Dear friends-
I have a very sad story to tell which isn't pleasant since the holidays
are coming and we are supposed to be cheerful.
Last month I moved my horse to a new facility. The place is lovely-
decorated for the holidays, and always immaculate.
It is called Grey Fox Farm in Walnut Cove, North Carolina.
The place was bursting with life and joy, I was so anxious everyday to
go out and ride with Catherine, the owner, who was as passionate about
horses and riding as I am. We'd ride together at night in the freezing cold
and yak non-stop while grooming and feeding.
But now it's hard to hold back the tears as I pull in the driveway.
Catherine Stanley, who was the owner/operator has died in a riding
accident. Sunday when I arrived at the barn, the vet was there to
treat her horse, Skippa Bay Bar, who she said had fallen in the driveway.
I asked about Catherine, and she said the ambulance had taken her
to the hospital, but they didn't know how she was.
Her father showed up, and he only said that she was unconscious, and
he knew no more. He did say "I'm not very optimistic."
Catherine died Sunday night from a head injury.
Catherine was an exceptionally trained horsewoman. She had competed
at the WORLD AQHA Championships in Oklahoma last month and won 3rd
place in Hunter Hack with Skippa Bay Bar.
Catherine was a board member of NC Amateur AQHA, and president of the
NC Junior Amateur AQHA. She was a 4-Her in her youth, and continued to
work with 4-H and young riders.She loved to share her knowledge
and enthusiasm with others.
Catherine had ridden across the street in a field and when coming
back to the barn, entering the gravel drive, Bay Bar's legs
went out from under him and he slammed to the ground. It is believed
that it may have been an icy spot that caused it.
Catherine was not wearing her helmet.
I know that if Catherine could have a second chance she would have
saved all her friends and family all this grief and worn her helmet.
So many lives, human and animal, are now devastated by her leaving us.
Please remember that what happened to her could happen to any of us.
Please be safe and try to prevent this tragedy from happening again.
Catherine leaves behind her husband, John, her son Brandon, and her father
George, who live at the farm and are trying to piece back their lives
and take care of her animals. Please remember them in your prayers.
I'll never forget Catherine's energy and passion and her generous heart.
My life will never be the same now that she has left it this way.
Thanks for listening,
Martine Sherrill
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"Endeavor to Persevere" Merry Christmas, Roger Garlitz