T S R I F Y M E S R O H T N I A P

P
aints have a way of leaving a lasting mark on our hearts from the very beginning of our equine careers. When we recall the stories of our rst Paint Horses, its often with fondness and an escaped chuckle due to reminiscent frustrations. Paint Horse Journal recently asked its Facebook community to submit stories of the Paint that started it all. Here are their stories.

stories r i e h t e r ts sha s a i s u h t d it all. n e e t r e a s t r s o t H a Paint aints th P ERG e h t t HELLENB u abo By JILL SC

Samantha Turskey & Jingo Randy

When I was 11 years old, I had outgrown my Arabian mare, and it was time to nd a new horse. My mom found a beautiful 5-year-old bay tobiano gelding who had spent time carrying ags on a rodeo circuit. All he knew how to do was canter and stop. This beautiful Paint Horses name is Jingo Randy. Ringos training began, and he began to teach me everything there was: patience, consistency and that hard work pays off. Jingo Randy has proven to Samantha time Ringo always took care of whoever was on his back. and again that he is worth his weight in gold. My dad, who has never been a horseman, was riding Ringo on a large trail ride when we ran into ground wasps. While every other horse on the ride was bucking, kicking and simply going crazy because they were being stung, Ringo simply stomped. When we got to a safe area, we found that Ringo had been stung more than 20 times and hardly inched. Ringo never refused a challenge. He carried ags in more parades and had more people on his back than I can count. Ringo is the type of horse that might never excel in the show ring but is worth his weight in gold.
COURTESY SAMANTHA TURSKEY

MY D N A E M H BOT D E P L E H R. E S F A F H O M O R T A E H S HAV STIC C E U S R R S O E H C N H A C MU CH W O H E Z I L A RE DAUGHTER

Dawn Donahue & Chances Rustic Charm
I took ownership of Chances Rustic Charm in May 2013. She had been born and raised by a gentleman in his later years. I had viewed the posting of Rusty many times, but I was skeptical about getting a 7-year-old untrained mare.I decided to go look at her, and I fell in love. I had not had a horse in more than 25 years. Our rst in-hand experience was in snow that was 1824 inches deep; I wanted to see if she knew Chances Rustic Charm was the inspiration Dawn needed to begin a weight-loss program anything. She did know a few thingsshe did and lose 60 pounds. longe, and would whoa and comebut she lacked manners. I began working with Rusty every day with ground work and grooming. Within a week, I was riding her. She never offered a buck or rear, and though hesitant of new noises, she would move forward with my reassurance. My 9-yearold daughter was also riding her within two weeks. When I had her feet done, the farrier told me that she needed shoes all the way around because I was blowing out her healsI was considered morbidly obese and weighed too much for her. She saved my life: I have dropped 60 pounds, and I am more than half way to my weight-loss goal. Her feet are much better, and we have done a few gymkhana events, trail rides and even a local fair. I am so excited to move forward with Rusty and the long relationship we will share. She truly gave me a reason to lose all the weight I had been carrying. Chances Rustic Charm has helped both me and my daughter realize how much horses have to offer.
MELISSA METIVIER, COURTESY DAWN DONAHUE

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ONE A S I L R I G T THIS SWEE IN A MILLION.

PRICELESS PHOTO

Jacklynn Taylor & Frolicin Tivio Flicka

The story is really about my moms Paint Horse and all of us. Her name is Frolicin Tivio Flicka, and she is 6 years old. When Flicka was 4 years old, she was sold from a previous owner and went to a new Despite horric experiences, Frolicin Tivio Flicka has proved to be one in a million for home, which was not Jacklynn and her family. with us yet. She had a colt on her side and was in foal again. Flicka ended up being starved and slipping the foal she carried, but for the whole time she continued to nurse the little colt she already had. When the rescuers nally found Flicka, she was skin and bones but her colt was almost healthy because no matter what, she did what she could to take care of him. We adopted Flicka and brought her home and worked very hard to get her healthy. She has turned out to be the best horse I have had the pleasure of knowing. After all she has been through, she has no bad habits. This sweet girl is a one in a million. I thank God everyday we had the opportunity to love her and bring her home to be a part of our family.
JACKLYNN TAYLOR

Caitlin Reamy & Georgias Sacred Heart

Georgias Sacred Heart has taught me so much, and I couldnt have asked for a better equine partner. Georgia is the first at the gate and is by far the most affectionate horse on the property. Not only do I ride her, but my 6-yearold brother does too, and she will carry around any kid that is put on her. Georgia has an incredibly laidback temperament and an attitude every horse person wishes their mare had. Im so lucky to be able to say shes mine, and I look forward to continuing our journey in the years to come!

MJM SHARPSHOOTERS PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY KAYLA CASSIBO

Kayla Cassibo & Peach Fizz

My first Paint Horse was a 16-year-old mare named Peach Fizz. I count my blessings every day to have such an amazing horse. Even though I have halfway retired Peaches from showing, she is still the horse I can hop on and just enjoy myself. I call her my old faithful because she is always there to take care of me. She taught me to showall I had to do was look pretty, and she did the rest. I have not found another horse in the world like her and I dont think I ever will. I am just so thankful and so blessed that I was lucky enough to be able to have had her come into my life.

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Rosemary Herring & Miss Lucky Duck

As a child I dreamed of owning horses. I would draw them, read books and watch all the horse movies on TV. My cousin Vicki had the same interest as I did. Years later we had our families Miss Lucky Duck played the role of and children, but we still babysitter for Rosemary and her family, retained our mutual love including her daughter Jennifer. for horses. One day Vicki surprised me with the news that she bought a horse. That was all the push I needed. I went looking for a very special horse that would be gentle and sweet, as I was not an experienced rider.I saw an ad for a registered Paint mare for sale, and I called and made arrangements to see Miss Lucky Duck.When I saw Missy, I fell in love. Missy had a beautiful face and was very gentle. I knew she would become an important part of our family. Previously, Missy was rescued from anegligentowner and had to be nursed back to health. Bless therescuers for taking such good care of her. Missy was nicknamed the babysitter because of her gentleness. Anyone could ride her.I knew that she would be perfect for our family. During the early days of learning to ride, Missys gentle nature helped me be condent. She was great around the kids and would put her head down so they could pet her.When my son and daughter were a little older, I taught them to ride Missy. Missy has passed on, but she will never be forgotten.
CINDY SCHULER, COURTESY ROSEMARY HERRING

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NICOLE BARNHARDT, COURTESY LAINA STASHEK

GAYLE SEGURA

ELPED H E R U T A N NTLE E G S Y S S DENT. I I F N M O C E B ME

Marcos Segura & Rapid Cutter Bar

I have a Paint named Rapid Cutter Bar, but I call him Ghost because the first morning I went to feed him, he was walking through the mist and looked like a ghost. We do playdays and rodeos, help work cattle on our farm and trail ride. My favorite is roping off Ghost. He is such a good horse. I had an accident roping one day when the steer I roped cut in front of my horse and caught my reins. Even though the rope wrapped us, Ghost never bucked and stayed calm until we got loose. My mom says he is worth a lot more after that.

Laina Stashek & Party Then Dream

From the moment I got home and tucked her into her stall, I knew Party Then Dream was the one. Her sire and dam were both big halter horses, but I thought she would do great in Western pleasure. I started training Party: she was so gentle with me. During that time, I had depression. I rode her only once a month from 2011 to 2012. It wasnt until spring 2013 that I understood she wanted to help. I trusted her to help me, and it made me a whole new person again. This year alone, we put in more than 75 hours in Ride America and rode through our first parade. She has shown me the fun in riding again and how much of a companion a horse can be.

BAR H PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY MARKIE MALETZKE

Markie Maletzke & Betting On Ms Machine

Opportunities such as these make me realize how thankful I am to be part of such a wonderful organization. This past year was my first year showing APHA, and it has been indescribable. Ive met amazing people, made lasting friendships and progressed as a rider and as a person. I owe this all to my fabulous first Paint Horse named Betting On Ms Machine, or Betty. Shes a 4-year-old Fleet Machine Western all-around horse, and I received her as a gift for my 18th birthday. I had only shown 4-H and open shows before, so I was beyond excited for this new opportunity to train with Julie Marweg and travel all of Zone 5. Ive taken advantage of every opportunity to better myself, ride as much as possible and learn new things along the way. Because of the support of my parents, the patience of my trainer and the loyalty of my horse, this has been the best year of my life.

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COURTESY MARYBETH GRAEFF

Marybeth and Deltas Toppers story spans 27 years of cherished moments.

Marybeth Graeff & Deltas Topper

Every little girl dreams of having a horse of her own. At 10 years old I was one of those little girls. I had my heart set on a black-and-white Paint. I could picture him in my head: a big gelding with beautiful black patches splashed against a eld of white. But when my parents nally agreed to buy me one, the horse that found me was a small, narrow, 3-year-old sorrel tobiano lly named Deltas Topper. She wasnt what I was looking for, but one look into her big brown eyes and I was in love. Delta had been a reserve grand champion halter horse, and I was going to be using her as a high-speed precision drill team horse. That rst year was a rough one. Delta only had three gaits: walk, trot and buck. I ate more dirt and sustained more injuries than I ever thought possible. She was a troublemaker, and dealing with her mischief had me ready to hang up my spurs more than once. With the help of my parents, a very good trainer and a whole lot of gumption from me, we became a team. Before I knew it, I was able to ride Delta without a bridle, jump her bareback, use her for Roman riding, and run her through drills at top speedall with no more bucking! Over the

ATED E R C D O G H DAY, T X I S E H HE T H T N E V E ON S E H ON T D N A , S EST! E B S E H T HOR D E T PAIN

course of the next six years, that little horse gave me condence as a rider, instilled in me the ability to trust, and taught me how to love with my whole heart. All of my cherished memories include Delta. She is my best friend. When Delta was 9 years old, she broke her cofn bone. My heart was broken. At age 16, I thought my life was over because my family could not afford the surgery to repair her leg. I slept in her stall that night, and while I was praying for a miracle, I also said my goodbyes. Our veterinarian called the next day to tell us he would do the surgery for the cost of materials because he had never performed it beforeit was the miracle I had been praying for. Although I couldnt ride my beautiful girl any more, I still had her, and to me thats what mattered most. She has been there for me through all the ups and downs of my teenage and adult years. Her mane soaked up a fair share of my tears, both happy and sad. She has produced two beautiful foals, was the rst horse both my daughter and son ever rode, and has continued to be my one constant companion. Its been 27 years and counting, and she is still my one true love. Our story is not over, and we continue to write it every day. Delta is 30 years old this year, and she is still the perfect companion to me and stable mate for Pearl, my daughters Paint Horse. I cherish every moment I have with her, and I am thankful for all she has given me and my children. Not many horses experience the love and joy of being with one family for 27 years. These Paints that we love, with their Paintitudes, are our family and we wouldnt want it any other way. As the saying goes, On the sixth day, God created horses, and on the seventh he painted the best! Jill Schellenberg was the Fall 2013 editorial intern for the Paint Horse Journal. To comment on this article, email feedback@apha.com.
CRYSTAL HOWARD, COURTESY SUSAN MENDENHALL

Susan Mendenhall & Triple Tuff QT

My son left for college in August 2008. I guess I was having empty-nest syndrome, even though I have a husband, a full-time job, two donkeys, two miniature horses and a flock of sheep.I decided I needed another black horse to match my Quarter Horse: a black-and-white tobiano Paint. After looking online for several weeks, I spotted the gelding of my dreams. As luck would have it, he was living only 20 miles away and the price was right.I knew I had to have My Triple Tuff QT as soon as I walked up to him. The Paint was 4 years old and I was 46, but it was love at first sight.Cherokee has brought so much personality into my barn and joy into my life.He snorts, opens gates, cribs, steals food, is an attention hog and always alert.But once I put the halter or bridle on him, he knows its time for business. My son is married now and has a 17-monthold daughter. Cherokee is full of energy, but he is amazing around her and always willing to drop his head so she can pet him.

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