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Where did the Curly horse come from? The American Indians called them the horse before there were horses. Did the curly horse travel over the land bridge from Russia? Were they imported by Tom Dixon from India? Did they migrate from South America? Some of the earliest recorded history is found in the Indian winter counts of 1801-1802 when the Sioux Indians stole some curly horses from the Crow Indians*. While the origin of the curly horse remains a mystery, credit for saving the curly horse is often given to the Damele's, a ranching family in Nevada. The Damele's began a breeding program with the curlies in 1932 after a severe winter storm nearly wiped out all of their stock horses. The Damele's figured if the curly horse was rugged enough to survive the terrible storm, they would be a valuable asset to the Damele herd.
Curlies have proven themselves to be very hardy horses, with strong hard hooves, and a thick curly coat to withstand the bitter cold. Their coats come in varying degrees of curls. The curls can be tight poodle curls to loose and wavy. Curly horses are tend to be curious, friendly, and generally people lovers. They also are intelligent and quick learners and often react to scares in a curious manner instead of bolting. Another thing, about the curlies, that I find very interesting and intruguing, is that their hair is different from that of a regular horse. Besides being curly, it generally is HYPOALLERGENIC! Many people who are allergic to horses can be around, hug, pet, and ride a curly horse with little to no reaction at all**. The curly hair which is fine and soft,can also be collected each spring during shedding and can be spun into yarn. Some horses, which are considered extreme curlie's will lose most of their mane and tail each spring. Curly horses also have their own unique smell. Some people have said it to be a musky odor, some have thought maybe like a goat, and others have been unable to put the aroma into words. Willow does smell differently then our QH, but definately not like a goat. It is too hard to describe, but I find it to be a very pleasant aroma. To quote a friend, who is allergic to regular horses, when asked how her curly smells, she replied,
"They smell heavenly!"
For more information on the American Bashkir Curly, see
The American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry
or
The International Curly Horse Organization
The Curly Horse Rescue Association
has been formed to
rescue, rehabilitate and re-home Curly horses in need. To learn more or to help,
Click Here!
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*Information obtained from The Curly Horse in America:Myth and Mystery (a study funded by C.S. Fund in 1989)
**Many curlies horses are hypoallergenic, but you should always ask for a sample of hair before buying a curly to make sure you show no signs of a reaction to that particular curly horse. Even some of the minimal/straight curlies have been proven to show some hypoallergenic qualities. Keep in mind though that some people find that they are allergic not necessarily only to horses, but to the hay and the environment the horse is kept in. Please note: If a curly horse is kept with straight horses, one could experience an allergic reaction due to the dander/hair from the straight horse getting on the curly.
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Wake up and smell the Folate!
*Authors note on Folic Acid*
Folic acid is important for all woman of childbearing ages to take daily, BEFORE they become pregnant, to help prevent birth defects. It's recommended that a vitamin supplement containing at least 400mcgs be taken daily. Folic Acid is also good for men to take to help prevent heart disease.
So...Have you taken your folic acid today?
To learn more about the importance of Folic Acid, Click Here!
***All pictures/poems/original work on this page or following pages are the property of T. Hajdo and are not to be used without written consent of T.Hajdo***
