Just a week before Christmas, on Dec. 18, 2019, one of the nicest horses in the walking horse industry was put to rest when Pushin’ For Parole passed away at age 18.

His owners expressed their appreciation of the excellent care he received by Philip Curlee Stables in Elkins, Arkansas. Prior to his death, he had been in “horse hospice” for several months where he was able to walk around the barn at his leisure, eat grass and visit with his other horse friends during his final weeks.

According to his owners Richard and Sarah Mitch, Pushin’ For Parole was one of the most “professional” of any horses they’ve ever known. He could take anyone from a 10-year-old girl to a 75-year-old lady on a luxurious ride of their lives. One of his show ring highlights came when he took his owner to an eighth-place finish in the elite class at the 2016 Celebration under the direction of Nick Plafcan Stables.

The owners also expressed special thanks to Brad Beard for finding this special horse many years ago. “He is gone, but never forgotten,” the Mitches said.