Robin's Blog

Alaska was home for 33 years and will always be remembered with great fondness. That's where my two sons were born & raised, where my college degree came from and where Al & I bought our two "dream" horses, Falki and Drago. We purchased them from Robin Marquiss at 3 ½ years of age and started them ourselves. They're half brothers and just one day apart in age. In May, it'll be nine years since they came to live with us and what an adventure it's been! In my heart I know we wouldn't have been successful with our young horses had it not been for the support and encouragement of other club members; many who became and still are good friends.

When the "boys" were seven, we bought a 27 acre ranch, sold our Fairbanks home and moved to a very small community in Eastern Oregon. That adventure began on the move South, when the boys escaped from their overnight paddock in Tok. Many folks began looking for them, including the state troopers and hotel staff. True to Icelandic form, the two renegades with their strong homing instincts, didn't travel far from their "family", and a bit of grain convinced them to come in.

The adventures continued when Drago appeared in his very first parade and won First Place; we think it had more to do with his uniqueness as most of the local ranching families had never seen his breed before and when he tolted down Main Street, the crowds loved it!

I got the urge to raise a baby Icelandic, so I purchased a 19 year old broodmare and a young, gorgeous, chestnut gelding from a gal in Southern Oregon, for a project horse. More adventures were ours while training the "wild mare" who had never been ridden and really didn't need people in her life. After several weeks of hands on, Hrimfaxa, ("Rimmy"), discovered that people were good and allowed us to catch, ride, and touch her anywhere, even on her ears. The little mare that wouldn't be caught, become the first horse to come running from the pasture at mealtime when called in.

Finding riding partners was a real challenge and so were the long drives to a large town (3 ½ hour drive, one way). Falki developed allergies to some weeds, dust (?), and we went through trying times attempting to solve his plight. It seems impossible now, but I came close to selling all the horses. When the first person called and expressed interest in Drago (my favorite), I told her he was "no darn good" and realized that I could never, ever part with my obstinate boy.

We were spoiled by Fairbanks and all the amenities we enjoyed there, so I convinced Al that it was a great time to sell our ranch (it had doubled in value during our three years there), and we moved to Northern Idaho, near Coeur d'Alene. We sold Darri to a great home in the Spokane area. We also keep tabs on Rimmy, to see that she's faring well. These horses became such a part of our family and we still miss our two Oregon beauties.

There are reminiscent things about Alaska we enjoy here with the moose, grouse, snow, mountains, lakes and rivers, but the best of all are the gals who love to ride.

Last spring, I began riding lessons at the stables where Falki & Drago are boarded and use our boys for the lessons, so it's perfect. I've learned much and plan to resume lessons in the spring. Last summer & fall, I rode over 200 trail miles with friends. The overwhelming obstacle here is the mega dumps of snow we experience (19 feet last year); our two winters have been very hard, so another adventure waits as we plan to move again. Al wants to enjoy his retirement years and has stated, "No more snow"! We're looking at Oregon again, but to a more populated area and closer to family members, several of whom live there. Don't know what the future holds but do know that Falki & Drago will be a part of it!