~ Our Stallion and Herdsire~

news flash...Dickens has been selected

to be featured in the newly released

book, "Outstanding Miniature Stallions Past and Present."

We thank Small Horse Press for this huge honor and,

 their belief in our special stallion.

You can order a copy of this wonderful book at www.smallhorse.com

FLIGHT OF FANCYS GREAT EXPECTATIONS

AMHA & AMHR

National Champion Producer

2004 AMHA WORLD CHAMPION SINGLE PLEASURE DRIVING

 2004 AMHA National Top Ten Single Pleasure Driving

The High Point Driving Horse of the Year  2004-  Mid-America Miniature Horse Club

2004 AMHA Honor Roll ~ 2nd in AOTE Single Pleasure Driving

1996 AMHA RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION SINGLE PLEASURE DRIVING

AMHR NATIONAL multiple top tens in single pleasure driving

Photo by Jody Hoch

Lisa and her two special guys...Travis, Lisa's  husband and Dickens...yup, both studs!!

Photo by Jody Hoch

This photo was taken after a very long trip home from the World show...

it seemed fitting to turn him loose with his new ribbon.

This exciting World Champion is what dreams are made of, standing the true test of time...coming out of retirement to prove it again...he has the heart of a true champion!!!

This special stallion has no doubt passed onto his foals his trade mark trot that is naturally animated, with suppleness and range of motion.  Dickens is a true athlete with style and substance, he's got game and attitude and passes this all onto his foals.  He a Stallion that is never lacking in plenty of blow and snort but, also exhibits gentleness and intelligence.

 Dickens son, Flights of Fancy's Oliver Twist, has  gone on to continue his sire's champion winning ways to become a National Champion himself.  His daughter, Flights of Fancys Curtain Call is a Multiple Grand Champion driving horse with amazing motion...her little sister is following her footsteps taking the driving world by storm in single pleasure driving.  Our up and coming two year old daughters will be following in their fathers footsteps soon as, each one exhibits the athleticism and tractability that is much needed in a National and World level driving horse today.  You can pick out the Dickens foals in the field as, they have a crisp expression with bright eyes and sharp ears...just a perfect combination of scope and refinement.

Many people who know our family, know just how much I love this stallion...It was such a special honor for our family to bring Dickens out again and Win the World.  Looking back, as I drove out of the arena with Dickens that night, wearing his blue neck sash and me wearing the biggest smile ever...I couldn't help but think back on this last year and all that this little horse and I had been through...it bonded us together forever...he is my friend...so, before we even trotted into the arena I told him, no matter what happens - he would always be my champion...I believed in him with all my heart!!!

My husband claims he did it for me...He gave everything he had that night...all 31 inches of him.  He is all heart...and, I feel so honored to have the opportunity to have him in my life. 

Saturday night at the World show as we trotted in for the final Grand Champion class...it was such a joy and blessing for me to show him off, I was so proud of him...and, I was a little emotional as, it would be the very last time Dickens would ever show, he has given me his all, his trust and his giant heart and, this is my way of thanking him.  Lazy, wonderful days spent with his precious mares, watching his beautiful babies grow up to make him proud!!

Dickens is currently bred to our National Champion and multiple champion mares and, we look forward to these amazing crosses for 2007.   Dickens is Futurity nominated. 

Dickens is a Freeman Star Grandson.

Freemans Star was a Stallion born well before his time...even by todays standards he was balanced, clean with strong legs and a wonderful hip and shoulder.  Freeman Star was known for passing on his beautiful movement, this line has proven to have a greater proclivity of exhibiting these traits that are so sought after in driving barns today.

Dickens Dam, is none other than Iron Gates Miss Margaret...this fantastic mare was known for excellent athleticism and tractability...a driving machine with a strong moving shoulder and tons of trot.  She also produced Flight of Fancy's Champagne Taste a Reserve National Champion Sire. 

 WATCH FOR THE MAGIC!

A very special thank you to Kay Kirsch of Flights of Fancy Miniatures for allowing us to purchase this very special stallion.

Photo by Jody Hoch

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.  I may not reach them, but  I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead."
                  ________Louisa May AlcoM

A few of Dickens Foals over the years