Kendra's first real project was a little dark bay originally named Ice Cream who became known as Special Dark, 5 years old, that was dropped off at her trainers farm for free because he was unrideable. Since she could not afford a horse of her own, she got all the "crazy" horses that no one else could ride as her projects. After many many months of her parents driving her 45 minutes to the barn after school every day to ride, most times so late at night that technically the barn was closed, he was able to do shoulder ins, pirouettes, go in a beautiful frame and became an awesome little jumper..a matter of fact, winning grand champion for the season at the Monmouth County Horse Show series and Northeast State Jumper champion at the Sussex show. No horse/rider team believed in each other more than this team. After a few seasons, Special was unable to compete at the level Kendra needed, he stayed a school horse and she moved on...but never forgetting her best friend who gave her the confidence in the show ring that she needed to move up. A number of years later, Kendra went searching for Special and found him at a great home with a local trainer. He was still a school horse who teaching students to do the low level jumpers. Kendra left her number with the trainer and said to please call her if she ever needed to find him a home. About 3 years later, Kendra received a call from the trainer saying that she wanted to retire Special and find him a good home. Driving home with Special in the back of her trailer, and unloading him at the barn only to stare at him in a stall for the next 2 hours was one of the most memorable yet strange experiences. So, long story short, Kendra kept Special and found a young lady, Lauren (now GreenApple's very own barn manager), to lease him so that he would stay in work at a very low level. Lauren took care of Special better than any person could. One could never ask for a more responsible and caring person to lease their horse. She would spend hours with him just grooming and talking to him..hours that he loved. About a year later, Special became very ill and had to be put down. For a school horse though, Special had a pretty good life and a wonderful last few years. He was luckily always owned by trainers who cared for their horses and were responsible about finding the best homes for them. We were devastated to lose him as he was part of our family...much more than just a horse...but we take comfort in knowing that we did all we could for him and he did have a chance to retire and just be a horse after so many years of teaching. To Speckles THANK YOU so much for all you have done for me and I will never forget all of the wonderful memories I have of our friendship and teamwork. It is something that will never be replaced. I miss you very much Love, Kendra |
| In Loving Memory of Special Dark "Speckles" |
