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Phil Carroll

SPOTLIGHT: Phil and Margaret Carroll

Phil’s Equine Biography: My first recollection of a horseback ride happened when I was likely about 4 years old. My Uncles had an 18-hand Belgian mare totally harnessed and were going to lead her from one farm to another, less than a mile away. My dad was a South Dakota cowboy that bragged that he didn’t walk anywhere. He had one of his brother’s-in-law give him a leg up and then handed me up to him. I had other contact with the Belgians on that farm.
Philip translates from the Greek as “lover of horses”. Dad had enough horse stories to increase the obsession and Mom used to tell about Maud chewing the neck yoke when she took her younger siblings to catechism. Maud was likely another one of those Belgians that Grandpa Lynch raised, trained and traded to pay taxes on his Wisconsin Farm.
When Mom taught at a one room school called Star Valley, occasionally when I didn’t have school, I went with her and one of her students rode his pony and gave me rides. Growing up in Wisconsin, I used every opportunity to ride friends horses because after creating all these obsessions, my parents didn’t get me a pony.
Since then I seized every opportunity to ride other people’s horses. Sometimes I paid to ride riding stable horses. Company Sales meetings were held at golf resorts. Since I didn’t golf, I organized horseback rides with stable ponies, featuring interaction between colleagues at least as good as the golf outings.
I arrived in Idaho in September 1995, living alone in studio apartment while Margaret sold the house in Michigan. The first weekend, Linda Hamilton invited me out to her place for a ride on her husband’s horse, have dinner, and a soak in the hot tub. Sizzler gave me my first ride in the Eagle Foothills and several subsequent great rides including my first “Eagle By Moonlight”, and “Diabetes Ride.” He did such a great job of teaching me, that Linda bought Ken and me a really nice paint, Checkers. He took me to the Owyhees where we escaped from a bachelor stallion. Then she acquired a Tennessee Walking Horse and I continued to post along on Checkers — but eventually I started shopping for my own gaited horse. After 11 months and a couple of trips, Linda found Timer on the internet. Two trips to southwestern Oregon and we had him shipped to Idaho.
Timer’s View Point: Not satisfied with all the miles I take him, the human now wants me to write the rest of the story. I’ve carried him thousands of miles up and down mountains. I know the New Centerville trails where we’ve done Old Selam better than he does. I have to keep him from getting us lost. Other favorite rides were Pink Flamingo where we went did a “Limited Distance Endurance Ride” with my buddy, Hector, and his human, Kathy Johnson. Only humans and crazy Arabs define 28 miles as “limited”. Getting horses and humans in shape to do a 30 mile ride in the Eagle foothills was fun. Another year at Pink Flamingo we rode with my friend, Contessa and her human, Jan. Endurance riders asked if we were doing the “50” or the LD. Our humans said we were just trail riders. Contessa likes animated trail rides.
Our most spectacular ride might be Hard Trigger Canyon in the Owyhees. One spring I taught another walking horse to cross water there. Phil counted 23 places where the trail crossed the creek. We have enjoyed other great rides in the Owyhees including one with Teton and John Frandon. We did a 30 mile ride that week end too. The humans didn’t count it because it took us two days but as I see it 17 plus 13 equals 30 and we horses got a much deserved rest.
One year we did Eagle By Moonlight with my pal, Midas, and his human, Linda. They hauled us in a trailer up to a starting point by little gulch. Then we gave the humans a ride almost home. Talk about lost humans, they made us walk clear back to the trailer to ride home. It would have been a shorter trip to just let us walk to our hay.
No buy generic levitra man on the face of this planet would like to experience this kind of sexual issue. It improves mental functions by a modulation of the cholinergic and GABAergic nuerotransmission. cheapest cialis from india Most couples viagra on prescription fail to sort out their differences and doubts, so they live in a small town and I didn’t want to run into one of my friends or relatives at the pharmacy. But there are other difficulties associated with the problem, like poor quality of semen, difficulty of reproduction, cialis pills uk nightfall etc. The internet ad for me said “he falls right in where ever he finds himself” . Phil took this too much to heart. I have had to fall in to parades in Nampa, Star, and Emmett. I learned to sort calves in team sorting one evening. Another time I learned to drive beefalo, 50 cows, 50 babies, and one huge bull. I even drilled with the Southern Comfort Drill Team in the first incarnation. When we go camping I rest comfortably in my little corral or an a high-line.
So Phil and I have had many adventures. Together we’ve made many great friends both human and equine. We’ve explored high desert and ponderosa pine forests. More people know me than know him — or at least more horses do.

CHRISTMAS PARTY 2021 held at Nick and Catherine’s house in beautiful Star, ID, Prime Rib and Ham with all the fixings, about 25 of us in attendance, sharing tales of summer rides, camp outs, gift sharing, and gift stealing, what a fun night, as the year comes to a close, new officers to elect, new trail rides and camp outs to plan, fund raising for club and charity, 2022 is waiting. HO, HO, HO!

Christmas Party 2021

Xmas 2021

Christmas Party 2021

August 2021 Meeting at Nick & Catherine’s house:


October 2021, Janet Z’s Kicked Cancer’s Butt Celebration Ride


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Photo Galleries

Southern Comfort Christmas Party 2019

Southern Comfort held their 2019 Christmas Party at the home of Catherine and Nick Weber
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Diabetes Ride 2019

Many riders attended the 2019 Diabetes Ride in the Eagle Foothills. Although it was a rainy day, a good time was had by all.
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Idaho Expo 2019 American Cruisers and Spanish Drill Teams

Southern Comforts two Drill Teams, American Cruisers and Spanish Drill performed at the Idaho Expo 2019. Here are some still pictures.
Liane Kerting-Vick

Idaho Ladies Sidesaddle Association

Some of the members and former members of Southern Comfort have joined this group. These pictures are posted here with permission of Jacquelyn Holly Photography. Thank you. The group will perform at the Idaho Expo on April 13-14.
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Equus and Overture

Southern Comfort Gaited Spanish Drill Team performed at Equus and Overture 2018 at the Idaho Horse Park arena on Friday, October 26
Equus and Overture

EQUUS AND OVERTURE 2

More pictures from the Equus and Overture event
Cutting, The Entertainer

Ketchum Idaho Parade, Sept 1

Members of Southern Comfort participated in "The Big Hitch" Parade in Ketchum, Idaho on Saturday, September 1, 2018.
Southern Comfort in the Parade

Star 4th of July Parade

Several members of Southern Comfort participated in the Independence Day Parade on July 4th, 2018, in Star, Idaho.
The Group

Stills from Spanish Drill

Here are stills from the Spanish Drill Video.
Spanish.jpg

Peruvian Dance

Lawrance Valdez is riding Liane Kerting-Vick's Peruvian Ximena with dancer Yadira Arreguin.
Lawrance and Yadira

Star 4th of July Parade

Several members of the Southern Comfort Gaited Horse Club rode in the 4th of July Parade in Star, Idaho.
President Nick

Horse Expo 2018

SCGHC again performed at the Horse Expo in Nampa on Saturday, April 14. Here are a few pictures.
SC Group1

Spanish Drill Team

Riders in the Southern Comfort Gaited Horse Club who ride Spanish Horses prepared a short drill to demonstrate their gaits and show clothing at the State Drill Competition, July 13, 2013 at the Idaho Center. Here are pictures compliments of Susan Browning.
Spanish Riders

2017 Horse Expo

Southern Comfort Spanish Drill Team performed at the 2017 Horse Expo in Nampa on April 22. There was also a gaited breed demonstration.
Group Picture

Lawrance Valdez Clinic

On May 13, 2012. a clinic coordinated by Sandy Young and featuring Lawrance Valdez was held at Al Birt Arena. The clinic was enjoyed by all who attended and everyone agreed that they learned many helpful points.
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Pink Flamingo 2012

Cllub members Jan Gibson, Barb Recla, Kathy Johnson, Margaret and Phil Carroll enjoyed great weather and camping at the Pink Flamingo Classic in Cascade August 4th and 5th. Here are some pictures.
Jan, Phil, Contessa and Timer

2016 Horse Expo

The SC Spanish Drill Team performed at the Horse Expo in Nampa on Saturday, April 17th.
SC Group.jpg

Spring Ride May 12 Eagle Foothills

Several riders met in the Eagle Foothills on Saturday, May 12 for a ride. Weather was great and the horses and riders were happy to be out.
Kathy Johnson and Linda Hamilton

Diabetes Ride 2012

A beautiful day for the annual Diabetes Ride in the Eagle Foohills on Sunday, May 26. Judie Daniels, Phil Carroll and Paula VanHoozer rode as trail monitors.
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Un-Poker Ride 2015

On a beautiful October Day, more than 100 riders enjoyed the trails and fall colors at Eagle Island State Park. October 4 dawned crisp and beautiful. Here are some pictures from members of Southern Comfort. Channel 7 was there and took a wonderful video of the day's events and high-lighted the charities that Southern Comfort is sponsoring with the ride. Our event has become a wonderful family ride for parents and children as young as four.
Un-Poker Ride

2012 Expo Demo

Southern Comfort Gaited Horse Club sponsored a Demo, Versatility of the Gated Horse: Showcasing American and Spanish Breeds on Friday and Saturday mornings at the Horse Expo 2012.
2012 Horse Expo Demo

Lawrance Valdez, Breed Challenge Winner

Lawrance Valdez, Pictures of his Breed Challenge performance.
Lawrance

Expo 2012 Practice

Several Members and prospective members of Southern Comfort Club met at Sandy Young's home on Sunday, April 15, 2012 to get ready for the Gaited Horse Versatility Demo.
Expo 2012 Practice

Expo 2014

Southern Comfort demonstrated the smooth gaits their horses provide the rider with a mounted drill. This year it featured Paso Fino's (translation fine walk) and their walks were smooth and quick.
The Team

Nehalem Beach Oregon

Club members coordinated by Ann Martin spent a weekend camping and riding on the Oregon Beach, July 2014
On the Oregon Beach

Bogis Basin

A ride coordinated by Susan Browning, July, 2014, to beat the heat in the valley.
Riding in the wild flowers

December Playday

The club met at Little Feather Ranch in Eagle on December 10. 2011.
News Jan.jpg

Playday

The 2nd Annual Southern Comfort Playday was held at Al Birt Arena on Saturday, October 29, 2011. It was a great day and everyone had a fun day!
Playday 2011

RoughRiders Poker Ride

The RoughRiders Drill Team held their Poker Ride at Wilson Creek on Saturday, October 15th. Some members of SC attended the ride and others worked.
Deb Haake, John Franden, Jan Gibson, Phil Carroll

Poker Ride 2011

The fifth annual Poker Ride was held at Eagle Island on Saturday, October 1, 2011. It was a beautiful day and more than 100 horses rode the trails. Here are some pictures.
Poker Ride 2011

Pre-Poker Ride 2011

Sixteen riders met at Eagle Island State Park on Wednesday, September 29 to ride the trails and have their own Poker Ride. Winners were: 1st Linda Hamilton; 2nd Judie Daniels; 3rd, Dale Haynes. Each one of the winners received prizes. Here are some pictures.
Pre Poker Ride 2011

Double Point Show

The ISHSA held its Double Point Fall Show in Calkdwell September 23-25, 2011. Club member Kathy Haynes received several awards in the show.
Kathy Haynes

Old Selam '11

Barb and Gabe Recla with Shiloh and Arizona, Phil and Margaret Carroll with Timer and Razi enjoyed the Old Selam camping over Labor Day Weekend. The weather was cool at night (okay maybe cold) and wonderfully warm by noon. No clouds in the sky and glorious stars and moon at night.
Old Mining Pond

Pink Flamingo 2011

Kathy Johnson and Phil Carroll finished their first ever endurance ride at the Pink Flamingo Classic in Cascade. Both riders finished in the alloted six hours, fifteen minutes. Congratulations to Kathy and Phil.
Kathy and Hector

Diabetes Ride 2011

Southern Comfort again volunteered to be trail monitors for the 2011 Diabetes Ride. It was a stormy day but 180 riders rode the marked trails in the Eagle Foothills.
Kathy Johnson

Spring Fling 2011

Kathy Johnson, Linda Hamilton, Judie Daniels and Phil Carroll rode the ten mile trail ride at SWIT's Spring Fling in the Eagle Foothills on Saturday, May 7, 2011.
Spring Fling

Gait Clinics

Nya Bates held a Gait Clinic on February 11-13, 2010. Members as well as others who wanted to learn more about their horses and gaits took part in the clinics.
Phil on Timer teaching the horse to drop his hsead

Wilson Creek

On a beautiful Spring day, the day before Easter, Southern Comfort Club and Friends enjoyed a wonderful ride at Wilson Creek.
Wilson Creek

Sun's Merry Cimarron

Sue Harwell and Sun's Merry Cimarron won the Idaho State Horse Show Association's Award for Championship for Versatility for the Gaited Horse. Congratulations Sue and Cimarron!
Sun's Merry Cimarron

IMO Celebration Park

The training ride for the IMO was held Saturday April 30, 2011. It was a cool but sunny day and everyone had a great time.
Celebration Park

May Trail Rides 2011

Several members got together and went on trail rides in North Eagle and Avimor. Here are a few pictures.
Avimor

Horse Expo 2011 Nampa

Southern Comfort and FOSH sponsored a booth and seminars at the 2011 Horse Expo.
Sue Harwell & Cimmeron

Pre Poker Ride 2010

Members met at Eagle Island on Friday, October 1, 2010 and rode to mark the trails and check out the route for Saturday.
I'm getting a ride.

2010 Poker Ride

The 4th Poker Ride for Southern Comfort was held at Eagle Island state Park on Saturday, October 2. 2010.
I won what?

Trainer of the Year

Nya Bates has been awarded FOSH (Friends of Sound Horses) Trainer of the Year Award for 2010 and Breeder of the Year for 2010.
Nya Bates

PlayDay

The Southern Comfort Playday was held Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Al Birt Arena in Nampa.
Playday 2010

Desensitization Clinic 3/26

On Saturday, March 26th, 2010 Linda Hamilton, Judie Daniels, Jan Gibson, Andriette Goudreau, Barb and Gabe Recla and Chris Saige attended the clinic at Al Birt Arena.
Sunny

Saddle Fitting Clinic

Pictures from the saddle fitting clinic held on Saturday, December 18, 2010.
Saddle Fitting

Christmas Party 2010

The Club met at Barb and Gabe Recla's for the 2010 Christmas Party. It was a wonderful evening of delicious food and great fun.
The group

Eagle Fun Days Parade

With our Vice President John Franden, several members rode in the Eagle Fun Days Parade on Saturday, July 7, 2018. John served as Grand Marshall of the Parade.
Grand Marshall

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