Gen’s Magic Marker, Gradie as he was affectionately known, was laid to rest Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, after a severe case of colic. Gradie was owned and loved by Cindy Thornton of Wimauma, Fla., for 18 of his 20 years.
 
He was shown in every division: padded performance, show pleasure, plantation pleasure, park pleasure and lite-shod and showed his natural ability in every division with numerous blues in all. He was trained by Ronnie Spears, Bobby Hugh and Jeff Givens.
 
He was reserve world champion twice: in 2003 with Kasie Caldwell in Park Pleasure Youth 11 & Under and in 2004 with Jeff Givens in Park Pleasure Western (canter).
 
Gradie won the International Amateur Grand Championship in 1998 and Park Pleasure Western Amateur Championship in 2005 and three reserves at the International in 2004 with Givens and Thornton.
 
Gradie had been enjoying his retirement, running and playing with an occasional trail ride which he loved. Everyone who knew him loved him as he had so much personality. He is and will continue to be greatly missed.