Sorrelly  






Sorrel Quarter Horse
34 years old
1978 - 2012
Owned and Loved by The Rogers Family





My mom bought Sorrelly in July 1990. I was a year and six months old the very first time I got to sit on his back. I believe that’s where my love for him began.

After 5 long years I got my chance to run him. I remember him walking sideways, watching me, and walking so carefully. He went from being my mom’s fireball barrel horse to my slow trotting barrel horse. It didn’t take long for me to start asking him for more speed, but he had a pretty hard stop. He would come flying back from the 3rd barrel and stop hard on his front feet and most of the time, would throw me from his back. It took about 2 years to learn to handle that stop.

We won some buckles in 1996 and 1997. In 1998, at D-bar Youth Rodeo Association, we won our first saddle in pole bending. I couldn’t have been more proud of him. He always gave me 110%. Our awards included 1998-2003 D-Bar Pole Bending Champion 1st place saddle winner, 2002 D-Bar All Around Cowgirl saddle winner, 2000 NBHA Super Series Champion, 2001 Cavalcade Pole Bending Champion, and several buckles won. Also, everything he won with my mom and cousin. We were offered cash and 3 blank checks for him. All of which were turned down. He was worth way more to me than money could buy.
 
Sorrelly was my first full-sized Quarter horse. He was the first horse I rode backwards, stood up on, ran under, and played basketball on. I trusted him with all my secrets, hopes, dreams, and my life. I used to get stares because at rodeos I never held onto my lead rope or reins. He always followed me around the arena or in the arena.

In 2004, we retired him. He had worked so hard for me. I believe he deserved to be retired a Champion. I didn’t want him being outran by horses who previously couldn’t touch him. He was 26 years old when we retired him.
 
On May 20, 2012, I was told that sometime in the early morning hours Sorrelly had passed away. I couldn’t understand it. The day before, he was in the pasture enjoying the grass. My best friend was gone. I cannot say enough times how grateful I am for my family. Sorrelly was buried on our 20 acres with his blanket that we all wrote on. I kept his tail to make a bracelet and hatband with. That night I went and got a tattoo on my wrist that says “My Guardian Angel Flies With Me Now”, “Sorrelly”, with 2 horseshoes.


 

To Sorrelly,

You are my best friend. I miss you more and more everyday. You made all my dreams come true, not because you won a lot of awards, but for how you were with me. You took care of me. Always being my shoulder to cry on, my goodnight kisser, and my main man. You were my first love.  I am so thankful for the 22 years I had with you. I have loved you all my life.

I know you’re here. The way the wind blows, songs on the radio, and that weird feeling you're running next to the truck. I can’t wait for the day we are reunited. I love you so very much and you are truly missed.

Remember, Love is like a fine wine, it keeps getting better as the days go by. My love for you will only get stronger.

Thank you for everything you did for me and for being my best friend for 22 amazing years. Thank you for all the laughs, the great memories, the falls, getting hooked on the saddle horn and you finishing the barrel run without me pulling you, the kisses, protecting me, and loving me with that big heart of yours.

I love you so very much, Sorrelly Joe. My Guardian Angel Forever.
 
Brandi Reicheneker













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