Stable Sheet - January 2018
Jamie Kaptein's Rules
For Her Daughter
Rules For My Daughter:

1. Make your bed every day; even if it's right before you get in it.
2. Don't wear holey underwear in case you're in an accident and they cut your clothes off.
3. Travel light through life. Keep only what you need.
4. Put butter on your biscuit, and twice as much when you miss me....
5. It’s okay to cry when you’re hurt. It’s also okay to smash things; but, wash your face, clean your mess, and get up off the floor when you’re done. You don’t belong down there.
6. If you’re going to curse, be clever. If you’re going to curse in public, know your audience.
7. Seek out the people and places that resonate with your soul.
8. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
9. 5-second rule. It’s just dirt. There are worse things in a fast food cheeseburger.
10. Happiness is not a permanent state. Wholeness is. Don’t confuse these.
11. If you’re staying more than one night, unpack your bag.
12. Never walk through an alley.
13. Be less sugar, more spice, and only as nice as you’re able to without compromising yourself.
14. Can’t is a cop-out.
15. Hold your heroes to a high standard. Be your own hero.
16. If you can’t smile with your eyes, don’t smile. Insincerity is nothing to aspire to.
17. Never lie to yourself.
18. Your body, your rules.
19. If you have an opinion, you better know why.
20. Practice your passions.
21. Ask for what you want. The worse thing they can say is no.
22. Wish on stars and dandelions, then get to work to make them happen.
23. Don’t skimp on good sheets.
24. Fall in love often. Particularly with ideas, art, music, literature, food and far-off places.
25. Fall hard and forever in love with yourself.
26. Say Please, Thank You, and Pardon Me, whenever the situation
warrants it.
27. Reserve I’m sorry for when you truly are.
28. Naps are for grown-ups, too.
29. Question everything except your own intuition.
30. You have enough. You are enough.
31. You are amazing! Don't let anyone ever make you feel you are not. If someone does....walk away. You deserve better.
32. No matter where you are, you can always go home.
33. Be happy, say your prayers and remember your roots.
34. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
35. No one will ever love you more than I do ❤️

Somehow I think this might apply to sons, too.
Mary Curtis on Okan Joyous Heart, Don Curtis photo
The Seat: Where Two Spines Meet
This excerpt from When Two Spines Align: Dressage Dynamics by Beth Baumert is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books & was found on www.horsenetwork.com
The place where two spines meet is where the central nervous systems of horse and rider come together. In her book Where Two Spines Align: Dressage Dynamics , Beth Baumert explores this very sensitive area, and how many riders, even after years of riding experience, have no idea how influential the seat can be. It’s like the mind,” Baumert writes. “We’re not aware that we use such a small percentage of it.”

The seat gives the weight aid, which is the only aid that a rider can’t remove completely. S/he can release the rein, and s/he can take away her/his leg, but her/his weight is always there. However, the rider’s weight can be regulated when and only when her/his seat is balanced.

Three factors make a “balanced seat”:
The Flexible Floor: The rider sits on the “floor” of her/his seat—that is, the triangular space within her/his two seat bones and pubic bone.
Supple Strength: The floor of the seat is flexible but stable and strong so it can follow the horse’s motion with control. When a rider is learning, this takes mental discipline as well as physical strength and suppleness.
Building Blocks: The rider’s body parts are like building blocks. Her/his bottom building blocks, or feet, should be directly under her/him, supporting her/his seat and upper body.

1. The Flexible Floor
The “floor of your seat”—the triangular space within your two seat bones and the pubic bone—moves as the horse’s back and the correctly fitted saddle move. The multi-dimensional flexibility of your pelvis enables the floor of your seat to follow the horse’s back with sensitivity. Surface follows surface. Your pelvis makes tiny three-dimensional movements. It can, for example, move each hip up, forward, down, and back. Independent from this, your pelvis can also be tilted in relation to your spine with your tailbone pointed down and forward, or back and up.
Illustrations by Sandy Rabinowitz
When you follow the horse’s back with the floor of your seat, you’re in the best position to grow tall in your front. This frontline is responsible for a rider’s self-carriage in the same way that the horse’s topline carries him. By anchoring your pubic bone and keeping your frontline tall, you stabilize your core: the 29 pairs of muscles that surround your center of gravity enabling you to move in a coordinated, controlled way.

2. Supple Strength
“Suppleness of the seat” refers not only to its looseness but also to its stability, which is based on core strength. The seat shouldn’t be so loose that it’s “out of control.” Riders don’t usually realize when their undisciplined seats slosh, slide, and shove. Some think that “using the seat” means shoving every stride. However, horses find a “noisy” seat distracting, annoying, or intolerable, so they “tune out” and simply ignore it.
Photo by Brenda V. Cataldo
While “using the seat” does imply that the rider is doing something, she should never move more than the horse’s back moves until she gives an aid. Your passive seat follows the horse. When a rider who has been sloshing and shoving in the saddle with insensitivity for years makes an attempt at being perceptive and educated with her/his seat, it’s amazing that the horse usually listens immediately.

3. Building Blocks
Everyone knows how easy it is to stay balanced on a horse at a standstill or a walk. You simply need to keep your feet under your seat and your head on top as if you are standing or walking on the ground. This vertical, ear-shoulder-hip-heel alignment is important because it gives you stability based on gravity, and you can always depend on gravity.

The dynamics of how you ride your horse can tap into this law of nature that never fails us; gravity grounds us to the center of the earth. But when in motion, the thrust of the horse challenges the rider’s vertical self. When you learn to follow your horse and not use your seat in the walk, trot, and canter, it will be easy to learn how to use it. When your building blocks are in place, and your seat can follow your horse’s back with sensitivity, you’re in a position to use your seat with sophistication.

Want more?
In Memory of --
Gayle Prochnow
Our dear Morgan friend, Gayle Prochnow, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away on Friday, December 1.

    Gayle, born August 13, 1955, was a long time Morgan lover. She began riding Morgans with her sister, Paula (Hague), under Nancy Eidam’s guidance when she was about 10. Although competing herself was not her preference, she loved Morgans, owned Morgans and enjoyed watching them and supporting her sister, Paula, at our shows. Her face on the sidelines will be greatly missed. 

    While Paula and Gayle’s Morgan friends will want to show Paula their thoughts are with her, Paula asks that no flowers be sent. Instead she recommends making a donation to your favorite charity - or perhaps to one of Gayle’s favorites, which where those aiding and protecting animals. Two favorites were the Oregon Hay Bank and Forever Morgans.

    Gayle left us after a valiant battle with cancer. Her only survivor is her sister, Paula. 

    Our thoughts & prayers go out to Paula with the hope that she will soon be able to smile at the happy times these two devoted sisters shared.

Information from Paula Hague, Forwarded by Shelley Bullard
Brook Hill Constellation foals, sent by Sue Beach,
Beaches Triple T Ranch, Ellensburg WA
Out Of The Past
Jan Gingold has put together an extensive list of Morgan Horse History Sources on a facebook page of that name.

     "Welcome to Morgan Horse History Sources -
a FREE SERVICE for anyone researching Morgan history. 
It is a compiled list of historians and their publications,
museums, libraries, websites, etc.

Please email me to receive pdf file: 

This info was passed on by Shelley Bullard.
who thanked Linda F. for this information.
Okan MisTaylor, Mary Curtis photo, Okan Morgans, Oroville WA.
A direct and compelling headline
We rise by lifting others!

We had such wonderful time a few weeks ago with a fellow trainer, Renee Phillips from Canada, sharing our knowledge and learning from hers. These are the moments when we know that the horse industry is strong.

From Eduardo Zavala Sanchez
Christmas Lights
Photos by Carol Dombrowsky
Leavenworth was in full swing!
Posted by Sue Beach on Facebook
A friend’s words that speak to me!

I love Morgans. I love Morgans so very much. I love big, chunky Morgans. I love little chunky Morgans. I love tall, leaner Morgans. I love little, leaner Morgans. I love cuddly, fuzzy Morgans. I love newly clipped Morgans. I love Morgans on the trail. I love Morgans in the show ring. I love Morgans on the beach. I love Morgans in Dressage. I love Morgans with cows. I love Morgans that drive. I love that Morgans come in so many beautiful colors and can do a variety of wonderful gaits. I love that Morgans love their people so very much and that they choose to be with their people. Morgans are so very awesome.

I love Morgans. : ))) ❤️❤️
News From MHAO Members & Friends
Whamunition is home and back to himself after a session with Choke. Such good news! Pictured here with Helen Crawford against a beautiful snowy backdrop.

Two beautiful pictures of the snow at Ensbrook Farm from Sandra Nichols.

Moira Taber & LittleWood
Inside Strait. Quite a team!
Merry Christmas from Debbie Jondahl.
A Christmas photo of Paul & Melody DeLappe with Keys to the Kingdom.
Leila Irvine enjoying a day at Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet, BC "with my incredible Perry, one of my two wonderful nieces, Rose, her husband Brandon (a super guy, but I try and not let him know it!), Percy, Tonks, Mal the Ridgeback and Tora the cutie. Phenomenal walking trails and about as dog-friendly as they come!"

Ho Ho Ho from Brenda Hansen-Coats
Christmas decorations from
Kathy & Vince DeFazio.
Merry Christmas from the Shahon's celebrating 55 years together.
The Woodland family sends Christmas wishes
Daryl Hopson posted this wonderful picture. "Enjoyed a nice white Christmas Day with the family finishing up with sleigh drives in the snow. Now the snow can melt away and be gone for the season."
Beach home in the snow.
Sent by Sue Beach.
Emilie Edling sent this picture of her home ready for Christmas.
Morgandy Edling, Emilie Edling & Sue Riggins
along with some other
members of the family.
Jennifer posted a picture of her
Christmas Tree.
Sharon Harper sent this picture of her family Christmas Tree. "This is a close up of some of the crystal ornaments on our feather tree. Shannon put over 350 of them on this year. Each has been hand picked by Shannon or I over
a period of 30+ years."
Ensbrook Wild Tempest from Sandra France Nichols.
Merry Christmas from Erin Silver
From Diana Pyle -
"Fun time watching the Kayak lights parade at the Old Mill."
Merry Christmas from the DeFazio's
Darling picture of Lena Huber, granddaughter of Liz Goldmann
Merry Christmas from
Dale & Sue Beach.
Celebrating Christmas at Fire Run Farm
Christensen grand kids.
Wonderful time with family over the holidays.
Mike & Kathy Christensen visiting LA Zoo Lights with the family.
Eduardo Savala Sanchez is excited about his new upcoming star by Hollywood Godfather out of a Salem Command daughter. Proudly owned by Carole Bradford.
From Carol Dombrowsky, "My beautiful Nicole (Marvelous Curtain Call) going through a smoke bomb with Justine Gandolfo during Mounted Police Training on 12/10/2017.
Vince & Kathy DeFazio at Cape Lookout State Park on a beautiful winter day.
Mike Zimel & Jamie Hardy married on 12/10/2017. Pictured at McMinnamins, Corelius Pass Roadhouse.
Mr. & Mrs. Zimel on their honeymoon in Hawaii.



Another lesson day at Roundabout Stables 
With Matt Sharp for Mikayla, Lindy and Abbey riding Leya, Robin and Seven. The cheering squad at the gate were Ila, Hazel and dad Matt. We took time to warm up in the tack/feed room while having a little lunch and opening a Christmas present from Danette and Sue. Thanks to you three for all your work, it never ends around here! Merry Christmas!
From Margo Mossburg –
Futuritys Love Idol is our newest addition.  We purchased him as a 21 year old black Morgan gelding this December. I was watching him bounce around Craig's List with his price dropping so I figured he might be a naughty boy. He was very naughty when I test rode him. Idol tried to buck me off so I knew he was the boy for me. I like working horses with issues. Idol now has a soft landing for the rest of his life here.  I might also convince him that he can show at the little fairs and B shows allowing me to keep promoting the Morgan breed for a while until he retires here for good. 
Dragoon Morgans, Spokane WA. www.dragoonmorgans.com 
Levi Roth birthday celebration
Julie Nygaard with daughters and grandchild.
Julie Nygaard,
New Year fun.
Julie Nygaard, This sweet girl took me to the opening of Ferdinand for my birthday!
Where does the inside snow scene end and the outside snow scene begin?
Picture from Jeff Baker.
Beautiful picture from
Suzanne Haberek
From Shirley Champion. Girls at Xmas program. Hard to believe Charlotte is a year and a half younger.
From Diana Pyle. All the dogs love Jay! There are actually 4 of them around him.
Friends & Family combined ❤️🎄 — with Teri Rumens.
Christmas greetings from
Dick & Nora Wall Skipper
Carole Mercer - Starting and ending .. both times of day are the best. 
Melissa Monty had a surprise visit from family to celebrate her 21st birthday.
From Mike Silver - How can a dad ask for three better kids than these. I am so very blessed to have them — Jaclyn Silver, Dustin Silver and David Silver.
From Gretcen Wilson,
a Christmas Toast.
Michelle Osburn - Happy 17th Birthday to my daughter Rahlie. I wouldn’t trade these gray hairs you’ve given me for anything!
Liz Goldmann, The boys took donations and carefully offered the goodies, had ardly ate any fudge themselves - or so they say.
From Martha Woodland. Came to work and opened the mail. Love this horse with a big heart. Natalie and Bacardi won many classes and championships in 2017. Sarah will be riding him in walk trot in 2018. A great horse that takes care of my kids.
From Amie Taber, Moira & Megan Taber & Michel Schmidt, North Valley Academy Advanced and Intermediate Strings concert.
From Diana Pyle, First paint
class with Kimry Jelen.
Can't wait for class 2!
Deann Gabrick, A day with our wonderful Scandia A Team - Avatar and Anthem 12/01/2017
A Christmas time bonfire
from Suzanne Haberek..
Another picture from Suzanne -
snowtime fun!
Morgandy Edling all excited to be
out looking for a tree.
A Christmas tree close-up from
Mary Curtis.
From Nora Wall Skipper,
Falcon 9 rocket that launched
10 satellites into orbit out of California.
From Deborah Stevenson, Christmas in the basement as we remodel upstairs. 
And we have a surprise snow. Merry Christmas to all.
Liz Goldmann - Our well-loved artificial Charlie Brown tree is decorated. Merry Christmas to all!
Rhea Turner & Ty Callaghan getting away at Rancho de los Caballeros.
Kurt & Teri Rumens 30 years ago! "Wow - what an amazing wonderful ride it's been! Living with a pirate named Fezzywig is simply extraordinary!
Happy anniversary to us,
I love you Kurt!"
Scandia's Final Note enjoying some December sunshine. From Kathy DeFazio.
Marli Perry - the sun is just coming out and about to clear out our morning freezing fog. The trees are gorgeous with all the ice left from the frozen fog.
Ice Crystal on the window - so pretty. From Sally Plumley
Julie Nygaard out on a Mother/Daughter date
to enjoy the holidays!
We are always looking for news. Please send information and pictures to Acting Editor, Gay Adams, sunstonemorgans@comcast.net.
If I missed something you sent, my apology.
Please remind me and I'll get it in the next issue.

Gay Adams, Acting Editor
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Gay Adams, Acting Editor | Morgan Horse Association of Oregon
(503) 936-4276 | sunstonemorgans@comcast.net