Kigers de los Californios

Eli Ruonavaara - Sue Watkins

Buy, Sell, Train and Show Quality Kigers

 

The Watering Hole Vol. 2

Welcome to The Watering Hole. Where wild horses go to get refreshed, socialize and find out what’s going on with their amigos. We hope this newsletter does the same for all of you.

 

KCA Family:

Our KCA family had a fun month with their mounts. From Placerville to Euer Valley, Eli and KCA Smoke have being tearing up the trails every weekend. He trail bossed a milestone trail ride for Andy and Michele out of Granite Bay. I consider Folsom Lake the poster child for sensory rides.  On any given day there is a barrage of mountain bikes, hikers, screaming kids, loose dogs, and barn sour horses not to mention the ski boats and seadoo’s below you in the water. Eli ponied Andy’s KCA Bud with Andy close behind on his QH mare Felina and Michele rode KCA Rebel. They all performed like the exemplar trail horses they are bred to be.

I have had my hands full training all the new Kigers plus outside horses, mainly teaching Maverick (my star pupil) circus tricks. All while hobbling around in a leg brace for Tendonitis in my feet.  Teresa is in WY with Billy Brio at Buck’s ranch. She sent us a darling DVD she made on Billy’s first 2 weeks of gentling/halter training, all set to music of course. I had a wonderful visit with Rowland and Cheryl Cheney to see their 2007 foal crop. Those two are truly a gift to the Kiger horse breed and it was a real pleasure to visit with them and see their magnificent herd. Rowland will have 3 weanlings for sale next month, 2 fillies and a colt. The Cheney blood lines are one of a kind and irreplaceable. Any one thinking of breeding their mare should consider one of Rowland‘s studs first and foremost. If you and your Kiger do anything fun or special be sure to email me for the next newsletter.

 

KCA News:

I am doing some research on the color of Kiger horses. To ensure all the information we are disseminating to the public is true and correct. And to close the door on some old wife’s tales. If any of you have information about the dun factor gene, white and grey genes or the color claybank please forward it to me. I am also going to start working on forming better relationships with other groups including the Colonial Spanish Horse and the Vaquero Heritage Foundation.

 

KCA Horses:

Due to my injury/illness and Eli’s work schedule the KCA stayed close to home and did not participate in any shows or special events last month. The good news is that left lots of time to spend training the new additions to our herd. The following 2 horses are currently in training and for sale.

‘DOT’: KCA Colorada con Brio: is a 3 yr old line back bay mare. She is very personable, with magnificent style and action. She has that Kiger super smooth, ground eating walk all cowboys dream about. She is truly a horse ‘con Brio’. Her bloodlines include double bred Kiger Diamond Rio O106-W and Wallowa Kiger 001-W, the very first horse registered in the KMA. She will make a wonderful trail/ranch horse and an excellent brood mare. She will go into training next month.

‘RED’: KCA El Grande Rojo:  is a 3 yr old deep red, Bay Dun gelding. He is very long and tall. He is a great English or speed event prospect. Red is currently in training. Both of these horses come with full permanent KMA papers.

 

KCA Training:

I currently have room for two more full time horses in training. I should have cattle available to train on thru the entire fall. So any of you that have horses that need their ground work, sensory, obstacles, trail or ranch/cattle merit badges now is the time. I am usually available anytime to give lessons. Whether you choose to have me come to you, bring your horse here or ride one of my horses, just give me a call. Depending on the location/horse/subject lessons run from $40.00 to $60.00 with multi lesson discount packages. Full time board/training is $700.00 per month. KCA horses get a discount of $600.00 per month. This includes one riding lesson per week. I will also show your horse, coach or prep you and/or your horse at a show or participate in any kind of Kiger promotion.

 

KCA Upcoming Events:

BLM KIGER ADOPTION BACK ON!!  I spoke to the BLM in Burns and the Kiger Adoption is back on. It will be November 8 -10, 2007 in Burns, OR. They will be rounding up and processing the Kigers during the next 2 weeks. Patty at the BLM was not sure how many Kiger horses will be available; the total adoption will be for about 150 horses. She said the population counts on both HMA’s have been high, but the horses have become so savvy to the Helicopters, they have a hard time rounding them up. She said there is a great demand for Kigers at the east coast adoptions, so the BLM is picking out 20 Kigers to send to the adoptions back east (A hint to any of you with horses for sale). There will not be an internet auction or lottery. There will be 2 silent auctions back to back on Saturday, then regular open adoptions thru Sunday. A standard BLM adoption is a max of 2 horses. With prior BLM permission you can adopt 4 max. Don’t forget to have to keep them a year to get the papers on them. Right now I am planning on going up for the whole week. I will be taking my 4 horse trailer (fits about 6) and see what happens. Any one who needs a horse hauled to Northern Cal or Oregon I will be going up empty about November 5th or 6^th. And if you adopt a horse and need it hauled South I should have room.

 

KMA 20^th Anniversary: 2008 will be the 20^th Anniversary of the KMA. Let’s start planning ways to get the word out. This is a great PR opportunity for the Kigers and we need to take advantage of this important milestone. If any of you know of events the Kigers should display/promote at lets get a list together and present it to the KMA.

 

Trail Trials Clinic: I have attached a flyer about a trail trials clinic. I do not know the people putting it on. But it looks like fun and you can’t beat the price. ($35.00 includes lunch).  I will be there, maybe Eli and a few other friends. Anyone else who wants to go lets make it a kiger group thing.  Pre entries close October 19, so go to their website.  Email me if you are going. I really think Kigers are going to be the future stars of Trail Trials, let’s get in on the ground floor.

 

KCA For Sale:

MECATES: Teresa Trull is making us ‘kustom kiger’ Snaffle bit Macates. They are 22’ parachute cord in black and gold for Grullas or chocolate and tan for the Duns. These are the best quality on the market today. They handle like no others and will last a lifetime. The Macates are usually $120.00 and the slobber straps are $15.00. But through us they are $100.00 and $10.00 respectfully. She also makes custom rope halters and lead ropes.

SADDLE: Eli has a 16” Black Australian Fox Poley saddle with matching breast collar for sale. It is in great condition, comes with all the fittings and black sheepskin pad. $450.00.

TRAILER: Sue has a 12’ full enclosed double axle cargo trailer for sale. It would make a great shoeing trailer, welder’s trailer, display, cargo, concession etc. $1,500.00 OBO Call for more details.

KIGER KOLLECTABLES: We have a number of custom Kiger items being developed including ball caps, iron on patches, t-shirts and jewelry.  Contact Sue for information.

WANTED: I am looking for a very inexpensive 14’ – 16’ older stock trailer for moving cows and local ranch work. If you have any leads please contact Sue at 530-318-1974.

 

Have a great month, Hope to see you in the ring or on the trail.

 

Sue Watkins 530-318-1974

Eli Ruonavaara 530-391-7402

Kigers de los Californios

Buy, sell, train and show quality Kigers

 

He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it.