Maddy was raised in Southern California at the Hart Ranch. I got a message today along with some photos of the 2000 acres that burned down there and the rescue efforts to round up the the Hart horses. Here is the email Laura sent me....Good Morning..... I just got back from Southern California where I helped my folks gather some horses..... we had a 2000 acre pasture leased at Camp Pendelton and it burned to a crisp..... it takes time to ride and find all the horses, as they split into their own little groups when out in a large place...I am happy to report that NONE of our horses were injured, just frightened as I am sure you can imagine....there were very few patches that were not black, and the horses were mostly hanging in these areas thoughout the hills.....there was still some areas that were smoldering, and it was "erie" tobe riding thru it all..... we have brought in 70 of the 107 that are out there, and they are returning today to pick up the rest.... I was riding one of THEIR horses to gather, and when a herd of about 60 came at me at a dead run, it was just like the scene in "City Slickers"with the stampede!!! My horse thought he should go with the herd!!!! I am only laughing now because I survived without falling off (barely)and after they passed my mom says "oh, I guess we haven't used him to gather before!!!" Very funny!!! I just thought these were some fun pics to look at..... hope you all have a great day.... laura
It is an amazing herd...I can see why Maddy was so bitter about being put to work when she arrived up here. She ran wild with these horses until she was four years old. So happy to hear there were no injuries or casualties from the fire.
11 comments:
Oh my, that is amazing stuff Jules!
Glad for the wonderful outcome..and I did laugh when the one said to laura..."that horse hasn't been used to "gather" before!"
I would love to know more about the Hart Farm. Now what will they do with 107 horses? Is it a breeding farm? That must have been quite the scene.
Lori
I lived in San Diego in my military days during the fires of a few years ago. Right in the middle of 'em practically. Not a good thing. Blowing your nose and breathing every day were always a new experience. And as you may guess, when in the military, leaving is not an option! Glad the horses from Maddy's clan are all OK!
The poor horses must have been so scared. If it weren't for the fires that would be a great place to live. Glad everyone made it, wonder what they will do with all those horses.
There was a fire in Camden, S.C., in horse country a few years ago. The horses were driven to an airport nearby -- the only place that wasn't wooded. I hear it was quite a sight to see 100 horses standing on the runway. These were all private horses from different small farms and didn't know each other.
Your photos are amazing. So glad all are safe!
Wow, sounds like they had a dramatic day!
Also, lucky Maddie to be raised like that, and lucky you - she will probably be a very sound horse into her old age.
Wow! What a way to spend your first four years as a horse! I'm glad they're all ok! Ever gone back there with Maddy? How old is Maddy by the way?
Wow, incredible story! Glad they're all ok.
The Hart horses are used for Hollywood films and commercial advertising. When studios need a "herd" these are the horses they film. They weed them out as they age...pick the pretty ones out and sell privately and the others end up at auction or parted out to the Hart kids. I don't think they are breeding as extensively as they used to. All have a large heart freeze brand on their front left. Remember all those Ford commercials...Hart horses.
So glad to hear that no horses and no people were hurt - fires would be so scary. Pretty amazing post and beautiful pictures. I agree with your thoughts about Maddy - would you want to leave that? But, what a thrill to be involved in a gathering like that!! I can't even imagine how exhilerating that would be - glad your friend hung on tight! Don't all horsey gals wish they could do something like that?? Oh and what an amazing Appaloosa in that one pic on the left. :)
Pretty amazing experience,great photos! Thanks for explaining the Hart horses. I didn't know what they were, either. Interesting, I imagine we have seen a lot of them in movies! ;)
Post a Comment