BarnBiz n’ Bits

With great pride FCP would like to introduce our customer and friend Greg Boothe, Fire Captain for Orange County Fire Authority and member of the Clydesdale Breeders of the United States.

Captain Boothe had a dream and FCP was selected in making it a reality. “Looking at it in draft form is one thing, seeing it built is quite another,” said Greg about the beautiful twelve-stall raised center aisle barn which now stands where he once had only a vision.

Gavilan Springs, a small community nestled in the hills south of Lake Matthews is home to many an FCP barn. It was with neighbors recommendations Greg confidently based his decision to hire FCP for the job at hand. Likened to the teamwork required for leading a firefighting crew, Greg was impressed and praised the FCP team as “friendly, respectful, knowledgeable and professional.”

During the months between concept and completion, FCP team members had a unique opportunity to become friends with Greg. As he eagerly answered our incessant questions about the fire department he shared a few narratives of his own from a career now spanning thirty-one years in the public’s service.

From dog rescues to tales of cats in the tree tops, Greg’s love for animals was evident as he relayed the story of “Buckwheat” a poor horse who found herself down a steep embankment after rolling under a fence. While taking command of the scene Captain Boothe knew the struggling 21 year old mare needed more than the firefighters could provide. A newly commissioned helicopter waited on the tarmac while Captain Boothe moved heaven and earth for authorizations needed to air lift Buckwheat to safety. There was only one small problem… the helicopter was not intended for animal rescues and had no harness on board! Captain Boothe made provisions to cargo nets securing Buckwheat’s fate. On a wing and prayer she gently floated across the canyons of Santiago, landing in a nearby Tustin field. With the help of animal control officers and her veterinarian, Buckwheat was coaxed to stand. While Firefighters from Station 43 praised her heroism she gladly accepted their treats of carrots and apples!

In a most heartfelt letter Greg expressed, “The barn you built for me exceeded my expectations and came out better than I had imagined. I am quite proud of it and “thank you” for all your efforts.”

Captain Boothe, we at FCP extend our gratitude for the opportunity to have been your barn builder of choice. For not only are you considered a valued customer, you are a wonderful friend. Thank you for the hours of conversation and fire department education. And lastly, for the laughter shared in your incredible stories, for they will be remembered always.

“HAPPY TRAILS”

To You, Tuff and Sister Christian

Best Wishes
The FCP Team

Knights Tale Farm

Since the age of nine, Andrea Fappani has been living and riding the dream of showing western reining horses.

Upon completion of high school Andrea moved to the United States to fulfill his ultimate desire in working with the “masters” of the reining world.

His apprenticeship with John Slack and Todd Bergen proved to be invaluable as his reputation spring boarded with his impressive championship victories at the West Coast Spectacular and NHRA Futurity Challenge.

Today Fappani’s name has become synonymous with consistency in the winners circle. The National Reining Horse Association was proud to welcome Andrea to the list of million dollar riders as he broke records when he became the youngest rider to surpass this prestigious marker as well as the first European ever to win the NHRA Open Futurity.

World class horse training is truly an art form. With his unmistakable talents and expertise, Andrea has developed a successful video series on training the reining performance horse and rider.

Fappani’s integrity continues with his signature line of reining horse bits which he personally created with Tracy Brumley. Andrea’s strict adherence to quality is based on his word…”I will not put my name on something I would not use myself.”

With his unpretentious, natural ease on horseback, Andrea Fappani’s passion for reining horses is evident to those who have had the opportunity to see him ride.

Fappani Performance Horses began welcoming customers to their new San Marcos, CA training facility in 2006. FCP was honored to be hired by the Fappani’s to assist in the ranches renovation with the addition of a 20 stall Frontier style barn.

Andrea Fappani and his wife Tish have two sons Luca and Jeremy.

For further information visit their website
fappaniperformance.com