“The fastest pole bending horse has gone to the Great Beyond.”
There are many ways to interpret that statement depending on which angle is discussed.
Certainly nobody can ever argue: “Missy was one of the biggest hearted horses ever.”
Likewise undeniably, “Missy just loved to run.”
When preparing for a horseshow, Missy perked up and dived into the trailer. She was obviously quite disappointed whenever left at home.
The nicely made cow bred14-hands, 28-years-old Appaloosa mare passed away last week in retirement native pasture behind the ranch house. Her sidekick the spotted gelding Hot Diggity was deeply saddened.
As a known breeder of Quarter Horses who likes all horses, a number have questioned “riding an Appaloosa?” It’s what they can do that counts.
Missy’s acquisition must be considered “His Plan.” A disc jockey friend heard efforts to locate a shodeo running horse and exclaimed: “I have the perfect one.”
Never knowing where a good horse is to be found, a trial ride was set up the next morning.
Besides being an “Appie,” first thing noticed was the split in her ear and a big right knee. The ear is a long ways from her heart and several previous horses with leg issues have been top riders.
Why wouldn’t somebody wanting a barrel racing and pole bending horse set up patterns and try a couple practice runs? No, the little old mare was just ridden around the arena, walk, jog, lope, turned around and backed. Boy could she do a fast perfect spin both ways.
Price was asked and it was high, as compared to what? Always being a sucker in such matters, dealings were soon in place for purchase on a payment plan.
Positively one of the best horse buys ever. Missy could beat all comers most of the time in the running classes. Grudgingly, she would show in performance too winning pleasure and reining events occasionally.
Missy claimed the circuit yearend speed championship and did her half in receiving the Horse and Rider Unit Award.
That swelled up knee hurt sometimes after a race sadly eventually ending an impressive career.
The big hearted little Appie mare Missy is buried in the ranch barnyard with other former top mounts.
Reminded of Hebrews 12:1: “Run with heart and persistence the race that is set before us.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
XIII–49–12-1-19