Vista Farms

"Captain Morgan" Patrico, at your service!

                                 By Wendy Onstott

Patrico was, in his opinion, a highly decorated military man. His favorite stance was "At Attention", and that is how he derived the nick-name, "Captain Morgan".  He was brought to Utah in 2004 by Pam Crane, via Scottsdale, Arizona.

Pam had been searching and shopping for a smooth, handsome western horse, and Patrico was both of those things and more; extremely well trained with one of the most enjoyable lopes we had ever experienced.

But, at the first show we took him to in the spring of 2005, Patrico stated that, although he would honor us with impressive western rides, he was truly unhappy in his job. He felt the need to show off his undiscovered abilities a lot more than the western discipline would allow.

Our mission statement at Vista Farms is to educate beginning horse lovers, and even more importantly, make happy horses. So, we listened to Patrico's concerns, and set about helping him enjoy his existence by applying some Dressage techniques to Patrico's repertoire. He enjoyed the challenge very much.

He then set out to become a proud and quite stunning hunter, dressage and show hack horse (sport horse type.)  This is when the long oppressed "Captain Morgan" came out to be seen by all. In 2006, He proceeded to teach a beautiful young rider, Kayla Fayerweather, the thrill and feel of riding a well cued and beautiful Arabian horse.  Because of Rico's introduction,  Kayla and her family soon became the loving owners of their own Arabian mare, JC Delaney Bey, which they bought from Colleen and Nick Lenhart. 

Pam Crane, although loving Patrico very much, still wanted a western horse. So, Pam allowed me to purchase Patrico; I had quickly become very fond of his heroic heart and his proud demeanor. I used him as my own personal dressage horse, and planned to, later on in his life, use him as a tenured school master for my lesson programs. Pam and I both had a special affection for Patrico, as did many people at Vista Farms.

Meantime, a beautiful little red-haired 12 year old girl, Hannah Kellerher, had been leasing Patrico all winter so he could teach her the finer points of showing as a hunt seat/sport horse competitor.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, April 11, 2007, Hannah was waiting anxiously to get out of school to head down to Spanish Fork for her first rated Arabian horse show. She knew that her brand new show clothes were packed neatly by her mom, Jane, awaiting her in their car.

Earlier that day, Patrico was already on his way to the show. As he walked out of his stall that morning, he saluted the world and marched into the trailer with that bright, "Captain Morgan" approach, ready to wear his dress uniform and serve his people to the fullest. He knew that he was shiny, fit and handsome as he stepped up into the trailer and stood at attention ready to take on the day.

 But, Captain Morgan Patrico never made it to the show. He died of a massive brain aneurysm in the horse trailer while en-route to Spanish Fork. We believe that he felt no pain and feel that he knew no end to this life. 

We wish to thank those that helped us through this shocking tragedy. Dave & Rhonda Grecko, Charlie White and Andrea Reynoso, who were on the road with us and helped to get Rico out of the trailer, comforting each other as best we could while waiting on the side of the freeway for the livestock transport people to come.

Thanks to all of you for the hugs, the tears, the support and the understanding that got us through the show weekend.

We know that Rico is in good company, still is and will undoubtedly continue to be, the Captain of the Team.

 

 

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