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In
Memoriam
Chrysella
July 30, 1985 - June 28, 2004
(from Molly Pastoral)
My beloved Ella was put to sleep today.
The ligaments in her hind legs had been causing her increasing pain over
the last few months so it was time to give her peace.
Ella came into my life in July of
1999 at the age of 14 while she was being leased by Siobhan Kirk. I was
fortunate enough to be able to purchase Ella from Linda Coates-Markle in
October of 1999. Ella and I share the same birthday so I knew it was meant
to be.
Ella was a 15.2 hand grey mare by
the Westphalian Stallion, Chrysos, out of a Thoroughbred mare named Irish
Moon.
Linda owned Ella from a youngster
to the time I purchased her. In 1990 Ella and Linda won the ODS Championship
for Training Level. In 1991 Ella and Linda won the Region 6 Championship
for First Level. In 1992 they won the Region 6 Championship for Second
Level.
Ella and I showed through Fourth Level
Test One successfully and were schooling Prix St. George. Although she
could be opinionated at times, we developed a wonderful working relationship
and were best friends. Ella and I placed third at the ODS Championships
at Third Level in 2001. She was also the winner of the USDF All Breeds
Awards at Second Level in 2000 and Third Level Reserve in 2001. I loved
Ella especially for her strong personality. Once I learned to relate with
her on a level of trust and confidence she gave all of her heart into working
with me. I had some of my most amazing rides with her towards the end of
our working career together. I could think a movement in my head and she
was right there to perform it with me.
I retired Ella due to complications
of a suspensory injury in June of 2002. She retired at Karen Corsini’s
farm where she became fast friends with Abby, Karen’s horse, and Bertie
(the goat). Ella’s favorite past time activity at Karen’s was taking
a daily morning and afternoon nap in her sand paddock. The warm sand felt
so wonderful to her. Ella happily enjoyed retirement for several months
at which time she grew bored and told me she still had a gift to offer people.
Ella went to Thumpers Therapeutic Riding
Center in August of 2003 where she helped children and adults overcome
disabilities through therapy on horseback. She had an extraordinary gift
of connecting with the students and was quickly deemed one of their best
therapy horses (and by far she was their prettiest!). Ella enjoyed her
work at the school very much. She was patient and gentle with the students
and touched many hearts there.
To the end Ella enjoyed her pasture
time and loved to be curried and brushed all over and told what a beautiful
princess she was. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
I will miss her beautiful warm eyes and her generous heart.
Love,
Molly
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