The story of Gay Bars Silver . . . my Appaloosa Champion.  page 3

After almost two weeks of being kept up, the gentle old mare and her miracle foal were lead out of their stall for the very first time. Roxie’s soft nickers were endless. Between nickers she touched him with her nose and licked his neck. As if she knew just how really special he truly was. He stayed so close to her side he looked as if he were glued there. Roxie was more alive than I had ever seen her before, her soft eyes sparked with energy and devotion. She was a completely different horse with a foal by her side.

After Silver was born and everything at the barn seemed to be going great; my life suddenly started falling apart: My husband walked out on us, leaving me with three young children to raise. And due to (unfortunate) very personal reasons, after several years, it was necessary for me to dissolve the partnership I had established with Jess’ owner. I was completely on my own. But, with faith and really true friends, things have a way of getting better. The children and I are happy, and I have gone on, with the help of great trainers and proven bloodlines, to become as successful as one could hope to be in the Appaloosa Industry. Silver survived and grew up ....

"Silver" is about 15 hands, 1000 lbs, and a sooty palomino with a blanket and a star. He is intelligent and has a "want to" attitude when it comes to learning how to cut cattle. He works beautifully for his trainer, Mike Combs. Silver responds to Mike’s method of training: he treats the horses at his facility with respect and kindness. Mr. Combs never over trains or asks for more than the horses he rides can deliver. More importantly, he won’t let them get away with trying to be lazy about the work at hand. They respond by usually winning their classes. Silver trusts Mike; they work together like good friends.

As a yearling, Silver was sent to Melissa Powell for training. She teaches basic skills for young horses. Things like: standing patiently while tied, picking up feet, loading and riding in trailers, proper behavior at shows, and various aspects of grooming (brushing, clippers, sprays, etc.) Her equine students always come back with manners, confidence and a great trust or love for people. Melissa is an outstanding trainer. He was with her for about a year. Then he was sent to Clint Haverty for reining training. He worked extremely well for Clint, but his real talents were in the cutting arena.

I then sent him to Mike Combs to see if he could cut, and wouldn’t ya' know ... not only could he cut, but he picked it up so quickly Mike suggested we enter him in a futurity that would be at the Appaloosa World Show, held every November in Ft. Worth, TX. Silver started his cutting training in July, six months behind the other futurity entries. Most Futurity prospects for the ApCHA start their training 22 to 24 months before the futurity; Silver was in training for 16 months total. The rest is history ... Next >>

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