May-June 2011 Cover Story, Part 1  Socks:

My Wonderful, Colorful Stallion
by Susan Perry

Sockett Starsnstripes, known simply as Socks, is a special stallion that came into my life at the perfect time. A year before Socks was born, I lost my 28-year-old son to cancer after a 3-1/2 year battle. Socks helped me through a very tough time by becoming my best friend, a fun daily project, and something positive to look forward to. I did not know it then, but he was to become my once-in-a-lifetime horse.

Socks also represented a new breeding venture for me because for the first time in my 35 years as a breeder and exhibitor of quality American Quarter Horses, I decided to breed my Quarter Horse mare Ima Star Watcher to an APHA Champion stallion named Special Sockett. This would be my first experience in the world of The American Paint Horse. In breeding paint horses, the objective is to get a foal with white above the knee, past the width of the eye, or a two-inch white spot on the body.

His dam was a beautiful dark bay mare, and Socks was her first foal. I was filled with anticipation as I attended the foaling. I was pretty sure the arriving foal would be a solid, but when those long white legs appeared, it almost made my heart stop. Wow, I was so excited to see all that color! He looked so bright standing next to his dark mother.

Socks was so beautiful and special from the start. Nothing at all fazed him, either. He could be lying in the deep shavings and I could put his baby halter on him and he wouldn't even get up. He was so curious about everything, and most of all he honestly loved being with people.

When he was a weanling, I started fitting him for the CCQHA Open Futurity, and he ended up winning the color division at his first show. I did not show him again until his yearling year. I hired a professional trainer named Floyd Danlies to fit and show him. In Burbank, CA Socks was awarded the Grand Championship over one of the top honor roll stallions in the nation. I was thrilled!

Started under saddle as a three-year-old, Socks proved to be very versatile in his accomplishments. He likes it all and I can almost hear him say, “Bring on the cows!” or “Let me go to the trail,” or, “OK, I'll go slow for western.” He even enjoys jumping.

Under saddle, Socks has earned four points with very limited showing at the breed show level. With limited showing at the largest shows in the country, he finished with 85 halter points, 5 Grand Champion, 10 Reserve Champion, Circuit Champion, and multiple futurity wins.

After he attained his Superior Halter Status, I brought him back home to California, where at the age of 13 he now stands at stud. His offspring have proven to be as versatile as he is in halter, cutting, reining, and jumping. They all carry his great disposition and willingness to please, too.

My daughter Christine Perry now rides Socks in open shows and they have proven to be a winning combination.

In 2005 Lynn Palm personally selected Socks on the basis of his ability and demeanor to be her exhibition horse at the Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento. Christine rode his full sister Rosie in that special demonstration of Balanced Riding for the Western and English Rider.

Socks only needs six more points in Western Pleasure to reach his Register of Merit. But at this point in my life and his, I really don’t care if he ever gets them. Socks is a very happy, well-adjusted stallion living the good life with his ranch friends at the foot of Mt. Diablo in Alamo, CA. Standing in the cross ties between his riding time and pasture turn out, he really enjoys watching the children, their horses, and the goings on in this very public barn. Always the perfect gentleman, he is respectful of everyone. His many fans just can't believe that he is a stallion.

It is hard to describe what a fun and special horse Socks really is. His personality shines in so many ways. This big boy can yawn on command. He will come running at a bolt back to you when called, and he enjoys just hanging out. Every time we pass by the gate, he gently pulls me to go out on the mountain for a day ride or for a lazy afternoon munching some nice grass.

If you are looking to breed for skill, disposition, color and a fabulous attitude in a horse that will be your friend and partner for life, Sockett StarsNstripes is the perfect choice.

May-June 2011 Cover Story, Part 2

IronHorse Equestrian
by Christine Perry

I first opened my boutique, IronHorse Equestrian, four years ago, right inside my own beauty salon, Christine’s A Complete You. Located in Danville, CA, IronHorse Equestrian started out small and was only open on the first Sunday and Monday of each month. It was my goal to recreate an atmosphere from a trade show called Cowboy Christmas that’s held at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

A few years ago, we’d increased our product lines and customer base enough that I moved IronHorse Equestrian into an empty store space next to my salon. We connected the two rooms with barn doors, and, presto, we were in business.

We are going on our fourth year in business now, and IronHorse Equestrian has become the region's destination for lifestyle clothing, western apparel, furniture, and accessories in both English and western styles. We feature name-brand products, along with unique items and local artisan’s wares. We are always growing and expanding our product line, too, so we tell our customers to check back regularly.

I like keeping horses in the forefront of our community, so we host a number of equestrian happenings at the store. IronHorse Equestrian has shopping parties, with partial proceeds benefiting charities, such as the Xenephon Theraputic Riding Center and SonRise Equestrian Foundation. Also, three years ago, when my horse Dolce was just a yearling, I brought him to the store for a party so customers could help him celebrate his first birthday. People still stop by the store and ask how Dolce is doing.

For me, the store is not just about selling products. It’s about my love for both horse and rider, and the enjoyment I get in building relationships with my customers.

IronHorse Equestrian is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday (and open until 8:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday). Come visit us at 374 Hartz Avenue in Danville, CA. You can also call us at 925.743.1197

To read the published article online go to: Honest Horses Magazine

Article publishing rights: Honest Horses Magazine