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[RC] Ode to Chagall - Mary Howell

My friend Lynne Gilbert of Raphine, Virginia just relayed the sad news that
her first endurance horse and longtime friend, GM Chagall, unexpectedly
passed away this morning, possibly from an aneurism or burst tumor in his
liver or spleen.

Lynne and Chagall started their 13-year endurance career in 1994, completing
3,300 miles and 15 100 milers together, including six Old Dominion 100s.

They made the USA East Endurance Team in 2001 and 2003, but the highlight of
Chagall's career was winning and receiving Best Condition at the Old
Dominion 100 in 2002. Lynne accomplished this feat riding cavalry, in which
you must carry all you own supplies and receive no crewing assistance. I was
volunteering at McCoy's Ford that year and remember giving her a virtual hug
(since you can't even touch someone riding cavalry!) as they set out on the
last 12 miles. 

I first met Lynn and Chagall at the September 1999 Rockbridge Hunt Ride. We
rode together all day in the rain and have been friends ever since. Happily,
I got to ride with them on the last few miles of the Old Dominion 50 in
2006, which was Chagall's last endurance ride before retirement.

Chagall was blind in one eye but this never slowed him down, although Lynne
said it deterred her from taking him to Tevis because many of the dropoffs
were on the same side as his bad eye.

Lynne and her husband Dan have created a "horse heaven" on about 20 acres
just off Interstate 81. We briefly stayed there on our way to and from the
National Championships last month, with our horses making use of the grassy
the "paddock" that Chagall stays in because he would get too heavy on
Lynne's lush pasture otherwise. I sure wish I'd known it would be the last
time I'd see him.

Lynne's e-mail is gmchagall@xxxxxxxxx if those who know her would like to
send condolences and share memories.

- Mary Howell 



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