Briar Rose Stables

Back from Hiatus

2009-07-13T02:27:00.003-04:00

Wow, it has been almost a year since my last entry. I took a rather unexpected hiatus from the hobby, mostly due to a lack of free time. My work schedule will be changing soon to a much more manageable load so I hope to be back full force very soon. I haven't had any new additions since I am pretty much out of shelf space at this point. I may actually have to start weeding out some of my least favorite models to make sure, althought I would still hate to see them go. Hopefully I can manage to post here a little more frequently.

Got my grab bag!

2008-06-30T23:23:00.002-04:00

Well, I came home from work to find my grab bag waiting for me. Here is the list of what I got:

Inolvidable (02' Breyerfest Celebration Horse)
Lady Liberty (07' Breyerfest Special Run)
Picture Perfect American Spotted Draft Mare
Sierra Blanco (Fall 07' Collector's Choice)
Patches (00' Breyerfest Special Run)
Buffalo (02' Breyerfest Special Run)
JAH 06' Mini Connoisseur Set
Mini Whinnies Canadian Rockies Show Jumping Derby

I definately think I got my money's worth. I'm contemplating ordering another one but first I have to find space for the ones I just got :)

Would you like to see model horses in the Toy Hall Of Fame?

2008-06-26T17:51:00.001-04:00

As quoted from Breyer's website:

Would you like to see model horses in the Toy Hall Of Fame?

All it takes is a click to vote for including Breyer! Go to http://www.strongmuseum.org/NTHoF/nominate.asp to make your opinion count!

Cast your ballot today. Entries close August 30, 2008.

New JAH Subscription Promotion

2008-06-25T18:00:00.000-04:00

I know we've all been drooling over Newsworthy since Breyer started giving sneakpeaks at the mold. If you subscribe to JAH and enter the word HUNTER into the subscription box, you'll be entered in a drawing to win him. The deadline is July 2nd so if you want to be entered you better get moving. The link below is the full story on Breyer's website.

http://www.breyerhorses.com/news/detail.php?eventid=628

Breyer Grab Bags

2008-06-24T23:52:00.002-04:00

So, word has it that Breyer is doing a grab bag. You pay $100 and get $250 worth of models. I heard about this on both Model Horse Blab and Fallen Leaves so it seems pretty reliable. I will order mine tomorrow and post with the results. Here are the particulars.

Call 1-800-444-4775
Talk to someone in customer service. They are only open until 4:00 eastern time and only on weekdays.
Give your name, address, credit card # and tell them where you heard about this.
You don't have to be in the collector's club or anything.
Each bag is $100 + S&H (around $12) and takes 3-4 weeks (maybe less) to get to you.

Riding Lessons by Sara Gruen

2008-06-23T00:04:00.005-04:00

I picked this book up soley because it was half off at Target. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. It was engaging and technically accurate. This was Sara Gruen's first novel and I was impressed. As a genetics buff, I love the fact that the main horse is a white brindle :) I hate how her publisher keeps comparing her to Horse Whisperer. I think her writing definately stands out well enough on its own. This book gets four horse shoes!

New Custom!

2008-06-09T00:54:00.003-04:00

I saw this little guy at the show I went to a few weeks ago. I couldn't resist when I saw he was for sale. He's the Breyer Bouncer mold customized to a honey bay using pastels. He's glossy too. I can't wait to get him home.

I was intending on buying Flash this weekend. That didn't happen because I wound up waiting over ten minutes to be rung up at a local tack store. This has happened several times at this store and I decided that they didn't deserve my model buying business. I did wind up buying the G3 Stablemate Highland Pony and Fresian from Target. I got the Patch Paint & Activity set too because the boyfriend wants to give customizing a shot. Is he great or what? :)

Back from my first live show!

2008-05-31T19:14:00.003-04:00

Well, after almost ten years of collecting I finally made it to my first live show. I didn't get any 1st or 2nd placings but I did come home with nine ribbons at the end of the day. It was pretty amazing to meet fellow collectors. I've never actually met another model horse collector in person before today. Pretty pathetic, huh? :)

I did have a bit of confusion, due to a beginners mistake on my part. My custom Fresian had won a NAN card in a draft class before I bought him so that is how I intended on showing him. However, I was informed that Fresians should actually be in the carriage breed class. That class had already been judged but the judge was nice enough to let me put him in "other draft".

Peter Stone released a couple of horses at the show but none of them really struck my fancy. I did pick up a Texas Trinket though. I'll shoot some pictures once I get home but here is what she looks like.

Vet Explains What Happened To Theodore O’Connor

2008-05-30T15:44:00.001-04:00

Vet Explains What Happened To Theodore O’Connor

Renowned veterinarian Kent Allen DVM, who attended to the devastating injuries of international event pony Theodore O’Connor yesterday morning, explained what happened and why he had to be euthanized.

Allen, who practices near the Middleburg, Va. base of Team O’Connor and is a long-time friend and veterinarian, shared the story with thehorse.com. Here’s what he said.

"Karen and David (O'Connor) would have done anything to let this little guy have a shot."

Allen described the accident as “a freak thing” and said, "The right thing to do was euthanize him."

"He spooked at something while being ridden and bolted," Allen said.

"The rider came off and the horse ran toward the barn. He got into a freak accident and slid into the side of the barn and lacerated his right hind leg about 4 inches above the fetlock on the back of the leg. It looked like a knife cut it; he severed the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, ligaments, cut both branches of the arterial blood supply, and nerves. My experience with injuries like this are that the chances of reattaching the vascular supply and nerve supply and reattaching the tendons and ligaments is almost zero The horse was remarkably calm and let me examine him completely,” Allen noted.

"Realistically, there was nothing we could do," he said. Allen said two other veterinarians were there, and agreed with the decision to euthanize the pony.

Loss of Theodore O'Connor

2008-05-28T23:23:00.003-04:00

What a sad loss for the O'Connors, eventing and the horse world in general. My thoughts are with Karen and David.

May 28, 2008
Statement from Karen and David O’Connor regarding Theodore O'Connor:

It is with great sadness that we must announce Theodore O'Connor - "Teddy" - was humanely euthanized today, May 28, 2008, after an injury sustained in an accident at the O'Connor farm.

The injury consisted of a severe laceration to the hind leg which severed tendons and ligaments alike, and was a direct result from Teddy slipping after he spooked and bolted. Our staff attended to his needs, and Dr. A Kent Allen was there to exam the horse before it was determined that the injury was irrecoverable and impairing to Teddy's quality of life. This is a devastating loss for O'Connor Equestrian, and we appreciate all the prayers, support, thoughts, and sympathy during this difficult time.

Condolences may be sent to Karen and David O'Connor, Teddy's groom Max Corcoran, his breeder P.Wynn Norman, and the rest of his owners in the Theodore O'Connor Syndicate via email at teddy@oconnoreventteam.com.

Congress Joins Horse Racing Debate

2008-05-27T00:32:00.000-04:00

I've been struggling with keeping my opinions out of the whole horse racing issue. The Eight Bells tragedy is still fresh in my mind and I hope she wasn't lost for naught. For now, I'll still to posting news stories as they develop.

Congress joins debate on racing, thoroughbred troubles
House panel to study drugs, breakdowns and breeding
By Andrew Wolfson • awolfson@courier-journal.com • May 24, 2008

First, it was steroids in baseball. Now Congress is turning its attention to the horse racing business.
Citing concerns that "leading officials in the sport" have failed to address longstanding concerns over the welfare of thoroughbred racehorses, a House panel has demanded that state racing commissions provide information on breakdowns, drug use and breeding.
Saying the public demise of Eight Belles in this year's Kentucky Derby shows that the "thoroughbred breed has become increasingly fragile," the leaders of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection say they want answers by June 2.
The panel expects to hold a hearing sometime next month on the state of horse racing in the United States, said Kristin Walker, press secretary to U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield of Kentucky, its ranking minority member. Whitfield and subcommittee Chairman Bobby Rush, D-Chicago, made their demands in a letter sent this week to the Lexington-based Association of Racing Commissioners International, which represents 44 jurisdictions.

They ask the organization to identify by name every trainer who has been sanctioned for medication infractions during the past five years and for a list of the nature and severity of the injuries of every horse over that period.

They also ask if the racing commissioners would favor a comprehensive tracking system for track-related thoroughbred injuries and if they would support a central national body to govern horse racing, such as the one in the United Kingdom.

The letter does not reveal how the information will be used, but it does say that "we believe Congressional oversight should play a role in determining whether the special status of the sport under federal law is still warranted."

In 1978, Congress enacted the Interstate Horseracing Act, allowing racetracks to televise their races to off-track locations for wagering, then amended it in 2002 to allow wagering at home over the phone and Internet.

Alex Waldrop, chief executive of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, said yesterday that the "health and safety of our horses is a top priority for the thoroughbred racing industry, and we do appreciate Congressmen Rush's and Whitfield's interest in our sport."

He said he believes the commissioners' group will cooperate fully with the request. Waldrop said the NTRA supports an injury-reporting system but opposes a federal racing commission because there are already groups like his own and the commissioners' association to promote uniform regulations nationally.

"We believe that states are the right places to govern these issues," he said.
Waldrop testified before the subcommittee in February, when it examined how drug use in various sports, including horse racing, was affecting safety and the integrity of competition.
The congressmen's letter says that "many, if not most, racing experts believe that the thoroughbred breed has become increasingly ... incapable of withstanding ... the rigors of dirt racing on the track."

It cites charges that breeders are "biologically engineering horses to run very fast at a very early stage in their lives at the expense of long-term durability," and the use of race-day medications that allow unsound horses to compete and pass on their genetic infirmities to their offspring.
Officials with the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, Racing Commissioners International and Churchill Downs could not be reached for comment.

My First Live Show!

2008-05-26T01:43:00.000-04:00

I know...I've been a really bad blogger. I've just been so busy with work and school and everything else in my life. Good news is that I more than likely will be going to my first live show this weekend. I'm really looking forward to showing off some of the customs that I've accumulated lately. I'm waiting to hear back from the show holder to see if I can still get in. I'll be sure to post a full report if I do. :)

New Custom!

2008-03-14T01:41:00.003-04:00

I am super excited because a brand new custom will be on her way to me soon. I have been wanting a custom like this forever and I finally found someone to remake a Henry Breyer model into the fjord mare of my dreams. I think that I will name her Jódís, which is a viking word for horse goddess. I think I am in love (just don't let my other customs know that, hehe).

At last count, she will be the 179th horse in my collection. Luckily 145 of those turned out to be stablemates :)

Flicka

2008-03-01T23:37:00.004-05:00

I was initially boycotting this movie because of the "disneyfication" of the story. There is very little in common with the classic My Friend Flicka that we have all come to know and love. With that being said, I love this movie. The cinematography is amazing. I think it is well done and has a believable story line that isn't dumbed down. I think the clincher for this movie is the sound track. Wild Horses, performed by Natasha Bedingfield, is one of those rare songs that actually makes me tear up when I hear it. I had to watch this movie by myself because of that one scene. This gets the coveted five horse shoe award!

Sorry for the hiatus

2008-03-01T23:07:00.004-05:00

It has been forever since I've had a chance to post a new blog. I'm working and going to school which means very little time for horses, both model and real. I've added a few classics and stablemates here and there. The KB Toys in the Newport Center Mall had Breyers on sale so I stocked up. I'll have a TON of reviews coming soon.

At the moment, I am searching for a new college to attend. I haven't been able to take any science classes at St. Peter's College, which doesn't really work since I am a natural science major. I'm thinking Rutger's may be a good option but it is extremely difficult to get into. I am also job hunting. I work in a very small store where I am the only employee which means I've pretty much topped out when it comes to salary. My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost five years now and would really like to get our own place, but we can't until I have a better salary.

I may be interviewing at a high end health club soon so wish me luck on that. If I actually get normal working hours there, I may be able to get back to horseback riding. It's been a little over a year since I have been in the saddle and I'm having withdrawals. I'll be able to take my Girl Scout troop riding soon so atleast I'll get a trail ride in. Well, I think that's enough rambling for now but I promise to be more active in blogging.

Hanover Shoe Farms/Gettysburg

2007-08-21T23:02:00.000-04:00

I am glad that we decided to make this trip. The seminar was great and I got to drool over some of Hanover Shoe Farm's best yearlings. We also got to see the Panderosaa and No Pan Intended. Their facilities are absolutely amazing. I learned a lot and I even got to chat with a fellow color genetics freak from the USTA :) We also made a stop over in Gettysburg and Harrisburg so some of those pics are tossed in here too.

Hanover Shoe Farm/Gettysburg

Horsez for PS2

2007-08-13T13:30:00.001-04:00

This review is for the video game Horsez for Playstation 2. I can honestly say that this is the best horsey video game I have ever played. Most horse games are far too childish and easy. This game presented a real challenge. The complicated story line requires the player to actually think their ways out of predicaments. You are responsible for your own training and the care of your horse. Your character is at an equestrian boarding school where you take lessons in everything from show jumping to horse body language. They even turn cleaning hooves into a challenging game. The graphics are great as well. Definately deserves four horse shoes!

Bella Sara

2007-08-13T13:12:00.000-04:00

This review is of Bella Sara Trading Cards. I purchased these on whim just to see what they were about. Each card features horse artwork along with a postive quote or saying. Each card also has an activation code that you can enter on the Bella Sara website. Once your horse is entered you can groom, feed and play games with your horse. It is definately geared more towards children but I know plenty of adults who also collect Bella Sara cards. The website is well designed and enjoyable to use. I give it three horseshoes. They are still in the developing stages it seems. Once they have everything built up a bit more, they're rating will definately go up :)

She Flies Without Wings

2007-08-13T13:04:00.000-04:00

This review is of the book She Flies Without Wings: How Horses Touch a Woman's Soul by Mary D. Midkiff. This was another amazing book. It was so nice to read the experiences of someone who is like me, feeling more at home in the barn and with horses than anywhere else. Mary tells the story of her own life from childhood to middle age through the stories of the horses that have made impressions in her heart. She makes you laugh and she makes you cry, while also causing you to think about your own life and horse experiences. Another must read. Four horse shoes!

Tao of Equus

2007-08-13T12:56:00.000-04:00

This review is of the book Tao of Equus by Linda Kohanov. I have to say that this book is the single most influential book that I have ever read. It drastically changed the way I think about everything from my reltionships with horses to my relationships with people. It also shed a new light on the situation with Bailey that I discussed in a previous post. This allowed me to finally let go and stop blaming myself for the things that have happened in the past. If you are a woman and you love horses this is an absolute must read. Even if you aren't, it will change your life. This book definately deserves the coveted 5 horseshoes!

I am so behind on reviews so I just might be posting a few today :)

New Addition

2007-08-12T19:39:00.000-04:00

Well, I couldn't resist the temptation of seeing if they had any new Breyers at Tuesday Mornings. I'm glad I caved in though because I got a Chubasco & Caravelle for $30! They are normally $65 so I think I made out pretty well. Now if I could just figure out where I can find room for them on my multitude of shelves...

Only one more week until my trip to Hanover Shoe Farms! It should be an awesome experience. I promise to take tons of pictures and post them here.

Hambletonian

2007-08-07T00:49:00.000-04:00

This was another weekend at the Meadowlands for me. I was a little disappointed that Pampered Princess didn't beat out the boys but it was an excellent race as always.

Hambletonian 2007

Hambletonian Festival

2007-07-30T22:39:00.000-04:00

This weekend was the Hambletonian Festival and we had a blast. It started with the parade in Rutherford,NJ. Silly me only took pictures of the horses :) You can see them in the slideshow below. I loved seeing so many different horses in one place. With the exception of the lady standing next to me who thought braided manes and tails were cruel, the crowd was great. After the parade we were able to get autographs of harness racing drivers and trainers, including John Campbell.

Hambletonian Festival

We were completely starved and overheated so we made our way to the Rutherford Blimpie. Post time wasn't until 5:00 so we started looking for things to do. We attempted to visit Mane Connection but they were closed. It was probably for the better since I probably would have brought home a Breyer or two. It was too hot to walk anywhere so we killed the rest of the time wandering around the Garden State Mall.

We got to the Meadowlands early so we could catch the USTA youth race. The ponies and kids were so cute. We also picked up out giveaways which were pretty nice messenger bags. Not bad for a $1.00 admission. The Eliminations were great to watch and Pampered Princess is my pick to win the Hambo. It'd be great if she won too because a fillie hasn't won this race since 1996.

Bridled

2007-07-25T16:39:00.000-04:00

I found this movie on YouTube and I thought it was great. Enjoy!

Breyerfest Weekend

2007-07-23T15:54:00.001-04:00

Well, this weekend marks yet another Breyerfest that I'm stuck at home. I did have some model horse fun though thanks to the wonderful folks on Fallen Leaves. Every year they do a great giveaway. I won two adorable Hartland foals, one palomino and one flaxen chestnut. I also won a factory error Little Bit ASB. They forgot to paint his eyes and hooves!

Of course, we can't leave out the Model Horse Blab. I ordered their Stone Special Run Honey (Palomino Sabino Palouse, yay) and I can't wait for her to get here.

Hopefully I'll actually have the funds to attend Breyerfest next year. I've never had the chance to meet so many fellow collectors in one place.

My First Product Review!

2007-07-19T22:52:00.001-04:00

I use so many horse related products that I figured I might as well start writing reviews on them. I'm going to use a 1 to 5 scale, one being sucky and five being great. I even found a cute little horseshoe graphic to use.

In honor of Funny Cide's recent retirement I am reviewing the book Funny Cide. I found this book incredibly interesting. It followed every detail of his life from foaling up until he lost Preakness. I was left feeling almost like I knew Funny because of how much they described his personality and habits. It's a side of Funny that most of us didn't get to see in the press. It's amazing that the Barnes and Noble in Hoboken had it for only $5.00! It was writen as more of a human interest piece but it was writen by his owners who are more like investors than horsemen. I would definately recommend this book. It gets four horseshoes out of five, but only because I am very hard to please. :)

Hoboken Mounted Police

2007-07-18T17:49:00.000-04:00

I've been working in Hoboken for a few months know so I thought I should post something about the city's resident equines. I'm so glad they are here and I appreciate the chance to get to see a horse every once in a while.

Hoboken Mounted Police from Brad Miller and Vimeo.

Awesome Podcast

2007-07-17T00:18:00.000-04:00

I've recently discovered Horse Girl TV. It's an awesome podcast and definately a must see.

I'm also super excited because at the end of August I get to go see the yearlings at Hanover Shoe Farm!

I need a 12 step program for platic ponies :)

2007-07-15T16:09:00.000-04:00

Well, I've added yet another horse to the collection. Mike agreed to drive me Rick's Saddle Shop so that I could look for those ellusive decorator Silvers. No special Silver were to be found though. This time I got the 2006 Fall Collector's Choice, Autumn Shimmer. She was just too pretty to leave her sitting on the shelf. I love her high gloss and she had the sweetest expression. This picture is from Breyer but it really doesn't do her justice.

Men Doing Dressage

2007-07-10T18:30:00.000-04:00

This video is hilarious!

Yet Another New Addition

2007-07-07T22:21:00.000-04:00

The custom stablemate Fresian came very quickly and I am in love . The picture just doesn't do this little guy justice. He's my first horse that actually won some live shows (he has three NAN cards!) so I am very proud. The toy store by my boyfriend's house is going out of business. I got a Starman (glossy 2004 collector's edition Old Timer). I'm still trying to figure out what breed to assign to him. I'll be sad to see this store go. The lady who used to own the place knew I was a collector and she would set things aside for me. We'd have these long conversations about which models she should buy for her granddaughter. She retired a few years ago though and they haven't gotten any new horses since then .

Accidental New Addition to the Herd

2007-07-05T04:23:00.000-04:00

Well, I accidentally won a custom SM on ebay. I had forgotten about bidding on him before I commited to buying my resin. He is a cute little guy though. He' the one in the picture above.
I had to make a stop at Target so I also picked up the new stablemate Arabian. I have to say that I am in love with his paint job. You couldn't tell in the store but he has a really neat metallic sheen to him.
Just on more week until my resin is paid off and he can come home :)

R.I.P Bailey

2007-07-04T03:01:00.000-04:00

I usually try to keep my posts light hearted but I can't today. It has been seven months from the day that my care horse, Bailey was put to sleep.
I was attending college and every equine major is assigned a horse to take care of. Right before Christmas break, the management at the barn forced me to body clip Bailey. This was despite my many complaints about his physical and mental well being. He was old, skinny, narcoleptic, lame and was terrified of clippers. Those are five very big reasons to NOT clip a horse. Because it risked getting a failing grade, I had to cave in and do it anyway.
A week later I received an email from the school's vet letting me know that Bailey had been put to sleep. Ever since then, I've been struggling with overwhelming feelings of guilt and anger. Was me clipping him the straw that broke the camels back? I'll never know but I do know that it never should have been done. I mourned him like you would a person and I still do. On the fourth of every month I am reminded of the sad horse who was in so much pain.
This one event was the impetus for me leaving that particular college. I did not want to be attached to the name of an institution that could do this to a horse. I miss the barn and riding with every fiber of my being. I still have passion and the desire to have a career with horses, I just need to find somewhere else to pursue my education.

My First Resin

2007-07-02T03:01:00.000-04:00

I am jumping up and down with excitement because I just put a deposit on my very first resin. He is a SM scale Rearing Brushfire resin sculpted by Kathleen Moody and resculpted and painted By Penn Youngman. He is a soft roan with faint dappling, flashy sabino markings and one blue eye. He is adorable (atleast I think so) and he was a steal at just $100. I will definately be posting pictures as soon as I get my hands on him.

Wachovia Classic at Beacon Hill

2007-06-28T05:17:00.000-04:00

I was so very happy this past weekend. My boyfriend surprised me with a trip to the Wachovia Classic at Beacon Hill. It had been so long since I'd been around horses. He even let me drag him back the next day to see the Budwiser Grand Prix. I've never been to a Grand Prix before and it was amazing to see my childhood heros up close. All of the horses were amazing. Joe Fargis won with his horse Edgar. I thought it was awesome since Joe and Edgar were two of the oldest competitors there. It was great to watch such a well paired rider and horse jumping so well. On the model horse side of things, I picked up two stablemates when we stopped at Target on the way to the horse show. They didn't have a huge selection but I got the new Tennessee Walker and Andalusian. I especially love the paint job and eyes on the Andalusian. It's amazing how far the paint jobs on stablemates have come since I first started collecting. Well, this is my first blog on here. Let me know what you think of it!