Collector’s Bandit was laid to rest Nov. 26, 2003, at Shady Oak Stables in Clarksville, Tenn. Bandit had been retired from the show ring for several years. He was loved and cared for in his final years by Nancy Hestle.

Bandit was truly a unique horse in many ways. His show career began in June 1989 when the Hestle family purchased him. He finished out the year with Elizabeth Hestle showing him and them the decision was made to move him to Wallace Brandon Stables. This decision proved to be the most important move in Bandit’s show career. Under the expert training of Wallace Brandon, and with with Elizabeth Hestle and Victoria Martocci showing Bandit every weekend, he went on to win every major showcase in Middle Tennessee as well as several other states. He was shown several hundred times throughout his career and won well over 100 blue ribbons.

Some of Bandit’s major wins were the National Trainers’ Show, Spring Fun Show, Columbia Spring Jubilee (several times), International Grand Championship (eight times), the Southern Championships and reserve at the Celebration; Bandit never left the Celebration ring without a ribbon.

He was shown throughout his career in English, Western, Driving, Model, Sportsmanship and Equitation. Liz Hestle-Gassaway owned him from June 1989 until he passed away. Bandit had many different riders, too many to name or even count, and touched many lives along the way.

“Thank you to everyone who had a part in Bandit’s life. he was a once in a lifetime horse, and I feel lucky to have owned such a special horse. Take care my friend, one day we will ride together again. Thanks for the memories.” --Liz Hestle-Gassaway