Denise taking time to say hello to a friends horse in the 4th of July parade 2010
To understand who I am, I'd like to share with you a couple of very special life altering stories, about 2 very special horses and a letter that was read at Pokey's memorial dinner.....
The Heart & Soul of an Arabian Horse: HYE SOCIETY
The story of “Hye Society” and Denise Dabinett
Written by Denise A. Dabinett
(June 7, 1989) At the time I thought my life had taken a turn for the worst. I had fallen out of a dump truck that I drove for a living. I knew something was wrong. That evening I had my first bout of temporary paralysis. I went to the doctor and was told to go on absolute bed rest for 10 days. For me, this was not going to be easy; I’ve been on the go for years. I am not the kind of person that likes to sit around and do nothing. The Doctor prescribed some pain pills. I went back for my check up in worse shape than when I first had the accident. I was sent for a CAT scan. The Doctor had me sit down for the results. I sat there thinking... I’m only 29 years old, waited my whole life to have children, get a horse and ride... He told me that I have 2 herniated discs in my lower back. He told me I’ll never have children, never ride a horse again, I would be permanently disabled, I was going to live the rest of my life in a wheelchair... He went on and on, something about an operation I had to have...I couldn’t take it anymore. I was crying uncontrollably, saying I wanted children ... I was going to get a horse someday in my adult life...I had so much yet to do... Why is this happening to me? I remember him trying to explain every now and then, my discs would touch the central nerve and short circuit my system and I would collapse. The doctor told me that with out the operation, this would happen and I would NOT get up. I would remain paralyzed for life. I was told I HAD TO HAVE THE OPERATION. But even with the operation, I might be worse or stay the same. It came with no guarantees. During this time I was put on numerous pills. The painkillers I was on were enough to knock out a small elephant. I still had pain. Nothing seemed to be helping.
( February 1990 ) I can’t recall how I made it to a horse barn or why, but I found myself petting this chestnut horse on the crossties. “He’s for sale, you know. His name is HYE SOCIETY.” I told the man I wasn’t interested, it’s just that this horse stuck his head out for me to pet him. I had spent the past months trying to decide what I was going to do; I didn’t like the thought of the operation or the results the doctor spoke of. Given my options, it was much easier to think about it when I was around the horses. As a child I grew up with horses. I rode all my life, till about age 19, then work took too much time. I vowed to someday.... Oh that's right, that won’t happen ...My some days are not going to happen now. It seemed that everyday I ended up at this barn, and whenever I walked in, the same little chestnut horse was there. He’d reach out, and I was captivated by him, so I stayed and petted him. There was something special about him. This went on for a month or so.
( April 7, 1990 ) Although it started out a nice sunny day in early April, I found myself driving to the barn in a snowstorm. They were having a spring sale. I walked in; looked out as the crowd went crazy... they were oohing and aahing at this gorgeous chestnut running in the arena... I heard someone say, That's “HYE SOCIETY”, he’s magnificent! The bidding was going like crazy. I think I saw two men fighting over him. I ran over to the owner of the barn and said, “Remember you told me you could make payment arrangements on that horse I liked...Well I’ll take him!” I didn’t know how I was going to make it work, I didn’t have a job and for that moment I forgot I was going to be in a wheelchair. I ran into the arena and yelled out, “I just bought HYE SOCIETY!” I went into the back of the barn where HYE’S stall was, went inside and just stood there. I looked into his eyes and I started to cry. What have I done? I just bought a horse I couldn’t afford and don’t have a prayer of ever riding. I’m on too much medication. I must have been out of my mind. I remember thinking it was all his fault, he made me do this. This horse had gotten to me. I didn’t know what else to do, whom to blame, so I blamed HYE. Life as I knew it would never be the same. The next couple of weeks I went to the barn and just hung out with Hye. I’d brush him, pet him and walk him for grass. We got to know each other. The trainer was there one day when I was. He said I could watch as he put HYE through his paces. Hye was a handful. He does western pleasure, beautifully, I might add. I know how to ride, but never had a lesson in my life. I never saw this fancy stuff; I rode cow horses and reining types my Mother had. So I watched. I always said I had to be somewhere when the trainer asked me if I wanted to ride when he got done. I finally explained why within the next couple weeks.
( June 1990 ) I believe it was around my 1-year anniversary of my accident, the trainer told me to get on Hye. I was scared. The doctor had said I would be paralyzed for life...I can’t do this... The next thing I remember is this horse, who was such a high stepping, fancy mover, was now walking on eggshells as soon as I got on. He must have known there was something different about me, because he was not the same horse. He seemed to be gentler with me as we rode around the outdoor arena. I guess I rode for an hour. I was so excited, I couldn’t wait to tell all my Mother and my friends, “I rode my horse!” I was so excited, I forgot to take my pills! The next day I managed my pain with riding, instead of medication. I spent the next couple of weeks riding HYE every day! This didn’t make anything worse, it actually feels good! I have never taken another pill. I went to my doctor and stood firm on my decision NOT to have the operation. I saw many Doctors and specialists. They were unanimous regarding the operation and I said no way every time. In a nutshell, this way of thinking I suppose was the reason I couldn’t receive unemployment or disability. I received no help from anywhere, except from an Arabian horse named HYE SOCIETY.
( 1991 ) I was married in June of 1991. After thanksgiving, I found out I was 4 months pregnant. Remembering what the doctors said, as much as I always wanted a baby, this was not exactly news of joy. They had told me that physically I could not carry, deliver or care for a child. But then again they said I’d never ride a horse...
( 1992 ) My mother passed away in March of ’92. I rode Hye to not only deal with my physical pain from this pregnancy, but also the emotional pain of losing my mother. A couple of weeks before my baby was due, I found Hye a companion horse, a mini named Peaches. Since I spent everyday with Hye, I felt he’d be lonely after my baby was born. I rode until I went into labor. On May 25, 1992, (Memorial Day) I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy, Justin. Two months later, I guess it was my postpartum period, I entered a small open horse show. What was I thinking? I never had a lesson in my life... HYE SOCIETY and I won GRAND CHAMPION of the day in the western division! I have done parades, numerous shows and gymkhanas with HYE, and continued to win grand championship ribbons. We even did an All-Arabian show, Placing 5th in the championships. And they said I would never ride a horse, never have children.... There is much to be said about the heart of an Arabian Horse.
( March 2003 ) I still have my herniated discs, pain is an every day thing. I have never suffered the temporary paralysis since I first rode HYE. I’m not a doctor, but I firmly believe riding Hye strengthened my back to compensate for the weak spot. This could only be achieved if : (1.) You believe and (2.) If you are riding a smooth, gentle, understanding, loving Arabian Horse! I’m still on my “horses make better medicine” idea. I ride to deal with the pain. I haven’t taken any medicine for my back since the day I first rode Hye. I shoe horses for a living. My son, Justin, is now almost 11 years old. I still have Hye Society as well as another Arabian, Sugar Lily. I have a Quarter Horse, Pokey and 3 minis, Peaches, her baby, Peanut and Razzamatazz. (Peaches has been Hye’s companion for 11 years now.) I have no plans of giving up on Hye; his health isn’t the best. But when the time comes, I will remember his life and what he did for me. He gave me everything he had, his heart and soul. He will live on forever in my heart. I do parades, team penning and compete in gymkhanas with Pokey now, winning Grand Championships almost every time. I talk to parents about the importance of supporting “ a horsey-habit” when their child wants one, and remind them to consider their child's’ options. I can’t imagine my life without horses. I realize that Hye had his own plans that day he stuck his head out for me to pet him, way back when in 1990. I thank my Mother for giving me the childhood of horses one could only dream of, and for helping me get out of the debt that buying Hye put me in. My Mother was the best horsewoman I ever knew. She thought Hye was the most beautiful horse she’d ever seen. She said all her life she always wanted an Arabian and Hye was the finest example she’d ever known. But not a day goes by I don’t Thank HYE SOCIETY, for giving me a second lease on life. He has taught me that I can do anything.
"With his thundering hooves under me, I learned how to fly. And today, I continue to soar." Written from the heart a person who appreciates the love and devotion of her horses, Denise A. Dabinett
Back in the summer of '97, I was at my friend,Laura's barn, just hanging out, drinking a coffee. All of a sudden this horse behind me poked me with his nose causing the coffee to spill all down the front of my shirt. I turned around, called him a few names and for a brief moment made eye contact.
Something happened. I disreguarded the whole event and went home, not giving it, or the horse another thought. That is, until the phone rang a couple days later. ...
It was Laura, calling from work. She said, "you know that little bay Quarter Horse, "Little Leo" at my barn, he's for sale and..." Before she could finish, I said, "the one that knocked the coffee on me?' She said ," ya that one, and I was wondering if you were interested. He's a fine cow horse..." I again interupted her with,"I don't need another horse, I'm not looking for ..."Wait a minute...I thought about the look in his eye that night... I told Laura "I'll be right down with a deposit.. I'll take him!" She asked me if I wanted to go over to the barn and look at him, test ride him, something. I told her I didn't have to. I was embarrassed to say I saw a look in his eye that night.
What was I thinking? First of all I couldn't afford him and second of all I didn't need him... He, that little bay horse, picked me. Only I had to pay for it, not him!
I took my son, Justin, to the barn to introduce him to Mommy's new horse.I had told Justin how I met this horse and what he did to me. Justin liked him anyway, said he was cute and because of the obvious, named him "POKEY".
I loved "POKEY". He turned out to be a special little Quarter Horse.We rode almost every day, trail riding, team penning (getting the fastest time of the night almost every time).
In August I was asked by Ruthie Flynn, if I could bring my horse "POKEY to the Flemington Fair to be on display for a week.I told her I would love to. At the fair, they had the Flemington Fair Stampede and I introduced "POKEY" to barrel racing and gymkhana speed games. He seemed to enjoy it, and what a team we were! We won a 2 foot trophy for reserve champion out of 30 other riders. There was nothing we couldn't do together. For the short time we've been together, we became "one".
The children at the fair loved "POKEY" and some wrote him letters and drew him pictures. They said he was their favorite horse, that they love him and they would see him next year.
In the winter , we slowed down. Only team penning a few times. I spent alot of time just being with "POKEY". Talking to him and just hanging out. In the spring of '98, we got all dressed up and marched down Main street at the Hackettstown Memorial Day Parade. "POKEY" loves attention and everyone was cheering and clapping their hands as we went by. I was a long time member of a horse club in Sussex, called the Horseman's Riding Club of North Jersey or H.R.C.N.J. as we call it. I signed up with "POKEY" as my trusted mount for the year and did a few horse shows. We won Grand Champion of the day and it looked like we might win the Grand Champion of the year. Ever since I was a little girl going to the horse shows with my Mom, I dreamed of winning a Grand Champion belt buckle with my name on it. This might be my year!
But my dream turned into my worst nightmare.
In July at the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show, there was a big barrel racing event and I had entered "POKEY" in it. There was 83 riders running for a $5,000. jackpot, and you had to be in it to win it. We didn't win but boy did we have fun! At 1 o'clock in the morning, after being knocked out of a money position, by a hundreth of a second, I wanted to go home. Everyone was wide awake as we stopped for a cup of coffee on the way home.
I wasn't even in my truck when the trailer carrying "POKEY" pulled out of the parking lot. As I put my key in the ignition, I heard a loud "BANG". I looked up to see the trailer had just drove over the 8 inch curb, sending my horse slamming to the side and down in the trailer.!
I peeled out of the parking lot and down the road after them. The trailer seems to be going pretty fast, and as I get closer I can see sparks under the back of the trailer but I don't see "POKEY" standing in the back! Oh my God! "POKEY"'s foot is dragging on the highway! The sparks are from his horseshoe.
I start screaming at the top of my lungs, "No!... Oh my God!... Stop!... "POKEY" ...I couldn't believe this was happening! My horse is being dragged to his death right before my eyes!
At this moment, all the ribbons and trophies didn't matter, I just wanted POKEY to be alright.
I was driving like a maniac, flashing my lights, blowing my horn and driving all over the road trying to get the drivers attention. But nothing was working, he wasn't even slowing down, he was speeding up.
The sparks are still coming from the trailer and I'm still flashing the lights, blowing the horn and screaming! Finally, what seemed like a lifetime, several Police cars, with lights and sirens, came out of nowhere and caused the trailer to stop. The officers had no idea what was happening, they thought I was a drunk driver or something. I jumped out of my truck and ran to the trailer.
As I looked inside, all I saw was my beloved "POKEY" just hanging there with his body twisted, head one way,leg out the door bleeding on the road, twisted the other way. His eyes were rolled back and glazed over, "Oh "POKEY".
Some passers-by stopped and offered to help, and let me say.. Thank you! ( Without their help and the officers, this would be a different story.) I managed to get the door open, walked inside and started screaming, "Don't die on me, POKEY! NO!" I guess he heard me. He snapped to and got up on his feet.
I walked inside the trailer next to him, I untied him and he buried his head under my arm. I could see his one eye, it was starting to get clear.As he looked at me, he seemed to say "Mommy help me!" I told "POKEY to hang in there.
Meanwhile the officers were trying to reach the Veteranarian that was at the fairgrounds. Success... she's on her way.
"POKEY" wanted out of the trailer, he pushed me aside. I put the lead rope on him and opened the back door. He limped out on three legs and we stood on the sidewalk waiting for the Vet.
The Vet had arrived and x-rays were taken on the scene. "POKEY" was a trooper. Amazingly, without hesitation, he loaded onto another trailer and we took him to develop the x-rays.
The Vet said the x-rays show NO BROKEN BONES! I couldn't believe it! But she also said... he'd never be the same, he won't be able to cut cows, run barrels, nothing. I have a three legged horse... But he is alive. I didn't care about all the other stuff, he's alive and thats whats counts!
Over the next couple of weeks, I had a few more Vets examine POKEY's injuries. I sent the x-rays to Dr. Todd Behre in Texas for him to look at. He called me back after talking to Dr. Woods in Blairstown, who looked at POKEY's injuries in person. Dr. Behre said he didn't see anything broken, but it was a very nasty injury. He couldn't believe that an injury this bad, a leg so mangled up, dragged down the highway for a mile, wasn't broken. I was lucky. "POKEY" was lucky to be alive. It was more than likely, POKEY would never compete again. No more team penning, no more barrel racing, no running hard and fast. His days of showing are over, as are mine.We are a team and I'm not going without my partner, POKEY. It just wouldn't be the same.
A couple of weeks had gone by and the phone rang. It was Ruthie Flynn from Ruthie's tack shop asking me if I could bring POKEY to the Flemington Fair again. I told her what had happened and told her I didn't know if POKEY wanted to go... if the Vet would let him. I spoke to Dr.Behre and he said if POKEY took it easy, he didn't see any reason why he couldn't go. I called Ruthie back and said, "we'll be there.!"
POKEY was booked in the same stall were the kids would know where to find him. The kids came running into the horse tent yelling, "He's here! He's here! I told you he would be here! POKEY's back!" The get well cards and letters started coming in by the hundreds! POKEY had a fan club. They got his address so they could keep in touch with POKEY throughout the year. POKEY seemed to like all the attention, and was doing good.
At the Fair Open Horse Show we were asked to carry the American flag for the opening ceramony during the National Anthem, like we've done in the past. We did, and POKEY and I took a bow and recieved a standing ovation. I couldn't help but to shed a tear, I was touched.
H.R.C.N.J. held its year-end awards dinner in November. Nobody could understand how I felt when I recieved the title 1998 Grand Champion overall for the year. We did it! We won! With that, comes a beautiful silver trophy belt buckle with both our names on it! POKEY had made my lifelong dream come true! Thanks POKEY!
The winter was long and rough. POKEY recouped in the backyard with his companions, Hye and Peaches. I got to wondering... Where did POKEY come from? He must have been loved and well cared for.He is a special little Quarter Horse, he has such a big heart, bigger than any I've ever known, and is so nice to be around. Why would anyone get rid of him?
Over the next couple of months, I did some research. I tracked down the previous owners, in Louisiana. It seems POKEY was an orphan baby, loosing his Mom when he was only a few days old. His Mom was struck down in a bad lightning storm. The colt hung in there, waiting for someone to help him, to feed him. It took a day or so, but the breeder saw a dark hump in the field and went to check it out. He saw the colt, weak and cold, standing over his mothers lifeless body and led him to the barn. Since the breeder had no use for a baby without his mother, he put him in a holding stall till "THE MAN" could come for him.
Just then, a woman named Diane Ballard, came to the barn to pick up a horse she had purchased from the breeder. She couldn't help but to notice the cute little bay colt in the stall. When she asked the breeder about him, he said, "Why don't you take him home. You can have him, he doesn't have a mother." Diane didn't need another mouth to feed, she was going to have her hands full with the one she just bought. She walked by the colt one last time, he gazed up at her and something happened. Diane thought ...why, you poor thing, why do you look so sad...oh what the hey... I'll take him. Load'em up. She took him home, named him" Diane's Little Leo" and raised him the best she could.
"POKEY" or Little Leo as he was called then, was not your typical horse. He thought he was a dog. He broke out of his stall and could be seen playing in the backyard with the kids. He chased rabbits and the family dog. He was always getting into trouble. Every morning, he stood on the back porch waiting for his "Mom" to come out and feed him. Diane told me he was special, but when her husband was termanally ill, she was forced to part with some of her animals. She could no longer take care of everyone. The problem was she wanted to keep "Leo" and sell the rest. Everyone wanted "Leo".
It broke her heart but it had to be. Little Leo was a great cutting horse and this guy wanted him to work the cow ranch. Later the man broke his back, fell off the barn roof,and had to sell the horse to pay bills.
Diane's husband passed away. Now she was alone and facing a terminal illness herself, she needed to know where her Little Leo was...
She called the guy who bought him, it seems he already sold him and that guy took him to a Texas Auction. Her baby was gone.
That is until she recieved a phone call from me. I made her day! Diane could not believe her ears. Her baby was alive and well and living in New Jersey. We talked for hours, about this great little bay horse and how he's touched so many lives.
She told me she was dying, a cure was not to be, but just knowing that her baby was doing good was enough for here. She could go in peace.
I sent Diane pictures of me and POKEY and she called me to say... "He picked you that day cause you look just like me! We could be twins!" She was so happy, but weak. Diane passed away at the end of winter. I miss her and POKEY misses his Mom. May she rest in peace knowing where he is and how he's doing. Diane gave POKEY a new lease on life and I believe he remembers. She will always be with him, wherever he goes,because so much of her is a part of him.
I spent the next couple of months planning a birthday party for POKEY. The letters he was recieving from the children had one thing in common, they couldn't wait to see him again. So I thought a whole year was an awful long time to wait when you're a kid. POKEY'S birthday is just about half way. I sent out invitations and to my surprise, everyone who got an invite, came! On May 8th, it was pouring rain, but 60 people came bearing gifts anyway. There was a moonbounce, stilt walker, pony rides, petting zoo and of course, a huge birthday cake. The kids love POKEY and everyone had fun.
By now, POKEY was showing signs of getting better. He was running around and kicking up his heels! Spring was in the air.
I had the Vet come by to check on POKEY and find out if we could be in the Hackettstown Memorial Day parade. The Vet said POKEY was as good as he was going to be, but cautioned me not to do anything "rough". He gave the O.K. for the parade, so off we went. Its been so long since I rode, since the night of the accident.
It felt good to be back on POKEY, doing the Memorial Day parade. As we marched down Main Street, POKEY held his head high. It was like he was saying, "look at me, I'm back!" The children were yelling his name, saying, "I love you POKEY!"
The Allamuchy Day parade is a small one, but just as important as any other. We marched and the kids cheered for POKEY.
In June, there was a horse show we always did, The Warren County 4-H Horse Leaders Benefit Show, so I asked the Vet if we could go. I promised to take it easy. I got the O.K. with the 'caution' again...we went. I tried to let POKEY pick his own pace. I guess he had something to prove, to me or to himself, I'll never know.
We took first place in barrels and first in the money. In pole bending, we took second in the ribbon and first in the money. In the keyhole race, we took first in the ribbon and the money! That gives us the Grand Champion of the day in the speed division!
As I followed POKEY home, I looked at the ribbons on my dashboard, crying because they said he'd never run again! He seems to be his ol'self again. It's been a long year, we've come a long way.
I realize now, how long a year is. It is the 1 year anniversary of POKEY'S accident....The Sussex County Farm and Horse Show is back in town. I want to go, for personal reasons, I need to get past the haunting memory of that night. It was a tough one. We competed against 130 riders and we didn't have a good enough time to be in the money, so it was an eary night.
Why do I do this? Because I can, because POKEY can! Its not about the winning anymore, Its about " the little bay Quarter Horse who could", and does! Again, he rose above yet another tragedy, and life goes on.
Well, the end of summer is here and The Flemington Fair is back ,so is POKEY. We spend the week doing tricks for the kids. POKEY likes to bow and do silly things for treats. The kids love it. This is our last year at Flemington because they're doing away with the horses at the fair. The kids continue to tell me how much they love POKEY, how special he is and they can't wait to see him again.... his birthday is in May.
All through the winter, the letters keep coming in. I start planning a bigger birthday party, POKEY is going to be 13 this year. I book the stilt walker and moonbounce again, secure a bigger location, the local Ranch and Stable and invite the kids and the public! The phone is ringing off the hook, what have I done? This POKEY party is getting to big to handle. The party was June 4th, the weather was perfect, turnout was over 300 people! Some families drove 2 hours to come to POKEY's party and said they wouldn't miss it for the world. POKEY'S favorite gifts were the bunches of carrots, the sugar cubes and the fly spray. A good time was had by all.
When someone asked why I spent $5000. on a horses birthday party the answer seemed easy... " POKEY'S not just any horse, he makes kids happy, and I enjoy seeing them smile." As long as the kids still write to POKEY, he'll continue to write back and invite them to his parties!
We continue to do a couple horse shows in Warren County and take home the ribbons, Grand Champion in the speed division almost everytime.
We were asked to be on display at the Warren County Farmer's fair and agreed to do it. POKEY sent out several hundred postcards to "his kids" to let them know where he'd be. Despite the nasty, rainy weather, we had a good time.
Now POKEY can take time off and rest for the winter.We have the Hackettstown Memorial Day parade in May, Allamuchy Day parade in June and then the couple of shows in the summer and back to the Warren County Fair for a week.
POKEY, I'm sorry to say, didn't have a birthday party this year for reasons beyond my control. I am truly sorry for any tears I may have caused, but you can see "POKEY" at THE WARREN COUNTY FARMER'S FAIR Stop by and say hello, POKEY would love to see you.
The magic of a horse named "POKEY"... to many its a mystery, To others... it's a feeling in the heart. Denise Dabinett aka "Pokey's Mom" POKEY still recieves hundreds of letters and cards throughout the year and all are answered personally with the help of POKEY'S MOM. Denise has a booth at the Warren County fair, called "POKEY'S PLACE" and POKEY is on display at the fairgrounds. She is always willing to read to any group of children and sign autographs, all someone has to do is ask.
**** Since the stories of Hye Society and Pokey were written, both have passed away. They are forever in my heart, the memories I hold dear. ****
I'd like to share a touching letter that was read the night of Pokey's memorial dinner:
To Denise, and the Friends of Pokey: May 2006
There is no place I would rather be than joining you all tonight to celebrate the life of a very special friend and companion to Denise and the wonderful people who were so fortunate to also know and love Pokey, The Famous Horse From Allamuchy, NJ. Sadly, my professional commitments do not allow me to share this night with you. But I would like to add my presence to your gathering with some words of condolence, personal insight and encouragement. As Northeast Regional Director of the American Grade Horse Association, Denise has been an indispensable part of our growth and development since a very humble beginning. Her enthusiasm and boundless energy to promote recognition and appreciation for everyday pleasure horses that do not have the benefit of outstanding pedigree clearly shows her love for ALL horses. The strength of her commitment even extended to registering Pokey with the AGHA to serve as a proud example to others, even though he was a highly pedigreed and registered American Quarter Horse.
Over these past few years, I missed several opportunities to actually meet Pokey. But through Denise, I believe I came to know him as well as I know my own horse. And my sorrow over his passing gripped me almost as if he were indeed mine.
I’m sure there is no need for me to relate to you Pokey’s story of hardship, pain and struggle to overcome overwhelming injuries on his way back to becoming a champion. Nor do I need to say how Pokey and Denise became inseparable icons to untold numbers of children and adults alike, with their inspirational story about meeting and defeating some of the most insurmountable obstacles life has to offer. Pokey and Denise, two together as one, gave freely and unselfishly to your community their message of hope, perseverance and success through mutual love and trust. Your presence here tonight is in itself a testimony to the power of that message, and your appreciation for that wonderful gift you have received from your special messengers.
Even now, under a burden of loss few of us can fully understand, Denise continues to find hope where others would only find sorrow and dismay. When she told me of Pokey’s passing one of the first things she said was "I’ve never had a tragedy that didn’t open another door of opportunity. But how do I tell the children?" Once again, I find myself humbled by her concern for others while she ignores her own personal pain.
As you all share this special evening celebrating the life of an extraordinary horse who helped to heal so many, please take a moment to also embrace his extraordinary partner who has also enriched us all by allowing Pokey to be such an inspirational part of our lives and to live forever in our memories.
The years of work that Pokey and Denise have done to brighten the lives in your community, especially among the children, is not done. It is time to help take up a place that has been sadly left vacant. With your prayers and continued support Denise will find that door that is ready to open. And if the past has taught us anything at all, we would be well advised to follow her.
Denise:
My heart goes out to you. The respect and admiration I have for you and Pokey is beyond words or measure. What you have done… and will continue to do… reflects the epitome of community involvement that can be accomplished by a single horse and rider. It is the very essence of what the American Grade Horse Association aspires to. That being said:
It is my honor to tell you the AGHA directors, by acclamation, have declared Denise "Rodeo Barbie" Dabinett and Pokey, The Famous Horse From Allamuchy, NJ, as The AGHA Horse and Rider Of The Year for 2006.
Also, to further honor Pokey’s memory, I have instructed the AGHA Foundation trustees to fund our very first educational scholarship, to be known as the " We Love Pokey Endowment", in the amount of $1,000 awarded annually to a "special needs" youth applicant seeking a career in equine studies or vocation.
Although I am not there to share this evening with you and Pokey’s many friends, I can tell you with absolute certainty that sometime between 7 PM and 10 PM on May 8th, 2006 I will be in my paddock, hugging my horse and thinking of you and Pokey.
Skip Taggart President American Grade Horse Association
Please come out to The Warren County Farmer's Fair in Harmony, NJ in 2011 and meet Denise at Pokey's Place.
Happy Trails
Denise
If you're not a "horse person", maybe this will help you understand me...If you are a "horse person" pass this on.From time to time, people tell me,"lighten up, it's just a horse", or "that's a lot of money for "just a horse".
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a horse". Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a horse".
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a horse", but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a horse",and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a horse" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a horse" then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend", "just a sunrise" or "just a promise".
"Just a horse" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a horse" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.
Because of "just a horse" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly into the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a horse" but and embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a horse" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand thats it's not "just a horse",but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman".
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a horse", just smile, because they "just" don't understand.
