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I purchased Snowy at the
APHA world showcase sale July 15, 1989. When I first
saw his picture featured in the APHA Journal, I knew we were meant for each
other. I went to the show and sale, knowing I could not afford a horse like
this, but wrote the check anyway. He ended up being the high selling colt
that year. His name made it back to the Journal for that. My banker, Lester
Wahl, was wonderful. He covered the check and gave me a five year loan
payout. I have never regretted a penny.
Snowy was shown limited
as a 2, 3, & 4 year old. He acquired 11 performance points in one show,
3 halter points and a grand championship. Snowy was trained in reining, team
roping, steer stopping and halter.
In 1992, I decided he would
come home from the trainers to stay. Living in a camper at the trainers became
hard and I couldn't bear being apart from him. He started his trail ride
career with me aboard. We rode thousands of miles with various groups. I
also continued to take him to jackpot ropings, etc.
My daughter and grandchildren
called him Uncle Snowy. I have never taken a vacation or been away from home
without him along.
He has carried two Miss
Rodeo Texas Teens in competition, Miss Rodeo America in opening ceremonies,
was in the movie, "8 Seconds", and a documentary film in
Australia.
Snowy and I were on the Marshalls
Posse for five years, and just recently completed our fourth year of performing
on the Palomino Patrol and drill team at the San Antonio stock show and
rodeo.
No matter what I asked of
this wonderful soul, he complied.
Often through the years,
people would ask, how do you get him to behave so nicely? I didn't, he was
just kind-hearted and a gentle soul. He has the eyes of an angel and a heart
of gold.
Snowy was to have his
retirement/birthday party April 1, 2006. He would then retire to carry my
granddaughter Jessica on her riding career.
Snowy got sick this year
at rodeo. I immediately took him to the veterinarian. After several
days of uncertainty as to what was wrong, they decided to do colic surgery.
He came through the surgery okay, but when coming out of the anesthesia,
he fell and broke his leg. Overwhelmed, I could not hold him to take his
last breath. My daughter held him close.
I guess God must have loved
him more than me. I don't know how, but he wanted my beloved friend in
heaven.
Jessica says your'e in
heaven with Blonde watching her grandpa Ted drink a
beer.
My dearest Snowy, I miss
you more than words can express. You were my love, my life. I pray for the
strength to live life without you. The void is so big, the pain
overwhelming.
Please forgive me. Please
don't forget me. You will always be my first thought of the day and my last
prayer of the night. Happy Trails my love..till we meet again.
Micki
April 1, 2006
Dear Snowy,
I want you to know how very
much I miss you. I will spend your birthday with your memories. Oh, how I
wish you could be here. I think of all the wonderful times we had together,
but April 1st was always so special. You always seemed to know what all the
fuss was about. I think of how you used to be so demanding about your breakfast.
Always sure to let me know if it was late. Now I cherish the memory of your
pinned ears (I knew it was all a bluff) and the way you always softly kicked
your stall wall, to let me know I was late. Your soft nickers when you heard
my voice, or how you'd come running from your play time, wanting to return
to the safety of your stall.
I want you to know your
saddle, bridle, pad, my boots and spurs have all been retired. They are proudly
displayed in the living room, but will never be touched by another. These
were our things not to be shared with anyone else. Your stall will always
be yours, nobody will ever use it.
Jessica and Glori want to
wish you Happy Birthday and asked if you could keep a look out for Blonde
and Pop. They too miss you very much.
Stormy and Sparky miss you
very much. Stormy spends a lot of time standing by your grave. She too is
hurting.
Take care, my love, and always
know you are in my heart and soul. I promised when I get to heaven, I will
find you.
Micki
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Snowy
