Tuesday, June 7, 2011

A Gift Horse


A couple of weeks ago I found a horse in Virginia, Quinn Himself, then did the clinic in NY and mentioned to Bonnie Stedt that I wanted to put a syndicate together. Bonnie’s horse died in the fire and she took the insurance money from Cagney and bought this horse. At Waredaca this weekend the owner just walked up and told me, “Here’s a present from Bonnie”!

He’s a 4-year-old by Brandenburg’s Windstar. Phyllis Dawson bred and started him – he’s a fantastic moving horse with a serious jump, and it’s a delightful gesture from Bonnie. It’s motivated me to move on from the disaster of last week and focus on what I love doing best, which is riding horses.

He’s still a baby and has never done an event. Silva gave me a dressage lesson on him morning and he reminds me a lot of Ringwood Magister: he has scope in his gaits and he’s a tall, rangy, big-boned and athletic horse.

The other good news today was that Neville and Min were released and joined Otis at Silva’s training facility in Cochranville where they are under doctor’s orders to stay on stall rest and hand grazing for a couple of weeks until further testing. Caitlin’s horse Catch a Star is the only one still at New Bolton – each day she seems to be improving and her spirits lifting more and more.

-Boyd

10 comments:

  1. "Out of a meadow burned by fire always springs the most gorgeous wildflower"-unknown. I know the recovery and total healing will be happening for weeks more, and the support of the community will continue as long too, but its good to know you and the horses are moving in a positive direction. I won't call you "lucky" exactly for getting such a wonderful new horse but under these tragic circumstances, but it is good to know that you have new prospects to keep you doing something and moving forward. I've always loved drooling over that horse on Windchase's website even though he is clearly way above my level, glad he's with someone who will bring out his best.

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  2. This new horse, sent from Heaven and hand delivered by Angels, will help mend your heart Mr. Martin. He knows he will not replace the loved ones you lost but I am sure he will help you create new memories. May God continue to give you courage and strength.
    Heather, from Michigan

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  3. Just read about the cause of the fire in the Chester County Philly inquirer. Such a tragedy. Sincere condolences to you and your team over the loss of the six.

    Good luck with your new horse.

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  4. Wonderful full circle for Phyllis who also suffered a fire, albeit without loss of life, at her farm some years ago.

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  5. I bought a horse from Phyllis last year. She has some incredibly fabulous horses. Good luck with your new boy... can't wait to see what you two will do!
    Praying for you and all who lost loved ones in the tragedy, may God bless you.
    LM

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  6. Congrats on the new horse! I think your friend Bonnie wants you to pick yourself up and carry on. What better way than starting a young horse. I'm glad things are starting to look up, that was a tragedy that struck everyone's heart.

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  7. His name should be Phoenix. Out of the ashes.

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  8. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. We're all there for you. It'll be a long time for all to heal, but take one day at a time and focus on the positive. Thinking of you and all affected.

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  9. best of luck Boyd...I knew Bonnie while working in Millbrook..she has a large and generous heart....keep up the good work. The tears will stop, the pain will lessen, but the momories of these awsome horses will always be with you....

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  10. Wow. What a great gesture by Bonnie. Shows what class the people around you have. Good luck with the new horse - who looks AH-MAZ-ING! Still sending thoughts and prayers to you and your team.

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