In memory of my other "children" I have lost:

Hidden Talent- aka "Sultan"
Passed away in his sleep on February 3, 2012
Sultan was my first horse, first love and my soul mate.  I owned him for 27 wonderful years.  Sultan was around 35 years old.
My life will never be the same with him gone, I still cry almost every day, but I know he's with the Lord waiting for me to get to heaven one day!

    
(L) Sultan and 9 year old Ashley in July of 1985, the day he was purchased. (R) Ashley and Sultan compete at the Atlanta Classic in July of 1989.
  
(L) Ashley, Sultan and Gracie in 2005  (R) Ashley and Sultan



Kaiser Fritz- my great jumper who lost his battle to cancer on July 14, 2003
Fritz was one of the most incredible jumpers I've ever seen, and definitely ever ridden.
He would do anything for me.  He was AMAZING!  He was a Secretariat grandson!  Fritz was 19 years old.

 


CBS Krystal Kat- Passed away October 8th, 2010
My 1998 US Nationals Top 10 Champion & 1998 Region 12 Champion Hunter Pleasure mare. (Numerous other wins too!)
Krystal was a part of my life for 24 wonderful years.  She was 26 years old.

 



Karma- Fritz's baby sister we lost to EPM on July 5, 2011
Karma was only 6 years old. 

 



Let's not forget my other friends, including "Spud" my Jack Russell Terrier we had for 16 years who passed on February 10, 2011.



 

I'll lend you for a little time a horse of mine, He said.
For you to love while he lives , and mourn for when he is dead.

It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,

But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He will bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief,

You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this horse to learn.

I've searched the wide world over in my search for a teacher true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all of your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to call, to take him back again?

I fancied that I heard you say, Dear Lord, they will be done,
For all the joys this horse will bring, the risk of grief I'll run!

I'll shelter him with tenderness, I'll love him while I may,
And for the happiness I've known, I will forever grateful stay.

But shall the angels call for him much sooner than I planned,
I'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.

www.RivermontFarm.com

These animals will remain in my heart forever.  No matter where I go, or what I do, they will ALWAYS live on in my heart.  I know they are in heaven watching down on me, and I know that I know I will be reunited with them again.