Breeder Bill Rosenfeldt remembers the day that the special colt, who would eventually be known as These Irons Are Hot, was born. “He was born in a paddock outside. When I went to lead him in, I was taken aback because as big as the colt was, he loped beside the mare all the way in,” Rosenfeldt, a long-time breeder who stood stallions such as Duplicated Deck and Deck Of Stars, recalled. “As a yearling, he was always easy going. He was never colty or arrogant. He was left uncut for that reason, as well as his size and big slow stride.”
His trainer as a young prospect, Carl Yamber adds, “I liked his size, bone structure, and conformation–including a long croup, as well as his movement. I thought our hunter under saddle horses needed to be more like him, and I thought he could change the direction of where the hunter under saddle horses were headed at the time.”
And he certainly did that. With Trish Yamber in the irons, “Dexter” went on to become Congress Champion (pictured right) in the prestigious 3-year-old Hunter Under Saddle Open Futurity. He earned 123 AQHA performance points leading him to the 2004 AQHA High Point Stallion title in Open Hunter Under Stallion, as well as being named the NSBA High Point Three Year Old Hunter Under Saddle horse for the year.
In 2009, when Dexter was eight years-old, Adria Smith of Seaside Farm, LP bought the stallion from George and Dede Shaw. Smith believed he would be a great asset to her breeding program. She has stood Dexter since then with Amy Gumz of Gumz Farms in Morganfield, Kentucky.
As a sire, Dexter was the #1 Equi-Stat Hunter Under Saddle Sire for 2012. With 10 foal crops registered, his get has amassed over 3,000 points, three AQHA World and Reserve World Championships, and several Congress winners. His offspring has also earned nearly $300,000 in NSBA futurity earnings.
We sat down with his owner Adria Smith to find out more about this leading hunter under saddle sire.
Hi Adria! Thanks for sitting down with us. Can you tell us more about These Irons Are Hot? What do you call him?
“Dexter” is his barn name and “Stud Muffin” is my nickname for him.
If you could describe him in one word, what would it be?
Kind. He is a stallion that Amy can pull out for farm tours and individuals knowing that he will always be kind in his actions. Numerous examples come to mind, but the one that is my favorite is when Chad Hymas stopped by the Gumz Farms for a tour. He had been in the area giving an inspirational speaking event. That is Chad’s profession since being involved in a serious accident leaving him a quadriplegic. After spending some quality time at the farm, Chad was in his car when Amy brought Dexter out to tell him goodbye. Dexter stuck his head through the open windows in Chad’s car, so he could be hugged and petted.
What is Dexter’s daily routine?
Dexter’s day starts with a breakfast fit for a king. If it is a collection day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday), he waits for his turn in the breeding shed before he does anything else. Dexter does one or the other depending on the weather. On dry days, he spends a few hours turned out in the paddock where he can roll, run, eat grass, play and, most importantly, survey his kingdom. On wet or extremely cold days, he either spends time on the walker where he walks and trots, and still surveys his kingdom or is longed in the indoor arena. After his exercise, Dexter is cleaned up by vacuuming or bathing. Dexter’s day ends with a dinner fit for a king.
Does he have any funny or quirky habits?
Dexter is goofy as he chases golf carts and both the UPS and FedEx trucks when they drive past his pasture while he’s turned out.
What treats does he like?
Dexter loves his Christmas salad that he receives at Gumz Farms. I believe it is made of grated carrots, sliced apples, molasses and a pinch of love.
Do you have any funny memories you would like to share about him?
I find it funny when he chases us (usually Amy and I) when we drive by his pasture in the golf cart. Dexter thinks he’s the “Hare” but in reality he is more like the “Tortoise”.
If he could say one thing, what would it be?
“Everything the light touches is my Kingdom.” It’s from The Lion King. Renee, with Gumz Farms, assisted me with this question, and I think her answer is great.
Why do you think he has been such a successful sire so far in his breeding career?
His offspring are successful in all aspects of the show pen – Hunter Under Saddle, Pleasure Driving, Working Hunter, Longe Line, Hunter In Hand, Performance Halter, Showmanship, Horsemanship, Western Pleasure – exhibited by both Open and Non-Pro/Amateur riders.
Who are his most famous offspring?
• Certified So Hot
• Cityboy Or Cowboy (pictured right)
• My Invitations R Hot
• These Irons R Dancin
• This Is Personal
What is his strongest trait that he has passed on to his offspring?
Dexter is consistently passing along to his foals size, talent, movement, trainability and a great mind.
What do you think sets him apart from any other horse you’ve known?
Dexter is intuitive when it comes to people. He has an ability to perceive whether a person is trustworthy or unreliable. If Dexter puts his head down for you to put on his halter, then, he deems you as trustworthy. If the opposite occurs, and Dexter holds his head up high, then, he recognizes you as unreliable. I’ve even heard a rumor or two of Amy Gumz introducing Dexter to a potential employee during their interview. (pictured left, 2016 foal)
How do most people react to his size? Isn’t he 17 hands?
People are always amazed by his size when he comes out of his stall, but Dexter is the epitome of a gentle giant.
Tell us something we might not know about you?
I love the sun, sand and sea!
Anything else you would like to add?
We are pleased to announce that we will be donating a portion of each These Irons Are Hot’s breeding fee to the NSBA Foundation Heroes on Horses and Equestrians with Disabilities Programs, presented to the NSBA Foundation during the 2016 World Championship Show.
Thank you, Adria!
You’re welcome!
Please visit www.gumzfarms.com for more information about this outstanding stallion. Also take time to view the stallion’s website at www.theseironsarehot.net.
