Kansas Buffalo Soldier

 

I knew at birth from the first time I saw him that Soldier would be the horse of my dreams. I only knew him for 17 days prior to my leaving for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am in the U.S. Army Reserve and was deployed for over one year. When I returned Soldier was a yearling. During my deployment Jim would keep me posted about the boys, farm and lastly always updates on the young Soldier. Soldier was such a special one, a once in a lifetime horse. I knew from day one he was different, he had a sense of boldness about him, a lovely intelligent eye, and the genetics to make him a "great one". He was to be named Kansas Buffalo Soldier; a powerful name I had retained for that once in a lifetime horse.

When I returned from my deployment I looked at my "grown" yearling Soldier. I let him go in pasture to play with the others. Then I watched him move, basically for the first time as a yearling; he took my breath away. His movement was mesmerizing. I had to just watch as his movement was stunning. He was a combination of his sires elegant movement coupled with the strong powerful trot of his dam's line. My assessment of Soldier was just a reconfirmation of what I believed. Soldier was to be one of our greatest horses; he was for sure a "Special One" a gift to us from the heavens above.

Prior to my leaving I taught Soldier some ground lessons like tying, backing, side-passing and turning on his haunches. I teach all of my babies these essential items soon after birth. I found it amazing that Soldier only had these lessons for the first 17 days of his life. He was basically untouched for over one year and then when I returned I put Soldier through his paces to see what he remembered. He remembered it all. I found it truly amazing that a 17 day old foal would have such a high retention rate.

Soldier is now coming three years old. Each day he becomes more and more beautiful. I still have to stop in my tracks to watch him move; mesmerized by his beauty and motion. When Soldier is fully mature he will resemble his "Uncle Beau" coupled with a bit more elegance from his sire. He will mature approximately 15.2 hands. As a coming three year old he stands approximately 15.1, has an intelligent soft brown eye, straight legs with excellent bone, good strong hooves and a huge powerful rear.

Since Soldier is still maturing and growing. I have had fun doing some light training with him and taking photos. I will include photos of Soldier from birth on up; but very few during the time I was deployed. I hope you enjoy the photos and stories of our lovely Soldier. You will see through photos and stories how much of a personality this horse has. He is comical, clown like and sometimes almost human. His depth of knowledge surpasses his age. You will also notice how he possesses great intelligence and trainability; very much comparable to a Border Collie. Soldier loves interaction and attention. He displays the kindness of a kitten and the beauty and movement that one can only dream about.

Watch for stories and updates of Soldier as he matures.

Suzanne Avery DVM

 

Soldier is now two years of age and beginning some very light training. Hoss Simmet has come out weekly to work some of our horses. We included Soldier in the line up. Hoss works the horses using methods similar to Clinton Anderson.

 

Kells In Kirby's Honor	Spring Hills KCL	Kennebec Count	Kennebec King Helen May
		Nicolette	J S Soot Nippi
	Pittridge Shonda	Hi Society Whiz Kid	Max Hi Society Kid Heatherwald Rainsong
		Mindakee	Cherokee Lyle Joyride's Beaudette
Burchtree Roxanne	W A R Justin	Western Mansfield	Jody's Ace Of Spades Miranda Brady
		Funquest Pukancy	Pukwana Flyhawk's Fancy
	Sweet's Tonga	Sweet's Class Boy	Classy's Pride Princess Pam
		Rhythm's Joy	Rhythm's Bimbo Lady In Lace

Names in blue can be clicked on to view a photo of that horse.

Jim & Suzanne Avery DVM
Rte 1, Box 73
Westmoreland, Kansas 66549
785-457-3596
ksbsmorg@bluevalley.net