Summer News Roundup
Daylight hours are getting shorter and the mornings are a little brisk, but the afternoons are gloriously warm as we head into the final weeks of summer. It was a busy and rewarding summer, but we also had our share of heartache when we lost our wonderful mare Alma de Syringa to colic.
Ride the West Expo
In May we were part of the Northwest Paso Fino Horse Association representation at the fantastic Ride the West Horse and Ranch Expo in Spokane, Washington. The NWPFHA is a crowd pleaser and favorite of the Event Manager.
This year we were delighted and proud to include our mare Rebelita in the Breed Presentations and Breed Demos. Thanks goes out to Sarah Oswald, trainer for Westwind Ranch, for the wonderful job she did with Rebelita.
Mr. Quigley
Just a few days after Ride the West, we were blessed with the birth of our very handsome buckskin tobiano colt Mr. Quigley. This was a special occasion as Quigley is the first foal sired by the stallion Julio Claro owned by dear friends Paul & Jan Zito of Hacienda de los Ninos Paso Fino in Plummer, Idaho.
Trail One Clinic
In early June, Maridel was given the opportunity to photograph a three-day All Breed Trail One Horse Clinic conducted by Mitch and JoLinn Hoover of Rising H Ranch Performance Horses. Although the weather was unseasonably cold and wet, sponsors Gail & Paul Springer of Paso Fino Land, and host Cindy Oswald of Westwind Ranch provided an excellent learning environment. 
The clinic covered basic horsemanship that 
applied to all aspects of riding and handling horses safely. Participants, under the knowledgeable guidance of Mitch and JoLinn, challenged themselves and their horses on an outdoor course of natural common trail obstacles. The weekend wrapped up with a trail ride in the beautiful mountains of north Idaho.
Miss Daisy
Our second foal was born in mid-June - a beautiful, flashy liver chestnut filly who was given the barn name Miss Daisy. Not only is she gorgeous with 4 long socks, unique white markings on her face and head, her bloodlines on both her sire's and dam's sides trace directly back to Maridel's parents' Paso Fino horses Carlitos and Velera. Thanks again to Paul & Jan Zito for providing the opportunity to breed our mare to their outstanding Pure Puerto Rican stallion Nino del Companero.
July was a busy time caring for our foals and doing all those summer chores that are part of being responsible horse owners.
Carlos Tobon Paso Fino Clinic
Maridel was also fortunate to attend a Paso Fino clinic conducted by internationally recognized Paso Fino Horse Association Trainer of the Year - Carlos Tobon. In early August, Carlos came from Florida to north Idaho to give his second clinic at Hacienda de los Ninos.
His format provides 45 minutes of one-on-one instruction and guidance with every clinic participant on each day. Carlos is also very skilled at including the auditors in his instruction, answering questions and clarifying discussions.
The calendar now reads "September" and the hay is safely tucked away in the barn. Maridel's days are focused on ground manners and establishing a work ethic in the foals - Mr. Quigley and Miss Daisy. Although it seems like a long way off, before we know it they will be ready to start under saddle and enjoy on trail rides through the outstanding scenery of Idaho's mountains.
We'll be saying "good bye" to Mr. Quigley later this fall as he has been sold to a young family who is looking forward to raising their future Paso Fino riding horse.
In October we will be attending the Annual Membership Meeting of the Northwest Paso Fino Horse Association. It will be a weekend full of good friends, warm western hospitality, and delicious food. To make it even better - it will be a weekend full of Paso Fino horses and all that means to us!