Re: Virl Norton

[Merryben <Merryben@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-03-22 19:56:43 EST, Teddy@runningbear.com writes:

<< 
 Virl was a special person.  I was fortunate enough o see him at the AERC
 Convention the year before he died.  Even got many autographs for the Great
 American Horse Race book....all sold now...those that have the autographed
 ones should treat them as treasures...
  >>

I was fortunate to know Virl very well and I did spend a lot of time with him
the last two years or so of his life.  When he died I offered to give Leroy a
home and he now lives with me and my horses and mule.  He is 27 years old this
year.  Contrary to the history books, Leroy was 5 when he did the Great
American Horse Race.  He stays in the pasture out in the open all year around
where he likes it best.  We are only about a mile or so from Virl's old place
as the crow flies so he is very happy.  I would put him in a more protected
area but wherever I put him he will stay for a day or two to humor me and then
the next day he is back in the pasture again.  He never breaks fences and Lord
knows he can't possible jump them but he manages in his unique way to be
wherever he wants to be.  I sometimes have flights of fancy that Virl knows
that Leroy is happy and healthy......Maryben