1990 - 2007

Somewhere in time's own space
There must be some sweet pastured place
Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow
Some paradise where horses go,
For by the love that guides my pen
I know great horses live again.
~Stanley Harrison

Willy was very special. Not because he made an indelible mark on the world stage but because he made a mark on every life he touched. I could list his considerable accomplishments in dressage but they would not convey his character or his effect on those that dearly loved him. 

I remember his first night in our barn – the first of many escapes.  I remember his piaffe, the tempi's that he loved to do given the slightest reason. I remember the joy he gave my wife every time she saw him. I remember him galloping to Lucy’s aid, concern visible on his face and relief apparent when all was well.  I remember him pretending to run away when I pretended to throw a snowball at him.  I remember him calmly hacking down the side of a highway and being the first to ford the stream or cross the bridge.  I remember a horse who loved to be touched, handled and admired.  Willy loved bananas and introduced them to all the horses in the barn.  There is no end to the memories he has engraved on my soul.

Although a gelding, he has done something few ever have the opportunity to do. He has passed his kindness and respect for others on to another generation. Three foals have spent time under his tutelage to their betterment. The first was our Lucy who was taught to respect humans by Willy. The second was Rosie, an Arab who had injured herself and needed to understand that the world is a wonderful place. The last was Thomas, a foal from Kiera, who learned that life is wonderful and full of experiences to make you grow. He will live on in these three and hopefully they will pass some of Willy onto deserving generations to follow.  

 I had hoped that we would be working together for the next ten years to raise wonderful horses for the world to share. But sadly, I will have to go it alone, there can be no replacement for Willy.  But in his memory and to honour this incredible being, the first colt born to the mares at Caballo Farm will have his name.

There is an enormous hole in our barn now. Willy was a large part of my life. I miss his greetings each morning. I miss his 'look at me’ attitude. I miss the hugs. I miss his displays of intelligence. He was my friend and I miss him dearly.  Willy was a one in a million horse and while we are devastated by the loss we feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and love him.

Willy's First Day                  Pictures of Willy