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In Memory of the Horses Who are No Longer With Us
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 -
Tiny Bit Twinkie was an 18-year-old Miniature Horse mare. She was the first horse to come to Top Five Ranch, the home of Courage Reins Farm, and was there from 1996 to 2011 Miriam bought Twinkie as a first horse for her daughter, Lainey, who trained Twinkie to drive (pull a cart). Together they enjoyed a long show career in 4-H, competing in trail, showmanship and driving classes. Twinkie excelled in every class that she competed in, and soon became a favorite with the 4-H judges.
At the end of her show career in 2003, Twinkie had won numerous grand championships, including a Reserve State Championship in Precision Driving, as well as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum medals.
On September 18th Twinkie was humanly euthanized after fracturing her femur. We will miss her morning nickers as we walked into the barn and her fun loving spirit.
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Raindrop was an Appaloosa mare in her mid-twenties who had been with Courage Reins Farm for about two years. Raindrop was a lesson horse for many years of her life, so she had lots of experience teaching children to learn to ride. She was a very well-trained riding horse with a sweet personality. She loved to be fed apples and treats, be brushed, and have her tummy rubbed. She was a very kind, willing horse with a patient soul, who would do anything asked of her.
Raindrop had just recovered from health problems and had returned to a healthy weight, and everyone at Courage Reins Farm was looking forward to having her work with the children who came to the farm in spring. However, she was suddenly struck by a severe bout of colic that even surgery could not fix. She was humanely put to sleep on April 9th, 2008. She was taken from us much too soon, and is greatly missed. All of us at Courage Reins Farm are better for having known and loved Raindrop.
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Joaquin was a twenty-five year old Arabian gelding. Although he passed away several years before Courage Reins Farm was founded, he perfectly embodied the spirit and the mission of Courage Reins Farm. Sweet, intelligent, very well-trained, and always the gentleman, Joaquin left a profound imprint on the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him. He gave courage back to Miriam's oldest daughter, Kirstin, whose confidence was shaken after suffering a head injury from being thrown and kicked by another horse. Together, she and Joaquin had a long, successful show career in 4-H, where they won western and saddleseat riding classes.
Joaquin loved to show off and be fancy when he was in the show ring, and at home he was a mellow, dignified, yet often quirky horse. When he wasn't being ridden by Kirstin, he patiently taught Miriam's daughter Lainey how to ride, and also proudly gave lead-line rides to Miriam's two youngest daughters. He embodied what Courage Reins Farm is all about, and he was truly a "once in a lifetime" horse. Joquin is greatly missed, and will never be replaced.
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Khaila (pronounced “Kayla) was a thoroughbred mare. She came to the farm in September of 2000, after having lived out in a pasture for two years. In her younger days, Khaila was a racehorse and raced on tracks in Idaho and Wyoming. Unfortunately, she wasn't quite fast enough to win any races, though she certainly had the heart to.
Once she came to live at the farm, she was put into training with Lainey, Miriam's daughter, to become a three-day event horse. Together, Lainey and Khaila competed successfully in lower-level eventing for about two years. Even though Khaila had never competed in this sport before, she was brave and tried her hardest. She ended up winning her share of the ribbons, to the surprise of some!
Arthritis from her racing days unfortunately made it too painful for her to be ridden at all. However, she had much to give because of her stong spirit and kind heart -- she loved to be brushed and loved on! Her determination to continue to give all that she could was inspiring to anyone who met her.
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