Writing for the Brand

Hi all,

The January weather here in Texas was uncommonly nice. Sunny days, shorts and horses without blankets lulled us into forgetting that February is coming. While it is only in the 40s this week (and I know, it is MUCH colder for our friends to the north), you can see a change in horses and riders. Yesterday, I traveled to Carol Rose Quarter Horses in Gainesville to obtain an exclusive video and photographs of Carol, trainer Jay McLaughlin and Shiney Sushi. Shiney Sushi captured the Open Bridle championship in San Angelo during the NRCHA Celebration of Champions, and now the mare will retire from showing.

When I arrived the Rose Ranch crew was busy saddling and riding young horses, and boy, you could see they all felt good! The horses had a spring in their step and the bundled-up riders definitely felt it. It was great to watch them work sons of Shiners Lena Doc, Shining Spark and others. The riding pad is out near I-35, and the constant traffic, horns of 18-wheelers and other distractions sure can get a horse broke! Managing Editor Susan Morrison and I were able to see Shiney Sushi’s offspring, both by CD Lights, and even got to watch Jay ride the 2-year-old filly, Bossie.  He also rode the champion stallion, A Shiner Named Sioux, who is a full brother to Shiney Sushi.

The exclusive video of Shiney Sushi will be posted on WesternHorseman.com soon, and you can be sure I will post it on here at that time. Until then, here are a couple of photographs from our trip to Rose Ranch yesterday to hold you over. Check Western Horseman’s website and Facebook page soon to see Jay and Carol talk about this talented mare and her babies.

Bossie, out of Shiney Sushi and by CD Lights, has the athleticism of her dam, and the looks to go with it.

A Shiner Named Sioux, by Shining Spark and out of Docs Sulena, is a full brother to Shiney Sushi, the 2011 NRCHA Open Bridle World Champion.