The Final Sunset...
The passing of your special horse friend will be handled with the utmost compassion and respect for both you and your horse. We've been where you are...having said goodbye to our own, and understand the heartache this difficult time can cause. As long as law allows us, you can choose to bury your horse here on the farm. We would like you to choose from several trees we have selected in honor of your horse. Planting this new life at their graveside will provide a living memorial for years to come. We will also handle the arrangements for cremation services by Faithful Friends, if you so choose.
A Living Memorial
The beautiful dogwood tree is found in abundance in our pastures and woods on the farm. These beauties usher in spring every year with their gorgeous blossoms. The dogwood is just one of the trees you can choose from to honor your horse and beautify their final resting place.
Memorials to Old Friends
"DOC" Doc's Soft Fellow 1986-2007
Doc was one very special horse. It took years to find him, you know, the kind that took care of your little girl no matter what. He had patience beyond belief and would tolerate whatever Emily wanted to do with him. Maybe it was hours of hair braiding, or swimming bareback in the pond, going to horse shows, or just hanging out on him bareback with friends. He was one of the best horse's a parent could ever ask for. He was one-of-a-kind and is greatly missed.
EMILY & DOC
EMILY & DOC
"Sammy" Sammy Cando May 5, 1977 - November 21, 2010
Sammy was the kindest horse I know. And he was my best friend. Bred at Texas A&M University, he was a working cow horse and stud. Then he became a show horse.
When I met him he was standing alone in a dark, smelly stall at the back of a school barn. He was for sale because he was “uncooperative”. I was taking lessons and accidentally saddled him up. “You don’t want to ride HIM – he’s no good” they said. Well I DID ride him, and eventually bought him for $500. He was 24 but I didn’t care. I got to see the life slowly return to his eyes. At the next barn clinic a trainer rode him. Everyone watched in amazement as Sammy did spins, sliding stops and roll backs. You should have seen the open mouths of those people who said he was useless. It was pretty funny.
Everything I know about horses I learned from Sammy. He never acted up when I had no idea what I was doing. He was so honest and had such a great work ethic. I trusted him and I know he trusted me with his life.
I remember those hard days after he had colic surgery. I would sit in the doorway of his stall in ICU and he’d walk over and, drop his head into my lap and fall asleep. He was old but pulled through those surgeries to the amazement of all of us. And he and I kept riding. The happiest hours of my life were spent with him.
He died at 33. Stoic and calm and majestic. Rest in peace Sammy old man. You deserve it.
When I met him he was standing alone in a dark, smelly stall at the back of a school barn. He was for sale because he was “uncooperative”. I was taking lessons and accidentally saddled him up. “You don’t want to ride HIM – he’s no good” they said. Well I DID ride him, and eventually bought him for $500. He was 24 but I didn’t care. I got to see the life slowly return to his eyes. At the next barn clinic a trainer rode him. Everyone watched in amazement as Sammy did spins, sliding stops and roll backs. You should have seen the open mouths of those people who said he was useless. It was pretty funny.
Everything I know about horses I learned from Sammy. He never acted up when I had no idea what I was doing. He was so honest and had such a great work ethic. I trusted him and I know he trusted me with his life.
I remember those hard days after he had colic surgery. I would sit in the doorway of his stall in ICU and he’d walk over and, drop his head into my lap and fall asleep. He was old but pulled through those surgeries to the amazement of all of us. And he and I kept riding. The happiest hours of my life were spent with him.
He died at 33. Stoic and calm and majestic. Rest in peace Sammy old man. You deserve it.
"Sandy" Ann's Sandy Sue 1980 - 2011
What a sweet horse she was. Her heart was big and those soft brown eyes could bring out the best of anyone. She was patient and kind and just a great horse to be around. Sandy had the special task of taking care of kids who needed extra patience and she was perfect for them. It's like she instinctively knew about their special needs.
She was the only horse I have ever seen who would practically bridle herself. If you held the bit anywhere close to her mouth she would reach right out and put it in her mouth. It's like she said, "I'm ready! Let's go ride!" She is just one wonderful horse I can't say enough about. We love you Sandy Girl!
BOB & SANDY
She was the only horse I have ever seen who would practically bridle herself. If you held the bit anywhere close to her mouth she would reach right out and put it in her mouth. It's like she said, "I'm ready! Let's go ride!" She is just one wonderful horse I can't say enough about. We love you Sandy Girl!
BOB & SANDY
"Blackjack" 1978 - 2011
We moved Blackjack to Webers in September of 2010. Blackjack was 33 years old and we knew that the coming winter in llinois was going to be as harsh as ever. We always worried as fall approached as we always thought it would be too much for our 'Old Man'. Blackjack survived myriad illnesses and the last one in February 2010 we really thought he was not going to survive. But he did and even gained all his weight back even with only half of his teeth. He was a happy, gentle horse and he obviously had some more life in him. We only wanted him to be comfortable and happy for the remainder of his life, however long that was going to be.
In July 2010 my friend Jill told me about Webers and that she was taking her old guy, Joe, down to Kentucky to be with Kim and Rob.
I thought this would be a great idea for Blackjack but was unsure about having him so far away let alone make the trailer ride several hundred miles to Kentucky. After speaking with Kim many times about Blackjack and his special needs; beet pulp with medications twice daily and no hay diet and his hind end weakness, Kim assured me that he represented nothing out of the ordinary for her and Rob. They had their own horse who had the same dietary requirements. She assured me that they would look after him with the same care and tenderness as their own horse and those of the other clients. That was it...The vet cleared him for the ride down to Kentucky and off we went in September. Upon arriving to Webers I knew we were truly in horse heaven. We were greeted warmly by Kim and Rob. The horses were unloaded and Blackjack immediately settled in, as if he know he was home. It was going to be the last place on earth that he would live and we were perfect with that decision. Kim and I talked often about Blackjack; she was always available to take my calls, call to inform me of his well-being, to answer my questions and to post pictures.
Blackjack passed peacefully the first week in March 2011. The day before, Kim told me he was happily grazing and came in for the night as if it was any other night. The following morning Kim called to tell me that he was down in his stall and he was peaceful; still alive but resolved to go. She and Rob tried to get him up but he simply did not want to. She put the phone up to Blackjack's ear and allowed me to speak with him. His ears moved. Kim said he heard me. The vet was already there and put him peacefully to sleep thereafter. Blackjack is buried on Webers Farm. He has an apple tree planted on top.
THANK YOU Kim and Rob for caring and for loving Blackjack until his last day.
Amy
In July 2010 my friend Jill told me about Webers and that she was taking her old guy, Joe, down to Kentucky to be with Kim and Rob.
I thought this would be a great idea for Blackjack but was unsure about having him so far away let alone make the trailer ride several hundred miles to Kentucky. After speaking with Kim many times about Blackjack and his special needs; beet pulp with medications twice daily and no hay diet and his hind end weakness, Kim assured me that he represented nothing out of the ordinary for her and Rob. They had their own horse who had the same dietary requirements. She assured me that they would look after him with the same care and tenderness as their own horse and those of the other clients. That was it...The vet cleared him for the ride down to Kentucky and off we went in September. Upon arriving to Webers I knew we were truly in horse heaven. We were greeted warmly by Kim and Rob. The horses were unloaded and Blackjack immediately settled in, as if he know he was home. It was going to be the last place on earth that he would live and we were perfect with that decision. Kim and I talked often about Blackjack; she was always available to take my calls, call to inform me of his well-being, to answer my questions and to post pictures.
Blackjack passed peacefully the first week in March 2011. The day before, Kim told me he was happily grazing and came in for the night as if it was any other night. The following morning Kim called to tell me that he was down in his stall and he was peaceful; still alive but resolved to go. She and Rob tried to get him up but he simply did not want to. She put the phone up to Blackjack's ear and allowed me to speak with him. His ears moved. Kim said he heard me. The vet was already there and put him peacefully to sleep thereafter. Blackjack is buried on Webers Farm. He has an apple tree planted on top.
THANK YOU Kim and Rob for caring and for loving Blackjack until his last day.
Amy
"LOGAN" Invest Your Socks May 3, 1998 - March 19, 2012
Logan was a special gelding who loved everyone. He was always happy to see you and LOVED attention! He was a very steady horse to ride, and was perfect for an inexperienced rider to learn on. He had a sweet little jog you could just ride all day long. His personaiity was at the top of the chart! Loving, kind, and genuine. He was also a very patient horse. Logan was a people pleaser and would do whatever was asked of him. He brought joy to those who shared his life, and memories of him will always be special to those who loved him.
MONTANA "JOE" 1982-2012
Joe at age 30.
Joe was a horse that was a fiery spirit in his youth. He mellowed enough to let my sons ride him safely as he aged, but he always had an air about him...he was a "look at me" type of horse.He was my first horse who taught me so much, took me to hunter shows, traveled many trails with me, but most importantly, taught me real horse/human partnership.The lessons of patience and observance have served me well, not only in my horse life, but with parenting, teaching and relationships as a whole .We all just want to be heard and validated...appreciated and valued for who we are, horse or human.Thank you Joe for validating me in my of path of horsemanship, that at the time I met you, was not the norm.You showed me that what I felt about something, was just as important as the task itself.You are loved and missed by many.
JOE at age 10.
SMOKY WINTER "Sonny" 1983-2013
Memorial pending