Equine Obituary - Ebony's Excalibur
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The walking horse world lost a historic figure Wednesday. The last World Champion Ebony Masterpiece stallion, Ebony's Excalibur was laid to rest at Crestwood Acres in Eagleville. Excalibur was 28. He was sired by WGC Ebony Masterpiece and out of Shadow's Cottonwood. He was raised Dickie Pate and started his show career there. During his 3 year old year Gene Davis purchased Excalibur and placed him with Ray Gilmer. As a four year old Excalibur made walking horse history when S.W. Beech purchased him to stand alongside Ebony Masterpiece and campaign him for a World Grand Championship. That year Excalibur was Jr. Champion at the Southern Championship and Little Rock and was Res Jr. World Grand Champion.
Excalibur continued to excel as he entered aged competition. In 1985, he and Ray took home 6th in the World Grand Championship. 1986 would be a banner year in Excalibur's career, under the direction, of Ronal Young, Excalibur and Kristen Beech claimed the title of Amateur Stallion World Champion.
Following his show ring career, Excalibur stood stallion at the historic S.W. Beech Stables. Excalibur's sire Ebony Masterpiece and his maternal grandsires Go Boy's Shadow and Merry Go Boy had both been key members of the Beech stallion line up. Many of Excalibur's colts found success in the show ring including WGC X Mark's the Gold. Additionally, Excalibur's daughters are proving themselves in the breeding world. Excalibur can be found on the dam side of WGC Jazz's Master, WC Driving Miss Dumas and a host of other top show horses.
In 2003 John Fikes purchased Excalibur from Linda Hackel and stood him from Crestwood Acres under the special care of Hollis Kelly.
Excalibur was special to us all and will be greatly missed. Hollis and I would like to give a special thanks to the Vets that helped in caring for Excalibur in his golden years: Dr. James Brogley, Dr. John Bennett, Dr. Belinda Mendenhall, and Dr. Jennifer Byrd.
-J. Hunter Fikes
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