What would happen to your horses?
Dec 08 2007
This is an important discussion most people shy away from (so of course, we won’t here!) None of us like to think about this, but every morning may be our last. All it takes is one drunk driver or an unlucky moment working around a horse or some internal weakness we never knew we had to give way or some wacko shooting randomly in the shopping mall – and we won’t be around to feed the horses this evening. Death is not just something that happens to old people or sick people. It truly could happen to any of us, and if it did, what would become of our horses?
One of my readers e-mailed to tell me of a real tragedy in the Clydesdale world. Devere and Barb Clay and two of their granddaughters were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in their living quarters at the first World Clyde Show in over 100 years. News story here. Well, even though the Clays have other family members involved in horses, they don’t seem to have felt the need to care for Grandma and Grandpa’s horses. Hey, those Clydesdales eat, you know? And even though they are in the cheapest place to buy hay in the nation, they’ve gotta go! So they’re just having a big ass auction on December 15th. Pictures are posted – these are some truly nice Clydesdales. As the person who sent this to me suggested, “For someone who wants to breed quality Clydes, warmbloods or sporthorses, start with a great mare like one of these; not some heeedious PMU mare,…” I couldn’t agree more. If you are going to breed a draft cross, start with a good draft and these are some very good drafts! (Not to mention that I personally think Clyde crosses are just really nice minded. I learned to ride on one – he was a superstar.) Many of the mares ride and drive – they’re not just broodies. Many have show records. If you’re in the Midwest, I hope you will check them out. These horses are being ditched through no fault of their own, and I’m sure will be bargains.
But ok, here’s what I really want to talk about: Do you have a plan, in writing, for your horses if you disappear from the world today before feeding time? A friend and I just recently talked about how we need to have a formal written agreement to ensure that we get the other’s horses if something happens and that no family members try to intervene. I’m sure a lot of you reading this have a spouse who doesn’t love the horses the way you do, or family that you know will look at the horses as cash to be made. Folks, get something in writing – it’s important. If your wishes aren’t clear, your family can ship them all to the kill buyer if they want to.I’m fortunate in that I have a couple of different people I truly would trust to care for my horses if I do not outlive them. I know they can afford the care, and will do it. Do you have someone like that? I know people who have it in their will that their animals must all be euthanized, because they don’t have someone like that and fear the alternatives. What do you think about that? (I personally don’t have a problem with it. I’m always, ultimately, a realist. Not enough homes. Not enough good homes.)
So let’s talk. What’s your plan? Is it in writing/in your will? Are the people you will leave your horses to financially stable enough to handle it? Even if hay goes up another 50%? What are you doing, and what can you do now, to ensure that your horses truly will be cared for whether or not you are here to do it?
128 comments to “What would happen to your horses?”
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You know, in theory I don’t disagree. But are we saying they’re being “ditched” just because it’s an auction? not all auctions are created equal, after all, even though it’s become a dirty word in the horse community. It just seems like branding the rest of the family as callous or irresponsible because they can’t care for the horses (or don’t want to) may be unfair, IMO.
I think the point of this blog is right on, 100%… but given the publicity and the quality of the animals, I’m not sure the family is “ditching” them or sending them off to the killers. We don’t know the details- perhaps so many people offered to buy the horses that they thought this would be the easiest way. Perhaps that’s what the arrangements always were in the first place. Or maybe not. dunno, thought this is a great topic otherwise…
spirit horse woman…i just wanted to let you know i agree completely with you! my mom passed away last year in august, and i am still not over it. i have 4 of my own horses, and it was a chore to get through each day, and i will honestly tell you i did the minimal care for them, and sadly, my family, too. i was devastated, and just this past month have begun to feel like myself more. to lose like the clays have is something i cannot even fathom, and to sit in judgement on them like some on here are doing is just reprehensible. i couldn’t imagine being in their shoes, and making the kind of decisions they have to make now. and we who love horses sometimes forget that people are involved in life, too. i imagine that those horses are such a painful reminder of the tragedy of what happened to the clays, that they do not look at the situation as outsiders like fugly and the rest of us may. when we lose those we love, life does go on, and ofetn we just have to muddle through the best we can, and do what we feel in our hearts is right. it’s a shame that there are those who feel the need to stand in judgement and make some of the statements made on here. human lives were lost, and as much as i love my horses, human life is precious, and these people suffered a horrific and unexpected loss. they are trying to pick up the pieces as best they can….some compassion would have been nice. the horses are not being run through a low end sale….and folks who don’t know what the clays are dealing with should withhold their judgements, and maybe just thank god they haven’t had to walk in their shoes this year….i was broken by the loss of ONE family member. the clays suffered more than that.
I’m lucky to be a part of a family where everone is “into” the horses, rabbits, dogs, ect. so if I pass all my animals will be well cared for.
I’ve made it clear that my old gelding (he’s a fugly for sure!) is never to be sold but the others will have no problem finding good homes if my family decided they needed to sell- hopefully my sister would take over showing my mare and younger gelding…
Fugly….you completely loose your credibility when guessing about the Clays and what you think their assets are or should be then projecting how these unknown assets can/should be used to care for the horses…you may have an eye for judging equine conformation but you know jackshit about estates.
These Clydes are very much wanted by the family, but since Devere and Barb died without leaving a will and most of these horses were co-owned with other family members AND the business was being run as an incorporation without ever filing the paper work, they must be sold to settle the estate.
The horses are being fed and taken care of as well or better than most. There is not a “cheap” one in the bunch. These are well bred, registered top of the line horses. Most of the horses sold bring $40,000, that’s right, fourty thousand or better. They have sold many to Budwiser for their teams, so you know you are looking at quality here.
Devere and Barb’s death has divided the family as there are 6 kids, some belonging to Barb and some belonging to his first wife.
No will + 6 kids + business = big problems. The farm will be sold later in the spring.
Please make sure that people know in writing who co-owns what with you, and periodocaly check back with people you will your animals to that they are still able to take them.
By the way, the picture of the girl riding the Clyde is Erin, one of the girls that died in the trailer.
I would only like to say that I agree with a former poster, I can’t remember who, but if you are going to sleep in living quarters, please, please, get a CO detector. And it wouldn’t hurt to have a good ventilation system. Even if you have to leave a window cracked open somewhere, you can always throw on another blanket.
My deepest sympathies to the Clay family, what a horrible loss.
I don’t quite get why you feel that the other family members should *have* to take on these horses… I know that if my aunt were to pass on and hadn’t made arrangements for her horse, I could not afford to take care of her and would have to sell- my own horses and other pets use up what little disposable income I have. These family members probably have their own horses and maybe just maybe can’t afford to take on another entire farm’s worth of horses- that’s a whole bunch of stock.
It looks like they have some quality stock, and I have a feeling with as high profile as the death of those people was, and the fact that they appear to have some pretty nice horses, there will be plenty of good buyers.
Now, all the horses in our family are well taken care of and have someplace to go if somebody dies. My gelding goes to my mother, my mare goes to my grandparents and is taken care of in their will. My aunt’s mare is provided for by her will.
my3arabs said:
kigermustang, I am sorry about your delima but I think that you should keep at least one to keep you going!
I was given maybe 10 yrs, which is a lot, but I constantly wonder if I should keep the foal that is on the way. They will have the best care as long as they are with me but what happens when my time is up?
I don’t have the expensive meds that you do, I am allergic to everything, so the horses are my medicine. They are also my physical therapist to keep me in shape so I can, hopefully, fight any lung infection that I may get.
My disease isn’t curable so my future is pretty much written in stone. I know what it is like to be utterly depressed about my future. If it wasn’t for that nicker, warm muzzle or the smell of my horse I think that I would just give up!
I’m sorry to hear about your condition as well. I think you probably understand how hard it is to balance what is right for your horse and the wonderful therapy they are by just being able to own them. I don’t really know how long I have….there are some women that have died within a year of the diagnoses, and a very few that are still alive 10+ years later. The thing with cancer is that some of the treatments are so debilitating that you can’t function much while on them.
Again, it’s difficult, because I love my mare so much…she’s great therapy for me. When she was out on a lease last year it was terribly hard for me, and I was so happy when she came home!
But I also know I can’t afford a huge vet bill either. In fact, I have to wait till spring to get her teeth done and that isn’t even that expensive.
I have been thinking alot about this lately.
megan said
Kigermustang, the horses don’t NEED to be ridden, but you NEED to have something in your life that makes you happy. I’m unemployed and broke and I’m still keeping my horse because without him I’d be too depressed to continue.
I hear you! I think about that, then I ask myself if I’m being selfish. I don’t know the answer!
This is a complicated subject, and no one answer is going to fit every individual situation.
The problem with a terminal disease where your condition gradually declines is that at what point do you do something?
Not to mention that I don’t know if I have any business owning a horse in the first place with my finances like they are. Just because I have two very easy keepers doesn’t mean that something couldn’t happen.
Well, I think today’s blog actually raises more questions for me than it answers!
Just because I have a plan in place once I’m dead doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t have a plan in place for when/if something less catastrophic but equally debilitating happens.
Some very important things to consider……
That video of Thumbelina is atrocious. I can’t believe the way its poster is defending the treatment of that poor little mutant. I couldn’t read all the comments – it’s too upsetting to read everyone’s ponitless atempts to educate someone so ignorant.
Regarding the ‘crack the window open’ for safety, not true ……the Clays had the vents open but carbon monoxide still filled the trailer, it stays low so if you are laying down the gas will reach you before a window. The heater used was a Mr Heater, commonly used by ice fishermen and hunters but their tents/shacks usually are not as air tight.
Well I’m not a horsey parent but I’m a cat mommy, and as it stands now they’d go to my parents. My mom’s the only person who I’d trust with my furry children who would be crazy enough to take in 2 more (she loves them like “grand children” as it is anyway). Once the very sad sad day comes when I’ve outlived my parents, I will re-establish the pet chain of custody, but that’s the understanding we’ve had since I left home is that if anything were to happen to me my babies would go to them. And vice versa.
The Clay’s farm is not far from my own home. And I’ve seen them show a handful of times at the local fair. I’m sure if possible they would keep all the horses. The grandparents show, but the only other people I have seen show these horses have been two younger guys (grandsons?). Probably in their late teens or early twenties. I highly doubt they have the money OR time to invest in 15 some horses. It’s best they probaly sell them anyways. How can a family support 15 horses, with food and water for the rest of their lives? I think FUGLY should of thought her post out a little better before making the comment about “These horses are being ditched through no fault of their own..” That comment blew it for me. The family lost 2 very little girls, I think keeping 15 horses is too much to handle.
I started thinking about this recently, but then thought “oh, you’re crazy, you’re only 23…” but it’s still been nagging me. I do event, I do drive an hour each way to the barn, I live in a neighborhood bordering on a sketchy one, hell… I’m alive, this puts me at risk for being not alive.
How do people my age get into writing a will? It does seem like something I do actually need to think about, though most of my friends would probably find me horrifically morbid. Then again, most of them don’t have a cat, a dog, and two horses.
OT, but what passes for a warmblood in the U.S.?
Can you really start breeding with a clydesdale mare? And even if you can, why on earth would you want to do so – what’s the point of starting the whole of warmblood breeding all over again when those first generation crosses (“blood” to drafts) have been made at least a hundred years ago in most cases? There’s already in existence very good warmbloods with generations of equally good warmbloods behind them, what’s wrong with those? If you want a warmblood why not get a holsteiner or an oldenburg or a trakehner (etc)? Any result of a clyde cross is just a mutt (or what ever is the horsey equivalent…). Those are beautiful horses to be auctioned for sure, but beautiful clydes, not beautiful warmbloods.
Save Your Ass Rescue is not only a really fun rescue name, but these people who love and rescue and assist the long ears have a great sense of humor! My friend who shows her donkies emails me and signs off with: ” Talk to you later, Gotta wash my ass or “Gotta go shave my ass” and the license plate on my friends trailer is “Haulin Ass”. I just hauled a nice long ear yesterday for these folks and that cutie pie had much better confirmation and cuter head than my old fat large pony does. And as she left for her new home, she did a really loud HEEEE HAAAAAW which totally melted me. How could you not love a nice ass?
I think you people who are all upset over what you perceive to be FHOTD’s unfair criticism of the Clay family are completely missing the point.
If someone had asked the Clays a year ago what they wanted to happen to their horses if they were killed in an accident, there is no chance in hell that they would have said, “We would like as many as possible sold immediately through private sales and any that are left should be put up for auction even if it is the middle of the winter when no horse breeder/owner in his right mind ever tries to sell a horse.” Yet, this is what is happening.
Yes, this situation is a tragedy on multiple levels. It is awful for everyone in the family, as well as the horses. I won’t criticize anyone, but what I will say is that this should serve as a cautionary tale for all of us. If you want to control what happens to your animals after you’re gone, then you better do something to guarantee it.
I’m lucky. My sister is as big an animal loving freak as I am and she owns 20+ horse-friendly acres. My younger son isn’t a horse-lover, but he is a cattleman and would care for my mules until my sister and parents could make other arrangements. My parents live in a retirement community now, but would stay at my place and look after all the animals until everything was settled.
However, I think that whoever it was that said they had a separate life insurance policy earmarked to pay for care for her animals had a good idea. My sister would be happy to take on my animals, but I know it would be an added financial burden and I ought to do something about that.
Spirit Horse Woman said…
“While the point behind this thread is good (planning for one’s animals in the event of one’s own death) that’s not what this auction is about. It’s about what you would do in this family’s position.”
I think using this ill-timed schedule as an example of what can happen if you die suddenly, unexpectedly is accurate. Nobody is saying the family isn’t grieving. But do you really think the people who loved and showed these horses would want them auctioned off at a public sale in December?
“How many of you would be in a position to take on the needs of 11 horses age 2 and under plus 3 stud colts, not to mention the 24 adult horses? It takes much more than hay/money to provide these horses with the care they need.”
Again…point made is that we need to take measures to see that our intentions are FUNDED as well as planned.
“In my opinion, selling them now so they are in homes where they will continue to receive the daily care and handling they need is much more important than waiting til spring in the hopes of a higher price. Has anyone even thought about that?”
Then why not a private auction? Why a public auction where anybody can buy them? I wonder, if the “aged stallions” bring meat prices from a stranger, will they be no-saled and offered on a supervised free-lease, or euthanized, or sold? I have to ask this because it makes me think about my own, makes me want to be certain as I possibly can that they have the best chance of a good home if they out-live me.
Knowing how close-knit the Clydesdale community is, I don’t think there is any question about the quality of homes these horses will go to.
That’s not necessarily the case. At Tattersals gaited sale last year, a well bred mare, bred back to a stud with a $2K stud fee, with foal by the same WGC stud on her side sold for $1200. ANY BYB could have bought them. No guarantee of quality of home. In an auction, there is no “to approved home only.”
“I also think the decision to sell now was based on what was best for these horses, not the almighty dollar.”
Nobody who doesn’t know the family can speak for them…we can only speculate based on what we would want others to do for ours if we died. Unfortunately, the primary rush to settle an estate is generally financial.
“This isn’t about being dead yourself.”
Actually, yes it is. The point of this blog today is to make you think about what would happen to your horses if something happened to you – tragically, unexpectedly, or otherwise.
“Caring for and respecting our 4-legged creatures is important but don’t forget that 2-legged creatures also deserve that same level of caring and respect.”
You miss the point…2 legged creatures can fend for themselves, usually. Can’t say that for your horses.
For those who have only verbal agreements about what happens to their animals – THAT IS NOT ENOUGH. Get it in writing. No matter how much you trust these people, no matter how much they don’t want to talk about the possibility of you dying… it is so important that you discuss it with them and get it in writing.
For my Loss and Bereavement class, one of our assignments was to fill out a living will. The majority of my classmates, including myself, are in our 20s but ish can happen at any age. So I have to include this: Write up a living will (and in keeping with the topic of the day, include provisions for your animals).
If my parents die, our Yorkies go to me. I have siblings, but I did most of their training and know exactly what they need when. I’m not sure what happens now because my parents are divorcing after 30 years. The dogs are going with my mom, but if something happens to her, I don’t know if they’d still go to me or if my dad will take them. Yet another thing to figure out, I guess. I would relocate if necessary to get these dogs – I love them more than anything or anyone.
With my health issues(hypertension, COPD,heart valve problem) this has been on my mind for years.
Should something happen to me my horse will be put down and buried. Simple. My husband is as non horsey as one can get. My daughter is too young yet and my mom has enough to deal with in her own life.
I lived with tremendous guilt for years after my x husband stopped paying board on my mares. I had nothing and was miles from them. So getting them home was not something I could do.
I still get sick to my stomach and my heart still breaks when I let my mind go to what happened to them. And they were sound and sane! My OTTB has a fused ankle and other soundness issues. While good for light trail riding I dont want to take a chance of him ending up on a truck bound for Mexico.
This came up last year as we were about to depart on a family vacation. What would happen if the plane crashed, the boat sank, or we were in some freak accident on the way to the airport? Shit happens! All the time! And to nice folks too!
We made up a list. We included names of each horse, along with a description, what they eat, and all their ‘things’. Each horse had at least two ‘homes’ listed for each. Each home had at least one phone number, an email address and possibly a home address as well.
There was also a person and all their contact info, listed to take care of the horses until each person listed could be contacted and arrangements could be made for pick up/shipping.
We placed it on top of the refridgerator, and let a few people know where it was, so they would be able to get in touch with everyone.
There is also a note at the bottom that reads- We put a lot of thought into what would happen to our horses should we no longer be around to care for them. If we chose you to care for one (or more) of them, please keep in mind, we chose each person and each horse based on the market, training and the abillities of the horse. We tried to place each horse in a home where if they wouldn’t be kept forever, that person would know how to market them successfully and place them in a home where their breeding, skills and level of training would be utilized.
We are not out to dump all our horses on one person, nor do we wish for any of them to be run through a sale at any time in their lives. It was not our wish also to have our herd displaced in this manner, but things happen that we cannot control. If the person listed cannot take that particular horse the second choice is then contacted, if they cannot take them then they are kept by the person caring for all of them. That person may release the horse to anyone on the list that has the extra room and wants the horse. It becomes their discretion as to where the horse is finally placed.
This list needs to also be updated or at least reviewed monthly. People move, phone numbers change and so does your relationship with each person. What if you had a huge fight and they proved to be less than knowledgeable and ultimately a total moron when it comes to horse ownership? It happens to the best of us- “We thought they knew better than that.” People disown people all the time. Would you still want them taking care of your horse?
Mulerider said..”I think you people who are all upset over what you perceive to be FHOTD’s unfair criticism of the Clay family are completely missing the point.”
Fugly states….”Well, even though the Clays have other family members involved in horses, they don’t seem to have felt the need to care for Grandma and Grandpa’s horses. Hey, those Clydesdales eat, you know? And even though they are in the cheapest place to buy hay in the nation, they’ve gotta go! So they’re just having a big ass auction on December 15th” Well, even though the Clays have other family members involved in horses, they don’t seem to have felt the need to care for Grandma and Grandpa’s horses. Hey, those Clydesdales eat, you know? And even though they are in the cheapest place to buy hay in the nation, they’ve gotta go! So they’re just having a big ass auction on December 15th” and goes on to say….”These horses are being ditched through no fault of their own, and I’m sure will be bargains.”…what is it you think we are misreading here? sounds pretty cold to me. these people lost four members of their family in a horrific manner, two of them children,(and let’s not forget “grandma and grandpa” fugly refers to are now deceased). to make the statements fugly did in her blog about the remaining members who are trying to pick up the pieces and go on is not only cold hearted but un-called for. she could have easily mentioned the clays’ tragedy without making the statements quoted above. there is no acceptable excuse for them….period.
Kate, it sounds like you know the family. I am sorry for your loss, and theirs. It comes as no surprise to me that there is a family business tied up in this, nor that there is infighting among the children over the disposition of assets. That is exactly what was in my mind when I posted “if the horse issue was the only difficult problem facing this family.” I was hoping for otherwise.
I’ve seen fighting in the hospital hallway before Mom or Dad was even dead.
For those family members with the “horse heart” this is doubly painful. Just because these animals have to go doesn’t mean that it is their choice or even under their control. It is loss upon for loss for them: we’re talking about the death of their mother, father, two beautiful nieces, now siblings are at their throats over money, horses on the auction block…and this is only the beginning. For the horse lovers in the family, it’s a freakin’ nightmare and beyond. This event will have repercussions for EVER within this family.
While an aged Clyde stallion on a truck to Mexico isn’t pretty, I gotta say it pales in comparison. Yes, the auction could have been prevented by A TEN DOLLAR CARBON MONOXIDE MONITOR. Or a will. I’m sure in Devere and Barb’s case, it seemed there was plenty of time.
I almost lost my husband to carbon monoxide poisoning once, in his workshop. Our home has never been without a carbon monoxide detector since. A CO monitor was the first thing that went in our living quarters when we finally got the “good trailer”.
You cannot see, smell or taste the buildup of carbon monoxide. It kills silently if you are asleep; impairs your judgement if you are awake. Get a CO blood level high enough and permanent brain damage can result. My husband had a headache for a month, and he was a very lucky man.
PS If I could buy that DeDe mare, I’d bring her home in a heartbeat.
My plan is simple. Euthanasia for all of them. Even tho there are people I could trust, you just never know in the long run what will happen. To me it’s the only thing I feel comfortable with.
this is such a good topic, if a hard one to think about. being young (22) and in good health, society tends to avoid the subject of death. i don’t have a will and none of my friends do, although i know that i should, especially since i am married, own property, and own three wonderful animals of my own. fortunately my parents (well, my mother) have both the financial resources and the animal love to ensure that, in the event of my untimely demise, my horse, dog, and cat would not be shipped off to the meat packer the next day – but while my family and my husband both are big animal lovers, they aren’t horsey and never will be. my cat, who is already a de facto member of my parents’ family (as she bonded with their fuzzy cat while i was overseas, and has since resided with them, me visiting her weekly), would remain with my parents. my dog would be cared for by my husband, and if he and i passed away together in some freak accident, my dog would go to my parents. as he’s a high energy sheltie, my dad may pitch a fit, but at the end of the day i can’t imagine them ever getting rid of him. i do plan, after reading this blog post, to talk to my mother and put it in writing, thogh, that if they would not take my pup in the event of my death, i would want him to go to a sheltie rescue.
my horse is more of a problem. i would offer him back to his previous owner at no cost, and i know she would not turn him away as it broke her heart to see him go to begin with. barring that, i would give her to my trusted trainer/barn owner to use as a lesson horse and be retired when he reaches older age. i see how the horses live there now and could not wish better for my chase. still, as the tragedy with the clay family proves, having these things in order mentally is not enough, and i now plan to draw up a will dictating exactly where my assets and – more importantly – my animals will go in the event of my death. having nearly died in a car accident 2 years ago, i understand all too well that you can never really “expect” death.
as a side note, my deepest condolences to the clay family. i cannot imagine what they’re going through.
This blog on the clays is rather disturbing I think The FUGLE woman who wrote the article has no life. I cant imagine spending all my time on the computer Bashing people, this was my first time on this sight, because quit frankly I have better thing to do, such as tend to my horses Family and ride. someone had told me to check out what was wrote about the Clay family. Now u are messing with Wisconsin people who care very deeply for this family and the horrific lose. Can ANYONE imagine what this family is going though? Especially The mother that lost two beautiful Daughters Not only that, Her Parents, She also lost a son a few years back. So Miss Fugly lady How many horses do u have? And the Rest of the back yard pet owner. Who are willing the pets to neighbors and so on. I am sure its not 55 head of Clyde’s. Has anyone done the math or even bothered getting the story straight !!!!!!!!!!!!!! At least 7-10 of the Clyde’s are going to the other families farms. In addition, the ones up for auction are the ones that where already for sale on there web sight before the Clays passed away….Here is a quote from the Ugle woman
Well, even though the Clays have other family members involved in horses, they don’t seem to have felt the need to care for Grandma and Grandpa’s horses. Hey, those Clydesdales eat, you know?
Oh we do know but lets do the math for the last couple of months that the family had to pull together to keep the family farm going and the care of these animal
2.50 per bale at that is at the minimum because Wisconsin Is the Cheapest for Hay I QUESS!!!!!!!!!!!
At least Bale per horse because my horses qet a half a bale a day
55 x 2.50 a day =136.50 in a day people !!!!!!!!
Monthly cost 4216.00 that is twice my income, and that is just for hay that is not including grain and other supplements. Total cost for the year for JUST HAY would be $50,592.00 So lets add on trimming, vac, worming, and promoting the Clydes at least another 20,000.00. Totaling $70,592.00 . This is why the Clays had to work full time plus keep there breeding program going. Its not cheap people and this was their business. They Breed and sold their quality Clyde’s so how could you expect the rest of there family to take ALL 55 head of horses. I don’t Get It !!!! And I’m sure the ones they did choose from was hard enough make. WALK IN THEIR SHOES PEOPLE
I believe that you miss Fugle lady had cross the line with this article and u owe the reader an apology and the clay family some compassion during this very sad holiday for them. And for the rest of u that hopped on her bandwagon with this article Instead of wasting your time letting her know what animal should be willed to whom!!!!! Send out A Christmas Card to The Clays and LET THEM U are thinking of them during this sad time .
This sale is not going to be easy for this Family, So instead of Bashing people. Try this for a change, give your kids a great big hug and let them know how much u love them. Cuz u never know….
Merry Christmas
I have some Riding to do
For anyone who would like to know the below article was posted regarding the Clays sale. Everyone will be thrilled to hear they had a turnout of approximately 300 for this final dispersal, including John Detweiler, the supervisor of Anheuser-Busch’s horse operation at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis and MANY Clyde people from many states. It was really GREAT the way everyone pulled together for this family!
Breeders tragically lost, but legacy lives
Family, friends, colleagues remember the Clays and observe their achievements at auction
By ERIN RICHARDS
erichards@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Dec. 15, 2007
Mauston – When Pat Connors was ready to start a Clydesdale breeding operation several years ago on his Mauston farm, he knew where to turn to for guidance: DeVere Clay.
The world-renowned Clydesdale breeder was a resource for people in Wisconsin and around the world, and it was on his Tomah farm where Connors went shopping for his first foal.
Connors said he remembers Clay pointing to a filly and saying: “That’s the one you want.”
On Saturday, Connors honored his mentor by hosting the liquidation sale of Clay’s Clydesdales, the sad but necessary outcome of a tragedy at the World Clydesdale Show two months ago. Clay, his wife, Barbara, and the couple’s two young granddaughters, Erin and Hope Ann Briney, died in the living quarters of a horse trailer, victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Longtime friend David Stalhiem said the Clay family was found about five minutes before the national anthem was sung at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison – marking the first morning of the Clydesdale competition and the return of the event to U.S. soil.
Since then, local draft horse breeders and friends have taken two, four, even six of the Clays’ horses to their own farms, feeding and maintaining them for free until the sale. Then this weekend, dozens more volunteers poured in from a half-dozen states to make the Clays’ Clydesdales look their best to more than 300 potential bidders Saturday.
“If it wasn’t for the draft horse community, we never could have gotten through this,” said DeVere Clay’s daughter, Tina Miller. She said the funeral for the four members of her family was so huge that a local school gymnasium couldn’t hold all the attendees.
“I think my dad would have been very honored,” she added, her voice cracking. “I don’t think he realized he touched as many people in life as he touched. And my mom as well.”
Hours before being trotted out before the crowd atop a rock-star runway of fresh sawdust, the Clydesdales were each shined by volunteers to a gloss, their manes and tails adorned with glittering ribbons in the Clays’ signature green and white farm colors.
“Grandpa would have wanted it that way,” explained Dillon Clay Kruger, 17, Miller’s son.
Audience members ranged from people such as John Detweiler, the supervisor of Anheuser-Busch’s horse operation at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis and the equivalent of an NFL scout in the Clydesdale world, to Doug Valentine and his son from Pinckneyville, Ill.
“We’re thinking of getting into this, so we thought we’d come out and watch today,” Valentine said.
In part due to the relentless support of people like the Clays, interest in the Clydesdale breed has skyrocketed in recent years.
Organizers hoped the World Clydesdale Show would get at least 15,000 spectators in Madison, and it drew 55,000, said Stalhiem. Meanwhile, Anheuser-Busch has fueled the horses’ popularity through Budweiser Super Bowl advertisements and eight-horse hitch teams that travel to fairs and events around the country.
“Anheuser-Busch has probably doubled its operation in the past decade,” said Barclay Poole, marketing coordinator for the Clydesdale Breeders of the USA. He added that some of the organization’s strongest breeders are from the Wisconsin area.
“I’m into real estate and Corvettes and draft horses, but of all of those, the bond in the draft horse world is the tightest,” added Connors, who, thanks to the encouragement of the Clays, now has 50 Clydesdales on his farm in Mauston.
I am glad to hear the auction had a great turnout. I was going to head up there but I had to work that weekend. But I know a couple of Clyde breeders from around here went. The owner of the barn where I board owns a Clydesdale from the Clays, and he is very nicely built!!!