Happy Hour

Email from Kat Bohman, March 07, 2007 : This past weekend was the one-year anniversary of Hap coming into my life....what a wonderful year. I am so blessed to have found him, no words can say. Hap has come so far in such a short time -- it's hard to believe he was training for his last race at Beulah Park this week, last year! And last month he brought home Champion from his first horse show! What a wonderful, wonderful horse....I love him so :-)

THE STORY OF A TRAINER-LISTED SALE
WITH A “HAPPY” ENDING

Below is an email exchange between a buyer and the Beulah Park coordinator for CANTER-Ohio.

January 28, 2006 (First Email): I am a very experienced/advanced rider looking for a new horse to love and train. I just had to put my dream horse, my soulmate, down on 2/26 unexpectedly. I got him right off the track (Beulah) just one year ago and it was the happiest year of my life. I want another chance at that happiness and have a lot of love to give. Kat Bohman.

(Second Email): Chris, Thank you very much for your kind words. The last few days have been so difficult, but it helps to remember the wonderful year I had with him. Tragically, this past weekend, he was kicked by a pasture mate at just the right angle to break his left front leg at the very top of the radius, and we had to put him down. I would've done anything to save him but it wasn't an option. It is devastating. He was my best friend and my once-in-a lifetime horse. I am just thankful I was able to be with him to say goodbye. Anyway, I am cautious, yet hopeful that I will find another horse that I can start over with. Ironically, one of my best riding friends from childhood just adopted a gelding named Twilight Honors from CANTER. I wasn't aware of the organization until she told me about it last week, and thought at the time what a great opportunity to help horses in need. Now I am the one in need of a new friend, so I will be hopeful. Thank you. Kat.

(Third Email): Hi Chris, I had a great trip up to Columbus this weekend...I REALLY like both Royal Splash and Happy Hour.....having a very hard time making a choice between them.

(Fourth Email): Chris, I fell in love with Happy Hour and brought him home on Saturday. Tom and I had been talking all week, and I had pretty much decided he was coming home with me, as long as he passed the vet.

I absolutely LOVE Happy. He has settled in beautifully and is adoring his new home. Kat.

(Fifth Email - June 2006): Chris, Happy's doing just great!! We've done lots of trail riding (he LOVES it), and we've actually started jumping some small stuff, and he's such a star. He's been to 2 horse shows, just to "watch" and hang out, and settles right in. I brought him up to Columbus for a weekend in June to ride with a friend, and Tom and Tami came out to see us - it was so much fun. I think Hap really enjoyed seeing his former parents, and I know they enjoyed seeing him. We all hung out all afternoon. Hap's such a wonderful horse, and I just absolutely love him.

I am so thankful for the CANTER website, and for the trainers who care enough to advertise their horses on it - you guys helped me find a new horse to share my life with. Thank you so much for all of your help! Kat.