By AQHA Professional Horsewoman Lainie DeBoer
I had “Uno,” 17, in my barn since he was 3 years senior. He was the horse you never wanted to leave your program. He just got handed to the next person in the barn like a gift. He was perfection.
Uno, who was foaled in 2008, was by Regal Lark and out of Tejano Gal (TB) by Tejano Run. He was bred by Joan Cain of Vero Beach, Florida. Uno was an AQHA reserve world champion in junior working hunter, a Select reserve world champion in hunter hack and a world champion in junior hunter hack. He also competed in Level 1 classes.
Uno was the first horse you ride at the show while the other ones were being longed. He was the last horse you rode at home to end your day on the best note. He was kind, loving, intelligent, silly and faithful. A true “Lark.” He never spooked and was always curious. He never ever stopped at a jump. He always figured out how to get to the other side.
This guy will leave a hole in my heart forever, just like “Fonz” (Larks Content Days). I was so grateful for the time I had with him.
Thank you to IC Ponies, Lori Schleifer Bucholz, Barb Fuchs, Andy Studwell Alstad for being the best owners and keeping him with me. Thank you to Brad Foss and Chris Lagerblade for putting him in our lives. Thank you to Pablo and Rolando for taking amazing care of him. Last but not least, Laura Nicole Rankin and Anna Ross for seeing him through his toughest days and loving him as much as I did.
“Uno, there are no blankets in heaven. Love you, forever,” Lainie wrote.
“A better horse there never was. The joy he brough was immense. The love even bigger. I love you sweet boy,” wrote Andy Studwll Alstad.
“Uno was one of my favorites the first day I walked down the aisle at Dreamfield,” wrote Laura Nicole Rankin. “I feel lucky to be in this special guy’s life all the way until the end. The most consistent horse day in and day out.”
