It was a California heat wave!  But that didn't deter the sixty to seventy friends, neighbors and horse enthusiasts from joining us for the second Merriewold Morgans Open Barn Celebration.   The ‘hot ticket' of the day was definitely Deb Hirons and her beautiful Morgan mare, Alamar's Touch of Magic, performing an FEI level Dressage Musical Freestyle.   There was also a full schedule of activities to entertain and educate our guests.

The fun started around 10 o'clock.  All the horses had been groomed and were ready to meet their guests.  The tents and lunch area were all set, artists Bj deCastro and Entera brought a beautiful display of equestrian paintings, and our ‘Ranchita' was dressed up and decorated for the party. 

We are honored and pleased to announce that the popular equine magazine, The Morgan Horse, featured Merriewold Morgans in their November/December 2009 issue!  Click on the .pdf link below to read and/or print the article.

Read the full article here... (.pdf)

Earl and Jennifer McFall run a very active show barn.  They specialize in the breeding and training of World, National and Regional Champion Morgan Horses in Hunter Pleasure and  Western Pleasure.  As well as, Morgan/Thoroughbred crosses and various Warmblood breeds and Thoroughbreds in Hunter, Jumper, Dressage, Western and 3-Day Eventing. 

They also have a full academy lesson program for the instruction in all of these disciplines.

The McFalls purchased a home on acreage in Wilton, California in 2005 and are gradually developing a well thought out facility.  Located in beautiful Northern California, this is the permanent home of Dragonfire. 

Placing your horse with a trainer may be good for your horse, but will the outcome be good for the both of you! You must select a trainer that will enhance your ability to work and learn together. In other words, make two good students that complement each other.

1. Goals for you and your horse: Explore your intentions. Do you wish to compete, or ride for pleasure? This will have a bearing on the amount of cost and type of trainer.
   
   

It was a beautiful Spring day on California's central coast.  The horses were groomed, the pastures mowed, and all the preparations for the party were in place.  The day was expertly managed by party planner, Melanie Knowlton.  The turn out was even better than hoped…and at 10:00 in the morning 70-90 neighbors, friends and Morgan horse enthusiasts began arriving for the Merriewold "Open Barn" to celebrate the wonderful new horse facility.

UVM Rarity
1990-2006
UVM Elite X UVM Happy

UVM Rarity was my first Morgan mare.  I was introduced to the Morgan breed thru my family’s two mares: Laine’s Dawn and Diana’s Dawn, but Rarity was the first mare that I purchased.  Jackie Brittain and I found Rarity when we went on our first horse adventure in Vermont.  We were looking for a few good Morgan geldings, all-purpose riding horses for the ranch.  On our rounds we visited several wonderful Morgan Farms including East of Equinox (where I purchased Jazzman), UVM Morgan Horse Farm where we met UVM Happy, a UVM top producer and a gorgeous, big, feminine mare, and Destiny Morgans where we saw several young prospects for sale. 

Sally with Merriewold Galaxie.
(Ironforge Starman x Ringbrook Renaissance)

Sally's family started breeding and purchasing Morgans with the influence of her Great Grandfather, F. E. Radtke.  Her Grandfather started breeding Morgans and utilized the big and free moving horses for the 20 mile migration to the mountains in the summer with the Radtke Ranch cattle herds.

Moonset's Reflection (Whit Akers Sensation x Highmeadows Bluemist), 1989-2007.

Our wonderful mare 'Reef' - dam of Rocket, Honey and Hanah, passed away  July 17, 2007 from an acute case of colic.  She was a big, easy-going mare and we will miss her.  This is our tribute.

Reef was born July 31, 1989 and became a part of our program after the purchase of her son WNC Rocket Man.  We were so impressed with Rocket's abilities that we had to have his Mom as well.  Reef passes on her size, athletic conformation and steady disposition to her foals.