The bay horse in the photo is Leo. In his hey day, I understand he was quite the accomplished horse. He was well known around these parts.

We only knew Leo in his not-so hey day...he was 24 years old when he came to us. A neighbor heard that our daughter was wanting an older horse for riding. Her daughter was moving on to more difficult competitions and it was time to 'pasture' Leo. He had many health issues. A huge lump on his neck which didn't seem to bother him, had to have corrective shoeing and could no longer chew hay to swallow so we fed him senior equine pellets. It pretty much looked like the end of the road for Leo so they wanted him to go to a good home where he could live out his last few years being taken care of, loved and pampered. We did and he was.

With each passing year though, we noticed an improvement in Leo. He put on weight, his summer coat slicked up, the lump never got any bigger and the corrective shoes must have worked. He was as energetic as a youngster. He love running and jumping with Corrie riding him. She even used him to help move the cattle herd. He turned out to be an awesome horse for her. He was tried and true, didn't spook or shy and was always more than willing to run wild and free as the wind.

Those who have and love horses...or any animal for that matter...will understand the heartbreak when you loose one of these dear friends. Leo passed away August 20th at the age of 31. He started showing signs this summer...we just didn't realize they were that serious.

These photos of Corrie and David riding Leo & Joker were taken July 30, 2008. She said he was his usual self...raring to go. He loved, LOVED to run...but this time it left him winded. She had to make him slow down. It turns out, it was his last ride.

It has been a difficult summer. Selling Petey, loosing Leo. I hang on to my faith; the only way to make it through each and every day.

Corrie's going to miss you Leo, she loved you. You done did good by her. Rest In Peace friend.