We laid our long time partner, Mighty David, to rest today. At the age of 24, arthristis had taken over and it become too painful for him to move about so the decision to humanely put him down and end any further suffering was made. The day was gorgeous and things were quiet and I stayed with him to the end. Mighty David was bred by Sheldak Ranch. This 1983 chestnut was by King David out of a Mighty Bright daughter. Susan Goffena purchased him as a weanling from Sheldak and kept him until he was seven years old at which time she sold him to George and Jaci Johnson of Powell, WY.

On a visit to a family reunion, we went to look at one of David's sons, Almighty Budd (who was just named the only 2006 Youth Supreme Champion in the AJ). Gruff decided to pass on Budd having too many spots and the Johnsons offered us Mighty David instead. In 1992, Mighty David and one of his daughters that we also purchased made the trip to Perris, California to start the beginning of our ranch (then known as Hidden Eagle Ranch). Many of David's foals were so good in disposition that most were shown by youths on the local circuits as weanlings To date, Mighty David has had approximately 21 crops with foals totaling approximately 85 (could be higher, I didn't check with the ApHC). David has had a number of state and regional champions as well as World Qualifiers. His get in Montana has also been used for a variety of ranch work showing just how truly versatile this great sire was.

His last foal was born in 2006, a fewspot son to carry on his bloodlines. And we also have King of Broken Hearts, a 2003 grandson who exhibits all of his grandsire's great traits. As any horse owner knows, parting with one is always hard, putting one down with a decision is even harder. As a ranch, it's to be expected and believe me since I made the decision last weekend and naming a day, I dreaded each day as it got closer. I spent extra time with him, made sure his stall was kept extra clean with lots of shavings and kept him medicated to ease his aching joints. All this week, he spent most of his time laying down and watching him live was more painful than watching him part from this world. No one has to tell me that I made the right decision as I already know that. Gruff and I made a promise that we would bury him when that time came and I did just that. Call me quirky but he's laid to rest in the proximity of the barn and I intend to purchase a concrete statue and paint it in his likeness to mark his grave.

He was our partner, he was our friend who taught us many many things about horse breeding. We couldn't have done it without him teaching us what we needed to know. We will miss him, think of all the memories he created for us and remember him through the future generations of his foals. Darlene Neisess

Last Updated (Tuesday, 29 May 2007 09:30)