Canadian Guard - April 15, 1987 - April 21, 2012

Above photo:  Ann Marie Burrows and Canadian Guard.

In Horse Years, this grand Half Arabian/Half Saddlebred Gelding was 25.  In Human Years, he was only with us for a very short time.  He was bred by Susan Racey Phillips, and owned by only three other people in his lifetime.  His owners were:  Elizabeth DeSarle, Laura Georgevich, and his last owner, Ann Marie Burrows.

I remember the first time I saw him.  I was spectating at the COSCA Roundup in Ashland, Ohio when the Half Arabian English Pleasure Class was called into the ring.  Among the entries was this "tall, dark and handsome" gelding ridden by a dark haired woman who I knew to be Laura Georgevich.  She had a wonderful ride on him, he performed beautifully with lovely manners and lots of motion.  As she took her Victory Pass along the rail, I spoke out to her..."If you ever want to sell that horse, I bet I can find him a home"!

Well, as it happened, a couple of years after that show, Laura gave me a call.  "Hey, I purchased aother horse, a paint mare, I am going in another direction show wise, so "Guard" is for sale.  Sarah and I got our heads together and we found a couple of lady prospects who might be interested.  Sarah's client, Ann Marie Burrows was indeed in the market for a new horse as she had just buried her beloved "Starrlite Bey".  All of the pieces fell into place, and Sarah went out to see the horse, rode him, and pronounced him "fine" for a lady. 

So, he came to the farm and settled right in on August 30, 2006.  Ann Marie promptly called him "Romeo".  We all called him "Guard", but Ann Marie said he was "Tall, Dark and Handsome", therefore he was "Romeo"  Ann Marie showed him as a Hunter.  His "Big Striding"  Days were over, but a show horse is a show horse and is always a show horse.  He packed riding students around the ring, putting up with no sass.  He tested every single one of them, and his owner loved him with all of her heart.

An old eye injury raised it's ugly head this winter and the gelding had to take his daily "bute" to ease the discomfort of the eye pain.  He went outside everyday that was pleasant, or ran free in the arena on those days that were rainy or snowy.  He taught the youngin's whats what, took no backtalk from them, ruled the roost outdoors and definitely had his well deserved place at the top of the herd.

A petite 13 year old girl, Samantha Sampson (riding student with no horse of her own) came into his life three years ago.  Ann Marie generously gave Sam permission to "take lessons" on Guard and then ultimately show him at some COSCA Shows, and last year Sam and Guard took ribbons in what would be his last "Class A" shows. 

 Samantha came and spent an hour in his stall on Friday, Ann Marie came and said her goodbye, Kelly walked him out to the grass covered hill, the Vet gave him escape from pain, and he was laid to rest next to Zana Bey and Max. 

How do you define a gentleman? 

Look up Canadian Guard's name in the equine dictionary....

there will be the description of him...

Tall, Dark and Handsome!

God Speed dear friend, God Speed!

Photo below, Summer Sizzler Horse Show, Canadian Guard and 15 year old Samantha.

Blue ribbons to the end.