Liz Langford
Shelia Varian on of the most influential breeders in the Arabian world today, with my favorite Varian Arabian, Bay El Bey. Until Desperado was born. He's a pretty neat Western horse.
Monday, June 30, 2008
The term "horseman" might be sexist, as there have been some great female "horsemen"
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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7 comments:
I remember those days. I never had the opportunity to meet Shelia but I would watch her work horses whenever I was at the same show. That was back when the LaCroix's worked their horses at night. That also was worth watching. Do you know who taught the LaCroix boys? I remember being so impressed the way their horses worked. They were almost always steady in the bridle and always had forward, forward, forward. I think they really changed the standards for the Arabian show horses. Of course, they also ran the entire Arabian industry for many years. Their Lasma sales was the big event of the year. Now they could throw a party! I've been away from the Arab scene for awhile so I don't have a clue what's going on now.
Jody,
The LaCroix's and Lasma changed the Arabian world forever. One of my proudest possessions is a blue LASMA cooler. It's got some holes, and not good for much but touching and smelling. LOL Where did the LaCroix's get their schooling? Ray is a master at go foward and stay bridled. The scene is actually still dominated by a few, but now it is good trainers dominating and not a farm per se. Much nicer, almost like the good, good old day's when everybody was friendly and helped each other, when it was about the breed/horse and not who had the fanciest car or clothes.
Wade
I was in the middle of my Arabian show career in this era. I had Park Horses and it was a toss up for winners at all the shows with Gene LaCroix on The Judge, Bruce Howard on Masattie (sp.. was a big chestnut mare) and myself on Galentez. It was so competitive that many times none of us knew who won until the crowd stopped screaming... it was a great time. I have to say though I could never beat Gene in Scottsdale, that was his home turf and he would have had to drop dead to beat him there. I believe it was LaCroix's early trainer Jerry Smola who started the boys in their training. He rode Bask to a early championship
As for the horse shows, when I started Scottsdale was a desert site arena with a few stalls. Everyone knew everyone, we slept in the stalls and it was a grand time. I have many good memories and funny instances that I will never forget. The last time I competed in the Arab World at Scottsdale I was stabled in the back acre away from the biggies and their stalls decorated like Arabian Bazaars, I felt like the thief of Baghdad, After that I left forever.
Dianne,
You were lucky to be involved with them in what I consider the "good old day's". I got involved in the "glory day's", before it all exploded and went up in flames.
Wade
Wade, yes there were many sad things that went done, I know of many and many who lost thousands...Marnie's folks were one. Actually that's where Baby came from, Marnie's folk's bred him (Bask) and then the market exploded with law suits etc.
Too bad.
The Judge, now that was one hot number!
Also remember one year at Nationals Mars candy bars were put on each seat. Advertising some horse.
For me, when it got to be that I was doing more clipping, sanding, bathing,grease, polishing tack, etc. more than riding the horses is when I got out of it. I thought the reining horses were better than sliced bread. You grabbed your saddle and bridle and went to a horse show. Clipped if you wanted or bathed him if you wanted but neither would help you win a class.
Now.........NRHA...you clip,sand, bathe,grease, polish tack.......been there done that.........
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