Foundation filly shows promise of being a true world-class champion

If you’re looking for a filly with stellar bloodlines and a solid
foundation, then look no further than stall 239 in the Burnett-Tandy
Building for Gay Bars Christi. Donated by Moore 6-J Paint Horses of
Huntsville, Texas, to benefit AjPHA Youth leadership programs and
scholarships, the sorrel tobiano yearling shows promising signs that
she will live up to the reputation of a long line of champions.

Her solid pedigree starts with Mr Gay Bar Freckles, who placed Top 5
once and Top 10 twice at the World Championship Paint Horse Show in reining before moving on to win Reserve Champion in Amateur Reining at the European Championships in Sweden in 2006. The filly’s grandsire, Gay Bar Olena, is an APHA World and Reserve Champion. Also present in her pedigree is Delta Olena, an APHA World Champion and NCHA money-earner. In addition, her maternal grandsire, Nu Flyer, carries an APHA Reserve World Championship title in tie-down roping.

Trainer Amy Andresen of The Barn at Cedar Hill, in nearby Cedar Hill,
Texas, has high hopes for Gay Bars Christi as she continues to work
with her throughout the show.

“This filly has a great mind, she tries very hard and is willing to
please,” said Andresen. She added that the yearling is already easily
approaching obstacles such as cavaletties, bridges and tarps.

“Christi” has quickly learned from the unique training approaches
Andresen has introduced to her. One of the most influential has been
what the trainer calls “the importance of touch,” in which massage
techniques are combined with regular training. Massage allows trainers to bond with each horse individually and find the special places on its body where it derives pleasurable feelings. Massaging those areas, often different from horse to horse, is used in training to evoke
favorable responses.

“It’s better than just patting every horse on the head and saying,
‘good girl,’” Andresen said.

For the past several years, Andresen has been training young horses
and has experience in spotting great yearling prospects. She feels
that Christi is one of them.

“Right now she is ready for in-hand yearling or longe line, but with
her foundation, she has the potential to do much more.”

Andresen will be using the filly for clinics from 3:30 to 4 p.m. every
day in the Purina Mills Colors of the West Arena, located in the
Colors of the West Gift Show in the Amon Carter Building; with the
exception of June 30 and July 2. During her demonstrations, she will
show how to teach the basics through trust as she incorporates:

• importance of touch
• staying relaxed
• establishing respect
• developing a brave horse
• fundamental training techniques (such as picking up hooves)

The filly can also be seen during special evening performances in the
John Justin Arena.

Don’t miss your chance to become part of a legacy. Tickets are only
$10 and can be purchased during the show at the AjPHA booth, the APHA Information Booth, or on-line at aphfoundation.org. All proceeds from the Filly Fund-raiser will benefit AjPHA leadership programs and the American Paint Horse Foundation.