Tribute Page

HCRA honors Starbuck, Flash, Teddy O'Conner, Nieman (Remarkable Mark), and Kalifornia

In the end, we're not certain if God entrusts us to our horses or our horses to us. Does it even matter? We're grateful God loaned us the horse in the first place.

Starbuck (2000 - 2009)

"Buck" was from Kansas and only at HCRA for two months for treatment and recovery from surgery of a sarcoid growth on his face. In that short time, he became part of our family and always impressed us with his patience and tolerance with an unusual and very uncomfortable medical condition. He was an integral part of our summer camps as all the campers gave him carrots and told him everyday how handsome he was. Like a true gentleman, "Buck" gratefully accepted the treats and the compliments. He helped many learn the valuable lesson that it's what's INSIDE that really counts. We thank Suzanna and her family for sharing him with us and we can only imagine how difficult it was to loose such a gorgeous, young and athletic horse.

Flash

We lost our beloved Flash suddenly and unexpectedly due to a severe case of Equine colic. I would like to thank everyone who helped us that evening and early morning during this difficult time. I especially want to thank everyone involved for their efforts to try and save this young, healthy and happy horse. I also want to thank Kathy Chambliss for the gift of this incredible horse as she "loaned" him to HCRA for the lesson program. Many young riders had the opportunity to meet and love Flash because of her generosity. Thank you so much, Kathy!

Teddy O'Connor (1995 - 2008)

Theodore O'Connor, a 14.1-hand pony who was a superstar in international eventing competition, was euthanized following an accident at Karen and David O'Connor's farm in The Plains, Va. Teddy competed at the highest level of equestrian sport and was slotted to be on the 2008 US Olympic team. Ridden by Olympian Karen O'Connor (no relation), he performed exceedingly well at such events as the Rolex Kentucky Three Day and the Pan American Games. His success and small stature earned him the nickname "Super Pony." Teddy was never at HCRA, but many students (myself included) were fans of the "little guy" and followed his impressive career avidly.

Although the sport of eventing is very dangerous, Teddy died in a freak accident at home. While away from the barn, Teddy, broke free from his handlers and was found with a severed hind tendon and other injuries. According to a statement released from Karen O'Connor, "Teddy got frightened and bolted. He slipped running back to the barn and suffered a severe laceration to his hind leg, severing the tendons and ligaments. Dr. Kent Allen was on the scene immediately, and it was determined after examination that the injuries were catastrophic."

Nieman- (1983 or so- 2008)

We were blessed enough to be given Nieman from May until September 2008 for lessons. Nieman was a true gentleman and excellent "schoolmaster" that everyone at HCRA misses dearly. Nieman's ability to jump "clean" is something none of us will forget. Even during "Hunter and Jumper" weeks of our summer camps, he never tired, he never faltered and never took a bad step. He had a heart of gold and loved working every day. Thanks to Pam and Browne for allowing us to share in his life for just a little while and to Audrey for letting them know about HCRA. Words cannot express how greatful we are for your generosity.

Words of Comfort.....

Where to Bury a Horse

If you bury him in this spot,
The secret of which you must already have,
he will come to you when you call;
Come to you over the far, dim pastures of death.
And though you ride other living horses through life,
they shall not shy at him, nor resent his coming.
For he is yours, and he belongs there.

People may scoff at you,
Who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall,
who hear no nicker pitched too fine for insensitive ears.
People who may never really love a horse.
Smile at them then, for you shall know something that is hidden from them and which is well worth the knowing…

The one place to bury a horse is in the heart of his master.

Reworked from poem by Ben Hur Lampman, Portland Oregonian, 1921

Untitled, but one of my favorite poems....

I'll lend you for a little while
My grandest foal, He said.
For you to love while he's alive
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be one or twenty years,
Or days or months, you see.
But, will you, till I take him back
Take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief
You'll have treasured memories
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But, there are lessons taught on earth
I want this foal to learn.
I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes
With trust I have selected you.
Now will you give him your total love?
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come
To take him back again?
I know you'll give him tenderness
And love will bloom each day.
And for the happiness you've known
Forever grateful stay.
But should I come and call for him
Much sooner than you'd planned
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And someday you'll understand.
For though I'll call him home to Me
This promise to you I do make
For all the love and care you gave
He'll wait for you, inside Heaven's Gate.