This is the last photo taken of my mare, Calliope, in retirement at
age 29. She was a life-long dream come true when we purchased
her in 1975 with our income tax refund. She was very patient with
me while I learned to ride, and while we both tried out various
new amusements, some illustrated in photos below. Calliope
outlived two collies, two cats, and one barn. I am glad her life was
long and contented, the end painless, and that our last shipment of
hay was of superior quality, fine and green for her to enjoy. Good-
bye Great Friend; we miss you forever.
Calliope 1968-1997
My Friend and I Travel many miles together . . .
Have won many battles . . .
Him fast like lightning . . .
Save my life many times . . .
Him take me to far off places I never see before . . .
Him great friend . . .
Me thank Great Spirit for My Friend . . .
------Native American quotation
Calliope at age 11
In her late 20's, grazing on the lawn with pasture-mate, Carrousel
Some clips (not quite accurately sequenced enough to be true
animations)
from ancient super 8 movies of
1) My 2nd ride on Calliope in 1975 (the first having been at the stable trying her out)
2) Barrel racing practice, probably 1976 or 77 vintage.
This is Lady, my sister's pony, and the original member of
our herd, which once numbered four mares. She succumbed to
kidney failure at age 31 and she is missed by many.
Click on
Lady's picture for a link to my sister's memorial page
to her and more photos.
These are our last two retirees, Carrousel on the left
and Little Ruby on the right.
We sadly lost Carrie, my sister's beautiful pinto mare and longtime companion, to
cancer at age 32 in the summer of 2004.
Ruby alone is our last living equine. She is responding well to the medication for
Cushings disease and is doing well for a 29 year old pony.
