The Livestock Conservancy News, Autumn 2017
Preserving a Legacy
Desiny Bradt, Wildwood Independent Newsaper
For the past 35 years, Smartsville resident Carol Fuller-Powell has made a career out of helping others. In 1984, she founded the non-profit organization Charis Youth Center, providing residential, educational, and mental health support and services for emotionally-challenged youth and their families. Charis, with Carol at the helm, has since touched the lives of multitudes of individuals and families that have struggled with various disabilities and at-risk behaviors.
This past December, and trailing into the first few months of 2017, Carol and her husband Jim have transitioned into retiring from their roles as CEO and CFO of Charis, located at 714 W. Main St. Grass Valley. Working in such an intense environment does not come without difficulties, and having had invested so much of themselves over the years, they have both worked diligently to ensure a smooth and successful transfer of the responsibilities and operation of this special 501c.3.
While Carol and Jim may have retired in the sense of ‘withdrawing from one’s employment in a given vocation’, they have hardly done so with regards to the passion and vision that had given birth to Charis in the first place. If anything, they are probably busier than they’ve ever been, tending not to the needs of troubled families, but rather to those of a tiny band of pure-bred Spanish Colonial mustangs faced with the very real threat of extinction.
The Baca mustangs, a strain of the Spanish Colonial mustangs, are considered amongst the purest of horse breeds in North America, dating back to the conquests of Hernando Cortez in the mid-1500’s. Recent hair-pulls, done through the conservation efforts of Virginia Tech, Texas A&M and U.C. Davis, actually indicate that the horses’ bloodline dates even further back to North Africa.)
As the New World was conquered and colonized, horses were bred for purpose, rather than for purity. Many of the horses that were brought over by the Spaniards were later bred with larger draft breeds that were more suitable for work on the family farm, or faster breeds that were given to racing. New breeds were recognized and developed with their own breed conformation, but they lacked the genetic purity of their ancestors.
However, pockets of purebred Spanish Colonial mustangs can still be found in certain areas of the United States, (i.e. the Santa Cruz Island horses, the Pryor Mountain mustangs, and the Kiger Mestano mustang.) Those of the Baca strain are unique, in that they are believed to have the truest conformation to their ancestors, and they were bred specifically for their kind, gentle nature, as well as their breed - a perfect attribute for horses that are used for therapy.
Horses had been a source of pleasure for Carol for much of her life. She enjoyed trail rides and camping, but her interest in the mustangs has only developed more recent years through her contact with singer/songwriter Lacey J. Dalton. Dalton has been quite active in her role as an advocate for the wild horses, and it was her song ‘Let ‘em Ride’ and its depiction of the plight of the wild mustangs of Storey County, NV, that stirred Carol’s heart towards action and the birth of a new dream.
She began to wonder if there was a breed of mustang that would be particularly suited for working with children with special needs. She knew firsthand the impact horses can have when coupled with at-risk teens; such programs had often been utilized as part of the restorative and character-building services at Charis. But now, she was envisioning building a center on her 80-acre Smartsville property that could be used to both preserve the endangered horses and provide a venue for organizations and programs such as Charis that worked with equine therapy.
The result was the inception of the Blue Oaks Center, currently a division of Charis. Her vision was big, including a covered arena, an area dedicated to the Maidu relics found on her property, classrooms for teaching and a conservation program for the horses that fit her unique dream: The Baca mustangs.
This story is one that is just beginning. Over the next few issues of The Wildwood Independent, we will continue to share some of this amazing journey. Until then, Carol will be presenting more information on both the Bacas and the Blue Oaks Center at Simply Country’s Horse Day, tomorrow, May 6th, 2017 at 10110 Harvest Lane in Rough and Ready. Please stop by her booth to learn more and discover how you can help support this amazing endeavor.
This past December, and trailing into the first few months of 2017, Carol and her husband Jim have transitioned into retiring from their roles as CEO and CFO of Charis, located at 714 W. Main St. Grass Valley. Working in such an intense environment does not come without difficulties, and having had invested so much of themselves over the years, they have both worked diligently to ensure a smooth and successful transfer of the responsibilities and operation of this special 501c.3.
While Carol and Jim may have retired in the sense of ‘withdrawing from one’s employment in a given vocation’, they have hardly done so with regards to the passion and vision that had given birth to Charis in the first place. If anything, they are probably busier than they’ve ever been, tending not to the needs of troubled families, but rather to those of a tiny band of pure-bred Spanish Colonial mustangs faced with the very real threat of extinction.
The Baca mustangs, a strain of the Spanish Colonial mustangs, are considered amongst the purest of horse breeds in North America, dating back to the conquests of Hernando Cortez in the mid-1500’s. Recent hair-pulls, done through the conservation efforts of Virginia Tech, Texas A&M and U.C. Davis, actually indicate that the horses’ bloodline dates even further back to North Africa.)
As the New World was conquered and colonized, horses were bred for purpose, rather than for purity. Many of the horses that were brought over by the Spaniards were later bred with larger draft breeds that were more suitable for work on the family farm, or faster breeds that were given to racing. New breeds were recognized and developed with their own breed conformation, but they lacked the genetic purity of their ancestors.
However, pockets of purebred Spanish Colonial mustangs can still be found in certain areas of the United States, (i.e. the Santa Cruz Island horses, the Pryor Mountain mustangs, and the Kiger Mestano mustang.) Those of the Baca strain are unique, in that they are believed to have the truest conformation to their ancestors, and they were bred specifically for their kind, gentle nature, as well as their breed - a perfect attribute for horses that are used for therapy.
Horses had been a source of pleasure for Carol for much of her life. She enjoyed trail rides and camping, but her interest in the mustangs has only developed more recent years through her contact with singer/songwriter Lacey J. Dalton. Dalton has been quite active in her role as an advocate for the wild horses, and it was her song ‘Let ‘em Ride’ and its depiction of the plight of the wild mustangs of Storey County, NV, that stirred Carol’s heart towards action and the birth of a new dream.
She began to wonder if there was a breed of mustang that would be particularly suited for working with children with special needs. She knew firsthand the impact horses can have when coupled with at-risk teens; such programs had often been utilized as part of the restorative and character-building services at Charis. But now, she was envisioning building a center on her 80-acre Smartsville property that could be used to both preserve the endangered horses and provide a venue for organizations and programs such as Charis that worked with equine therapy.
The result was the inception of the Blue Oaks Center, currently a division of Charis. Her vision was big, including a covered arena, an area dedicated to the Maidu relics found on her property, classrooms for teaching and a conservation program for the horses that fit her unique dream: The Baca mustangs.
This story is one that is just beginning. Over the next few issues of The Wildwood Independent, we will continue to share some of this amazing journey. Until then, Carol will be presenting more information on both the Bacas and the Blue Oaks Center at Simply Country’s Horse Day, tomorrow, May 6th, 2017 at 10110 Harvest Lane in Rough and Ready. Please stop by her booth to learn more and discover how you can help support this amazing endeavor.
Back from the Brink
Desiny Bradt, Wildwood Independent Newspaper
Blue Oaks Center Works to Preserve Endangered Breed
Tucked away in the oak-strewn hills of Smartsville lays a pocket of hope for a near-extinct breed of horse, the Baca Chica Colonial Spanish Horse. With its sweeping view of the Sutter Buttes and the native birds singing above in the trees, the Blue Oaks Center has become the welcomed home to a small, but growing band of horses that are considered to be among the purest strains of Colonial Spanish Horse in existence in North America today.
The bloodline of this beautiful breed dates back to the time of the Spanish conquests of Hernando Cortez. It is believed that he originally brought their ancestors over from Spain in the 1600’s, but recent DNA testing has placed them even further back as possibly descending from Africa.
For centuries, this particular strain of the Colonial Spanish Horse, the Baca Chica, had remained in isolation in the mountains of New Mexico. The majority of their contact with man was limited to encounters that did little to secure their legacy; local ranchers preferred that the land on which the horses roamed be utilized for grazing cattle.
However, late in the 1800’s, upon migrating to the still Spanish territory, the Baca family discovered the horses and began to take a particular interest in them. Some of the horses were captured and gentled to be used on the family farm.
It wasn’t until the 1950’s, upon returning from war, that Joty Baca, grandson of the original Baca settlers, became further involved with the horses. He recognized their gentle temperament and began breeding them selectively for the finest conformation, coloring and disposition. It was through his diligent work and perseverance that the breed was preserved for as long as it was.
As Mr. Baca’s health declined, the care for the horses suffered as well. Years of drought took an additional toll on the herd, providing limited forage. In 2010, Stephanie Lockhart founded the Center for America’s First Horse in Johnson, Vermont, and nearly singlehandedly saved and rehomed what was left of the diminishing herd.
In 2015, Carol Fuller-Powell became aware of the plight of the horses. Inspired by the work and music of Lacey J. Dalton, she felt compelled to assist in the preservation of the breed with the purpose of utilizing the horses for both education and therapy. With the help of Lockhart, Fuller-Powell gathered 3 mares and one of the two remaining stallions, and established the Blue Oaks Center with the intent of purposefully breeding back from the brink of extinction.
Assisted by Dr. Sponenberg of Virginia Tech University, Texas A & M University and U.C. Davis, she began the tedious process of gathering DNA samples and cataloging the remaining horses. Great care and research went into both guarding against inbreeding and ensuring that the standards of conformation and temperament were kept intact. Additional mares and the other stallion were secured when made available, bringing the total number of Bacas in residence up to eight.
2017 has been an exciting year for the center, in that they have welcomed 4 new foals into the herd: three colts and a filly. Several trips to U.C. Davis were made with the two stallions with the purpose of collecting specimen for future use, insuring that breeding could continue if the stallions should pass or the natural process deemed unfeasible. There are currently only 12 breedable mares in known existence. Three more foals are due to be born at the Blue Oak Center in 2018. However, Fuller-Powell is determined that the horses are not bred without purpose.
At 13.2-15 hands, the Baca is small of frame and sweet of disposition, making it an ideal therapy horse for both children and adults. Trained using natural horsemanship techniques, the horses respond readily and with much endearing affection, always ready to please.
Recently, BOC has been in contact with Beale Air Force Base. The base has expressed an interest in providing programs and services for their service personnel that would include working with the horses. The first event is set to be on base in Spring 2018 with a clinic to follow at BOC. The Baca Spanish horses will be used for demonstration at both events.
The Blue Oaks Center depends upon donations to help feed and care for the horses throughout the year. Donations may be made through their website directly, through AmazonSmile, or through the purchase of limited-edition Christmas ornaments made from the hair of the two stallions.
Tucked away in the oak-strewn hills of Smartsville lays a pocket of hope for a near-extinct breed of horse, the Baca Chica Colonial Spanish Horse. With its sweeping view of the Sutter Buttes and the native birds singing above in the trees, the Blue Oaks Center has become the welcomed home to a small, but growing band of horses that are considered to be among the purest strains of Colonial Spanish Horse in existence in North America today.
The bloodline of this beautiful breed dates back to the time of the Spanish conquests of Hernando Cortez. It is believed that he originally brought their ancestors over from Spain in the 1600’s, but recent DNA testing has placed them even further back as possibly descending from Africa.
For centuries, this particular strain of the Colonial Spanish Horse, the Baca Chica, had remained in isolation in the mountains of New Mexico. The majority of their contact with man was limited to encounters that did little to secure their legacy; local ranchers preferred that the land on which the horses roamed be utilized for grazing cattle.
However, late in the 1800’s, upon migrating to the still Spanish territory, the Baca family discovered the horses and began to take a particular interest in them. Some of the horses were captured and gentled to be used on the family farm.
It wasn’t until the 1950’s, upon returning from war, that Joty Baca, grandson of the original Baca settlers, became further involved with the horses. He recognized their gentle temperament and began breeding them selectively for the finest conformation, coloring and disposition. It was through his diligent work and perseverance that the breed was preserved for as long as it was.
As Mr. Baca’s health declined, the care for the horses suffered as well. Years of drought took an additional toll on the herd, providing limited forage. In 2010, Stephanie Lockhart founded the Center for America’s First Horse in Johnson, Vermont, and nearly singlehandedly saved and rehomed what was left of the diminishing herd.
In 2015, Carol Fuller-Powell became aware of the plight of the horses. Inspired by the work and music of Lacey J. Dalton, she felt compelled to assist in the preservation of the breed with the purpose of utilizing the horses for both education and therapy. With the help of Lockhart, Fuller-Powell gathered 3 mares and one of the two remaining stallions, and established the Blue Oaks Center with the intent of purposefully breeding back from the brink of extinction.
Assisted by Dr. Sponenberg of Virginia Tech University, Texas A & M University and U.C. Davis, she began the tedious process of gathering DNA samples and cataloging the remaining horses. Great care and research went into both guarding against inbreeding and ensuring that the standards of conformation and temperament were kept intact. Additional mares and the other stallion were secured when made available, bringing the total number of Bacas in residence up to eight.
2017 has been an exciting year for the center, in that they have welcomed 4 new foals into the herd: three colts and a filly. Several trips to U.C. Davis were made with the two stallions with the purpose of collecting specimen for future use, insuring that breeding could continue if the stallions should pass or the natural process deemed unfeasible. There are currently only 12 breedable mares in known existence. Three more foals are due to be born at the Blue Oak Center in 2018. However, Fuller-Powell is determined that the horses are not bred without purpose.
At 13.2-15 hands, the Baca is small of frame and sweet of disposition, making it an ideal therapy horse for both children and adults. Trained using natural horsemanship techniques, the horses respond readily and with much endearing affection, always ready to please.
Recently, BOC has been in contact with Beale Air Force Base. The base has expressed an interest in providing programs and services for their service personnel that would include working with the horses. The first event is set to be on base in Spring 2018 with a clinic to follow at BOC. The Baca Spanish horses will be used for demonstration at both events.
The Blue Oaks Center depends upon donations to help feed and care for the horses throughout the year. Donations may be made through their website directly, through AmazonSmile, or through the purchase of limited-edition Christmas ornaments made from the hair of the two stallions.
Local Arena Available for Workshops and Equine-assisted Learning
Desiny Bradt, Wildwood Independent Newspaper
Seated on the cusp of Nevada County lies a budding jewel - twenty-five beautiful acres designated out of an 80-acre Blue Oak savanna. The Blue Oaks Center, founded in 2017, is not only the preservation site of the critically-endangered Baca Colonial Spanish Horse, but the ideal setting for equine-related workshops and events, as well as EAL (equine-assisted learning) programs for the community.
BOC Founder Carol Fuller-Powell envisions programs and classes for the military and seniors, as well as 4-H members, YMCA groups and local scout troops. She is wanting to make her sweet-tempered, work-ready horses and PATH-certified instructors available to those that would like to collaborate in making such programs a reality.
“The arena,” she states, “is ideal for lessons and workshops, with a sturdy reflective construct that offers shelter during the rainy season and a 20-degree reprieve from the harsh summer heat.”
One EAL program that The Blue Oaks Center currently provides is for a local non-profit that works with at-risk youth. The program (created by BOC) was designed to develop social, vocational and basic life skills, such as teamwork and problem solving.
“Every lesson has a life skill that is either taught or reinforced,” says executive director Marina Bigongiari.
Participants work with the horses as partners, exploring the positive development of communication, self-respect, self-awareness, confidence, trust, accountability and conflict resolution.
The 16-week program is broken up into 4-week modules with 2-week breaks in between.
“Students work on developing perseverance and empathy,” Bigongiari continues, “They learn to cope with frustration and anger.”
Modules include components such as equine science, hands-on horse skills and ranch safety. Certificates and prizes are given upon completion of each module. Through thorough recordkeeping, BOC has been able to track the overwhelming success rate of those participating.
BOC’s program is PATH accredited through PATH International, with all EAL classes being overseen by PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialists who collaborate with mental health and learning professionals. Specialists are assisted by community volunteers, ensuring that both the horses and participants receive the individual support to meet their needs.
There are many opportunities to volunteer at BOC, such as, working with classes, helping with events, horse care, ranch upkeep and fundraising. Volunteers working with the classes undergo an initial training with PATH-certified Equine Specialist Lisa Calder, and continue to meet with her once a month thereafter.
“With its serene atmosphere,” says Fuller-Powell, “many volunteers look forward to their time spent at the ranch, commenting that they feel as though the ranch was their sanctuary.”
BOC is currently looking for volunteers to work 3-4 hour shifts on a specific day of the week. This allows for volunteers to become familiar with a specific group of kids, providing greater consistency. Volunteers can log hours with Lisa and receive certification as an equine assistant.
The arena has designated parking and restrooms. Workshops and events can be scheduled through BOC in collaboration with Lisa Calder of Mindful Horsemanship.
For more information regarding workshops/events or volunteering, please visit http://blueoakscenter.org or contact Marina at marina@blueoakscenter.org or (510)673-5000