Recognizing their new stallion's unique potential, his owners put him on the fast track to fame.

IN THE HILLS of eastern Kentucky lives a Rocky Mountain Horse stallion named ROCKIN' DOBBIN. He has many exceptional qualities, but it is his flowing mane - all four feet eight inches of it - that gives him a presence of distinction.

T h e   Go l d   R i n g
MY HUSBAND, MIKE, and I first met ROCKIN' DOBBIN six years ago on Bill and Charlene Wise's horse farm in Irvine, KY. The young stallion gaited through the field with his head held high and his mane blowing. There was a feeling of electric excitement as he presented himself to us. He knew he was special and did he ever demonstrate it!

At that moment, we decided if an opportunity ever arose to purchase this horse, we would grab the gold ring. It did in August of 2001. We purchased Dobbin and moved him to Joe Mullins training facility, in Irvine.

To introduce ROCKIN' DOBBIN to the public, we took him to the annual International Rocky Mountain Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, that September. His reception was tremendous. This got us to thinking about corporate markets.

G o l d e n   I d e a s
ONE DAY, as Dobbin was being groomed, I picked up the bottle of Mane 'n Tail shampoo and the thought crossed my mind to contact their office and show them a horse that is groomed with their products. I emailed a photo to the company's website and suggested he would make a great advertising horse for their products.

A few days later I received a call from Devon Katzev, the President of Straight Arrow Products, Inc., makers of Mane 'n Tail. We discussed ROCKIN' DOBBIN and his future as an advertising horse with the company. We were delighted when we were told his picture would be used on their advertising brochure! We are proud to be associated with this company and they have given us a warm welcome. The company is moving forward with new products and Dobbin shines because of them.

At about that time, Mike was in Shelbyville, TN, at the National Bridle store buying a new show saddle. Recognizing their new stallion's unique potential, his owners put him on the fast track to fame. He showed a picture of Dobbin to Robert Beach, the owner, who asked if he could use a picture of ROCKIN' DOBBIN in his next catalog. Mike agreed and Dobbin's picture is on the inside front cover. After the catalog was sent out, we started getting calls asking for more information about Dobbin. People wanted to know where they could see him and if more pictures were available.

All of this response made me wonder what other opportunities may be lurking out there for ROCKIN' DOBBIN. I looked at his tack, which led me to the maker of the saddle pads we use at the barn, Equi-Tech Labs, Inc. in Shelbyville, TN. I contacted the company, talked with Butch Rowell, and sent him a photo of Dobbin. They now use his picture on promotional items for Equi- Tech Labs, Inc. saddle pads.

B o b b i n'   A l o n g
ROCKIN' DOBBIN made his first real trip for a horse show to Tampa, FL, for the Florida State Fair. The public received him enthusiastically. Many people informed us that had seen his pictures and had come to the show to see him. Video cameras whirred and pictures snapped wherever he appeared.

This April, we traveled to Indianapolis for the Hoosier Horse Fair to represent the Rocky Mountain Horse breed. Dobbin appeared on two television stations. While we were interviewed, he stood behind us, being a gentleman at all times. One interviewer kept hugging him when the camera was off. She said he was the most beautiful horse she had ever seen.

While reading The Gaited Horse I decided to e-mail a picture of Dobbin to the editor. I have admired the horses and articles in this magazine and thought people might enjoy seeing a Rocky Mountain stallion starting his career in the advertising world. Since you are reading this article, you know the result of that email.

At ten years old, ROCKIN' DOBBIN is starting to be seen worldwide. We receive calls from across the U.S. and different countries requesting more information about him. Introducing him to new markets has been a journey of our love for this special stallion and for the Rocky Mountain breed. It has been exhilarating and very humbling to see all he has achieved in such a short time. All of the experiences could not have been possible without the help of everyone involved with ROCKIN' DOBBIN. We thank everyone who has recognized his great potential.

DOBBIN is owned by Mike and Diana Medler of Indian Hill in Williamsburg, IN. For breeding information call (765) 874-1091, or (606) 773-6272 or e-mail justa@globalsite.net