"Red Apron"
1968-1994
The daughter of two World Champion Five-Gaited Horses, Apron Strings and Red Emerald, this mare was a champion in her own right. After a successful show career she embarked on the most profound career of all--becoming a teenage girl's best friend and a beloved family pet. She delighted everyone with her exhuberance as she tossed her head and chortled when we came into the barn. She always collapsed her face into our shoulders and passed out kisses. Years later she would race to the front of the pasture at the sight of my approaching car. She was a jealous and possessive mare, and had opinions about the human company I kept. She picked out my husband for me. We've been married over 20 years! Only recently did it occur to us that in her mind, we were her foals!
I knew nothing about showing or riding gaited horses. This kind mare, with such a powerful motor, lovingly developed my riding skills. My family would exhibit her in Five-Gaited Pleasure and Pleasure Driving classes, then pull her shoes and I would ride her the next morning on trails. After all, I would say, "she is a Five-Gaited PLEASURE Horse!"
A powerhouse at five gaits, she was absolutely bomb-proof and trail safe. Never have I seen a horse regulate her energy level--a "hot" show horse one minute, and a docile grandma the next--depending on who was on her back.
I don't grieve for her passing as she lived a full, happy life. I do miss her terribly and wish she were with my own children today. I am very blessed to have had this wonderful mare in my life for such a long period of time. She was truly a remarkable girl.
