Articles, Photo Contest

2012 Morgan Horse Photo Contest Results

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2012 Morgan Photo Contest WinnersCongratulations to the Winners of the Merriewold Morgan 3rd annual Morgan Horse Photo Contest!

Thank you to all the talented photographers on your fabulous photos!

The competition was tough this year with over 70 entries of high quality images. We are excited that the entries came from several countries as well, including: Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Australia and Canada.

Our Judge, Professional Equestrian Photographer, Bob Langrish has made his top three selections and included some comments for the photographers.

Bob also picked 6 photos for Honorable Mention.

 2012 Morgan Horse Photo Contest Winners:

Gotcha

1st PLACE: “Gotcha” (Sketa not hurt) by Michele Meijer of Australia

Judge’s comments: “First is Gotcha, which came out miles ahead of every other picture. There is impact, personalities, focus and all in all a really great picture”.

Here is what Michele says about her photo: “This Morgan colt (Ariel) and Aussie shepherd (Sketa) often play chasey! My dog is my best buddy in the world and goes everywhere with me and people who go to my web site will see he features in many horse/dog play and racing photographs.”

Kitty in the fields

2nd PLACE: “Kitty in the Fields” by Sophia Alvrud of Sweden

Judge’s comments: “Second is Kitty in the Fields. It is a really nice ‘arty’ picture. I personally would have taken it with the sun behind me, but it has mood and atmosphere and is lovely.” Photo is of Goldget Kitty and Sara Alvrud.

Blending In

3rd PLACE: “Blending In” by Carol Dombrowsky of the USA

Judge’s comments: “My third place is Blending In. It is the type of picture I take all of the time for my calendar companies, using natural backgrounds and colours.” Photo is of RDK’s Oregon Rising Sun

Bob picked Six additional photos for Honorable Mention. They are not placed in any order.

Royal Gold Eye CandyRoyal Gold Eye Candy
by Sara Alvrud, Escania Morgans, Sweden		 The Expressive Morgan EyeThe Expressive Morgan Eye
by Zoe Ovenden, Canada
1st Day Of Life 1st Day of Life
by Carol Dombrowsky, USA		 Gracie Statue Gracie Statue
by Diane Jasica, Offborderhill Morgans, Belgium
Eating Wreath of flowers from the Little Girl Eating The Wreathe of Flowers from the Little Girl
 by Ingela Isetoft, Ice Morgans, Sweden		 EMR Bonita

EMR Bonita
by Valerie Radtke, EMR Morgans, USA

 

We can’t wait to see the extraordinary photographs that are sure to be entered next year!

*To view all the entrants for this year, CLICK HERE.

 

Sincerely,

Diana Wold
Merriewold Morgans

 

 

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Horse News

Merriewold Josie up-date

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Martha and Josie schooling for a hunter jumper show

Martha and Josie are preparing for a show and here is what Martha had to say:
We are progressing.   We are at Vulcan Mesa Ranch in Atascadero under the
capable hands of Cindy Ramirez Smith.      We did a training hunter jumper show in Los Osos
and I want to go to another training show in Nipomo.  Boy do I enjoy this excellent horse.
Everywhere we go people comment on her color and beauty.

to see more photos of Merriewold Josie and Martha please visit Josie’s Feature page and
photo album…click here

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Articles, Jackie's Training Tips

Beginning a Career in the Show Ring or Trail, by Jackie Brittain

Kandie-6-2010Now that you feel confident in the partnership you have developed through training your horse, you may feel ready to advance to new locations to ride and even compete.

I think there are gradual steps to be taken to expose your horse in a manner to present new places and objects so they are taken in a positive and easy manner.  Using common sense and patience are your best tools to rely on.

Step number one: Does your horse load and ride nicely in the trailer?  Every horse has its individual learning curve and you should already be familiar with your horses ability through the early training.

Merriewold KandieStep number two: Advance training to prepare for an event or outing.  Make sure you prepare your horse at home.  New things such as a bath or clippers should be introduced at home and well in advance.

Step number three: Begin with small outings and its best to have along another horse and even better an experienced horse for company, especially if you plan to stable overnight at a show.

Step number four: Pace your horse according to the individual personality.  For example, is your horse reactive or curious about new places and new objects.  And remember you do not want to have to force your horse through a situation that it cannot emotionally handle.  It just sets you and your horse up for a lifetime of:  “I don’t want to do that task or go by that object”.

Lucky 6-2012Step number five: Remember that you are the leader and be confident and supportive in all the new things you are introducing.  I think going to a new place that you are familiar with will transmit a sense of calm to your horse.

I have always been told and believe that the horse is your mirror.  Have you noticed when your demeanor is uptight it is directly transmitted to your horse.  And on days that you mood is happy and up, so is your horses.

I think horses are the most amazingly sensitive and intuitive of all of the creatures we use for work or sport.  They are genuine friends and helpers to man and that is the greatest attraction.

 

Jackie Brittain
Merriewold Morgans Trainer

 

 

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