Vladimir a.k.a. “Big Boy”
was an 18.1
Shire-Thoroughbred-Suffolk cross. He started out life as a dressage
horse, at
Sea Horse Ranch near San Luis Obispo, California; where he excelled up
to 1st
level. He was known there as “Littlefoot”.
However, he could not continue his life in dressage and
that is when he
came to his current home with the Walbert family. There he learned
about
vaulting. He enjoyed his new duties immensely. And even found some
stardom in
his new career, gracing the pages of The Los Angeles Times, a few
times. He
passed away on a misty morning after struggling all night to regain his
feet,
sadly he was just too big. He will be deeply missed.
Rest
In Peace
May 1984 – February
19, 2008
Vladimir was
his name,
Being everyone’s best friend was
his game.
Whether big or small,
‘Grandpa Big Boy’ he was to all.
He had dinner plates for his feet,
He was the sweetest giant you’d
ever meet.
All he ever needed was a treat
And he’d stand on his head, now
that was a feat.
Cookies, carrots, num-nums galore,
You’d eat them and eat them and
then eat some more.
Vaulting was your favorite sport,
You loved all the kids, even the
ones who were just
too short.
You were patient and gentle to
those in need,
Except on the trail when you
weren’t in the lead.
You were gorgeous with your
feathers a-flair,
With your head held high in the air,
Oh, Mr. Big
Boy, don’t you know,
That your mere presence would steal
the show.
You were very special and everyone
knew,
That we were all blessed to have
known you.
