Greener Pastures

FOXWIN AMERICAN MAID

FLICKA

1992-2011

Our very dear friend, Flicka

From the show arena to the lesson ring to the foaling shed, this mare was the epitome of classy dame. She carried herself with the fierce pride and absolute certainty that there was a right way to do it, and if you'd just stay out of her way, she'd show you what it was. Always first to call out the hurry up, we're starving! greeting from the barn, she was absolutely the boss mare of the Foxwin herd, and nobody ever thought about challenging her. Wily and stubborn to the end, Flicka did not reveal to her herd or to her caretakers the eyesight loss that ultimately led to her leaving us. She accommodated and hid it from us all, going so far as to bring home her 2nd-Level dressage championship from the NYS Morgan Regional show in September of 2010, having competed without revealing to anyone that she was completely blind in one eye. We see this same nobility, courage, and, yes, stubbornness in the horses she foaled for us-- Foxwin Liberty Belle (Libby), and Foxwin Storm Chaser (Stormy). Both of these were sired, of course, by our own beloved Foxwin Jericho (Tank), and the sorrow in our hearts is eased a bit knowing that Tank and Flicka are again together.

Godspeed, Flicka, and keep doing it your way!

Flicka, showing Paige how it's done

 

BISHOPSTONE VIRGINIA SKY

1988-2011

Broodmare Extraordinaire

A quiet mare, solitary and somewhat reclusive in pasture, Sky was the quintessential broodmare. Typical of all the best mothers of the world, Sky let her children garner all the attention and accolades. Dam to Foxwin Sunrise, Foxwin Sherman, Foxwin Easter Eve, and the late Foxwin Symphony, Sky made the most amazing, flashy, spirited, talented, and fancy babies with her best boyfriend, Tank. It wasn't until meeting one of the kids that most people took a second look at Sky and saw just where those gorgeous eyes, that look at me personality, and that big, fancy energy came from. Tank brought all the cool, Sky brought all the hot, and the combination made for remarkable foals. Sky reared her offspring just as brilliantly as she produced them, knowing exactly how much nurturing and how much independence each foal needed, and when, in order to make strong, confident, honest young horses. Outside the busy spotlight of the lesson or competition programs, Sky was a reserved, constant presence of beauty and grace on our farm. We will miss her expressive eyes and her gorgeous bay coloring, but are comforted in knowing that she, too, will be with Tank again.

Godspeed across the heavens, beloved Sky!

Sky with her 2009 foal, Foxwin Easter Eve

 

FOXWIN JERICHO

TANK

1983-2011

Heart and Soul of Foxwin Farm

A great soul was set free as a dear friend was laid to rest January 29th at Foxwin Farm. Twenty-eight year old senior stallion Foxwin Jericho, our beloved Tank, was humanely euthanized after suffering a stroke.

Tank was foaled April 15, 1983 at Fox-Run Farm in Norwich, NY, out of Fox-Run's foundation mare, Catskill Gay Mia, by Joshua Allen. Tank moved with Pat and Dave to Foxwin Farm in 1984 and began to demonstrate the unique personality that made him Foxwin's trademark stallion. Injured in a pasture accident at the age of two, Tank was not expected to ever be riding-sound. His recovery and 20-year career in the competition arena, breeding shed, and lesson ring were testimony to both the patience it takes to create a proper dressage horse and the remarkable heart of this stallion schoolmaster.

Tank and Pat competed recognized dressage through 3rd level and participated in USDF instructor-training and other clinics, working with such figures as George Williams, Karl Mikolka, Lendon Gray, and Courtney King-Dye. It became a regular occurrence for the pair to leave the riding ring and have a judge, trainer, or instructor come to the barn looking for the big horse Pat had ridden, never believing that the sleepy 14:2 pony Pat was grooming up was the same animal that had shown such movement, style, and fierce size in the arena!

That same flashy stallion came home to Foxwin Farm and demonstrated his gracious gentlemanly demeanor in giving lessons to the smallest child or most novice of adult riders. Always patient, always giving, Tank taught his students how a dressage horse could move if the rider would ride correctly. His kind offering of his back to the shy, the unsteady, the young opened the door to horseback riding for scores of riders. His modest generosity and remarkable talent made him a school favorite, and he was always happy to allow his adoring fans to sneak him a snack or scratch his neck until their hands turned numb.

Throughout his competition career, Tank had another job siring fine sporthorses around the northeast. Sire to 15 sport Morgans, Tank's signature headtoss/maneflip can be seen in the sons, daughters, and granddaughter living on at Foxwin Farm, and in many of the other progeny scattered throughout the Morgan world.

It is difficult to imagine Foxwin Farm without Tank. While our hearts are broken, and we will miss him every day, we are overwhelmed at our good fortune in having known and loved such a remarkable animal. Tank has left a mark on all of us, and we live on in awe of the many gifts he brought us.

 

BAYOU ROUX

Owned and Loved by Trish Pierce

A horse who came into our lives by what can only be understood as divine intervention, Roux passed away October 8, 2010. My first horse, Roux taught me everything she could, and brought me to an entirely new life at Foxwin Farm. Her big, big personality is missed every day, but we live as much in awe and wonder at what she brought us as we do in sorrow at her loss.

 

SCOUT

Owned and Loved by Robin Milliken

The long-loved horse of a dear friend and former boarder, Scout passed away this past spring. The epitome of what an off the track Thoroughbred horse has the potential to become, Scout was an amazing companion and true once-in-a-lifetime horse. We mourn his passing and are truly grateful to have known him.

FOXWIN SIR ECHO
1982-2008

Owned and Loved by Sue Walker & Doris Williamson

A wonderful friend and companion has left us. He touched many lives and left me with wonderful memories. I trail rode all over the Dover/Sherborn area with him, went to Hunter Paces, Dressage Shows, competed into 2nd level and even Fox Hunted once.

He spent the last 10 years of his life with Doris Williamson. She started riding at age 60. He taught her dressage and how to canter. They were the loves of each other's lives. Thank you, Doris, for loving Sir so much.

He was the horse of a lifetime and irreplaceable. We will always love him and thank you for bringing Foxwin Sir Echo into this world. Sue Walker

 

TEQUILA SUNRISE (KILO)

Kilo (on right)

Owned and Loved by Barb Murphy

Tequila Sunrise, known to all who loved him as Kilo, was humanely euthanized in late October after a brief struggle with arthritis and other soundness issues. While his time at Foxwin Farm was brief, he spent a joyful summer with plenty of green grass, sunshine, and lazy turnout. Once it was clear he could no longer be kept comfortable and happy, he was sent on to even greener pastures. We didn't know him long, but we will miss him deeply.

 

FOXWIN SYMPHONY (BEAUTY)
April 6, 2006 – July 21, 2007 (Foxwin Jericho x Bishopstone Virginia Sky)

Owned and Loved by The entire Foxwin Family

 

FOXWIN HOMESTEADER (FOXY)
March 30, 1976-October 18, 2005

Owned and Loved by Pat Reynolds