Because no farm could be complete without a pig , this is Wilbur .
Bristol Pepito
3 .
What specific horses most significantly contributed to your program and why / how ? In 1985 my veterinarian bred his unregistered mare to Kianti . I bought the resulting foal from him for a six-pack of beer and named him Lil Bit of Trouble . Lil Bit was truly a horse before his time . I hardshipped him into AMHA and showed him at the Northwest Miniature Horse Club shows . He was leggy , refined , a huge mover and looked like today ’ s soughtafter Miniature horses . He was definitely the horse that inspired my passion for the Miniature that looks like an Arabian , moves like a Shetland , has the disposition of a loveable dog , and is under 34 ” tall . When Bit was in his later years , Jan Tobey bought him for her team , and he showed with her for many years . Lil Bit of Trouble was finally laid to rest , taking the hearts of Jan and myself with him .
4 .
Tell us the story behind Oak
Bay Acres Salsamio , aka Salsa ? Nancy Rivenburgh had a significant influence on my choice of horses to use in my breeding program . In 2003 I purchased a mare from Nancy named Rivenburghs Supreme Bailar . The mare came with a breeding to the renowned Bristol Pepito and I longed for the foal to be a beautiful black filly . But instead , my dream was dashed with the arrival of a chestnut colt instead ! What in the world was I going to do with a RED colt ? At that point , I would have just literally given him away if it wasn ’ t for the wisdom and excellent eye of my good friend and farrier , Helynn Emory . Helynn recognized the potential of this little red guy and talked me into allowing her to take him , for conditioning and bring him to his first show . So off she drove , with
Salsa in the back of her minivan , alongside her farrier tools . The next time I saw Salsa was at the SeaTac show in Elma , and you could have knocked me over with a feather ! Helynn just stood there and laughed at the expression on my face . I couldn ’ t believe this was MY horse ! But the story of Salsa doesn ’ t stop there . Salsa went on to win all the Supremes at that show and many more as the years went on , siring numerous World and National champion horses that are out producing their famous sire . Thank you , Helynn , for your insight and your faith in this amazing little horse !
5 .
What lies ahead for the future for Oak Bay Acres ? Exciting times are just around the corner . We have added Salsa ’ s sire Bristol Pepito to our breeding program , and he is producing our first exceptional triple registered horses . Salsa also has new bloodlines to cross with and so far the results are inspiring . After the 2018 World Show , we will be adding a training component to our facility here at Oak Bay Acres . Our new arena and show barn are complete and our ( soonto- be announced ) trainer will be training our horses and will take in a few outside horses as well . Our industry needs new , talented , young people to keep it alive and prospering . The last few years have been very challenging for our industry , especially its breeders . Every horse breed known to man has gone through the same cycles . Our industry depends on those who will “ stay the course ” during this time and continue to improve , treasure and breed the American Miniature Horse . And thanks to those who are continuing to stay the course , the future is positive and exciting for the most amazing horses I have ever known , the AMHA Miniature Horse !
Supreme World Champion Rivenburghs Outlaw Josie Wales owned by Oak Bay Acres
Sheryl and Joanne Ross , long-time Mini friends .
FALL 2018 Miniature Horse World 25