Kendall County Horse Lovers

07/25/2024

Upcoming Events

06/02/2024

03/21/2024

Did you know that the pony Misty of Chincoteague was mounted by a taxidermist? She stands in the museum to this day!

Misty of Chincoteague, a 16-year-old palomino mare, was the best-known member of the herd of wild ponies. She catapulted to fame 14 years earlier, when children’s book author Marguerite Henry wrote Misty of Chincoteague. The book tells the story of orphans Paul and Maureen Beebe, who long to buy a mare named Phantom and her filly Misty and bring them to their grandparents’ farm.

Henry, a Newbery-award winning author, wrote 59 books, many of them about horses. She wrote about the burros who carry loads in the Grand Canyon, 1924 Kentucky Derby winner Black Gold, and the Godolphin Arabian. But Misty had a special kind of alchemy for readers, perhaps because Paul and Maureen lived the dream of every horse-crazy kid: surrounded by ponies and pining for one of their own, they wind up with her. "Misty here, she belongs to us," their grandfather tells them. The book centers on the themes of freedom and belonging: the animal lover's twofold fantasy.

After 10 years in Illinois, Misty was sent back to the Beebe Ranch so she could be bred. More than 300 children attended her farewell party. Back on her native island, she had three foals, including Stormy, the subject of another book of Henry’s. Misty lived out the rest of her life on the Beebe Ranch.

Misty died in 1972 at the age of 26. The taxidermy remains of her and her daughter Stormy, who died in 1993, are now on display at the Museum of Chincoteague.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/real-misty-chincoteague-once-stared-down-barrel-storm-180970557/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/misty-of-chincoteague

03/16/2024

Multiple items for sale! Hannover English Jumping Saddle with two girths and handled cover/carrier. Used but good AMTECH youth Synthetic Pony Saddle (plush sheep's lining still). No brand 17" Western Saddle (plush sheep's lining still) Six total rubber base and PVC gaming Poles and two six foot PVC jousts. Great trunk! Three working latches, intact side handles, top inner tray.More pics, info and prices upon request.

03/02/2024

Great photo of late movie star Hightower as Ginger in Black Beauty
Hightower’s career took off and this gentleman, tractable gelding was in high demand! In fact, they even used him as a mare in BLACK BEAUTY because he was that good. They shot around him so he could appear as “Ginger”. The director of that film, Caroline Thompson, said that Hightower had “an attitude of gratitude”. Nice.

In 1999, HIghtower played Pilgrim in THE HORSE WHISPERER. Now, lots of horses played Pilgrim… but Hightower did something no other horse had done at that time. He was trained to charge.

As legend has it, Robert Redford came to Rex’s ranch to meet Hightower. Rex had his chestnut gelding charge Redford, teeth bared, and back him against the rails before quitting on cue.

Hightower got the job…

Another fan of Hightower was Julia Roberts. She was atop Hightower in the beginning scenes of RUNAWAY BRIDE where he reared and ran off with her. Julia loved him and wished to purchase him (not for sale).

At the end of the movie, the director decided to add scenes. One required Hightower to reappear. Unfortunately, Hightower was already on set in Los Angeles (across the country). No worries. The Studio arranged for Hightower to be Fed Ex’d to the location so Julia could ride him in the closing scenes.

12/14/2023

Day of the Horse.....to those who have taught us, left us, and are still with us.

08/18/2023

https://www.facebook.com/1099397004/posts/10230771453325474/?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=VhDh1V

06/28/2023

Fox Valley Trail Riders

05/03/2023

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=559672036276103&set=a.405890808320894&type=3&mibextid=CDWPTG

Let me take a look 🧐😆
credits: Pinterest