The Houser Herd
ULFILIA DG
"Leah," 2001 KWPN Mare
Leah is the centerfold, and the original inspiration behind The Blonde & The Bay. She is Madelyn's motivation for sharing her equestrian journey online. Leah officially became Madelyn's in 2013 where she spent the next few years allowing Madelyn to regain broken riding confidence after traumatic experiences with a prior horse. Together, the pair developed through the fundamentals of more advanced dressage to successfully competing at the FEI Small Tour for multiple years. And, earned many successes. In 2019, Madelyn retired Leah from FEI sport due to age. Nowadays, Leah is enjoying her deserved retirement with unlimited treats, spa days, scratches, and napping under the Texas sun. She is forever Madelyn's heart horse. Leah will always be the purpose of TB&TB.
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BOUJEE
Emotional Support Gal Pal, 2020 Pony Mare
​Every boss mare needs a loyal sidekick, right? Boujee serves the very important role as Leah's "emotional support gal pal." Acquired in June of 2024, Boujee has now become a pivotal member of the Houser Herd at 38-inches tall. She is a pocket full of sass, and always keeps those around her laughing or smiling.
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SPANGLED MISSY
"Addie," 2022 AQHA Mare
Addie is an exciting prospect and addition to the Houser Herd. Purchased in March of 2024, she is the hopeful start to what will be a future ​string of roping horses within the Houser stable. Addie is by Star Spangled Whiz out of a Gunnatrashya mare, and is nicknamed after the Adelaide Street Circuit in Australia. A darker chestnut with breathtaking chrome, we know Addie has a very bright career ahead of her in the roping pen. She is sensitive yet sensible, a quick learner, incredibly kind, and loves spending time around her people.
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Our Equine Angels
WESTCO BLUE SCOTTIE
"Blue," 2006 AQHA Gelding
​There are not enough words that could adequately describe how special Blue was to both Madelyn and her husband, Barrett. Blue picked Barrett as his human in 2017, and transformed into a remarkable roping partner after learning how to trust once again. Barrett and Blue shared many memorable milestones together. November of 2023, Barrett graciously passed Blue's reins to Madelyn as Blue's age lent itself to a slower, less rigorous career. He instantly adjusted to life as a dressage horse, proving how trainable and versatile the Quarter Horse can be. During Blue's first dressage competition, he scored into the 70%'s at Training Level, then shortly after, began dabbling in Third Level aspects.
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In May of 2024, Blue underwent emergency colic surgery for a 360-degree colon torsion. He would then spend 45-days in the Intensive Care Unit fighting salmonella and enterobacter. On July 9th, Madelyn's and Barrett's nightmare became a reality when Blue succumbed to his bacterial infection. Blue was a beloved member of the Houser family, and his spirit lives on each day within their stable. He was intuitive, he was kind, he was patient. Blue was simply irreplaceable - he was loved by thousands of people.
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Madelyn and Barrett continue to honor Blue's legacy by advocating for Quarter Horses in the dressage arena. Madelyn organizes and hosts yearly dressage clinics titled "The Blue Duck Memorial Dressage Clinic" as a place where fellow Quarter Horse and Stock Breed riders can feel appreciated, valued, and understood. She also proudly sponsors High Score Quarter Horse awards for dressage competitions held in Region 9. Blue will be forever missed, and the Housers will always wish for just one more day to spend alongside him.
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SMOKE
Grade AQHA Gelding
Barrett's first horse, Smoke was a knowledgeable teacher and integral piece of Barrett's journey as a horseman. He started it all, and graced the Houser's lives with his "old-man," steady attitude. Though his breeding is unknown, Smoke became a reliable partner and staple member of the Houser herd. In 2018, Smoke retired from the roping pen due to age and a pesky older knee injury though still retained his sass as he gracefully aged. The "marshmallow;" a nickname he dubbed around the barn. In November of 2023, Smoke battled a severe impaction which would ultimately end his time with the Housers on the earthly plane. He was 28-years-old. Blue and Smoke are now reunited, hopefully enjoying a buck in the field and unlimited green grass.
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