Information about Gerhardssons Curly Horses
The whole started the fall of 1997 when we read an article about the American Curly Horse. It immediately drew our attention and we travelled to Britt Sorqvist in Amal to watch, smell and touch her Curly Horses in reality. There we also got to admire Stormy Charmer for the first time, the stallion we later came to use for breeding our mares during several years. From that day everything happened quickly, already in January 1998 we had bought three pregnant mares from a ranch on the North Dakota range. The mare's air traveled home to Sweden and in May our first foals were born.
Earlier we both have had mild allergic symptoms when brushing regular horses, like sneezing and itching, but with the Curly Horses we never have such reactions. Scientific research in Germany has shown that the reason people with horse allergies mostly have no reaction to Curlies, is that they have less amount and other types of proteins in their skin and coat. During the time we have had our Curlies we have discovered that what we have read and heard about them is consistent with our own experiences. Their calm and steady temperament and their size from 140-165 cm (14-16 hh) in combination with their strength and endurance make them suitable for both children and adults. Foremost the Curly is known as a family and all around horse, but they also can make head lines in showing and competition, for instance in endurance, western riding, dressage and show jumping.
The curly coat of the horses may vary from poodle like curls, waves or a crushed velvet, it gives them a unique look which certainly draws attention. Many people travel long distances to get to touch their coat, smell it, test their allergy and experience Curlies in reality. Visitors often become impressed and fascinated by the horses calm and mellow disposition.
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The whole family Gerhardsson Mats Sara Annette Amanda Sofia and Missouri dream and our dog Sweetie |
Our home |
In our round pen we ground train and ride our three year olds by natural horsemanship techniques.
In the former hay barn we have created a large run in shed for all the mares and fillies. Here are the horses given hay silage of free supply and water around the clock, and a dry and clean straw bedding which is completely removed and renewed once a week. The horses prefer coming inside in harsh winter storms and during hot summer days the barn gives shade from the sun and protection from annoying bugs. Morning and night every horse is put into a separate box stalls while their eat their individually measured portion of grain and supplements. The latter is an important part of the horses' care, as it gives us opportunity to individual social contact and handling of each animal, which they wouldn't get as much if this large herd always ran free.
Inside the barn there is a division for the colts and geldings, with a run in shed like the mares and fillies have, and with the same level of care.
Large pastures, in combination with the run ins, give the horse's opportunity to live a free life as close to their nature as we can provide.
A third of the sling is beautifully set along the Gota channel.