Tribute to our beloved horse...Pal

June 14, 2008, will be a day that I will not soon forget...Our beloved horse of 20 years, Pal, was laid to rest. If you have ever owned an animal, especially one for as long as we had Pal, then you know the difficulty in letting them go. They become a part of your life, a part of the family and a part of your heart. His passing comes at an extremely difficult time for us, as we were preparing for the Parker Co. Sheriff's Posse parade and rodeo. This was one of Pal's "showtimes". Each time that Randy would saddle him up, I truly believe that it gave Pal "new life". He absolutely loved to be in parades and rodeos. He acted like a young colt each time that he knew people were watching.

Before we moved Pal to our house in 2001, he spent many years climbing the mountains of Colorado with my dad for his annual elk hunt. Dad would take him each October for a two week trip where he toted my dad up the mountain each day and, on occasion, pack an elk as well. I remember when Dad brought him home for me to ride in the Comanche Roping Club Rodeo in my quest for the title of Rodeo Queen in 1989. I won the title that year along with a crown, saddle and dear friend, Pal.

Pal wasn't a "regular" horse. No, anyone that knew anything about him would tell you that you had to latch a gate with a latch, or Pal would open it and let himself, along with any other animals, out. He was always ready and willing to load in the trailer too! In fact, I can recall a time that Dad left the gate open on the trailer that was parked in the pasture (on a hill, I might add) and Pal loaded himself and down the hill they went! Pal was also a known pest. Anytime he heard feed rattling in a bucket, he would come a running (even if the feed wasn't for him!). He was nosey and wanted to know what was going on anytime you were in the barn. Nothing would really spook him so trying to shoo him out of your way was just a waste of time. You could always saddle Pal and know that he wouldn't buck or act "crazy" even if you had not rode him in months! He was a beautiful horse that loved people and people that saw him, loved him too.

There is going to be a void to fill now around our farm, but cherished memories will remain in our hearts forever! Rest in peace dear friend.