The Cheerful Giver
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law”
There was a conversation that I remember from the beginning of our time with Fabrizio marketing where I said, “ I want to go where everyone else is going, but we will make our own path!” That being said it is harder sometime and more difficult to navigate this industry but I believe the rewards are greater when you earn them on your own.
With Remix we have been of the mindset that he is the High Tide! We believe the he will elevate everyone that comes into his circle, everyone that gives him an opportunity we want them to feel like he has lifted them up. As stewards of Remix and what we would like his story to be we are always trying to promote our Christian beliefs and values. Anytime there is a place where we can use the gifts we have to show Christ we try to lean in.
As stallion owners promotion and group affiliation are great resources in getting your horse recognition and possibly getting more breedings. There are many many incentives that bring awareness to the industry by promoting sires through stallion auctions. One of these auctions is the VGBRA and to be a member of that you offer a breeding contract for them to auction off and as a result of that then your stallion is admitted to their program and then your stallions offspring qualify to run for additional funds offered by that incentive.
If I recall how this all started sometime in Feb of 2022 we received a call one day asking if we would breed Remix to an Unregistered mare. During the call Carissa explained to us that she had co rafted several other stallions and they had all declined or not shown enthusiasm toward her mare and so she was was trying to find one that would. We were delighted that anyone would give him a chance a of course we said yes because we want to see as many of his babies out there in the world as we can. Carissa ended up purchasing the breeding and in March we received her contract and April 30th of 2022 we were delighted to receive a text proclaiming Kiwi was heartbeat confirmed and Carissa was well on her way to raising a baby.
As we wrapped up the 2022 breeding season we were so very happy to have bred 10 mares. The freshman class for Remix was set and we couldn’t have been more happy with the stories that were to come.
Fast forward to Jan of this year and while looking through FB Kyndal saw a post from Carissa showing her mare Kiwi in the icu at OE in Decatur TX. With a brief text of support and curiosity Kyndal reached out to Carissa. The result of that text was Carissa telling us that Kiwi had 3 large tumors in her abdomen and this tumors were causing some difficulties but that the Dr. at OE Had a positive outlook and the baby was doing perfectly fine with no apparent ill effects. That was Jan 31 and Feb. 4th the follow up text came in that Kiwi was a very resilient mother and doing well along with baby on board. Just 5 days later the heartbreaking news of Carissa’s mare passing came to us and we immediately felt the pain of loss and the crushing emotions of dreams that were shattered.
I received a text from Kyndal that morning early relaying the news to me that the mare had passed and there would be no baby for Carissa. Kyndal asked me what we could do for her and the only response I had was “everything”. Without hesitation in my spirit I knew that we would find a way to get Carissa her Remix baby.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Later that day Kyndal and I spoke on the phone and we agreed that we would find a mare that we could purchase and breed and that we would give that baby to Carissa to replace the one that she never got to meet. We set the plan in motion by searching FB for a mare that we could purchase that would be a good candidate to fulfill our desire to share our faith and values as well as bring Carissa’s hopes and dreams of having a Remix baby to life.
In the meantime I reached out to Carissa and explained to her that we did not have. Baby this year that we could replace here’s with but we had a plan and if she was willing to walk along with us on this journey it would set her back a year but we would make this happen.
Scotch Rona
Through some FB searching and inquiry we found Scotch, she was fresh off weaning a 2022 baby and her owner was not going to breed her for the following season and she was for sale to the right home. This mare being fully registered fit the bill and would allow for Carissa to have a future baby that would run at the futurities and be able to go to some of the bigger races once he or she had reached competitive age.
Kyndal and I agreed that we would purchase the mare and do all the breeding and that we would present the mare to Carissa when heartbeat was achieved and there was a confirmed pregnancy. We started in March by bringing Scotch home and getting her fed up as she had just weaned a foal and was showing the signs of above average mothering and sacrifice to her baby.
Through the breeding process at 113 equine we kept Carissa updated on check dates as well as breeding. When our first breeding didn’t take because I had failed to give the mare proper hormone therapy I reassured Carissa that on the second attempt I would do my due diligence and we would be on our way to getting her Remix baby. As we all know breeding although it is a Science it is not an exact science and so through the process I had to learn to help these mares along when it came to successful breeding.
May 19th of this year we got the news that Scotch was pregnant and that we would do a follow up check sometime early June. The daily chore of giving oral regumate was a top priority so that we could do all we can to get Carissa a Remix baby. On June 5th 113 Equine confirmed by heartbeat that Carissa would be getting her Remix baby lord willing the hard part was complete and now the waiting begins.
I was busy with work that day but had Colby around and he was excited to be the one to deliver Scotch to Carissa.
There are so many parts to this story that Carissa will have to tell. About her connection with Kiwi and her dad and how she placed her hopes and dreams in Kiwi and a Remix baby. Also about time and dates that align with Scotch. There is no possibility of not seeing the hand of God in this incredible story and we will be watching in the months to come for updates and details. As for now we here at the Slash S Ranch are simply thankful for the opportunities that Remix gives us and we are very excited to share him with the world.
Carissa & Scotch