http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=17457is
Very sad, he had laminitis. He was 23.
He was the first horse to bite me. I saw him at KHP in 2004.
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=17457is
Very sad, he had laminitis. He was 23.
He was the first horse to bite me. I saw him at KHP in 2004.
Horse racing fanatic, Philly sports die hard (GO PHILLIES!), Clinton Democrat, political junkie, and Fleetwood Mac groupie.
Same story here without having to log in:
http://blog.imh.org/2010/12/nine-tim...me-euthanized/
Oh thanks, HB. I didn't have to log in to view the story I posted. Strange.
Horse racing fanatic, Philly sports die hard (GO PHILLIES!), Clinton Democrat, political junkie, and Fleetwood Mac groupie.
I'm not sure why, but sometimes I have to log in, others not.Originally Posted by Sun King
GS was a cool horse with a bright personality.
oh that sucks. I remember seeing him. He was such a handsome guy too.
We're still grieving over Gypsy's loss...the barn just isn't the same. He was the first horse most people saw, sticking his head out the stall window, greeting all the visitors coming into the barn. Despite being furthest from the tack room, he was usually the first to hear a peppermint being unwrapped or dinner being prepared, and started the chorus of whinnies.
His absolute favorite treat was lemon drops, and on his last morning we all took turns letting him snack to his heart's content - lemon drops, peppermints, carrots, apples, fruit Life Savers (he was a fruit horse, didn't care for cookies). He had taken a turn for the worse and was in obvious pain, but his eyes were still bright to see us and took pleasure in our company, scratching his favorite spots over and over again.
Our favorite game was one we called "Tip The Saddlebred" - he had a spot on either side of his withers and crest, that if you scratched he'd practically drop to his knees or lean so far to one side you'd find yourself holding up a 17hh Saddlebred. He also loved his blaze being scratched, and would return the favor. Many times before heading into the ring, I'd turn my back to his forehead and he'd scratch mine ("a little to the left, there you go" and he'd comply). He'd also flip out for watermelon...we found out from his owner/rider that he absolutely loved it. She visited once and brought a watermelon for him, still wrapped in plastic - Gypsy caught side of it and went absolutely nuts! Whinnying, shaking, pawing. He ate up every bite, leaving a huge puddle on the floor, which of course he cleaned up also. From then on we always tried to get him a watermelon when we could, and he delighted in eating every bite of it - no matter the sticky mess for us!
His other favorite thing was being ponied around the park. For 3-4 years, prior to his physical problems, he'd go on almost daily walks around the park, being ponied by a rider and horse from the Breeds Barn. He came to know what time of day it was, and would start watching for them to ride down the front walkway to pick him up. It got to where he'd even hear the horse coming up the hill by the sound of their shoes on the sidewalk. Knowing it was time, he'd start nickering and shaking in excitement. He adored being walked around the park, seeing the sights, and getting his picture taken as visitors watched him pass.
Gypsy also had a sense of humor; while ignoring generic horse toys like Jolly Balls, he would go nuts over orange road cones - picking them up, swinging them, banging them against the walls. In his prime he'd go through one every few weeks; we constantly hunted for new ones to pilfer. At one point a co-worker and I snuck one from the side of the entrance road where maintenance had stacked them, justifying it by saying we were simply relocating it 'for park purposes'...Gypsy was very appreciative.
His other favorite thing was playing with people. He would pin his ears and rake his teeth across the stall door to anyone who came to peer in at him, but once the door was open his ears would be up and eyes laughing. Gypsy hated cats, didn't care a whiff about other horses, but he was a horse that absolutely loved his humans.
The only professional show horse in the barn, he truly knew how to work the crowd and appreciate the cameras. Before his discomfort began, he'd proudly trot into the ring and 'park out' his front and hind legs, showing everyone the definition of ideal Saddlebred conformation. He'd pose at each section, head high, giving everyone great photos, and trot back out of the ring at the last round of applause.
I remember one time a clinic was being held after hours, and a young Saddlebred gelding was in the ring to demonstrate. They wanted the champion, Gypsy, to be brought out to compare a finished horse...well, Gypsy set one foot in that ring, saw the 'competition', and with NO instruction, promptly parked himself out as far as physically able, head 9 feet in the air, huffing superiority and literally puffing his chest out, staring to the right at the young'n as if to say "THIS is what you have to live up to, kid!" I'd never seen him so supreme and proud, he really went into show horse mode that day! I had such goosebumps!
Each of the last few winters Gypsy had problems with his feet, and we thought we'd lose him. More than once, he spent time across the road at the clinic. However he valiantly pulled through, thanks to his own determination and toughness as well as the love and care of his humans and the vets working hard to keep him comfortable and happy.
This winter was a different story...despite the best human efforts, Gypsy was tired, and telling everyone the end was near. When his comfort and quality of life could no longer be satisfied, we agreed it was time to let him go...and after many treats, tears, hugs, photos, and I love you's from his humans, he finally went in peace, no longer in pain or discomfort.
Our hearts still hurt, but I know I'll always picture him as he was when pitted against the young gelding that day at the clinic - tall, strong, proud, tail flared high in the breeze, and obvious spirit truly showing why the Saddlebred was long ago dubbed "The Pride of the Bluegrass". RIP, sweet one...always in our hearts.
Last edited by WesternDreamer; 12-28-2010 at 06:30 PM.
We're still grieving over Gypsy's loss...the barn just isn't the same. He was the first horse most people saw, sticking his head out the stall window, greeting all the visitors coming into the barn. Despite being furthest from the tack room, he was usually the first to hear a peppermint being unwrapped or dinner being prepared, and started the chorus of whinnies.
His absolute favorite treat was lemon drops, and on his last morning we all took turns letting him snack to his heart's content - lemon drops, peppermints, carrots, apples, fruit Life Savers (he was a fruit horse, didn't care for cookies). He had taken a turn for the worse and was in obvious pain, but his eyes were still bright to see us and took pleasure in our company, scratching his favorite spots over and over again.
Our favorite game was one we called "Tip The Saddlebred" - he had a spot on either side of his withers and crest, that if you scratched he'd practically drop to his knees or lean so far to one side you'd find yourself holding up a 17hh Saddlebred. He also loved his blaze being scratched, and would return the favor. Many times before heading into the ring, I'd turn my back to his forehead and he'd scratch mine ("a little to the left, there you go" and he'd comply). He'd also flip out for watermelon...we found out from his owner/rider that he absolutely loved it. She visited once and brought a watermelon for him, still wrapped in plastic - Gypsy caught side of it and went absolutely nuts! Whinnying, shaking, pawing. He ate up every bite, leaving a huge puddle on the floor, which of course he cleaned up also. From then on we always tried to get him a watermelon when we could, and he delighted in eating every bite of it - no matter the sticky mess for us!
His other favorite thing was being ponied around the park. For 3-4 years, prior to his physical problems, he'd go on almost daily walks around the park, being ponied by a rider and horse from the Breeds Barn. He came to know what time of day it was, and would start watching for them to ride down the front walkway to pick him up. It got to where he'd even hear the horse coming up the hill by the sound of their shoes on the sidewalk. Knowing it was time, he'd start nickering and shaking in excitement. He adored being walked around the park, seeing the sights, and getting his picture taken as visitors watched him pass.
Gypsy also had a sense of humor; while ignoring generic horse toys like Jolly Balls, he would go nuts over orange road cones - picking them up, swinging them, banging them against the walls. In his prime he'd go through one every few weeks; we constantly hunted for new ones to pilfer. At one point a co-worker and I snuck one from the side of the entrance road where maintenance had stacked them, justifying it by saying we were simply relocating it 'for park purposes'...Gypsy was very appreciative.
His other favorite thing was playing with people. He would pin his ears and rake his teeth across the stall door to anyone who came to peer in at him, but once the door was open his ears would be up and eyes laughing. Gypsy hated cats, didn't care a whiff about other horses, but he was a horse that absolutely loved his humans.
The only professional show horse in the barn, he truly knew how to work the crowd and appreciate the cameras. Before his discomfort began, he'd proudly trot into the ring and 'park out' his front and hind legs, showing everyone the definition of ideal Saddlebred conformation. He'd pose at each section, head high, giving everyone great photos, and trot back out of the ring at the last round of applause.
I remember one time a clinic was being held after hours, and a young Saddlebred gelding was in the ring to demonstrate. They wanted the champion, Gypsy, to be brought out to compare a finished horse...well, Gypsy set one foot in that ring, saw the 'competition', and with NO instruction, promptly parked himself out as far as physically able, head 9 feet in the air, huffing superiority and literally puffing his chest out, staring to the right at the young'n as if to say "THIS is what you have to live up to, kid!" I'd never seen him so supreme and proud, he really went into show horse mode that day! I had such goosebumps!
Each of the last few winters Gypsy had problems with his feet, and we thought we'd lose him. More than once, he spent time across the road at the clinic. However he valiantly pulled through, thanks to his own determination and toughness as well as the love and care of his humans and the vets working hard to keep him comfortable and happy.
This winter was a different story...despite the best human efforts, Gypsy was tired, and telling everyone the end was near. When his comfort and quality of life could no longer be satisfied, we agreed it was time to let him go...and after many treats, tears, hugs, photos, and I love you's from his humans, he finally went in peace, no longer in pain or discomfort.
Our hearts still hurt, but I know I'll always picture him as he was when pitted against the young gelding that day at the clinic - tall, strong, proud, tail flared high in the breeze, and obvious spirit truly showing why the Saddlebred was long ago dubbed "The Pride of the Bluegrass". RIP, sweet one...always in our hearts.
A true championsRIP Gypsy.
Nu
What Thumbsucker said. You brought tears to my eyes, WesternDreamer. In a good way.
Wherever I've seen stories about him today, people are always commenting about how they'll miss seeing his head pop out of his stall to greet the folks coming up to the HoC.
First rule: Try always to do what's right for the horse. The people part will work out. -- Josh Pons, Merryland, 2007
Just beautiful WD. I am so sad. RIP Gypsy.We're still grieving over Gypsy's loss...the barn just isn't the same. He was the first horse most people saw, sticking his head out the stall window, greeting all the visitors coming into the barn. Despite being furthest from the tack room, he was usually the first to hear a peppermint being unwrapped or dinner being prepared, and started the chorus of whinnies.
His absolute favorite treat was lemon drops, and on his last morning we all took turns letting him snack to his heart's content - lemon drops, peppermints, carrots, apples, fruit Life Savers (he was a fruit horse, didn't care for cookies). He had taken a turn for the worse and was in obvious pain, but his eyes were still bright to see us and took pleasure in our company, scratching his favorite spots over and over again.
Our favorite game was one we called "Tip The Saddlebred" - he had a spot on either side of his withers and crest, that if you scratched he'd practically drop to his knees or lean so far to one side you'd find yourself holding up a 17hh Saddlebred. He also loved his blaze being scratched, and would return the favor. Many times before heading into the ring, I'd turn my back to his forehead and he'd scratch mine ("a little to the left, there you go" and he'd comply). He'd also flip out for watermelon...we found out from his owner/rider that he absolutely loved it. She visited once and brought a watermelon for him, still wrapped in plastic - Gypsy caught side of it and went absolutely nuts! Whinnying, shaking, pawing. He ate up every bite, leaving a huge puddle on the floor, which of course he cleaned up also. From then on we always tried to get him a watermelon when we could, and he delighted in eating every bite of it - no matter the sticky mess for us!
His other favorite thing was being ponied around the park. For 3-4 years, prior to his physical problems, he'd go on almost daily walks around the park, being ponied by a rider and horse from the Breeds Barn. He came to know what time of day it was, and would start watching for them to ride down the front walkway to pick him up. It got to where he'd even hear the horse coming up the hill by the sound of their shoes on the sidewalk. Knowing it was time, he'd start nickering and shaking in excitement. He adored being walked around the park, seeing the sights, and getting his picture taken as visitors watched him pass.
Gypsy also had a sense of humor; while ignoring generic horse toys like Jolly Balls, he would go nuts over orange road cones - picking them up, swinging them, banging them against the walls. In his prime he'd go through one every few weeks; we constantly hunted for new ones to pilfer. At one point a co-worker and I snuck one from the side of the entrance road where maintenance had stacked them, justifying it by saying we were simply relocating it 'for park purposes'...Gypsy was very appreciative.
His other favorite thing was playing with people. He would pin his ears and rake his teeth across the stall door to anyone who came to peer in at him, but once the door was open his ears would be up and eyes laughing. Gypsy hated cats, didn't care a whiff about other horses, but he was a horse that absolutely loved his humans.
The only professional show horse in the barn, he truly knew how to work the crowd and appreciate the cameras. Before his discomfort began, he'd proudly trot into the ring and 'park out' his front and hind legs, showing everyone the definition of ideal Saddlebred conformation. He'd pose at each section, head high, giving everyone great photos, and trot back out of the ring at the last round of applause.
I remember one time a clinic was being held after hours, and a young Saddlebred gelding was in the ring to demonstrate. They wanted the champion, Gypsy, to be brought out to compare a finished horse...well, Gypsy set one foot in that ring, saw the 'competition', and with NO instruction, promptly parked himself out as far as physically able, head 9 feet in the air, huffing superiority and literally puffing his chest out, staring to the right at the young'n as if to say "THIS is what you have to live up to, kid!" I'd never seen him so supreme and proud, he really went into show horse mode that day! I had such goosebumps!
Each of the last few winters Gypsy had problems with his feet, and we thought we'd lose him. More than once, he spent time across the road at the clinic. However he valiantly pulled through, thanks to his own determination and toughness as well as the love and care of his humans and the vets working hard to keep him comfortable and happy.
This winter was a different story...despite the best human efforts, Gypsy was tired, and telling everyone the end was near. When his comfort and quality of life could no longer be satisfied, we agreed it was time to let him go...and after many treats, tears, hugs, photos, and I love you's from his humans, he finally went in peace, no longer in pain or discomfort.
Our hearts still hurt, but I know I'll always picture him as he was when pitted against the young gelding that day at the clinic - tall, strong, proud, tail flared high in the breeze, and obvious spirit truly showing why the Saddlebred was long ago dubbed "The Pride of the Bluegrass". RIP, sweet one...always in our hearts.
Thank you WD for such a heart felt and true tribute to a magnificent horse and a good friend.
That made me tear up, too, and I have no doubt that Gypsy knew how loved he was.
Godspeed Gypsy.
Thank you Western Dreamer for a beautiful remembrance of him. I have a photo here from 2007, lookin' out his window. My condolences to all the people at KHP who loved him:
WesternDreamer, what a lovely tribute. I adore TBs, but I grew up with Saddlebreds and they have my heart. They're quite a personable in-your-pocket breed, as everyone can see with Gypsy. He was really special, though-an absolutely phenomenal show horse and then such a great ambassador. I hope there's another Saddlebred in the Hall of Champions, but what a tough act to follow.
WD, thanks for sharing your memories of Gypsy; my condolences to everyone at the KHP and all who loved him. He was a beautiful boy.
Thanks everyone for your kind words, I'm glad so many people got to meet him and know what a wonderful horse he was. It's still hard for me to believe he's gone because he was there when I started at the park several years ago, and now just Cigar, Stanley, and Western Dreamer are left from 'my' original group...having said goodbye to Pepper and John, then the newer boys Alysheba and Kona. It's unbelievable to me that now the two oldest horses are Stanley and Cigar. Seriously?? Yes, you always know you'll say goodbye to them someday, as it's a retirement facility (and freak accidents can happen to them young as it did to Kona), but it still doesn't prepare you for that moment. I'm just grateful they leave us with so many memories to cherish, and for that they're never truly gone.
And let me just say I'm not particularly religious or overly spiritual, but I think some animals say goodbye in their own ways. After John left us I could have sworn I heard his totally distinctive nicker coming from the stall one afternoon, but there was no horse in there yet. It made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Also, I was 800 miles away in Nebraska for the winter when Pepper died; I happened to be on a solo trail ride at the time. I absolutely know I heard cantering hoofbeats somewhere off the trail, and the horse I rode heard them too because his ears pricked and he startled - but we never saw another horse and rider, and upon returning were told we were the only ones on the trail - no other riders or loose horses. Later in the day I found out Pepper had died at that exact same time...yes, I think they were his hoofbeats.
When Gypsy was put down it was an overcast, gloomy day that matched our moods. I was at home after, lying on my bed alone with grief, when suddenly beams of sunlight shot through my window so strong it warmed up the entire room for several minutes. I laid there enjoying it, feeling warm and comforted, before it finally waned away; I got up to look out the window and could see no break in the heavy clouds to explain it. I went out and mentioned it to my roommate, who'd just come in from outside, and he gave me a strange look and said there hadn't been any sun, the clouds were too thick. Call me crazy, but I think it was a final warm touch from Gypsy, and it did make me smile when I thought I wouldn't for days. I've had similar experiences after losing a beloved dog or cat also. So no, I don't think they ever really leave us...and I know they're waiting, whole and healthy, at that rainbow bridge. I just hope John is behaving, and not biting them on arrival - for old time's sake.
What a lovely tribute to Gypsy, WesternDreamer. I visit the Hall of Champs whenever we go to Kentucky and I can't picture that barn without a big beautiful saddlebred. CH Imperator, CH Sky Watch, and now Gypsy.
I too think that animals say goodbye in their own way...I've had some experiences like yours. Things that cannot be explained away, even.
RIP Gypsy, now you can flaunt your stuff in greener pastures!
Western Dreamer,
Thanks for the stories of Gypsy and all at the KHP, especially the HOC. ALso condolances to all who worked with these horses. I'm sad here and only got to see them a few times.
Not overly spiritual or religious here either but I do wonder about the things you spoke about. With some poeple too.
Best wishes to you and all at the KHP.
When I was in Lexington for Zenyatta's arrival from California Dec. 6, I went over to the KY Horse Park in the afternoon and walked around taking pictures in the snow. Of course I visited the Hall of Champions, and took a few pictures of Gypsy Supreme. I also petted him on the nose a little through the mesh of his stall.
Gypsy pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/moonwalk...eat=directlink
Thank you Western Dreamer for your Gypsy stories. The one about his "competition" made me laugh and cry.
Mary MMM
Last edited by moonwalker; 12-29-2010 at 08:09 PM.
Alrighty, I have to post my own pics on here as well. He was definitely a friendly fella and I've fed him peppermints as he's peeking out the side window, and definitely given him lots of love. He will be missed....
I collect different copies of the book "Black Beauty." I currently have 50. Do you have any I could buy?
Thanks to all for the photos and memories. So grateful such a character of a horse got the life, love, and fans he deserved
First rule: Try always to do what's right for the horse. The people part will work out. -- Josh Pons, Merryland, 2007
I was soo very fortunate to see Gypsy show at Louisville many years. He was charasmatic, stunning and all heart. He would give his all every class no matter who rode him. Loved loved his victory passes with uber long streamers of championship colors and blanket of flowers ..ears pricked..eyes bugged and legs a wavin! RIP Gyspy..you were my ultimate wish for a gaited saddlebred..a true representative of the breed. WD thanks so much for your post...hugs
Kim (who wished to win a lottery to own Gypsy !)
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