WHO'S WHO IN THE COMMUNITY

Bismark could not have been a better choice for reminding us all that it is time to celebrate. We do not know the specific event for which Bismark is wearing his finery, but we do have a great story regarding his life and his owners in the J--6/Mescal area.

Bismark was born April ll, 1990. He is a black, Percheron stallion, 17.2 hands registered with the American Percheron assoc.and the American warm blood Registery. He is out of a line of Percherons raised in the Amish country of Ohio.

Bismark grew up in Atlanta, Ga., but moved to Benson with his owner, Linda, in 2004, as she looked to leave the messy Atlanta weather behind.

Linda purchased Bismark as a project - a baby and still a stallion. "I wanted something big and impressive. I knew he was going to be big since both parents were over 17.2 hands."

.... and now the story is told best by Bismark's proud owner:

The first time I saw him he was fuzzy and gangly. Not much to look at, but he had the sweetest eye. I had a chance to ride his father, Chiefs Commander, the first draft horse I had ever ridden. It was certainly a pivotal moment; it changed my life for ever. I had to have a draft horse.

I found out early on, Bismark knew he was a stallion and knew he was big and going to get bigger. Initially, I had not intended to to keep him a stallion, but looking back I am glad I did, even tough we had our battles.

As I started working with him and trying to make him comply with my
human wishes, I found him to be testy, but fun. We had our tough moments. It was a toss up as to who was winning some of the battles, if the truth be told, he probably won most
of them.

He has proven to be a great ambassador of the Percheron breed. He has a list of accomplishments.

Linda and her husband, Israel Martin, live on a small ranch with a pet steer, Carlton, 4 dogs, and 3 other horses besides Bismark. They like to two-step, love to take small trips with their travel trailer, and to visit with lots of friends.

You can meet both Linda and Israel at horse events in the area. We just wish she had the time to set and chat about her years of service as a mounted police officer.

PERHAPS ANOTHER DAY....