Posted on 06/07/2004 5:47:08 PM PDT by Wolfstar
Yahoo caption: A standard-bred pacer named Sgt. York is held by Army Sgt. Frank Dobrisky in this undated photo released by the United States Trotting Association in Colts Neck, N.J., Monday, June 7, 2004. Sgt. York, who was bred in New Jersey and races at Freehold Raceway in Freehold, N.J., is used as a riderless horse in the U.S. Army Caisson unit and will be part of the funeral procession for former President Ronald Reagan in Washington Friday, June 11, 2004. (AP Photo/U.S. Trotting Association)
Good morning, Onyx. As mentioned to Mystery-ak, I just logged back on. Starting this thread was the last thing I did online yesterday. The horse is stunning, isn't he. I love animals, especially horses and dogs. So did RWR. He used to enjoy feeding the squirrels that live on the White House grounds. I know, with his love of horses, he'd be thrilled with "Sgt. York."
Lovely sentiments. Made me imagine the Gipper and Alvin York are up in heaven swapping stories. Maybe Gary Cooper's with them. :-)
For years, I had a print of that photo up in my home office. It only came down this March, when I moved.
Good morning, Feinswinesuksass. I live in Torrance. I wanted to go up to the library, but couldn't get the day off work. I'm taking Friday off to stay home and watch the national services, then plan to go up to visit the gravesite this Sunday if they have it open.
I'll be part of the company. I know when I lost my mom, I was too busy getting everything done to do much crying. I felt I had to be strong.
Oh, Spectre, thank you so much for posting the information about Black Jack. I also remember him from JFK's funeral, although I was a child then. But I never knew his background until now. I also didn't know there is a monument to him at Fort Meyer.
Glad you enjoyed it, Scott. The riderless horse symbol means a lot to many people.
Good morning, McGavin. If I am not mistaken, I believe the white stallion was a gift to RWR (while he was still in office) from the president of Mexico. I'm not absolutely certain, but believe the stallion is still alive, although he would be pretty old now. Horses can live 30+ years with the right care.
Thanks for the photo of Black Jack's memorial, MissTargets. A most appropriate addition to this thread.
As a landowner who does habitat restoration work, I can say honestly that there is no more satisfying work. It had to be a major factor in keeping him sane amid all the weasels with whom he dealt.
Lord, I love FR and the freepers!
Good, solid people full of interesting information. What a difference from the likes of the media, DU and Moveon.org.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Cheers
It weird, Harpo, but the photo shows up in the post preview mode, but not on the thread. I don't get it. Sigh.
My husband and I bought a practically new Pariani for him dirt cheap, years ago. For some reason it was on consignment in a general-interest pet shop amongst the parakeets and puppies. The owner had been unable to sell it - no surprise because not only was a horse person unlikely to come in there, it was a 21 or 22" size and so too large for everyone but my DH (who is 6'6" and 240#). We did the owner a favor and took it off his hands for a disgustingly small amount of money, even for 1977. We had a few minor repairs done to it by a saddler we knew and it was good to go.
It's a great saddle, beautifully made, but I can't ride in it because it is way too big for me and I rattle around like a BB in a boxcar. (I ride in a 16 1/2 or 17 depending on the depth of the seat. Have a 17 Courbette general purpose jumping saddle right now.) My poor husband turned up allergic to horses a few years later, so he doesn't ride any more, but I'm not going to sell it. He may get over the allergy!
I don't think that a jumping/hunting saddle with a big knee roll would look very good on parade with an empty saddle. The officer's saddle fits more closely to the horse and looks more elegant. Also, since it's a military funeral the civilian saddle would look a little out of place.
All of us who are horse-oriented are touched to see an equine connection with this great former president. I always enjoyed the fact that he rode and rode so well, felt it reflected favorably on the horse world.
With that image, this world takes on a duller shade. I hope St. Peter videotapes Pres. Reagan's reception...or whatever technology is used. I want to see it.
When we lived in Northern California (Auburn) my husaband kept the stats for a 100 mile trail ride from approx. Auburn to Tahoe City.
Guess who was on that ride one time? Ronald Reagan!
Wow! Did you and/or your husband get to see RWR on that ride? If so, what a treat!
Because of President Reagan, and his principles and leadership, this world will always be his vision of the "shining city on the hill". It rained here over the weekend. It was dull, grey, chilly and drab. Come monday, with the outpouring of respect that millions of Americans showed the 40th President and his grieving family, the sun shone and the skies were blue again. Ron Reagan is in Heaven, now. His greeting was on a backdrop of those blue skies and gentle breezes. I hope to once again share an existence where Ron Reagan is.
Hope.
That's what Ron Reagan taught me to have after the dark days of Carter.
Hope.
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