Dasher April 7, 1992 - September 7, 2010 My first love. My best friend. I don’t know what I ever would have done without you. You gave me wings and taught me everything I know about barrel racing and horses. I remember the first time I laid my eyes on you. It was that summer day in Cheyenne and I was so excited. You took my breath away. I had never loved anything so deeply before, and it was truly love at first sight. I didn't even have to say a word to Dad. He saw how mesmerized you made me. We started barrel racing that summer in Cheyenne. When we got to Arizona, we started out at gymkhanas just playing around and having fun. Eventually, we moved up to bigger races and started competing with women who had been at the sport for longer than I had even been alive. With time I came to realize what a bond we shared. I knew every thought that was running through your mind, and mine yours. We had grown together in a way I didn't think was possible. I trusted you more than I had ever trusted anyone before. I remember our first race in Vegas; our race with the big dogs. We had so much fun that it didn't matter to me if we won any money or not. I just loved spending the time with you. I also remember the day that the fateful piece of mail landed in my hands that said we qualified for World Championships. Who would have thought that a small town barrel racer and an ex race horse would end up qualifying for the highest honor. We went to World Championships and had so much fun there too. It was an honor to go, especially with you. We finally made it to the top after years of competition. I never imagined that I would be granted freedom and go to college without you. We were supposed to do college rodeo. Maybe even get to do the Pro Rodeo circuit. Now I find myself in this world without you, and I'm reminded of it every day of my life. My heart has been shattered into a million little pieces. My life is disassembled, waiting for me to rearrange it, but nothing will be pieced together the same way again. I ride Bruno every chance I get, but he reminds me so much of you that working with him seems bittersweet. I know that he misses you too and I try to keep that in my mind. If the statement, “Life’s not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.” is true, then I have had such an amazing life with you. On top of everything that we have won together, we are winning a saddle and I can't believe that I'm going to be accepting it without you by my side.   So, Dasher, I carry your love with me everywhere I go and not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. I am so happy and thankful to have had the time with you that we shared together. I’ll love you for always, baby Dash.   With all the love in my heart, Kaylee

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