Monday, July 4, 2011

Remembering Ross Martin

Ross Martin watching Boyd and Remington XXV win the CIC*** at The Fork in April, 2011

In yet another tragic turn of events, Ross Martin, Boyd's father, passed away this weekend after having been hit by a truck during a cycling race and sustaining severe injuries. Boyd was able to travel to Australia to see Ross before he died, and is there with his family now.

I had the great fortune to meet Ross several times when he came to watch Boyd ride in the USA, and always enjoyed his enthusiastic e-mails about Boyd's riding career here in the States. He was able to attend The Fork three-day event this spring and had the joy of seeing Boyd and Remington win the CIC***, where I caught this photo of him ringside.

The support for Boyd and Silva following the barn fire at True Prospect Farm has been truly overwhelming, and Ross was so impressed with how the horse community here stood behind them during this tough time.

Especially in the tough times it is the horses that give Boyd hope for the future, and he is excited that Neville did his first gallop since the fire at the Fair Hill training track today (see video below). Boyd is still considering taking his partner in crime to the Burghley CCI**** in England this fall if Neville's health and fitness continue to improve. Let's all keep cheering them on.

-Amber Heintzberger


10 comments:

  1. Boyd,
    As always, the heart of the VA hunter/jumper community is with you, especially mine and my little one's.
    May your fathers memory be a blessing and a source of comfort at this most difficult time.
    Lyssa and Dori Ilana

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  2. Boyd,
    So sorry to hear the news of your father. You are in our thought and prayers today.

    Mim and Marina Royston

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  3. Ross was a constant source of humor and support. He never hesitated to express his thanks for being part of Boyd and Silva's "team" and loved to send old photos of Boyd and Brooke when they were youngsters. I will miss hearing from him and finding such enjoyment in the support he showed his kids. LT

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  4. Condolences. So sorry to hear this, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers

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  5. Stephanie HeinsonsJuly 5, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Father, this world sometimes bewilders us and is beyond our understanding. We see poverty and disease, storms and earthquakes, war and killing. Many hearts are bound by ego and fear. Please strengthen our faith in Your higher purpose and open our minds to the truth that everything is unfolding according to Your divine plan. Please strengthen and have mercy on our dearly loved fellow eventer Boyd Martin during these unhumanly hard times. First, the barn fire killing many of his top horses. Now, within a month, the passing of his father during a horrible cycling accident. Let compassion and love for our brothers and sisters flow from us and may we all be uplifted by Your glory. Amen.

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  6. Boyd,

    You are in my thoughts and prayers. I did not know your father, but do know that he must have been a wonderful man from knowing the amazing person you are. All my love to you and Silva. Doug Nieters

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  7. "You can shed tears because he is gone, or you can smile because he lived".

    The Queen borrowed this poem when her mum passed. From David Harkins poem Remember Me, 1981 Cumbria, UK

    God Bless

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  8. Prayers to you an your family

    God Bless

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  9. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, Boyd. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Rick and Martha Sadler

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  10. My deepest sympathy to you and your Family. Your father will forever be in your heart and in your memories, never to be forgotten.

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