One Year Ago

It is so hard to believe that one year has passed since I lost my Maverick. I can honestly say that I still miss him so very much. It is said that amount you mourn is directly related to the amount you loved. If that is true, I am still missing him and loving him.

I realized now just how much I counted on him to take care of me. When I am riding big blue Hank, I have to be aware of our position in the herd. I have to put Hank in the right spot and watch the calves. Hank gets impatient and starts to fuss if he isn't doing something all the time, just like a little kid in the grocery store. Hank was just more work. Maverick was just so easy.

While branding calves, Maverick always knew where to be and what to do. He never got upset with me when I would do something stupid like hit him in the head with my rope. Maverick was a gentleman, always polite, always kind to everyone, just a pleasure to be around.

I went to my first horse show of the year in September. It was the same show last year that I showed Maverick in last. I haven't been to a Versatility Ranch Horse show or shown at all for that matter since losing Maverick. I just lost that desire for a while. Anyway, it was nice to see all my friends and many asked why I wasn't showing. It was hard to repeat the story of how I lost Maverick. Most of the people were shocked to hear the news and all were very supportive. I am not the first person to lose an animal that meant so much to us. If you are an animal lover, you know the empty feeling of losing a friend.

Every little milestone is important on life's highway. Each tear is important, each birth is significant. Everyday I can ride is a good day. Somehow, being in the saddle makes you forget your troubles. I just know that Maverick is watching from above and waiting for me to bring him some cookies. I miss you, Maverick.

I had three dun stud colts were born this year. Three little Mav's to worry about, three little boys to watch grow into shadows of their daddy. I wish I had a crystal ball to look into the future to see what lies ahead for them. But I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Great Weekend at the All American Futurity

What a great weekend! If you haven't been to Ruidoso, NM for the All American Futurity, the richest Quarter Horse race in the world, you have to add it to your Bucket List.

I have been to the Kentucky Derby a few times many years ago and have always enjoyed all the pageantry and hoopla surrounding the race. But it is different at Ruidoso. Instead of elegance, you get casual. Instead of champagne, you get beer. Instead of gowns and suits, you wear boots and jeans. Just think of a red-neck version of the Kentucky Derby. Casual and relaxed.

I met Heath Taylor last year when I hauled some of his race horses back to Texas for him after last year's yearling sale. Heath is a successful young trainer with a wonderful family and is the great trainer. This year, Heath had 3 horses in the 10 horse field for the biggest race of the year for Quarter Horses.

The race was a great one, complete with a spectacular stretch dual between the two favorites in the race. At the wire, it was Heath's horse, Stolis Winner by a half length, giving Jet Black Patriot his only loss of his short career. Another horse trained by Heath finished third, Jess Zoomin. I joked with the owners of Jet Black Patriot prior to the race over which horse would be in the winner's circle but at that level of racing, you are just thrilled to be part of it all - win, lose or draw. After the race, I gave a hug to the owners and we took photos together.

The winner's circle was full of media, cameras, family and friends, tears and hugs. The jockey, G. R. Carter did his traditional back flip off the winning horse in front of the grandstand, with the crowd roaring in approval. After the trophy presentation and photos were finished in the winner's circle, we moved inside to the museum for more celebrating, a champagne toast to the owners, trainer and jockey. In the museum, all the monitors played the race over and over. It was great to hear the stretch call again.

The next morning, the official press photo is taken for the publications against the green grass and the mountains. The horse arrives and is saddled for the photo. Imagine dressing a two year old child, and expecting a child to stand patiently for dozens of photos. Stolis Winner was very good for the most part and I even got a picture next to him.

Since I still am having trouble attaching photos, here's a link:
http://s199.photobucket.com/albums/aa256/prettypony99/AllAmerican/