A Horse of a Different Color!
We were so pleased to receive this photo of the Gold Luck son, Gladstone. He is one of the very few grey offspring we know about, and certainly quite handsome!
He is out of a Hanoverian mare named Waldgeist (Waldgott-Mighty Crystal/Mighty Hitter) and owned and bred by Lyn Francik of Oklahoma City, OK.
Show Results
Hi Mo,
Here's hoping that your life hasn't been as crazy-busy as it has been at mine. Somehow, I doubt it, though, with mares & foals to prep for the Inspections coming up for you in a couple of weeks.
At any rate, I thought that you'd like to know that Gladstone and I have met our 3rd level goals: We're qualified for Regionals (don't know if I'll have the time, but I declared for Region 4, just in case. My final examination for the L program will be held at the Region 9 finals, so riding then won't be an option.) We have our 8 scores for USDF this year, and have enough scores to qualify for an Oklahoma award for 3rd level (It's a cumulative award, offered for each level, with at least - of the scores from the highest test.) We-ll debut at 4th level in August, with a goal of PSG by next spring.
After our success in Arkansas, I didn't think our next shows could top it. I was wrong. At the Briar Fox show (Doreen Horsey from Canada judging), we were not sensational, but our scores were all over 60% and were good enough to win the high-point at 3rd level. But our local ODS show was truly exceptional. Under Gail Hoff-Carmona we received a 66.67% for our first ride, which thrilled me. But when we did our second test, we got a 68.97%! I never dreamed an old amateur like me would ever get scores that high at 3rd level. Not only were our scores high enough to win both classes and 3rd level high point (and there were at least 7 or 8 different horses showing 3rd level) we were also the overall High Point Amateur at the show, which won us the Bob Pape Memorial Trophy. This was really a thrill, since (at least in our area) upper level rides never seem to score as high as Intro or Training, which until now, have always won this award. We also won the best Vintage rider, too, so it was truly an amazing show for us!
There isn't a day that goes by when I�m not grateful for the day when I received the video on Gold Luck. Without him, I wouldn't have this wonderful horse who has helped me achieve heights I never though I'd reach.
I've attached a couple of pictures of Gladstone from the ODS show. As you can see, he's not only talented, but has become a beautiful and elegant dressage horse. I'll send you an update on the kids at their last DSHB show when the pictures arrive.
Lyn
Hi Mo,
Foaling season is here, and you're probably up to your eyeballs. It looks like you've got a bunch ready to hatch right about now. Good choice of theme for this year, and I can't wait to see pictures of your latest additions!
It's been quite a while, so I thought you might like an update on the kids. They're all fine and growing. Gladstone finally has enough muscle to look like a grownup at 8; I gritted my teeth and came up with the courage to put the stick on him this winter - he-s 17-3 and we can safely say he's "almost" 18 hands. In spite of the ridiculous height, he's very balanced & athletic. I almost gave the horses up completely this winter, after losing my Dad, who was my greatest fan & supporter. But I know that's not what he would have wanted, so I got after it again.
One of the things that helped get me back in the saddle was when Gladstone and I were selected to ride for Region 9 in the USDF Adult Clinic with Jane Savoie. I'm sure you know what a wonderful speaker and communicator Jane is, so you can imagine how honored I felt to be selected. We had a wonderful weekend in Louisiana, complete with good Cajun food.
Friends & I enjoyed ourselves in Las Vegas for the World Cup, then it was back into high gear at home, getting ready for the shows in Arkansas last weekend. It was worth it, since we had a great show. Once again, I took 3 Gold Luck offspring to a show and lived to tell about it!
At the First Annual ASBA (Arkansas Sport Horse Breeders Association) Sporthorse Classic under Bill Solyntjes, Ghypsy was 2nd place in the 2 year old fillies, with an overall score 72.6%. After the show, Bill told my husband that he really, really liked her, but she's at an awkward stage of development. This was reflected in her conformation score, which is what pulled her overall down. General Impression score was 7.5 with comment of "pure basic gaits - quiet temperament."
Our little rising star, Gholfer, started his day by winning the 2 year old colts & geldings class with a 76.2%. He went on to win the Colt Championship, so he's now qualified for the USDFBC championships in the fall. And to put icing on the cake, he ended up as Reserve Champion of the show! He got an 8.0 for his walk, and a 7.8 for General Impression with comment "Shows quality movement and willing attitude." While we were waiting for the ribbons to be presented, Bill approached me and told me what a nice horse I had, and said that Gholfer was the only horse he (Bill) had seen at the show who really moved through his back. Sounds like a dressage prospect to me!
Not to be outdone by his younger half siblings, Gladstone was entered in the ADS Country Classic I & II. We finished my Bronze Medal on our first ride under Bill with a 62.562% at 3rd level test 1. (It's only taken me 40 years to get it done!!!) Gladstone is the love of my life - he gives me that "first horse" feeling. Our ride may not have been something to set the dressage world on fire, but for me it was one of those rare, magical moments. When we halted for our final salute, I didn't know whether to shout or cry. It was an emotional moment, and it felt like my Dad was there, sharing it with me; to get the score we needed for our Bronze was just icing on the cake.
Our other rides were also quite good; a qualifying score for GAIG at 3rd 3 from Bill (60.930%) and we finished the weekend with a good ride for Arlene Rigdon (61.025%.) What makes it even better is knowing that we have all the pieces in place. As long as we both stay sound, our Silver medal is in striking distance. Gladstone does all the tempis (even 1's) and he just needs a little more strength to polish the pirouettes. As soon as I can figure out how to count, we�re moving up to 4th level.
Granville didn't get to go to the show, since he's getting started back under saddle. I'll report on his progress later, but you might like to know that he's as elegant and beautiful as ever.
Bobby Morse, who handled the young horses for me, asked me to pass along a "hello" to Tiffany from him.
Back to work for me. Take care of all those wonderful babies & don't wear yourself out too much!
Lyn
Gladstone and Lyn were the 2005 ODS Vintage Amateur Champion at 2nd Level, with a median of 61.316%.- - - - - - - - - -
2004 results:
Green Country Chapter of ODS (Claremore, OK) - Gladstone won all 3 classes entered! We hadn't even planned to qualify for the Regional Championships at First Level this year, but friends urged us to try. So, at the last show of the regular season, we entered, won and qualified. This is the first time I've ever qualified a horse at more than one level in the same year. The big guy really impresses the judges: Bill Solyntjes' comments include "Gifted horse - good jump in the canter & nice lateral reach in leg yield." Nice words to hear about my "backyard" baby. If anyone has any doubts about Gold Luck, just send them to me. Gladstone is the best horse I've ever owned, and he's fun, too. It doesn't get any better than this. I have to remind myself that it's going to be tougher next year as we move up, but this has been the most successful show season ever, and it's been a blast!
- - - - - - -
(Dallas) Gladstone and Lyn were First Level Champions with a score of over 70% including 8's for gaits and impulsion!
(Tulsa) Gladstone a second place with 68.46% in Training 4 and winning First 1 with a 69.26%. Gladstone and Lyn needed one more score at Training Level to qualify for year-end awards, so this should be their last time out at Training Level, with the exception of the Region 9 championships
KDEA show (Kansas) - Gladstone won all four of his classes! Training 4 (65.385%) First 1 (67.778%) and (67.778%) again at First 1, then finished his day with a 68.847% for Training 4. Gladstone was also high point for First and Second levels � not bad for the first time out at First Level.
Briar Fox Farm Show. Written comments included "Impressive, elegant horse, and "Wonderful pair." Gladstone and Lyn win all 4 of their classes (showin First Level Test 1 and 2 both days), and were First level high point both days.
Owner Comments
Hi Mo,
Foaling season is here, and you�re probably up to your eyeballs. It looks like you�ve got a bunch ready to hatch right about now. Good choice of theme for this year, and I can�t wait to see pictures of your latest additions!
It�s been quite a while, so I thought you might like an update on the kids. They�re all fine and growing. Gladstone finally has enough muscle to look like a grownup at 8; I gritted my teeth and came up with the courage to put the stick on him this winter � he�s 17-3 and �� so we can safely say he�s �almost� 18 hands. In spite of the ridiculous height, he�s very balanced & athletic. I almost gave the horses up completely this winter, after losing my Dad, who was my greatest fan & supporter. But I know that�s not what he would have wanted, so I got after it again.
One of the things that helped get me back in the saddle was when Gladstone and I were selected to ride for Region 9 in the USDF Adult Clinic with Jane Savoie. I�m sure you know what a wonderful speaker and communicator Jane is, so you can imagine how honored I felt to be selected. We had a wonderful weekend in Louisiana, complete with good Cajun food.
Friends & I enjoyed ourselves in Las Vegas for the World Cup, then it was back into high gear at home, getting ready for the shows in Arkansas last weekend. It was worth it, since we had a great show. Once again, I took 3 Gold Luck offspring to a show and lived to tell about it!
At the First Annual ASBA (Arkansas Sport Horse Breeders Association) Sporthorse Classic under Bill Solyntjes, Ghypsy was 2nd place in the 2 year old fillies, with an overall score 72.6%. After the show, Bill told my husband that he really, really liked her, but she�s at an awkward stage of development. This was reflected in her conformation score, which is what pulled her overall down. General Impression score was 7.5 with comment of �pure basic gaits � quiet temperament.�
Our little rising star, Gholfer, started his day by winning the 2 year old colts & geldings class with a 76.2%. He went on to win the Colt Championship, so he�s now qualified for the USDFBC championships in the fall. And to put icing on the cake, he ended up as Reserve Champion of the show! He got an 8.0 for his walk, and a 7.8 for General Impression with comment �Shows quality movement and willing attitude.� While we were waiting for the ribbons to be presented, Bill approached me and told me what a nice horse I had, and said that Gholfer was the only horse he (Bill) had seen at the show who really moved through his back. Sounds like a dressage prospect to me!
Not to be outdone by his younger half siblings, Gladstone was entered in the ADS Country Classic I & II. We finished my Bronze Medal on our first ride under Bill with a 62.562% at 3rd level test 1. (It�s only taken me 40 years to get it done!!!) Gladstone is the love of my life � he gives me that �first horse� feeling. Our ride may not have been something to set the dressage world on fire, but for me it was one of those rare, magical moments. When we halted for our final salute, I didn�t know whether to shout or cry. It was an emotional moment, and it felt like my Dad was there, sharing it with me; to get the score we needed for our Bronze was just icing on the cake.
Our other rides were also quite good; a qualifying score for GAIG at 3rd 3 from Bill (60.930%) and we finished the weekend with a good ride for Arlene Rigdon (61.025%.) What makes it even better is knowing that we have all the pieces in place. As long as we both stay sound, our Silver medal is in striking distance. Gladstone does all the tempis (even 1�s) and he just needs a little more strength to polish the pirouettes. As soon as I can figure out how to count, we�re moving up to 4th level.
Granville didn�t get to go to the show, since he�s getting started back under saddle. I�ll report on his progress later, but you might like to know that he�s as elegant and beautiful as ever.
Bobby Morse, who handled the young horses for me, asked me to pass along a �hello� to Tiffany from him.
Back to work for me. Take care of all those wonderful babies & don�t wear yourself out too much!
Lyn
Not to be outdone by his younger siblings, Gladstone is continuing his winning ways. I've never had a horse learn flying changes so easily, so we moved him up to Third level at the Briar Fox Farm show Labor day weekend. This is the first show I�ve gone to all year "healthy" (I had another eye surgery in July, which brought the total of times I've been under the knife this year to 4) although I'm still not quite as fit as I was. Gladstone is a wonderful boy, and he's kept on packing me around through all this nonsense. At any rate, we got a 58.056% the first day (my fault, not the horse) but still got several 7's and 8's, including 7's for the changes. I got my act a little more together the next day, and we scored at 60.556%. One more 60% at 3rd level, and this old amateur will finally earn her bronze medal. A bronze may not mean much to a lot of people, but it's been 40 years in the making for me. AND I will have done it on a horse I bred, raised and trained myself! Judge Maryal Barnett loved Gladstone, and gave him the usual flattering comments that we are used to receiving.
Gotta run, hope to talk to you soon! I�ll send pix from the DSHB when I get them.
Lyn- - - - - - - - - -
January 2006
Gladstone is finally filling out and looking like a horse. His changes are coming along very well, so we might be able to move up to 3rd level mid season. (If not, it's no big deal.) We finished 2005 as ODS Vintage Amateur champion at 2nd level, with a median of 61.316%. (If he hadn't been such a big, silly spook at the Briar Fox Farm show, it would have been higher, but that's a horse for you.)
Happy New Year!
Lyn
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June 2005
Hi Mo,
What a great looking crop of babies you've had this year! Bet you're glad to breathe a big sigh of relief and get to relax a little.
We've hit a couple of shows and we have some good news, bad news, good news. Good news is that Gladstone and I are currently ranked at 5th in Amateur and 21st in open at 1st Level USDF. Bad news is that we probably won't stay that high, since our 1st level scores this year aren't as high as last fall. But also good news, is the reason why - Gladstone has come up in his frame for 2nd level, and that seems to have lowered his scores at 1st a little, although they're still respectable. And more good news is that we're doing ok at 2nd. I don't really consider him quite strong enough for the more collected work yet, so hopefully his scores will go up at the fall shows when he should be stronger. Even so, he's still been in the 60's, with a high of 65% his first time out! We had to sit out most of one of our shows in KS - he apparently banged his leg and was uncomfortable, so I scratched him rather than take a chance. As it turned out, he was fine, and he did well the following weekend at the Wild West show in Tulsa. Our adult team (3 Bays and a Grey) won the USDF Region 9 (north) team championship, too. He;s still a bit of a spook, but is much more mature about it now; Tulsa is a scary facility, with the audience close enough to reach out and touch, but he behaved quite well, mostly just rolling his eyes to the "bogeys."
The yearlings are fine. Granville is still small, but is very fancy, and Ghospel is very pretty and she looks rather mature; other than size, she could almost pass for an adult. After the next week or so, things should slow down for me a little, and I promise to get some pictures of them to you.
More later,
Lyn
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September 2004
Hi Mo,
Just a quick note to let you know that I�ve fallen off the end of the earth, but am ok. It's a crunch time at work, so I've had to put in a lot of extra hours, which has left little time for the horses. We were barely prepared for the Dallas show last weekend, which I'll pay for attending this week at work. Obviously, the first one to come up with the money will buy Eve, but I wanted to let you know I am still interested in her. I am certain that I want a Gold Luck daughter, so will plan on next year's crop if I miss this one. I don't want to let GL's good mind and lineage to slip through my fingers should something happen to him (hopefully many, many years from now.)
Gladstone was a star! We were First Level Champions (scores averaged - including amateurs, pros and kids.) We even got a gift certificate for $25, which is REAL money in our part of the world. It's been a while since I've shown in Texas, so I was afraid that we'd be less competitive. Not so; Gladstone is a great horse, and the judges love him. "You have an outstanding horse" from Elizabeth Madlener, who, as we all know, is not generous with compliments. I'll send other comments later. And I got my highest ever First Level score - over 70% - and 8's for gaits and impulsion!
More when I have time. I hope you're enjoying a quiet fall.
Lyn
June 2004
Hi Mo,
Sorry it's taken me a few days to get the news to you. After 354 days of gestation, Fanny foaled Granville at 2:30 a.m. June 18. Unfortunately, my mother died the next morning, so we've had a rough week.
Granville arrived strong and healthy. He's chestnut with big blaze (no surprise there) and has nice, clean straight legs with stocking right hind, sock right front. I was a little surprised that he has less color than either of his parents, but that's unimportant. He is very much a little boy, and already shows brilliant movement - no surprise there. He was smaller than either his mother or "bruncle" (brother/uncle) were at birth, but I presume (?) that isn't a predictor of adult size?
We have several pictures, and I'll get them to you soon. And before I forget, did you send the stallion certificate? Now that the baby is on the ground, I'll need to start the paperwork with AHS.
While I didn't feel much like going, Norm and my Dad said that I should still go to the Briar Fox Farm show Gladstone was entered in this weekend. Kay Meredith was the judge, and she really liked our boy. Written comments included "Impressive, elegant horse" and "Wonderful pair." During the lunch break yesterday, she made a point of telling me what a lovely horse I had, and what I needed to work on to get even higher scores. Kay was most impressed that he was a homebred, and said that he was one of the nicest she has seen. She also encouraged me to take my time in bringing Gladstone along, in that she has seen many nice, big horses pushed too hard, with bad results. Oh, I guess you need to know that we won all 4 of our classes (we showed First 1 and 2 both days), and were First level high point both days. We're getting spoiled by all the blues! I don't think that BFF had an overall high point, but I'll check their website once the scores are posted to confirm and to see where we stood.
How does USDF award points to stallions on their offspring? Is it by blues, or % scores? And are you glad that breeding/foaling season is winding down?
Lyn
May 2004
I'm excited to tell you that we can chalk up 4 more blues to Gold Luck's win column. We went to the KDEA show (Kansas) this weekend, and Gladstone won all four of his classes! The judge was Trip Harting. Saturday, Gladstone was a little unsettled in his first test, Training 4, but he still came out with a 65.385%. Then we got a 67.778% for First 1. Sunday he got a 67.778% again at First 1, then finished his day with a 68.847% for Training 4. Gladstone was also high point for First and Second levels - not bad for the first time out at First Level. (I hate to admit it, but Gladstone's biggest handicap is his old amateur rider; he's certainly capable of much higher scores.) To help you put GS's scores in perspective, the overall high point at the show was a 70% earned by a pro riding a very nice horse at training level.
What pleased me most about our boy is that it is now clear that he is going to be one of those horses who find comfort in the show ring. Gladstone never stopped looking & was worried doing our circuits around the outside of the ring (we all know that predators eat only the biggest horses, so a big boy just can't be too careful!) But the moment he stepped into the ring, it was like something clicked and he went straight to work. What a giant step forward! There is no doubt now that GS is going to be a show horse. And once he figures out that he's being admired, there will be no stopping the extra pizzazz he'll show. He's always been quite cocky at home, but hasn't quite figured it out away, but it won't be long now - he KNOWS he deserves admiration. What a hoot! I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful horse at this time in my life. I had been toying with hanging up my spurs, but Gladstone has made it all so much fun again that I wouldn't dream of quitting now.
Gladstone was much admired at the show, with several people asking about his breeding. I didn't catch her name, but a Hannoverian breeder from Kansas visited with us, and was excited to hear he was a Gold Luck. It seems that she visited you at your farm when she was back east, and was much impressed with Gold Luck and his kids.
Gotta run, but will let you know when the baby arrives. (I haven't been this excited about a foal, ever, but this is my special baby girl bred to my favorite stallion.)
April 2004 Update
Hi Mo,
Well, we don't have much longer to wait for the baby. I can't wait to see it, especially to see if we get that 4th white sock. Fanny is still carrying a full workload, and has kept her girlish figure remarkably well. The vet was out yesterday for another horse, but thought she looked just fine. She's due the end of May - early June (probably the weekend that I'm out of town for a horse show.)
Gladstone and I took your advice, and are trying the FEI 5 year old test at our shows May 1 & 2. I should have downloaded the tests earlier, since we're not fully on top of the simple changes, but Gladstone is willing to give it all a try. He seems to have grown up this winter (at least mentally.) I've taken him out a couple of times, and he's at least going around the ring now. Things are still scary, but he now goes forward when I ask, and we're getting mid 60s and he even got an 8 for gaits! There's hope! I had thought that Gladstone had finished getting taller, and was filling out. However, my husband informed me last month that his rear end has gotten taller, again. He now stands 17-2, and is still very immature physically. He has muscled up a lot, but still has a long way to go. At least he now has cheeks, and the front legs come out of different sockets. I'll try to get some current pictures to you in the near future, maybe combined with baby photos. The good news is that Gladstone is turning into the best horse I've ever owned. His mind is so good and he is willing to try anything. We threw halfpass at him for the first time a couple of weeks ago in a clinic, no problem. He just went like he'd been doing it for months. And his half steps are getting very good. Let's hope the judges like him well enough for us to qualify for the national championships in September.
More later, Lyn |
