We lost a couragous friend and fellow Winchester Widow on October 2,2010. She was our Parade Director and fearless leader. Here is her story:

“I was born and raised in Butte, Montana, the land of a million hay stacks. Montana laysclaim to fame as being the inventor of the first “beaver slides”, a mechanismfor stacking hay. Ranch life was challenging considering there is nine months of winter and three months of bad weather that the “Big Sky” state is known for. However, life was always warm and joyous when I had horses by my side.I got my first horse when I was six years old and I have had an active interest in horses and their care ever since. A few years ago I moved to San Diego and started a successful horse-care business. Now I am able to enjoy horses every day of the year while assisting others to reap in the rewards of horse ownership.”

 

Sam

Sam was her beloved horse...here is his story:

Sam was born in Oregon 14 years ago. I got Sam in a strange turn of events. I went to buy a horse, who in the end was Sam’s half brother. I was looking at this beautiful Tennessee Walker and I liked him right off. Then I saw a very large horse standing close to the Walker I had just bought. He was very tall at 17 hands, 2 inches, and had the kindest eyes. You could see that these two horses were buddies. I wanted to know more about this horse. The man that was selling them was really busy. He was selling another horse, so when he was finished, I asked about the big horse. He grumbled “Not for sale, he’s marked for the canners!”. I had an instant feeling of panic. I asked how much, and he said that he was not for sale and the paper work was done on him. I asked if there was anything wrong with him and he said “Ya lady, he’s big & ugly!”, then walked away from me. I asked to talk to his boss and he told me he was the boss. I went back to the horses. My blood was boiling and Sam was playing with my hand. My heart was broken, but now I was mad, so I finally went back to the man. I told him that I wanted that horse or he could take back the horse I had just bought. He said “Ok, lady, just load those two and go away!”. My heart was singing and Sam, Cohn and I went home to Dewey, Montana where they had all the grass they could eat. Cohn was my riding horse and Sam was my pack horse. My friends asked if Sam came with a ladder. But he was so sweet and gentle that everyone fell in love with him.

   We left Montana and came to Alpine, California and love it here. Since we came here, Sam and I have taken dressage lessons and traveled the trails of California. Sam took to parades like a duck to water. Sam is so brave and a real help to the other horses. During parades, his ears are up and he enjoys people. Sam’s special life has been a joy to one and all. Oh, yes, Cohn is still with us, and they are still happy to be together.

Winchester Widows Members