Members News

What are you doing with your horses this winter?  Send in your photos to info@spanishbarb.org and we will put them on the website.

Some more great photos from SBHA member Silke Schneider from Silver City, MN of her Spanish Barbs this winter.

Si Si and La Reina making snow angels.

Silke Schneider on SiSi at the Dixon's Ranch

Silke's friend Dave on La Reina riding the Continental Divide Trail in MN.

Silke and Juanita riding the Continental Divide Trail in MN.

Juanita doing fire control at Silke's home.

Enjoy some awesome photos of SBHA member John Mayer, from NM and his Spanish Barb Gavin.

If you know John you know he loves riding Gavilan.

In Memory of Jean Walsh

If we were to use only 2 words to encompass Jean – generosity and integrity stand out. Loyal ambassador, admirer, owner and supporter of Spanish-Barb Horses, are synonymous when thinking of Jean.

Her devoted relationship with the horses and the Spanish Barb Breeders Association spanned over 30 years. Jean logged thousands of miles across the country to join others at an annual meeting,  and show or simply a gathering of breed enthusiasts.

The Association Archives contain numerous articles penned by Jean to help others learn, share and enjoy experiences she had through the horses.

She served as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Registrar, Inspector and a member of the Board of Directors of the Spanish-Barb Breeders Association. Her eye was often on the future, speaking of the need for the Spanish-Barb to be introduced to younger people and children. This meant helping and supporting promotion in many areas of riding and different types of performance with her horses; as well as helping and supporting others and their horses. Jean believed strongly not only in preservation and conservation of the breed for the future, but also in training, varied discipline of performance and simply riding and enjoying the companionship of a horse. She was a champion for the breed to be seen and respected for their ability, tractability, stamina, and versatility.

True to her southern hospitality, she eagerly shared Aramore Farm with many fellow horse lovers. No matter how long a visit, people would find themselves with her at her barns being proudly introduced to “the herd”. Conversations would flow around the sounds of neighing and the sights of swishing tails.

Age old historical documentation and validation in print of the Spanish-Barb, the breed standard and the Spanish Horse’s development in the World were a prelude to pursuit that sometimes took Jean abroad to learn of and view horses of Spanish Lineage. She was very interested in, and corresponded with Spanish Horse owners and breeders in other countries. Her interest spanned the entire breed, not just her own personal horses. Her barns and breeding program included the progeny of all the Foundation Strains of the SBBA during her active years.

Jean was an avid rider and accomplished horse-woman. Where she felt she lacked in skill, for the betterment of the breed and her horses, she would seek out other horsemen and women to assist in promotional efforts. Always turning to what would best serve the horses and the integrity of the Association and it’s Registry.

The Spanish-Barb, the Association and all who cherish and admire this breed of horse owe a debt of gratitude to Jean Walsh. For Jean herself, there was no room for personal praise.

It was always.... Because of and For the Horses……she is dearly missed.


By Peg Freitag

Photos of Article VII - Leo Owned by Rosemary Gordon-Panuco at her Annual Fun Day on December 31, 2011, at her facility, Constitution Stables in Oro Valley, AZ

 Alfredo Mandivil at the Fun Show with his jumping spotted burro

Silke Schneider on Si Si and Marjorie Dixon on Hidalgo riding at the Dixon's Ranch in St. David, AZ,

from Silke Schneider

Silke Schnedier with SiSi

Snow Photos of Dripping Springs Ranch in Mule Creek, NM,
from Heidi Collings

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy's 2011 of the year

SBHA Member Maureen Kirk-Detberner's photo "Boss Mare" win the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy's 2011 Photo of the year!  Maureen submitted her photo of Pilar a Wilbur-Cruce mare owned by Silke Schneider and Sabana a Wilbur-Cruce mare owned by Marjorie Dixon, to the ALBC 2011 photo contest and won. 

“Children’s Fiesta Day” at the Peralta Adobe

On November 6th, Stone Shield, a Colonial Spanish Horse of the Wilbur-Cruce strain, made her appearance at “Children’s Fiesta Day” at the Peralta Adobe - our first event in Santa Clara County. The Fiesta Day was part of History San Jose’s month-long Founders celebration. The Peralta Adobe, San Jose’s oldest domestic structure is located in the heart of old downtown San Jose. The attendance of from 300-400 was not as expected, with about 100 people present. This was likely due to modest marketing of the event by our hosts. Our achievement is of partnering successfully with History San Jose lays a foundation for future high profile and better attended events in 2012. Support from the adobe was evident in the posters that they made taken from our flyers. And our advance trip to the site and meeting with the Education Director, Barbara ensured that everything was in place when we arrived. A public address system made it much easier when we gave a presentation on the status and value of the Colonial Spanish Horses.

Period saddle-maker and Californio historian John Grafton presented a history of the development of the saddle and the importance of cattle ranching to the area. He also spoke about the origin of the cowboy boot, as developed from the Vaquero bota, or leggings. (I learn something new from John, each time he speaks.) Olga, John’s friend, dressed as a Californio lady wearing a black lace mantilla and reboso wrap. Now I have a better appreciation of why Californio women dressed in layers of petticoats. It grew chilly in the late afternoon the extra flannel petticoats were very welcome.
 
Everyone in our little team was so helpful, which took a lot of work off my shoulders. Everything was so smooth, and even Stone Shield was more relaxed. I was so impressed how she exited the trailer, and ignored downtown high-rises; stepped up onto the sidewalk and walked confidently down the street past the bars and cafés and onto the Peralta Adobe part, all as if it had been her home all along. She promptly went about pulling up weeks in her temporary corral, all for the benefit of the grounds-keepers! She let us know at the end of the day that she was ready to clock-out with a series of whinneys that seemed to say, “Ok, my shift is over – it’s time for me to go home now”.

We enjoyed traveling together in Bill Spencer’s hired crew cab and 20’ trailer. It was fun swapping stories of the day and planning a dinner out in the future to plan for next year. Thank you SBHA for helping us to attend and to show our critically-endangered horses to a broader audience.

John Galvin and Deb Wolfe are together developing a pictorial glossary of Californio Vaquero attire, and tack. We have been invited to lead off the 2012 San Mateo County Historical Association docent training, in January. The coordinators want to do something new by inviting the general public in addition to the docents. This will make it possible to offer our talk to a larger audience to attend.

Photos of Bekah Seigien and Heidi Collings working horses at Dripping Springs Ranch 

More photos from the Burro Mt. Meeting.

From left to right, Louis Novak, Bekah Segien, Heidi Collings and Shelia Seigien

Heidi Collings

Trail Ride at Burro Mt.

Mike & Sandy Bruce

Silke Schneider & SiSi

Trail Ride at Burro Mt.

"Children's Day", a part of History San Jose's 'Founders Month'

Take advantage of another opportunity to see a Colonial Spanish Horse, in person.

Visit and Learn About a Colonial Spanish Horse
See and Speak to a Spanish Vaquero
Many Children's Activities
Vaquero Roping Demonstration

For information about Colonial Spanish Horses - Contact Deb Wolfe: ColonialSpanishHorse@gmail.com


When: Sunday, November 6th
Hours: Noon until 4:00 p.m.

Where: The historic Peralta Adobe
175 West St. John Street
San Jose, CA 95110

Phone: (408) 287-2290

Web: HistorySanJose.org


*The Peralta Adobe is San José’s oldest address. Built in 1797, the Peralta Adobe is the last remaining structure from El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, in San Jose, California

Annual SBHA Meeting at Burro Mountain - September 15 - 18

It was another wonderful time at Burro Mountain!  Mike Bruce cooked up some marvelous breakfasts meals complete with biscuits and super bar-b-que.  Heidi was our trail boss and she took the group riders on to ride on some fabulous trails.  Becky cooked her famous chicken enchiladas and the SBHA members pitched in with some tasty side dishes to share. 

Silke Schneider brought an interview with Eva Cruce to share.  We got to watch it after Saturday's meeting.  The general meeting was exciting as SBHA is going to help any of the members that want to promote the horses.  SBHA is in the process of developing a marketing brochure for future events.  If you are interested in promoting the horses in your part of the world please contact the SBHA board with your ideas.

Do you have any photos of this years Burro Mountain event?  Please send them to Maureen at mkirk @ fastwinn.com and she will include them on this page. 

Rancho Day Fiesta - September 17, 2011

Guests to Pacifica's annual "Rancho Day' at the Sanchez Adobe, in San Mateo County, September 17th enjoyed a new attraction, a Spanish Colonial horse. Stone Shield, represented the horses found in Alta California during the Spanish and Mexican periods of Central California History. Stone Shield, a Colonial Spanish horse of the Wilbur-Cruce Rancher strain, an overo paint with blue eyes, was the most admired living history feature of the day. In addition to adobe brick making, bread baking and butter churning, adults and children wove wheat dolls, and practiced tooling leather or roping "Black Bart" a steer head. Stone Shield's owner, Deb Wolfe, spoke to visitors about the vital role of the Spanish horse in the development of Vaquero horsemanship; the contribution of the spanish horse to American horse breeds; and the physical features that distinguish the Colonial Spanish horse from other breeds.

The horse was the best part of the day" "I came form San Francisco, just to see the Spanish horse" said one woman of Spanish descent. Guests asked many thoughtful questions, including 'How are Colonial Horses different than mustangs' ' 'How do you know that these horses are really Spanish' and ''I can't believer there are only 92 left!' and 'She's so beautiful!' Over a dozen small groups returned to visit two and three times to see and to pet Stone Shield, most staying for a half hour or more just to enjoy visiting with her or asking additional questions.

Vaquero musician Jim Aceves demonstrated how the Spanish period saddles differed from later American saddles. Each of the four demonstration saddles showed the carved image of a rose of Our Lady of Guadelupe, and the geometric patterns that are often used to decorate Spanish saddles.

Californio Vaqueros in period attire set up an authentic Vaquero camp site, and with beautiful Spanish Saddles designed and made by period saddle maker and blacksmith, John Grafton, of Aromas, California.

Before the day was over, we were invited to return next year. The president of the San Mateo County History Association enjoyed the presentations and stayed for all the talks we offered. We were also invited to attend San Jose Founder's Day celebration by an officer in Los Californios who offered their organizations' support.

Thanks to the Board of the BHA for making our participation possible!

Sanchez Adobe Historic Site
1000 Linda Mar Boulevard, Pacifica, CA 94404
Sanchezadobe@historysmc.org
www.historysmc.org
650-299-0104

For older news on the SBHA members go here. 


Member Deni Mitchell's Poem on her Spanish Barb Mare Lucia

The Secret

Words I have spoken through the ears of this horse
Bond her heart with mine on our fateful course
I am drawn to her pasture day after day
To watch her enchantment, her magical way
Quietly she grazes in the stillness of dawn
Then a twitch of her flank, thundering hooves, she is gone
Just a streak of black satin from mane to tail
Silently taunting, catch me, you’ll fail
So I watch from the gate her frolic and run
Hoping she’ll tire and finally be done
Closer she comes, I catch her blue eyes
As she prances along, does she think she can fly?
But we connect through our gaze, me and this mare
Words I have spoken, the secret we share.


For Lucia
Deni Mitchell 12/24/09