Ken and Michele started Mystic Oak Ranch in 2002, a few years after Michele fell in love with Friesian crosses after years of riding Morgans and Warmbloods. In her quest for the perfect dressage horse she found War of the Titans, a young Friesian/Morgan cross, and realized a dressage horse can have good gaits, great rideability, yet be fun and people oriented! In his short life, Titan won the hearts of many dressage riders. The ranch was established in Elk Grove, CA, but in 2004 they moved to Plymouth, CA, where they are currently located.
In 2006 and 2007, Michele went through the USDF Learner (L) Program, and passed with distinction. This qualifies her to judge schooling shows, and after meeting certain other competition and experience requirements, she may apply to the USEF "r" Judge Program. She judges several shows and pony club events each year - feel free to contact Michele if you need an experienced schooling show official. She continues her education each year, having attended the USDF DSHB Symposium and the FEI Trainers Conference (her L status got her entrance to that program) in 2007, and audits many clinics and Warmblood inspections as continuing education.
Our breeding program focuses on breeding the highest quality Friesian crosses. The question often comes up, what sets your Friesian crosses apart from others? Like any careful breeding program, the answer is top quality mares and stallions, and a breeder who spends the time to learn about bloodlines, conformation, movement, and rideability. We carefully select Friesian lines known for their THREE good gaits, and their ability to compete in the upper levels of dressage. We look for Friesian lines that consistently throw excellent sport horse prospects. We then combine those bloodlines with Warmblood lines with good gaits, good rideability, and good conformation. Our stallions have excellent performance bloodlines, and Cadence is already showing at the FEI levels.
Our mares either had successful performance careers themselves, or have siblings and parents with successful performance careers, and have the ability (gaits and mind) themselves. Most of our Warmblood mares are from jumper lines - why? Because jumpers tend to have good canters and good stamina. Combined with the more baroque type movement of the Friesian, and the powerful hindquarters that our stallions possess, add in the quieter temperment of the Friesian, and the result is a wonderful sport horse suitable for the amateur or professional rider.
We specialize in Warmblood Friesian crosses because the result is consistently high quality, with the Friesian blood adding back bone, good foot, gentle personality, easy rideability, and a bit of Baroque charisma, while the Warmblood adds some additional athleticism, stamina, and elasticity. Unlike many breeders, Michele also rides and competes as an adult amateur, and understands the need for BOTH a good mind AND good gaits. We strive to breed a horse that is fun to own, fun to ride, yet competitive enough to show against the more expensive Warmbloods.
|
 |
| Michele on Cadence |
|
|
|