A Visit to Oklahoma.... including a detailed pictorial of mare foaling!!

[Hocus Focus]

Let's have a geographical chat. What is the horse world like in Oaklahoma? Is there a concentrated area of breeders or other affiliations? Breed Shows? Licensing? Where are the breeders? Equine Repro should be in action by now. How is life in Oaklahoma? Is it one of the last frontiers? Or a mecca of "best kept secrets"? Let's hear it for "Oaklahoma"!

Anyone living there? or having passed through? Impressions?

[Katy9532]

I don't really have first hand experience with the horse world in OK. I did however live there for my 4 years of college. I love the state and would move back if my job would let me.
I did work a little with my college's equine dept. I was the only person that rode English. It was however in a VERY small town in southern OK. They were however very knowledgeable bunch.

Sorry that probably does not answer your question.

[CathyKb]

Reg, I think you mean Oklahoma!;) You need to contact Barb at Silvercreek and she can give you all the information.

[Hocus Focus]

Thank you for being first. Sharing experiences is what this thread is all about. You were well received and "Welcome to Oklahoma".

That shows you what I know about Oklahoma .... and I can't even spell it!!!!

Hey!!! Canuck in the South!!! How many of you have ever heard of Nova Scotia? Seriously!

[DennisM]

http://www.woodridgefarm.com/ -- located in Claremore, OK, very successful and excellent breeder of warmblood competition horses.

[showjumpers66]

I love Tulsa and wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

Where in Oklahoma are you visiting? Both Silver Creek Farms and Woodridge Farm are in northeastern Oklahoma (Tulsa area). As far as I know, we are the only large sporthorse farms in the state. There are many large horse farms, but mostly the industry is Quarter Horses although there is a little bit of everything. Equine-Reproduction is in southern Oklahoma. If you are coming this week, the big "A" show is happening and the Grand Prix is on Sunday.

[Hocus Focus]

Currently in San Diego, one more show to do here. Hoping I will be there two weeks from now, but not confirmed yet so too soon to say. Does that answer any of your questions? Or simply sound more confusing?

[Hocus Focus]

OK...Oklahoma...Here I come!!!!! Checking calendar and show dates here. I have this week and next week shows with Deb Dawson here in California, then I am coming. Be arriving on 20th. I have the ticket so it's a done deal. Flying into Oklahoma City, which is about 50 miles from final destination. (a farm visit to Jos and Cathy) . Can't wait to see the new farm in operation. After the OK visit, off to Albany , and a bit north to Saugartis, NY for a three week HITS show with Lili Weik (drenched one day and baking the next). Miles of walkng and endless days. Fun Fun Fun. After HITS back out to the Oaks, San Juan Capistrano ( Deb Dawson again) for three more serious baking weeks, and I am not certain if the Show Jumping Team selection are going on during that time frame at the Oaks. Hopefully, I will not have an east coast conflict. That should offer some outstanding show jumping.

"I figure by fall I will resemble a turnip more than ever, if that is even possible!"

I will be honest that with all the grand places I have been very lucky to get to with equine photography, I am quite looking forward to the Oklahoma experience. I have a feeling it will remind me a lot of where I am from...that "down homesy feeling"....although someone told me trees grow horizontally there.... due to the winds...ha ha....is it true???

Of course this is horse show life and it can all change in a second. Booked one day, cancelled the next. Certainly makes bill paying a roller coaster. You should all try it sometime. Great fun!

Will anyone be doing breeder classes at any of the major shows? I know Kentucky Nationals in August has a very nice breed show division (will be there with Shawn McMillen). The breed show there was one of the best I have encountered in my journeys.

I am reading this thread and don't see a lot of response. Is it me? ha ha
If so, say nothing, that's kinder! I will be gone in a week.

[Katy9532]

Have fun!!! Where in particular are you going?

Can't wait to hear all about it? Are you flying direct from SAN to OKC?

[Hocus Focus]

There is a stop in Houston. A short one.. Doesn't allow for a lot of error! Hopefully the weather will be cooperative.

I am also one of those flyers that if offered a "wait, over booked offer", I usually grab it, as for an extra few hours of touring the US, you end up with a nice flight offer good for anywhere in the US for up to a year, well worth doing if you fly as much as I do, and if you are on a not so hectic schedule that day, it is usually worth doing.

Going to visit some quite popular folk here on COTH, the stallion station of Jos Mottershead and Kathy St Martin. You might know them from short courses or endless helpful assistance to breeders here on the COTH. They are not only highly professional but some of the nicest folk you will ever find and many will agree I am sure.

[rideagoldenpony]

KATHY is in Oklahoma -- what more could you possibly want???

Have fun on your new adventure, Reg!

[Katy9532]

So you are either flying on Continental (my company) or Southwest (the one I want to work for).

I hope you have fun can't wait to hear all about it!!!

[VirginiaBred]

Make sure you go by SJ66's place and see her lovely mares and stallions!

[Hocus Focus]

We may cross tracks. It's a mixed ticket. Maybe Continental in, Delta out, or something like that. Nowadays you can have a Continental ticket and fly on Air Canada. I guess that is part of how the business works they trade and swap to keep seats full. Kind of the same in everything I guess.

I most certainly will be adding comments on the "Oklahoma Experience" accompanied by a few photos of course.

Gretchen....How is Mardi these days? Your magnificent boy. You must be so proud of him and his accomplishments. He is truly a special one, and they don't come along that often. Enjoy him!!! Sometimes we take for granted how rare some are and we should not. Enjoy every moment and truly know how special he is.

SJ66...I know one of her boys quite well. He spent some time in Florida before going to join her group. I am going to be in the south I believe. I am not certain what time will allow but I hope to see some nice horses for sure.

[Fairview Horse Center]

So when do you come east Reg?

[Hocus Focus]

Darlyn... not sure when I get through Virginia next. The fall may be quieter. I think after mid August it all starts slowing down a lot. I am just doing 8 weeks iwth Lili this year. Deb has had more than I could handle and since she pays best, well I don't need to explain that one, and all is west coast. She has been loyal from the Git Go and in the greater picture, nothing matters more.

Gotta make hay while the sun shines. These old eyes ain't gettin any younger, and that is the sad truth.

From Oklahoma off to HITS with Lili for the three week show that starts at end of May and into June, Saugertis, NY.

It's not really east but more east than California ... ha ha....Kentucky in August for a show called the National with Shawn McMillen and planning to be in Florida in September for a few days, see old friends and do the breed show that Sandy Werner is organizing. The rest is running back and forth Pebble Beach and the Oaks.

Somewhere in that mix I am hoping to finally get above the never ending bill pile and breathe a bit of fresh air. The two mares due in mid June, late but for northern area should be fine. That is a needed stop to Columbia, Missouri. somewhere in there.

The farm where they are is great. I just send money and she gets the horses. What is wrong with this picture??? I want to enjoy them as well. The two mares are bred to Corcovado, one the Alpha dominant tb mare, super people friendly, the other is a born poser, always got that cutesy look at me thing goin on, and loves the water. Pick up the garden hose and she comes runnin. No need for halters, just lovin it. Blast me! I will only ask for more.

Both good mares. Not world class but I think both worthy. We will try to make it through one more year then see. It's tough. I suppose the two year old by Isaiah should be gone but that is quite hard to do if I have not made much effort and it's hard to explain that you are a photographer and have no photos. ha ha. Kind of raises a few eyebrows.

God help me if foaling goes haywire, and I do know it can. We just hope it never does. Keep fingers crossed for me, and likewise in return. This will be the fourth foal for Moon and the sixth for Madge so I am hoping experience counts for something.

[fsf]

Too bad you're not coming to OK the weekend before the 20th. There's a dressage show in Tulsa the 17th & 18th. I'm up in Kansas, but always drive down to show in OK & TX.

Sounds like a fun trip!!! Some links for you:

Shows:
http://www.showsecretary.com/2008WW.asp

My farm:
www.free-spirit-farm.com (http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/www.free-spirit-farm.com)

Have a great time & welcome to the midwest!!!! :)

[Hocus Focus]

Too bad you're not coming to OK the weekend before the 20th. There's a dressage show in Tulsa the 17th & 18th. I'm up in Kansas, but always drive down to show in OK & TX.

Sounds like a fun trip!!! Some links for you:

Shows:
http://www.showsecretary.com/2008WW.asp

My farm:
www.free-spirit-farm.com (http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/www.free-spirit-farm.com)

Have a great time & welcome to the midwest!!!! :)

Thanks. Kudos to your breeding program. The stallions you are using are lovely.

You would also have enjoyed being here last week to see the Grand Prix in Del Mar, a very good class. Debbie McDonald won on Brentina. She also won the Freestyle. It was enjoyable to watch.

[Equine Reproduction]

:D Yup. I get Reg all to myself for a few days! Timing couldn't be better as I've got horses that need new photographs - including a 4 year old stallion prospect that is actually looking like a stallion prospect!!! Still doesn't have a name, either despite our owning him for almost four years now.

With that said, I promised I'd show Reg parts of Oklahoma and Texas. But if anyone in the area wishes to have some photos of their horses, drop me an email and I'm sure we can try and work something out! Email me at kathy@equine-reproduction.com.

Kathy St.Martin
Equine Reproduction Short Courses
http://www.equine-reproduction.com

[Hocus Focus]

Well travel time has arrived. Tomorrow Oklahoma. Really looking forward to a break and a bit of Oklahoma hospitality before three weeks of HITS in New York. I will keep you posted on the journey. For me this is new country, a place I have never been. Kathy loves it there and I am anxious to experience it for myself.

[showjumpers66]

Have fun!

[Hocus Focus]

Thank you. I have arrived and love it. Beautiful day.


Just would like to get one myth straight right off the bat, the trees are normal not leaning as I was told. Beautiful country. Guess who is cooking a wonderful dinner. My mouth is watering.

[Hocus Focus]

Another day in Oklahoma, basically a rest day. Looking around the property, enjoying the breeze. Yes, the wind does blow in Oklahoma but my response to that. I brought wind chimes and they have been singing nonstop.

Horse news...A foal is due any moment here on the farm, the mare is a Manhattan daughter, a lovely black mare who is out of a Frohwind mare. She is carrying an Escudo II foal.

[Hocus Focus]

Escudo II son born in Oklahoma....today.

The following post may be lengthy and for some perhaps too graphic but this is a complete reality (stills) coverage of the birth of the first foal of the season and this mare's first foal as well....Kathy and Jos at their new EquineRepro.com facility in Wynneville, Oklahoma. In a short amount of time, they have put together a very charming farm in the heartland. It was a textbook delivery and all went beautifully. She foaled in the front pasture and it could not have been a better day. This occured between 7 and 8 pm, so photos are hot of the press, the foal is as I speak three hours old. If some of the photos show a bit of blur or movement it was due to the very quickly receding light and the fact that both mom and foal are almost black. It was for all of us a magical moment and it happened in Oklahoma.

This is the story of Morticia... and her first foal, by Escudo II.... She began her labor around 5:30 showing discomfort, and some sweating, looking and slight nipping at sides.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_8982E.jpg

Doing the basic preliminary checks to make sure.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_8988E.jpg

Morticia does a bit of repositioning at phase one of the delivery.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_8997E.jpg

Keepng an eye on the situation as she continues to show progression, nipping a bit at sides, uneasiness in general.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9000E.jpg

Another charachteristic of phase one of labor, scratching butt.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9005E.jpg

Discomfort continues.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9007E.jpg

Relief amidst discomfort.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9009E.jpg

Going down for a second time. Getting closer.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9015E.jpg

It is time. Her water breaks.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9023E.jpg

First appearance of the placenta comes as a bubble.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9027E.jpg

Catching her breath before final phase.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9030E.jpg

The final phase begins.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9033E.jpg

The first foot appears.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9038E.jpg

The second foot and the nose ....all in correct delivery position.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9044E.jpg

Full view of this phase.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9046E.jpg

The passing of the shoulders... the toughest part.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9050E.jpg

The hardest has passed.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9052E.jpg

A few seconds later...
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9053E.jpg

The hips are coming through.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9056E.jpg

The foal has arrived.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9058E.jpg

Opening the sack. Checking sex. It is a colt.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9060E.jpg

A bit wet and somewhat of a dirty face, but safely arrived.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9064E.jpg

This is her first foal and she seems slightly indifferent so after some waiting the foal is moved slightly forward, being careful to not disengage the imbilical cord.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9077E.jpg

The mare shows more curiosity and the imbilical cord breaks free naturally.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9078E.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9082E.jpg

Next the foal has his imbilical disinfected.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9092E.jpg

The mare is wanting the foal more at this time. She starts to lick him.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9100E.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9103E.jpg

The foal makes his first attempts to stand.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9107E.jpg

Not successful on first attempt...
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9122E.jpg

Not quite sure what to do with all the legs...
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9126E.jpg

That's better!
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9128E.jpg

Tying up the placenta...
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9132E.jpg

Coaxing her colt to rise...
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9138E.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9141E.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9148E.jpg

He gathers courage and tries again!
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9158E.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9160E.jpg

The teats are cleaned.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9165E.jpg

Offering a bit of support.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9168E.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9169E.jpg

First steps...
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9178E.jpg

The Beginning...
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9183E.jpg

[Equine Reproduction]

Ahhh....what a pleasant surprise to wake up to this morning <smile>... We normally foal in stalls, but this mare was kind enough to foal not only at a civilized hour, but on a perfect day! She's lying on the hay pile from a round bale, so not a bad choice of foaling locations either!

Of course, keeping with my records of nothing but colts when I breed to outside stallions, this one is...a colt <banging head>. But he is truly, truly lovely with a crescent moon "star" and one hind white and he will be black. Edgar, give Escudo II a pat and a carrot. He did good and the foal is really, really lovely.

It was truly a relaxing, pleasant foaling and my worker bee, Blake's first time witnessing a foaling. He was like an excited puppy getting to witness the whole thing <smile>. I am really fortunate as I have two wonderful employees - Oklahoma seems to produce kids with phenomenal work ethics and you can't find any that are more polite!

Baby is fine, nursing and doing well this morning. I'm sure Reg will add some new photos this morning after we get up and moving.

Kathy St.Martin
Equine Reproduction Short Courses
http://www.equine-reproduction.com

[Blonde Filly]

Very nice photos Reggie...and blurry???..I did not see any blury photos! Thanks for sharing them!!! :)

Congrats to Kathy and Jos on their new colt!!! Sorry you didn't get your filly!!;) But healthy is good.:yes:

[sixpoundfarm]

Congratulations! Great play by play!

[Oakstable]

Lovely mare and foal.

Once the shoulders are out, I grab the front feet and apply a little traction so the foal doesn't slip back in. Obviously you don't.

Why?

Sally

[Cinnybren]

Holy cuteness! Lovely colt Miss Kathy. :)

HF - the photos are very cool. Thanks for the play by play. :)

[misita]

Reggie, You've got to do a book. Those pictures are perfect. I haven't seen any books that have such a great play-by-play of a normal delivery. Just beautiful.

Kathy and Jos, congratulations on that lovely colt. You must be jumping up and down for joy. just perfect.

I'm totally jealous she foaled in the daytime. Does that come with experience? How many more years of breeding to I have to do, to train my mares like that?:D

[Hocus Focus]

Lovely mare and foal.

Once the shoulders are out, I grab the front feet and apply a little traction so the foal doesn't slip back in. Obviously you don't.

Why?

Sally

Slip back in? Let it happen, don't force anything. You are increasing risks by possible damage to legs. I would think it best to let nature take its course if all is in order. If not of course, that requires other course of action and someone far more experienced than I to handle.

Also have heard if you break the imbilical cord before it breaks naturally you can increase possibility of imbilical hernias.

I have heard this said by others far wiser than I in these matters.

[showjumpers66]

Traction is really only necessary if the mare is not making progress. Sometimes it is beneficial for the foal to "slip back in" as it helps with re-positioning. This is also why mares will get up and lay back down at this point. This is part of the normal process. If a mare is pushing and appears frantic, then I will help right away. If the mare is pushing normally, but is not making any progress after 20 minutes then I will start applying traction.


Once the shoulders are out, I grab the front feet and apply a little traction so the foal doesn't slip back in. Obviously you don't.
Sally

[aspenlucas]

Reggie, You've got to do a book. Those pictures are perfect. I haven't seen any books that have such a great play-by-play of a normal delivery. Just beautiful.


I was thinking the same thing! I helped my husband deliver an afternoon foal the one day from work on the phone. If I had these pictures he would have had a MUCH easier time! You do need to do something with them! Thank you!

[Sonesta]

Congratulations, Kathy and Jos! Great pics, Reg!

[Hocus Focus]

Truth be told. Conditions were ideal for lighting and location. I recognized my good luck at the time. That perhaps relates more to experience than any specific talent.

The little mare had been somewhat active prior to the delivery and after the seemingly perfect foaling was over, the ever watchful eye of the repro team recognized that when the placenta passed, it was not quite all there and that presented a new problem. It would have to be removed. Be attentive to all details, be smart and know what to look for, and have help nearby. If unattended, and unrecognized, happy endings can be short lived.

Foaling is a miracle, but sometimes miracles can be short lived. Make yours lasting.

Good luck everyone in this. Wishing you all wonderful foaling experiences.

[khobstetter]

What is the web site for Deb Dawsons/your photography from ShowPark??

[Hocus Focus]

What is the web site for Deb Dawsons/your photography from ShowPark??


Deb keeps all records by entry number (along with an office list of names and numbers). Each image is printed as a mini proof with the ID number on it. At shows, these proofs are viewed, and if interested can be seen for detail on the monitors at the shows. She does not post them on line. If needed, and often by her choice, show proofs are mailed out.

If you are wanting images to publish in your publication "Horse Show Biz West Coast", give her a call and with specifics ready. She will be able to locate by Rider name and number if the proofs have not already been mailed out. If you make your request in advance at shows, finding what you need would be faster and easier for all.

Marsha is very helpful and will be glad to assist. I know that all win and usually a performance pics are filed from each classic as it iis part of the requirement by the office, so if proofs have already been sent, that info would still be accessible.

Marsha's number is...650-215-8641

Hope that helps!

[Toadie's mom]

Being an "ex-pat" Okie, I was a little peeved at your initial post, due to the misspelling:(. HOWEVER, you've redeemed yourself. Awesome pictures! Thanks for sharing.

[YankeeLawyer]

Great photos! Ditto Misita, you should do a book!

Lovely mare and colt, as well! Congratulations Kathy!

[3Dogs]

wonderful wonderful series HF!!! Just spectacular - and congrats on the handsome black foal ER!!!

[Hocus Focus]

And for a sample of yet another flavor of Oklahoma.....last night, we went to the 24th annual Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Range Round-Up, a type of rodeo I have never seen before, mostly geared to ranch related activity. If this is a true reflection of day to day ranch life, a lot of cowboys must be in wheelchairs. Lots of raw action and highly entertaining. The demands were tough to say the least, and not all of these folks were young.

Many different events and definitely a crowd pleaser. It was fun and I gained a lot of respect for the guts it took to get out there and wrangle with some of these critters, also very much enjoyed the use of cutting skills and maneuverability of the ranch horses, very much using horses and a no nonsense approach to tasks asked of them. The horses were well prepared for the event, and it was truly amazing to see how well organized the very challenging situations were handled. In appreciation and in respect of hard working ranch hands, I tip my hat to you. These folks work for their glory, believe me.

I shot from high in the audience so camera angle was not optimum and without flash (not recommended for best results) which meant in such light and with so much wildly fast action there were more than a few fuzzy edges when one is shooting at 1/80 second. We generally never shoot below 1/650 in the worst lighting with long range lenses for crispness at the shows, but it was a fun night out and more vacation than anything so I just had some fun and edited later.The percentages of saleable type shots were not so critical on my own time, so it allowed for a bit of experimentation shall we say.

I must say from observing that it is not for the light of heart to think that these hard working folks do not have well thought out skills to do what they do so efficiently.

You can love it or hate it but seeing how they were able to effectively obtain results in a highly charged difficult to control situation gained my respect in short order.

As a side note, and for the record, local sales are reaching all time lows. Weanling registered QH ranch bred foals were going for as low as $35 at recent sales here and Yearlings for $100, papered registered youngstock. Holy Hannah! How insane is that!


The wild horse race lived up to its name as one might expect, although one entry got off very easy when the horse stood quietly while they saddled, and mounted and just cantered to the end of the ring. I expect that team was quite happy since time seemed to be the factor that mattered most. Several of the other entries presented more of a challenge.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_0035E.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_0114E.jpg

During the course of "out of control" in the wild horse race, one team who got saddled up early had their entry go hopping off into the mix of the other hard working team which made for an interesting situation.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_0121E.jpg

Showing good form in the saddlebronc riding.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9604E.jpg

Wild cow milking made for interesting candids.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9729E.jpg

A nice type of ranch bred horse.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9807E.jpg

The highlight for me perhaps was the mule riding by the kids. Great fun and very cute.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9955E.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9912E.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ReggieReturns/R13_9924E.jpg

[Hocus Focus]

The week in Oklahoma has gone by too quickly. I really enjoyed it. I must say the Oklahoma folk I have met here are of the "good ole boys" variety, polite, kind and always helpful and the country around is lush and wonderful horse country. I would certainly recommend it as a very nice place to live and it has been a great place to visit. Thank you Kathy and Jos.