Our Tribute to Beautiful Mercedes
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A Tribute to our beautiful angel,
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On August 13th 2009, while the girls were playing with Mercedes she fell over and died very quickly. This is very hard for me to write. She had a brain aneurysm and she went very quickly. She had paired up with our niece and was very happy. She bent one leg and just went down and fell over. She had only been in that area a short time and had only trotted for a few minutes. Something she did almost daily. This was McKenzie's horse and she was entered in everything with her at the fair at the end of the month. McKenzie had ridden her in the morning back to the barn bare back, not even a halter or bit, Mercedes knew where she was going. She was happy and and seemed healthy. Perfectly fine. We have buried her outside of the house by a tree we can see from the house. We will be planting an apple tree there in her memory. And flowers around the area. It is a very sad day. McKenzie laid on top of Mercedes crying for a few hours. The girls sat with her and talked. Thank goodness for Mike and Katrina. They helped us with everything so wonderfully. McKenzie and the girls all got a piece of Mercedes incredible tail and feather braided to keep close. It was such a tough thing for them to see. It was devastating. Katrina made sure they all had their memories of our sweet incredible Mercedes. McKenzie slept close to hers last night. OK now I am crying again so I have to stop writing. Our hope is that Mercedes is in heaven eating apples, carrots, and shot sweet grass from a field that goes on forever. And is giving my sister rides thru the clouds. That is what we have to think. That is what gives us the strength to get thru another day. McKenzie's birth mom (my sister) needed a horse. So she took the one that McKenzie loved the most to make sure her life would be complete in heaven. And wants McKenzie to step out of the box and find another horse that may need her more than Mercedes did. One that will challenge her and make as happy as she made Mercedes. Now it is my job to find that one horse in our field that will do that. McKenzie and I will work together on that goal. Maybe not today but soon. |
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She is the mare, that was driven across England, to Appleby Fair in 2005. The Gypsies called her "the double good-un ". Foaled in 2000, she stands 14.2 tall and is beautifully built. There is absolutely nothing this girl can't - or won't do. You can hitch her to the most expensive caravan and drive her through any of the world's largest cities, with your kids driving her. She takes you where you want to go and brings you home safely. Try taking another mare out, after Mercedes has worked all day and she'll still ask to go instead. There really is no describing the work ethic this mare possesses. We are incredibly proud to say Mercedes is ours and will be forever grateful to Chris and Jeff Bartko, for allowing her to be part of our family. Jeff Bartko actually named her "Mercedes", because she is like driving a luxury car - takes no effort at all. |
IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT AFFECTED MERCEDESWhile we love her dearly, we are sad to announce, that our lovely girl will most probably, never be able to reproduce. After several attempts to breed her, it was discovered by UC Davis, that she lacks one of the sex chromosomes. The report stated this.... UC DAVIS KARYOTYPING REPORT. Results Karyotype: 63, X Conclusion : This animal is missing one of the sex chromosomes. It is highly unlikely that this Mare will ever reproduce. On a great note, we always have Mercedes to ride and love. If you want information on this please feel free to call us. We truly hope this information helps people if they think something like this has affected their horse. |
 Finally McKenzie has someone shorter than her to ride with! |
 Looks like McKenzie couldn't resist riding with this little hitchhiker! |
 Hold on tight Katie! |
 Boy did these two have fun! 3-25-09 |
 Grandpa loves to hang out with McKenzie and her horse... |
 Mercedes is awesome when she travels with family and other horses |
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We love Mercedes she is such a faithful girl! |
 Our niece riding Mercedes |
 Our daughter going for a little ride. |
 Down the road to check out what is new! |
Thank you for considering our Gypsy Vanner Horses
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