Sunday, March 14, 2010

Rainy Day Reminiscing

Windy, rainy weekend ... seemed like it would be time well spent getting together what I need for my income tax return. Luckily, I came across some old photos instead :). This sorrel Quarter Horse gelding, Leo Mano, was my first "serious" horse, and we did everything together. I got him when he was about 7 years old, I think, and I was in my early twenties. He was a direct grandson of the famous "Leo", and had been used at stud himself before he became available as a riding horse. I think he did his ancestor proud. Leo had a fabulous disposition, never refused what I asked of him, and was competitive enough on the horse show circuit to be a lot of fun; I continued to show for many years. He certainly inherited his speed from his famous grandfather, and left many challengers watching him from behind. Because he had been left as a stud for so long, Leo had all the musculature normally associated with stallions, the heavy neck, fore and hindquarters, but was always a gentleman. I owned a number of horses after we parted ways, but I never had another horse that meant as much to me. He was a great friend, and a great horse.



Although primarily ridden and shown under Western tack, Leo could extend his gaits and moved just as well going English.

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The branded "4" on his shoulder was still common practice on the bigger ranches in states like Texas.

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3 comments:

Pennylynn said...

And ya think ya know someone. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life. Just facinating.

lonfrichuk said...

What a good looking boy! The rider's not bad either

Lynn Cameron-Aston said...

Wow - I had forgotten how majestic Leo looked! What fun days they were - is that Bucky tied to the trailer in one of the photos?