Friday, October 30, 2009

Love and Loss


It has been a difficult few weeks in our household, especially for Jordan. On October 16, 2009, Dolly crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and Jordan lost her best friend. Jordan has been riding Dolly since she was 7 years old, and that little pony taught Jordan how to be the rider that she is (of course Karin's instruction played a huge part in that too!). This was totally unexpected and came from out of the blue, and Jordan was just devastated. It has helped that Jordan has Allie to help ease the pain, but Dolly was a very special pony, and she took a big chunk of Jordan's heart with her. Below is the obituary we sent to the ASB publications.


What A Doll (“Dolly”) crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Friday, October 16, 2009. Foaled in the early 80’s at Windy Hill Farm in Frankfort, IL, Dolly was one of the last surviving foals by Carolyn Folkers’ stud Sparkling Supreme, sire of many world champion Saddlebreds, including many 3- and 5-gaited ponies.

Dolly was shown by so many children just starting their show career, and taught them how to ride a show horse. She was truly a pony who gave her all – and loved doing it. There was nothing “push button” about Dolly – she definitely made you ride. She was always in the top ribbons throughout her career, with wins at shows such as ASHAV, Roanoke, Tar Heel Classic, Bonnie Blue, KY Fall Classic, Morristown, and more. She was definitely a little pony with a big heart.

Dolly was brought out and shown in IL for many years by Lindsey Dillon and, after moving to Virginia, was shown with much success by Brittany Gordon, Tori & Polly Hunter, Emma Jefferies and, for the last 4 1/2 years, by Jordan Burks. During that time, Jordan and Dolly were ASHAV champion and reserve high point champions in 10 & under WTC equitation and English Pleasure Pony every year. Jordan is so grateful that Carolyn’s grandchildren, Justin & Katelyn Smith, shared Dolly with her and allowed her to show Dolly these past 4 1/2 years. She is thankful for the time she had with Dolly, and misses her deeply. Jordan, Katelyn, and many more will remember Dolly forever.

Dolly was buried at Windy Hill Farm in Monroe, VA, and we know she is in Heaven, trotting above level, with CH The Red Ferrari racking right beside her.

Godspeed Dolly, and thank you for making so many little girls so very happy.

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 ~