In Loving Memory
JoJo
You came to us 2010, from the same owner who gave us Tosca, whom we miss dearly. We didn't realize we had adopted a pig as that was the sound you made whenever you didn't get your way. You were the head of your little herd, but had no trouble at all telling the big horses just who was in charge. While we don't have an exact age, we are relatively certain, Jo Jo was the oldest horse on our farm. He was cart trained but he was so small we didn't feel it was right to make him pull a cart. He was so good about carrying a small rider and he did a great job giving rides to the smallest of children. When your back gave out that morning we thought you just needed a chiropractic adjustment. Little did we realize you were paralyzed in the rear end, until Dr. Best examined you and gave us the sad news. So, we did the right thing and said goodbye. Your piggy noises are missed by all.
Unknown - May 16, 2019
Bones
You were my everything horse!
You came to us on October 16, 2004, looking like a skeleton. Ray could not believe nor understand, what I saw in you but I knew there was something, and home you came. Dr. Best did what he could to fix your teeth and the rest was up to you and me. You rallied, gained weight and by spring the doctor didn't recognize you. I soon discovered there was nothing you didn't know how to do. You loved trail riding and outpaced horses much younger than you. Roping, reining, sorting, gaming, competitive trail; you had done it all. You were a rock star on Life On a Horse Ranch days and had the utmost patience for even the youngest of handlers. You knew your rider and always acted accordingly. Sadly, after my collision in 2016 I was unable to ride you or anyone else but I was optimistic that we would go off on my more adventures together. Unfortunately, that was not to be. We had to say goodbye when you either had a stroke or a seizure and there was nothing that could be done to ease your suffering. You and Ray were the best of buddies and you always allowed him to hug you when he brought you in at night. Until we meet again.
March 24, 1982 - November 27, 2018
Henna
You blew me away the first day we met. I was looking at you for a client who had some serious fears. You were solid as a rock even when the owner's dog came running up to you. I was shocked when you were passed over for not being "pretty enough" Well, you were more than pretty enough for me. You did everything asked of you and always had a sunny disposition. Unfortunately, the term "rode hard and put away wet" was how you were treated by your previous owners. Your joints began to deteriorate from their hard riding and poor care.
Finally, your knees became so sore and arthritic it was all you could do to walk. So, we did the right thing, said goodbye, and took away your pain. Goodbye pretty girl!
October 1, 1992 - March 3, 2018
To my head stallion!!
Although you went nearly blind from cataracts in 2014, no one would ever have guessed by looking at you as you reigned supreme through your realm.
In December, your heart just couldn't keep up anymore, despite your best efforts to stay in charge. Now you and Rusty are sharing the trails with Crystal, our favorite trail dog.
You were well loved and will be missed.
Rowdy
August 4, 1985 - December 22, 2016
Your life started off pretty rough as a baby, but I finally earned your trust.
While I never was able to ride you, you gave me 2 beautiful foals and taught hundreds of Girl Scouts how to walk safely around a horse. You were always patient, kind and understanding even with the most inexperienced or young participant.
When you galloped up the hill that morning I never thought it would be the last time. Only you knew it was your last day.
Ally
March 25, 1983 - November 21, 2016
You came to us in September 2009, after we lost Annie earlier in July. Your kind and willing disposition caused everyone to fall in love with you. Your patient and calm demeanor helped even the most nervous rider overcome their fears and build their confidence. You gave rides to many Girl Scouts, starting with our very first event. Your most recent accomplishment was to fullfill a Make A Wish request and you gave your all to her, on what turned out to be your last day. You were well loved and you will be missed.
Tosca
1985 - April 14, 2015
You were my first baby. I was there when you were born at 2:15 AM. Your Aunt Laurie came down an hour later and we spent the rest of the night watching you as you learned to stand, walk and nurse as "Dad Rowdy" watched. I will never forget your happy camel face when I gave you those wither rubs.
Dante
June 30, 2000 - June 13, 2013
I will never forget the day I was teaching Ghost to shake hands. You snuck up on me, raised your left front leg, and almost knocked me on my face. Then you chased Ghost off and proceeded to let me know you were the ONLY one who shakes hands on this farm!! You fought a hard battle but your heart just couldn't keep up. Now you are shaking hands with everyone you meet and pigging out on horse cookies. You deserve them all!
Pentagon
May 25, 1980 - October 11, 2012
​Parker
You were never supposed to be my horse but we bonded almost immediately. I was so sad the day you left and I cried as the horse trailer left the ranch. Little did I know you would be coming back to what would be your final resting place, long before your time. Our reunion was bittersweet as you and I struggled with the care you needed to stay sound. I was sick the day I saw you could no longer walk without pain.
I will never forget our great trail rides together, especially our first ride. You almost had me convinced we needed to go home, when you tried playing boo boo foot, you big faker!! Whenever we turned towards the trailer you moved out at record speed. That day was the best ride ever.
1999 - March 24, 2012
You were quite the show horse in your career, traveling all over the US. Unfortunately, your registration papers were lost so I never got to learn everything you had done in your life. I did learn more about what you knew every time I rode you. My students loved you and everyone enjoyed being around you. When you fell over one day while I was just sitting on your back, I knew something wasn't right. Sadly, Dr. Best's diagnosis proved it. You were the most amazing horse to ride. While you will always be your mama's beautiful unicorn, you will always be my favorite reining horse!!
Bella
July 29, 1985 - February 27, 2012
You had the sweetest, most loving disposition. You were so patient with my students and were loved by all. You were the first one to teach me that when you went to the center of the arena, the lesson wasn't over, but that my rider needed an adjustment and then back to work you went. You protected me when you were body slammed twice and knocked to your knees at a full tilt gallop during drill practice. That is just one of many reasons why you were worth your weight in gold. To a girl who never had a bad day! You touched all of our lives! May you always have the green pasture you loved!
Annie
April 13, 1986 - July 1, 2009