A Tribute to Luke, 1988-2006

A SPECIAL NOTE FROM SUE

On Easter Sunday 2006, Luke fell while running through the fields in Florida and broke his elbow. The vet said it was one of the worst breaks that she had ever seen and that there was absolutely no hope of repair. He was in terrible pain and she strongly advised me that putting him to sleep was the only humane thing to do. I have never cried so hard in my life. Losing Luke was like my worst nightmare coming true. I had owned him for 10 years and he was the foundation of High Meadows Farms. Just about every student on the farm took their first lesson on Luke. His kind and gentle manner comforted even the most timid rider. From his “droopy lip,” to his “Mr. Slow Motion” attitude, to his ritual pooping on the crossties, he was loved by all. There is not a day that goes by that I am not reminded of one of his silly or predictable behaviors. I can rest assured that he his happily galloping through the fields of Heaven, and that his spirit will always he a part of High Meadows Farms. I love you Luke!

Other Tributes

“Dear Sue, I really miss Luke. He was awesome and I wish I could ride him 1 more time he was so nice. I loved his funny faces and I have so many memories. I really miss him. I’ll always think of him. I’m sorry!”

“I am really going to miss all Luke’s funny faces and his slow trot when I rode him. Kanga is going to miss him too, I never got to seen them get married. I will miss you Luke and Love you a lot.”

“Luke was a great horse to learn on. He was a horse you could trust with people that had never even ridden before. But he could also be ridden by more advanced riders. I will miss his patience and trustfulness. Luke will always be remembered and never replaced. I thank Luke for helping me after my accident to restore my courage.”

“He was the most amazing horse. A perfect beginner horse. A smart, kind, safe, loving, and wonderful school pony. Luke was a horse that any mother or father would feel safe putting their child on. A wonderful show horse as well as a lesson horse. His accident leaves everyone who knew him in shock. He was a friend and a gentle being. To people who didn’t know him they would never see how one horse could affect a group of children. Kids from 2 to 18 feel like a place in their heart is empty. He makes anyone who ever wanted a horse or pony want to have him. I loved him and so did the whole barn.”

“I am sitting in Luke’s old stall with all of the shavings around me. It is amazing all of the memories that come back. Almost every time I came to the barn, Luke was either being ridden, being tacked-up, or just coming back from a ride. Luke touched and warmed everyone’s hearts. There are times when I think about the different things that stick out and I am reminded of the joyful times such as his droopy lip, his love for others, or his bewildered eyes. I remember how we used to sit for hours on end trying to clean up the mess he made of his food bucket and wall. I also remember how he would always pee or poop right after a lesson – so many times this happened that people would actually chase him around with a shovel under his tail waiting. No matter what age or ability, Luke touched everyone’s hearts and minds.”

“Luke was a loving and caring horse. He was always a friend to those who needed one.”