In Memory

"Murray" is a tried and true beginner horse who has a lot to offer the student learning to jump as well. He is a 14.3 hand QH, who was born in 1986. He was a super ranch horse as a youngster. He was one of the favorite mounts for the cowboys who used him to find lost horses and calves. Now he looks to his young students with a responsibility of the same caliber. He will do everything he can to stay under the rider, and yet challenge them when they are ready. Murray is a required stepping stone in the lesson program; if you can canter on Murray you can go up to the taller horses. Murray came to FCRA in 2005.

Murray, it has been almost a week since you passed away on 2/8/09, and I really miss you.  I have to say that I feel like 5 horses are missing, at first I did not know why, now I know it is because your heart was that big.  Most of all I miss your baby face, your gentle gait around the arena, and your endearing expression waiting for something fun to happen.  I know you are with Max, and I am glad for you two to be together again.  The children miss you, and the moms miss your safety, but most of all, I miss you, my trusted and beloved co-worker, and my very good friend.  - Heidi

"Max" is a horse that has made his home here at the farm. He was purchased in 1999 from another lesson program. Most of his life has been involved with teaching new riders. It seems that this 15 hand QH "type" gelding who was born in 1979, is allergic to sweat; a clear testament to how hard this boy worked in his past life. He has done everything, and has been champion at it with his riders here at the farm. He has taught almost everyone here at sometime or another. He is a real treasure. He is registered with AGHR.

Max passed away here at his home at First Choice on February 5, 2008.

Max, dear, sweet Max. You made this your home, you made me your person, and you made the kids champions. They got to learn so much from you. How do you say good bye to someone who chose you like you chose me and First Choice? I don't want to, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for all of your patience, and thank you for the times when you may not have wanted to be patient, and you told us, yet you did not let it hurt us. Thank you for your shine, your health, your beauty, especially because you showed it to us the most. Thank you more than anything though for all of times I asked something of you and you gently told me the answer, and especially, the truth. Thank you for telling me so gently that you wanted to leave, that you were ready to pass. For keeping the promise we made to each other that all we needed was a sign, and that you and I would not fight it, but we would hold each other through it because we knew it would be hard for both of us, me for losing you and you for your journey. It is hard beyond belief to say good bye to you Max, and I am still not ready. I love you for everything there is about you, your absolute powerful source of inner peace. I, and all of the children, will miss you more than anyone who did not know you will be able to comprehend. - Heidi

"Tonka" is a QH who is known for his continual good manners and honesty. This is probably the first horse you will meet at the farm. He is the safest horse in the world and is never unpredictable or quick, unless that is, you take him on a trail ride! Then he likes to lead no matter how long legged the TB's may be! Tonka not only teaches the beginners, but he is a sturdy mount for our smallest riders. Standing at 14.1 hands, he still qualifies for the pony size. Tonka waits in the paddock or on the cross ties not only for treats, but more importantly a good scratching! He has been with FCRA since 2002.

Tonka passed away in his sleep, June 1, 2007. He was a precious horse that everyone has spent some time with. He was often the first horse that a rider saw when they came to the farm to learn to ride. His never ending patience, his understanding and gentle ways, even his wonderful ears will never be forgotten. For a horse to be able to shift to anyone's level of riding ability, be it a Preschooler for a leadline lesson, or a more advanced rider learning to jump, he gave everything. We will always miss him.

"Curly" had to be put down on August 13, 2007 at the age of 25 due to natural causes. Before his retirement, he spent many years at First Choice as a beloved school horse, but he was always Heidi's special horse.

Curly, you brought me joy, you brought me grace, you gave me wings, you touched me deeper than I even wanted to be touched. You helped me find my self, you saved me, and you gave me real life. Then you went on and did it for so many other people. You are free now, like we were on the hill, you are free now, and I will miss you but I know your magic will never leave me. Thank you for my family, the family that one horse made just by being here, a family that will always love you, and always miss you even though you will never really be gone. I love you, we all love you. - Heidi