horse of a different color

I am gonna put myself out there and do a post on prejudice. I believe it comes in many aspects and not just to mankind. I have some experience in this because well....I ride a horse of a different color, literally and physically.



























I have never been one to be shy to say exactly what is on my mind at anytime or place in my life. This is a blessing and a curse. Not long ago when I was on my search for a new horse Frank came along. I will admit it was his color that threw me, for more reasons than one. I have always been a fan of colored horses, have been owned by Appaloosa's, Paints and Pintos. I have never really considered a horse of Frank's color. Heck I will be honest, did not even no Perlino was an existing color. AQHA did not recognize the color until just a few short years ago regardless of parentage.

I did some research before I bought Frank because of my lack of knowledge on his coloration and if there were any known problems because of it. I had heard rumors and tales from well meaning friends and acquaintances that they sunburn, flys are attracted to them, and that their eyesight is poor because of the blue eyes. I was also told that they would be hard to keep clean, wouldn't get used in a show class because of the eyes, etc. etc.

Just what is a Perlino? How does a grey stallion and a black mare throw a perlino?
Genetics are a wonderful thing, I know cause I have my mama's thighs.....
Basically to make light of a very serious subject, a Perlino is a double dilute both parents lack the red gene. They are in a sense a buckskin reversed. There is a wonderful website filled with all sorts of fun facts to check out here .

I will tell you I fell in love with the Frank despite all the brew ha ha over his coloration. Some facts:
1) yes he is a bit dirtier than a darker horse but not as bad as feared.



















I have helpers for cleaning anyway!




2) He does not sunburn, for unlike a horse with white on it he has pigment.
3) I notice as many flys on his horse friends as are on him.
4) Yes he squints in direct sunlight,(so do I!) we use a fly mask when we are out. I do not notice any difference in his eyesight.
5) Yes , unfortunately I do believe there has been prejudice against his color in a show atmosphere.
6) He is the most mild mannered horse I know.




















My oldest getting ready to ride!

7)A good horse is a good horse no matter the color!























He is worth his weight in gold for this!



So what are your thoughts? Are you prejudice to color?


Happy trails......

Hello out there......

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and all of the other stuff I missed.

I am here alive and kicking. This has by far been the worst winter of my life so far. Sigh......it was -3 this morning, I am so over it. We have 4 inches of snow on the ground again and NO the fact that this is not a normal winter here in Kentucky does not comfort me. I heard that crap last year.

Frank is doing well, not getting ridden much with the cold weather. When it reaches 30, (which is rare these days) I do go out and saddle him up and take a spin. I must say Frank is on his way to becoming one of my very best horses. I love the fact that he is the same regardless how much or little I ride him. He is a true gentleman. The barn is working out OK, i still prefer having him in my back yard but this is the way it is right now. He has fast become the favorite to all the kids taking lessons at the barn. He really sticks out being the only quarter horse and cream colored at that.

I have been doing a lot of thinking as to what Frank and I will be doing this coming year. I am a little disillusioned with showing, at least in the association I had been showing. When I joined it was all about the all around horse and having fun. Now it seems that you need a specialized horse for each class unless you are happy with the middle of the road. I am looking into starting a new affiliate with another ranch horse association here in Kentucky. I am heading to Memphis next weekend to check it out. The premise is only four classes total and each horse is judged individually in each class. There is a class winner and an all around winner at days end with the averages of the individual classes. I am definitely going to do some trail riding again....it is my true love. In fact I have made reservations for an all girl trip to ........ Eastfork StablesJamestown, Tn for Derby weekend! My bestie Susan has moved to Georgia and I am definitely missing riding with her. She is going to make the trip North and spend four days with me and some other friends. Anyone else want to go???

I will try to be a better blogger this year and get back into sharing my stories with you. I wish you all health, happiness and a good horse to ride into this new year!

Happy trails