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OBISPO GIZELLE

2001 Dam Legion of Merit

    OBISPO GIZELLE (Smoke Tree Bronze Star x Mary’s Wood Nymph) is owned by Suzan Stevens, who writes: "I first saw Obispo Gizelle in 1983 at 3 days old and was smitten. I remember her bright bay coat, alert intelligent face and startlingly blue right eye. But most of all I remember her movement. She literally "danced" across her paddock, flatbacked, high tail set, and long arching neck straight out of her withers. She cracked her knees up to her chin, and then flicked her fronts legs straight out from her shoulder. It was love at first sight, but she was not for sale.

    "In 1985 I got a call from Gizelle’s breeder, my friend Anne Westerman, who got right to the point: ‘you know that crazy, blue-eyed, bronco filly? Well if you want her, come and get her.’ Gizelle hardly resembled the filly of 2 years earlier - now 13.1, leggy, undeveloped, shaggy, and full of cockle burrs. She stood in her paddock snorting at us in apprehension. Anne may have been right about the "bronco" part, but I disagree with the "crazy". Gizelle is, indeed, snorty and distrustful, but she is also kind and very smart. She bonded with me, and me with her. We had a fine time in the show ring in dressage, lower level eventing, and the Welsh shows. Intense training and the high pressure of showing were hard on her. She loved it most when we went camping in the mountains where she was fearless and untiring and I felt showed her pony blood the most."

    Retiring from showing in 1992, she began a four-foal relationship with Four-R Corsair owned by the Malazniks of Windridge Welsh. Her first colt, Cuesta Desperado, inherited his sire’s lovely head and his dam’s movement. While with the San Diego and Ferrell families, he earned many halter and performance championships. His true calling is in harness where he displays his extraordinary movement. Now owned by Pat Conway he will compete at Advanced Level in Combined Driving.

    In 1995 Gizelle produced Cuesta Bravo who has excelled in halter and performance. Jessica San Diego (Buttonwood Farm) rode him to many championships in Pleasure, Hunter and Equitation. He is now owned by Sandra Murphy in Colorado.

    Gizelle’s first filly arrived in 1997, aptly named Cuesta La Prima ("the first/best"). She is a stout 13.1, with fluid, long, low movement, and going nicely under saddle and over fences. She has the perfect disposition to be a show pony, easy-going, happy, wants to please. She may just stay with us forever!

    Two years later Gizelle foaled, Cuesta De La Reina ("the Queen"). She was a star from the start, winning in hand at 4 months. She travelled to Tulsa as a weanling where she met the Almonds from Loafers Lodge, and continued to her new home in Maryland. Today she is a top class show pony and they deserve the credit for her development.

    Gizelle is in foal to Cloe Val Du Sair owned by Jill Whiting. We expect this to be a "special" foal. Gizelle, at 19 years, is slim with no drop in her back. She is perfectly sound, and still shows off for us. On occasion, I saddle her up and treat her to a ride. We are "bonded," forever I guess."