FHF DeSparAdo “Desi”

It’s been a tough week.  Arose Sunday morning to learn that my farrier’s mother had passed away.  My farrier just happens to be my daughter’s best friend and they’ve been buddies since 6th grade. Yesterday, I had to let go of my soulmate and riding partner of 20 years, FHF DeSparAdo, aka “Desi.”  He was born on my farm 21.5 years ago and we did everything together, dressage, breed shows, cowboy soccer, parades, clinics, demos and our favorite, trail rides. My kids (now 30 and 32) grew up with Desi. My daughter took him through much of her 10 years of 4-H.  While both now live out of state by 10 or more hours, somehow both managed to be in town this past weekend, so Desi was able to see them one last time.  My daughter, in for her friend’s mother’s funeral, was able to support me as I said goodbye to my ever-faithful and loving horse. Desi had a very kind heart, teaching hundreds of beginner- and advanced-level students at my animal communication workshops.  He was unflappable taking my two-year-old grandson for a pony ride or taking a complete novice rider out on the trails.  His best four-legged friend as a youngers was an orange tabby named Milo. Over the years Desi has been a big source of inspiration for my paintings.  Beyond intelligent, he also possessed a wonderful sense of humor and loved do do things like turn all the barn lights on, take the phone off the  hook, open doors and let everyone out…pretty much anything that tickled his funny bone. He will be sorely missed as both a partner and loving presence.  Below are a few of the paintings I have done of Desi over the years, as well as two of my favorite photos.