure!

And today the sun is shining and almost ALL of the snow is melted. (Only a little in the ditches remain.) I think that the beauty of living in Kansas - snow one day, maybe two, then sunshine for the next week.

These are AQHA horses with bloodlines as well as potential each with his/her own special talents. For example, Big League Tx Return would be ideal for Youth or Amateur Western Pleasure if even in the state level. Red Legs Dancing would be great for AQHA HUS and doing low level jumps - she LOVES that!

Skeikn Streikn Twist will be a wonderful Western Pleasure mare - currently 2 years old, her sire is Zippos Shiek. The Golden Cruiser, our Buttermilk Buckskin gelding, would just LOVE Team Penning, he's big and has the natural "want too" to get after a cow.

I think Pistol Pete will be fantastic at Barrel Racing; that little colt can sit, spin and be gone in a blink of an eye! Simon is perfect for the AQHA HUS ring and boy is he going to be BIG! Consistent level top line with soft eyes and ears up.... We'll discuss Hot Shot and Honey another day...

Of course each and everyone of them would be great trail mounts as well if a person doesn't do shows. But the talent is always there if you want it.

Help us spread the word; we would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you and God Bless.
www.stasserequine.com

Simon and a new camcorder...

Yesterday was wonderful! Sunshine all day, nice and clear without a cloud in the sky, warm.... what more could you ask for? So we decided that we should take advantage of it while it was here!

We had gone to town two days in a row which is unusual for us, but we had to get some things done. You know that paperwork that comes up every once in a while; like life insurance every ten years.. yep boring stuff. But alas it also gave us a chance to make a big purchase.

We are now the proud owners of our very own..... camcorder! :-) Hubby played with it until almost midnight, then I got my turn today. Except my "turn" was trying to figure out the programing on the computer for it. Hmmmm - Daniel, when are you coming for a visit????

Well, we were able to get a video of sorts of Simon yesterday evening. This was his very first time on the lunge line and wasn't real sure as to what to do. However, it didn't take him very long and he willingly trotted two rounds both directions without stopping for me. Yeah!! That earned him the right to stop for the night and go in for supper.

He is the one in the picture up there... I stand 5'2" and he is 5 months old. Look at that size!! And that is from simply being out on pasture and sharing some calf manna and mare & foal grain with his Dam. I think I am safe in saying; He takes after his sire Indian Artbeat!

We will start the boys on their very own rations when we wean them this coming week. We were planning on having Simon and Pistol gelded however, they ummm, they decided it was too early for that.

They are just too smart for their own good those Quarter Horse colts are...

Until we get this new piece of equipment figured out, enjoy the pictures!

Updates on Stasser Equine

I have to ask; has anyone built an ark yet?? We are very thankful for the rain, it will make a big difference for the organic wheat crop next year. However, along with the blessing of rain is the challenge to keep the horses dry. What to do...

And as with most others across the country the weather has simply been, well, weird. We had 21* the other morning when I woke up! Brrrr. So this coming week as we have a heat wave of 50-70 degrees we will be scheduling Simon and Pistol Pete to be gelded.

We're kind of waiting for the pens to dry out a bit, and of course for the temperature to go up before we do this. I know I really don't care to be out there in the cold trying to work two youngsters, call me weak I don't care.

Typical day on the ranch, work, work, marketing, work and more work. Isn't it great!?

Enjoy your week everyone!
Blessings,
Bonnie
www.stasserequine.com

Horse Boarding - Are You Ready For Winter?

Are you ready for winter? I know I'm not, at least not mentally. I really don't like the thought of struggling through snow and cold to make sure everyone is fed. However, that is a part of life.

And because we would like to make sure that as many horses as possible are cared for properly this coming winter... as well as after, we are venturing into taking in boarding clients. Currently we have nine but with the pen space we have available, there is room for more.

Also depending on the type of winter we have pasture may be available as well. In any case the horses are primary, we will make absolutely certain that they are safe, sound, and as comfortable as we can make them so you don't have to worry.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to sit back and relax when that winter wind is howling outside and know that your sweet horse is safe and sound?

There are a variety of options that are available so contact us for more details. I can be reached by email at bonnie@stasserequine.com or by phone 785-899-5756. In case we are out caring for the horses, please leave a message with your phone number and we will get back to you right away.

Are you ready for winter? It won't be long before its here!

Bonnie
www.stasserequine.com
bonnie@stasserequine.com
Goodland, Kansas

AQHA Being in the right place at the right time

Have you ever heard the saying "It's all in who you know"? More and more we are finding out that this holds true in the horse industry as well as any other. There are times that you just have to be in the right place at the right time. And of course - always listening to that still small voice that is directing you.

In the course of several different events, we have struck up a friendship with a wonderful young lady in Canada. She has been involved with breeding Warmbloods as well as showing them for many many years and her knowledge has not gone unnoticed. When speaking with others about taking pictures of our horses for example, one person will tell me to have them stand this way, another person tells me something else. But when I tell them "but Lisa told me to do _____" they instantly say "listen to Lisa! She is the expert!"

And yet all the while "Lisa" will not claim herself to be an "expert". She simply knows what She herself is looking for in a horse, whether it is for Jumping or Dressage, she knows what SHE wants. And she will be very quick to tell you that "you should ask at least 4-5 other people who are Professionals because each one of them will tell you something different.

Needless to say, I drink in everything that "Lisa" tells me! Every part of it; I would be foolish not too! And it does not matter that she is involved in a different part of the horse industry than we are. Her insight I have found to be priceless.

Okay okay. So who is this Lisa?? Well she is none other than Lisa Paulson of Synergy Sporthorses of Canada! She has two amazing stallions both Verban approved: Holstein Cotopaxi and Hanoverian Raffaello. You can find out more on her website: www.synergysporthorses.com

Lisa has an amazing eye and talent for picking out a horses ability and we were so very excited when she agreed to give us an endorsement for Simon! How did all of this take place you might ask? Well, with a simple email and a question. "Would you take a look at our one colt and give me your honest opinion of him?" Lisa graciously said yes. Then several weeks later after many different photo sessions, Simon standing for braiding, doing videos, (borrowed a Flipcam from a friend) and I think a thousand much appreciated emails.... we have it!

You can find out what Lisa said about Simon on his page on our site: www.stasserequine.com/indianartbeatcoltsimon2009

Have you been looking for a AQHA Colt with size and a great mind for Hunter Under Saddle? Maybe you have found him.... just listen to that tiny little voice in the back of your mind saying "what if.... " and send that email.

Sometimes "the right place at the right time" has to be created. You just have to reach outside your "comfort zone" and ask questions, then be open and ready for the answers. It may just amaze you what can happen, the friendships that can develop and the things you can learn.

We end today with a special "Thank you" to friend and mentor Lisa Paulson. We appreciate your insight and encouragement more than you could know.

Blessings to all
Bonnie

Tons of work done, tons more to do...

I've been working on several different things the past couple of weeks. Besides the normal things that need to get done like the garden and harvest starting to increase... I have also been taking all kinds of pictures and videos of our Quarter Horse foals.

Of particular interest in the past week or so has been Simon. He is our colt by Indian Artbeat and can be registered with the AWR as well as the International Hunters Association. Well, because I know very little about these associations, I started asking around, contacting horsey friends on Facebook and such. One thing led to another and I am now talking with a person in Canada about the quality as well as ability of this Quarter Horse foal.

I don't want to release any names as of yet, I have to ask her first, but she has so very helpful not only with analysing Simon, but giving me insight on a successful horse program as well. She is in a totally different market than we are; she raises Hanoverians and Holstieners for Dressage and Jumping, and we do the "Quarter Horse" thing. Oh but the insight!

I'm getting ahead of myself.... we will have an updated report on her thoughts of Simon and his potential in the field of Hunter/Jumper and let everyone know at that time who she is. Now keep in mind as well; I am still looking for other opinions too. There are many other top notch horse people to be found and to ask questions of. Even World Class ones who are willing to share! And I have yet to contact my previous Dressage/Hunt Seat Instructor in Michigan to ask his opinion as well.

And I can't forget Pistol Pete. Our little "peanut" that loves attention and is feisty. We were able to get some video and pictures of him today too. (Borrowed a flipcam from a friend to get actual videos... we have to buy a camcorder!)

The only way to get either of the colts to play or show any kind of movement was to take their dams outside the pen. Neither one of them really cared that they were in a new place.... and besides, it was a good intro to weaning time which is coming shortly.

While I am in the process of adding pictures and video to our website, you can see most everything right now by clicking on our Facebook link at the top of this page. Check out all the videos and pictures we have listed and don't forget to read the captions as well. And if you think the videos are pretty decent (for giant newbies!) feel free to share!

Until next time, enjoy those horses!
PS: Simon is pictured on the left and Pistol Pete is on the right.

AQHA Quarter Horses For Sale...

Taking a few minutes today to try and catch up. Yesterday we delivered Frosty's Ruler to her new home in Elizabeth CO to a wonderful young family who will enjoy her very much. Thank you Annette and Jason!! Let us know how you do and if you have any questions... we'll be looking for pictures from those trail rides soon.

Today I wanted to take a little time to list a few of the other wonderful horses we have for sale. Maybe because my husbands chest pain this morning has motivated me to start up again and promote all we have for sale. His health needs must come first after all.

So without further ado;

First we have updated pictures of Big League Tx Return - pictured on the bottom. She is a 2008 Filly by The Big Chex and out of a direct daughter of Leaguers Sandman. Smooge has a wonderful loving personality and could go any direction you would like, definitely a Youth and/or 4-H prospect. I don't know if she will be a AQHA World Show Competitor; that would be up to the new owner to decide for themselves.

She is great with her feet, up to date on all vaccinations and worming, started in the round pen and doing wonderful.

Next we have Red Legs Dancing - pictured on the top. "Stretch" is a 2008 Filly by Double Up Investment and out of Twist Easy Cat. She is a natural Jumper and could go any direction as well. Her sire is by Artfull Investment who has taken numerous world championships in HUS and Double Up himself has excelled in that area. Double Up Investment is also a "crop out" paint which means that Stretch is now double registered with the AQHA as well as the APHA. We also added the NSBA to her list giving her a multitude of areas to make money for her new owner.

Stretch has also been started in the round pen and just looks like a natural! She moves with grace while keeping a careful eye on her handler, always ready to respond to the request. Super fast learner!!

Both of these fillies are Incentive Fund Enrolled and are ready to start their career with the right home.

We are very open to offers as well as bartering as we realize everyone needs to play it safe with the money these days. So if you have an idea, let us know. Advertising in exchange for a horse may just work....

Hope you have a great day and stay tuned as I will be listing the rest of our horses for sale as well. Thank you and God Bless!

Storm Season

It has been some time once again since I posted, this one won't be too long either.

We are finally getting things cleaned up from a storm that went through 11 days ago; the Insurance Adjuster is scheduled to be out on Monday. Even though this was a rather significant storm, many people receiving a great deal of hail damage, it could have been much worse.

[The photo on the left above is a view of the beginning of the storm while at Mom's and Dad's; still harvesting wheat. The photo on the right is what the clouds turned into shortly after I arrived home. ]

When I have posted pictures on facebook of the storm building across the road to the north of us; people react with comments such as "we don't have storms like that!". And while it is true that the pictures can be impressive; the clouds swirling, the horizon starting to lift, trees blowing, it could have been so much worse.

We had several rather large trees uprooted and tipped over, one hitting the tip of the roof by my office. Along with the clean up of the tree limbs and cutting fire wood for a day, we also have one of our wells that is down because of the lightning.

Rumor has it that there were several vehicles in town and along the Interstate that lost all the windows due to hail. North of us the hail was the size of softballs. We didn't get the hail thank God.

And still; it could have been much worse than it was. Our home is still standing, the town of Goodland was not wiped off the map, no lives were lost save for a few unfortunate birds. Jobs were created even if only for a day or two, people have wood to heat their homes for the winter, and we have moisture again for the fields and the crops.

I find myself admiring the clouds and the storms more and more. When I hear the thunder that rolls non-stop across the sky, I simply can't help but respect the power of God and how close He is to us. It makes me think of how in a simple breath everything we know could disappear and yet by His grace it remains.

The beauty that follows these kinds of storms are just as intense as the storm itself. To be able to see the beauty of a full double rainbow across the sky, and watch the lightning surround the rainbow is incredible. The shades of pink, yellow, purples, orange and gold give everything a glow like nothing else.

So I guess I have to say; I have respected as well as enjoyed the storm season thus far. And every time I hear the thunder rumble and see the clouds start to build, I thank Him for His power and praise Him for His mercy and love. So should it be each day.

From our Ranch to yours; stay safe and be ready, it is storm season after all.

So How Do You Fund A Horse Operation??

Well, today I get to take "a break" of sorts. I know it has been a while since I last posted, farm life.... We have been heavy into wheat harvest this year and it should be needless to say - we are busy! :-) That's a good thing!

It has been about 4 years since we have had a crop TO harvest so praise God; our bins are full of Organic Wheat! Yea!! There are many more stories concerning farming and the wheat that I would like to share with you, but not today.

Today I would like to get some questions out there for everyone else. Mainly, how do YOU fund YOUR horse operation?

With as tough as times are right now we all have to make some choices, and sometimes they are hard ones to make. Such as selling a horse that is near and dear to our hearts because of the lack of income.

However, there are ways to maybe prevent that from taking place. I mean, even if you do sell your top Quarter Horse Gelding right now, how do you know he will go to a home that can afford to take care of him? Hmmm. Hard choices.

So why don't we take a look at what all of us should do and be creative. Lets share some idea's of what we have done, has it worked or not, and what else can be done to improve right now. How are things changing and what must we do to be prepared for a better future.

For example; do you have extra pasture that you can offer for bored? Can you give lessons to youth in your neighborhood a couple times a week in exchange for work?

I am also talking with our Accountant. She and her daughter have horses as well and know first hand the expenses that go into having them. That's the best kind of Accountant to have isn't it?

I'm thinking that I would like to have a get together with her to find out her idea's of what works and what doesn't. And maybe some info on how the IRS looks at these things.

Would you like to be in on that conversation?? The more questions the better! That way we can all learn and grow and maybe not have to sell our "best loved mount" or kiss our dreams good-bye.

Hey, let me know your idea's and tell your friends to send theirs as well. This could be huge! :-)

Face It Im Good 09 Colt

Wanted to share an updated picture of Hot Shot with you. He is such a doll! He is super quiet and willing to learn new things. Growing like crazy. In the above picture you can see his true character; curious and willing. Scratch his his neck and he will follow you anywhere.

Needless to say, we are very impressed with this Zippo line of Quarter Horse breeding. We may easily consider breeding to Face It Im Good again in the future....

You can see more pictures on our website: http://www.stasserequine.com/

Have a great day!

Stasser Equine AQHA Foal Updates

This is to introduce you to our last foal in action: barn name - Pistol Pete!

His dam is LFM Fanci Freckles and sire is Bay By Snicker. Pistol is a character all his own, he loves attention, but he also loves to run! I tried keeping up with him to snap a couple of shots as he flew by....

You can go to our website www.stasserequine.com/aqha_foals_2009 to see additional pictures of Pistol. You can just see the curious character in his face, oh, and he has NO problem chasing the dogs out of the pen either! Pretty cute.

He is doing wonderful with tying and leading. Still not real sure about picking up the feet for very long. And he doesn't mind the fly spray at all.

Have a great day!

Benefits from Stasser Equine

It has been a few days since I have last posted; we have been hard at work.

However, it is now time to reveal one of the items we have been working on! I am so excited about this new page and our idea's for helping others. I don't know why it has taken me so long to put "two and two together", but better late than never right?

You can see what I am talking about by clicking on the title of this post or by going to Stasser Equine.com and looking for the page titled "The Benefits fo Buying from Stasser Equine". There is a list of what we feel are three very important items that will help you as a horse owner as well as helping us.

In addition, the foals are doing great! Each coming along in their early training which includes, leading, tying, feet handling, fly spray, clippers, etc.... They grow so very fast!! And it is sooo important to start all of these things when they are little and don't know that it is NOT a normal part of life.

It also makes me get out of the house and away from the computer for some quality time - with horses. How much better can it get?

Until next time, many blessings!

Bonnie

PS: The foal pictured above is "Simon" - a son of Indian Artbeat and future HUS, Jumper, & Dressage Prospect.....

It is the year of the colts

Well he is finally here. LFM Fanci Freckles aka Pillsbury had her foal last night. Of course without any kind of problems. And it is another colt - bay. He has some very interesting white markings on his face, a star and maybe what you would call a "broken" blaze.

He is a cutey of course, they all are.

As for his heritage: His dam goes back to Colonel Freckles, Doc's Juniper, Doc Bar, and Rey Del Fancita, each of whom accumulated points in their lifetime in there area's of Cutting, Reining, and Western Pleasure.

His sire - Bay By Snicker aka "Vegas" goes back to Sky High Leo, Doc O'Lena, and others that have been instrumental in the Cow Horse Industry. And even though Vegas has never been promoted; he always throws a foal that excels in some part of the Ranch Horse Industry. Vegas himself is as "cow eating" machine and lives to work cattle. His foals do the same thing.

So needless to say, we are excited to see what this little guy can do in his future, Ranch Versatility maybe?

Graduation

Just a quick update.

We celebrated our oldest sons College Graduation this past weekend. Daniel has worked hard the past several years and has earned two Associate of Applied Science Degrees. One is in the Computer Technology field and the other in the Communication Technology area.

We are very proud of what he has accomplished and been able to do. He has always been gifted in these area's; even from the age of five years old. Whenever we would move into a new house, he would be the one to set up the entertainment systems!

He has also been a tremendous help to us as we learn the "how to's" of the Internet. Needless to say; we are very proud of him.

Indian Artbeat Foal

He's finally here!

Our "beached whale" had her foal on Sunday, May 17th. Both the foal and "Mom" are doing great. I am sure this guy is going to be 17 hands - his measurement from hoof to wither was 42" the day he was born! And his joints are simply huge.

His sire is AQHA Indian Artbeat and stands 17.2 hands as well. He has been proving himself in the Hunter/Jumper Ring as well as Dressage. And even though we were hoping for a black foal, we are certainly happy with this beautiful bright bay boy. He is a doll!

He'll fill in, I promise.

Thank God for an easy birth and a healthy foal!

A Bit of Cheer

We want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, calls, emails and good wishes. We treasure the friendships we have made through the years. And we always will. Each and everyone one of you will remain in our prayers and our friendship will still remain a great gift.

We are each stronger today. We are doing all we can to push forward and plan with hope and faith. Things will work out just as God has planned. So again, we thank you for your prayers. It is through your prayers that we gain strength. It won't be easy, but we will be okay.

I thought I would share a picture with you to help brighten your day as well as ours. It is a fantastic day when you know you are surrounded by Friends across the Nation, some you have only met through email. We are stronger because of you. Thank you.

God Bless!

It's a Boy!

He's finally here! Born last night after dark with some not so nice weather moving in; he and his new Mama were moved into the barn.

His sire is AQHA Stallion Face It Im Good who is by Zippos Mr. Goodbar and a Western Pleasure Champion. His dam is O'Lenas Fancy Freckle.


This little guy is strong, talkative, and SWEET! (no I'm not proud... :-))


Will post additional pictures soon.

Still waiting......

Just a quick Quarter Horse foal update: we're still waiting.....

Freckles was due last Saturday, nothing yet except for waxing. And Kitty is due today. Zip, zilch, noda. Which I guess is okay seeing as the temperature has dropped and it has turned windy.

At the same time, I hope they don't wait too much longer as I don't want either of them to have problems when they foal. And we have to be careful when we check Kitty. If you look under her belly to see if she has started to wax over, she will literally "suck it up" and wait another 12-16 hours before she will allow her milk to drop again. Of course putting off the birth of the foal.

And she is bred to a big stud this year - Indian Artbeat who stands 17.2 hands. So I'd rather not cause any further delays in the situation.

As for Freckles, like I've said before, this is her first foal so I have no idea what she will do or when.

I will post pictures as soon as I can.

Stay tuned...

Bonnie

Quarter Horse baby on the way...??

Well, today is Friday and while most people are getting ready for a relaxing weekend, we just may be up to something different. At least a bit different from the "main stream" of most folks out there.

Our mare, O'Lena's Fancy Freckle is starting to wax over! Yea! She was due to have her foal last weekend, however this is her first one so we really have no idea how she will do, besides being a week late. Kind of nerve racking.

Freckles is bred to a wonderful son of Zippos Mr. Goodbar; Face It Im Good. And Face has done some pretty impressive things in the ring as well as out of the ring as a stud. Add to that his Bay Roan Coloring and you have a great package.

I can't wait to see what Freckles produces crossed with Face.... will the foal be gray or roan???

I am quite confident that no matter what the color it is sure to be a contender in the Western Pleasure Ring for sure.

I will post pictures as soon as I can...!

And we may consider selling this one simply because we have to get some of the good ones out there for others to enjoy as well. As hard as it is we just can't keep them all! :-)

Check back soon....

After the Rain

It has been a few days since I have written anything. There are simply too many things to get done in 24 hours. :-) Can you relate?

In the last week the Good Lord has blessed us with almost 3" of rain! Praise God, now we may have pasture and the wheat crop has gotten a much needed boost for the coming season. And while all of this is so very much appreciated; it also requires more work around the barn.

Gaylord started cleaning out the horse pens last night. 3/4 of one pen was under water. Not a good situation for them to be in. The horses were placed into other pastures/pens until this is dried up so there is no worry of their health.

Still waiting for Freckles to have her foal. She was due Saturday and moved into the barn because of the weather. Still no baby as of yet. hmmmm

Our youngest son Lee will be here this coming week before he heads to Korea for the next year. Please remember to lift our Service Men and Women up in prayer for the sacrifices they make for our freedom.

Our oldest son Daniel placed second in the Skills USA College Competition for Communication Technology on Friday. Yea! This means that if the first place winner does not elect to go to the National Competition this summer, Daniel will be able to take part. Very exciting!

We are very proud of both of them.

Now I am off to additional cleaning, preparation, and bookwork. Ah the life of a ranch!

Be sure to leave a question, comment or note and let us know how you are doing - we would love to hear from you!

Blessings,

Bonnie

A few thoughts for Good Friday

Today is Good Friday April 10Th of 2009.
Last night I spent time on the Internet watching and waiting for news updates on the fires in OK as well as TX. Normally I do not watch the news, however, I was made aware of the situation because of an email. This email came from a Lady I have never met nor spoken too. However, I have followed her talent and admired her for quite some time. She creates the most beautiful work with customized Model Horses. Her Models have taken many awards across the country and are simply beautiful.
What has this to do with Quarter Horses?
Well, you see, most people who customize Model Horses are Horse Lovers, they own, ride and/or enjoy Horses in some way. And Chris is no exception. Her and her husband raise Registered Minni's and show them to incredible levels of competition.
So when the email came from Chris Nandell that the fire's in OK were approaching their home, I prayed. We still do not know if their home was lost or not, nor how many horses they were able to save. I do believe that every Horse Person can relate to the devastation in this situation; the loss and heart break is incredible.
This morning I know we are all connected in some way, whether we recognise it or not. So on this Good Friday, lets remember that our thoughts affect others we may have never met. They are things, and to be thankful for God's greatest gift of life in Christ is the very least we can do this day.
Just a few thoughts as we prepare for Easter.
Blessings,
Bonnie
www.stasserequine.com

2009 AQHA Foals....

Today is a beautiful day, the sun shining, the snow melting, and it smells like spring. We have almost recovered from the blizzard that went through Saturday night. We ended up going without power for over 10 hours. Boy the house got cold. And even though I'm not wild about my old antique oven, on days like that, I am so very thankful I have it!

We are getting close to foaling time. O'Lena's Fancy Freckles is due to foal around the 18th of this month. We are excited, as well as a bit nervous about this one. This will her first foal and we can't wait to see what it is and pray that she has no problems.

Freckles is bred to Face It Im Good who is a son of Zippos Mr. Goodbar. Face also adds to the package his ability in the Western Pleasure ring as well as his beautiful Bay Roan coloring. Can you tell WHY we are excited?

Of course we will post pictures on our website as well as on here after the "Face Foal" is born. :-)

Now I'm off to more paperwork. yea.
See you next time!

Bonnie
Stasser Equine.com

Why AQHA?

Why have we chosen to focus on the American Quarter Horse?

Well, a few reasons actually. Number one being the versatility of the breed. As a youngster I grew up with grade horses, one of which was half Quarter Horse. She was my partner for close to twenty years.

Through those years I watched many different breeds of horse in all activities. And many of them had so much talent. They were able to do so many things, from Western Pleasure to Gymkhana and Dressage, the possibilities were endless. But that was with a variety of breeds.

I took Dressage and Hunt Seat lessons on Arabians, Draft crosses, Paint and Thoroughbred crosses, as well as Quarter Horses. Don't get me wrong, each of them were amazing as each of them had their own special talent. And I loved every minute of it.

However, when my husband and I started our Breeding program, we wanted a horse that was versatile. We wanted a breed that could do it all. Thus we chose the American Quarter Horse.

Within our own pasture we have a variety of disciplines and each of them are AQHA registered.

Our Foundation bred gray mare, O'Lena's Fancy Freckle is bred for cutting. But she is gifted at Western Pleasure and shows measurements for producing an English prospect as well.

Our Buckskin mare , In Honor Of, is bred for Cow as well with Hancock and Two Eyed Jack on her papers. We are waiting to see which direction she will tell us is her best; she has proven that she does like to jump but has some serious interest in gathering cattle.

Our Buckskin gelding, The Golden Cruiser is going to simply be outstanding once he is done. He has certainly shown a huge interest in Cows as well as being graceful and athletic enough to do Dressage. Interesting...

These are simply a few of the many reasons we have chosen to raise the American Quarter Horse. When you give them a chance and pay attention to "what they tell you", it is amazing what you can do.

The versatility in each individual horse is just something we did not want to loose. Each of these things should be truly appreciated for what they are - talent. And it is all available in one breed - the American Quarter Horse.

Stasser Equine, LLC
http://www.stasserequine.com/

It's SPRING!

Although today may be Friday the 13th, not all is bad.
It was just this past weekend that we turned our clocks ahead one hour, and yes we are still adjusting. But that is one of the first clues that the weather is starting to warm up.

And today, we received the chicks we ordered last week as well! Nothing says "spring" like these wonderful tiny little balls of fluff. They are always so happy and adjust to their surroundings so quickly. We purchased ten Ameraucana and ten Black Australorp pullets. They will be the ones to take the place of the older hens that are laying those wonderful blue, green, and brown eggs filling our refrigerator right now.

Also, we can't forget, our first foal for 2009 is due to be born in just one month! April 14th is when O'Lena's Fancy Freckles is due to have her very first foal by AQHA stud Face It Im Good. We can't wait to see what she will produce. She is a natural doing Western Pleasure, and Face has Championships, as well as the bloodlines, in Western Pleasure too.

Oh and the burst of visits and insight being shared on our Breyer Horse Collectors site as well! It is exciting! I love to see action and growth and this website is doing both for the Breyer Horse Collector.

Maybe it is just that spring is in the air that gives everyone more energy and renewed hope. Now lets make it last all year!!

Ranch Life is not always as you think it may be

This morning has been a number of things. It has started off as interesting, invigerating and exciting. Almost all at the same time!

My husband and I have been working hard at putting together numbers for a really good cattle business that we believe will work. He is working on getting the hard numbers down for things such as current cost of feed, amount used, etc... Then I take those numbers and add a twist, a "what if" situation so that we are prepared and can offer people the very best price for our offering. I can't say too much at this point, except that it is very exciting and it does feel good to help feed the country. :-)

Then, we also have interest in our horses. We are always looking for the perfect home for each one of the horses we sell, wether it is AQHA or APHA or grade. Our goal is for the horse to be a blessing to and for the client, and they in return for the horse. Many questions to ask and lots of information as well as guidence to be given. But having done this and experienced the thrill when you are able to match up the new owner with the horse that will be loved and cherrished, it is more than worth it!

We hope we have a few more people to help find the right horse for them.

Then we have the fun with the registration of one of our yearling fillies. AQHA Red Legs Dancing is registered with the AQHA, APHA, NSBA as well as Incentive Fund Enrolled. It is truly a challenge to get all the paperwork complete on each one of these by the deadlines. Add to that the details of the bank doing what you ask them to do; they are having problems with their new cards. Oh the joy of business! Isn't it great?!

Many Blessings to you today and may your day be just as exciting!
B

Here we are

Here we are at the start of the Stasser Equine Blog.

We will see how this goes and how much we can get done. You are welcome to join us and ask questions, give pointers, and take part in this journey. After all, we all learn from each other and together. We are always open to learning and growing and hope we will be able to do the same for someone else.

We will be adding information from one of our main sites, http://www.stasserequine.com/, as well as maybe a few others we are looking at starting up. It all takes time.

So stay tuned and add a friendly comment. We would love to know you are here.

Many Blessings,

Bonnie