Sparkling Generator was humanly put down Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at the University Of Tennessee Veterinary Hospital in Knoxville, Tenn. The cause of death was complications of the liver.

            Sparkling Generator, affectionately known as Sparkles to the entire walking horse industry, was 19 years old. Of that 19 years, Sparkles was owned and loved by the Dennis Givens family for over 15 years.  

            Denny Givens purchased Sparkles as a four-year-old from Tommy French of Crossville, Tenn., for his daughter, Kasi Givens-Hensley to compete in the lite shod division. Sparkles was a true family horse…and so much more. Denny, Sherry and Kasi have all won their fair share of blues on Sparkles.

            Sparkles has won at almost every major horse show held from the Trainers’ Show, to the Southern Championships, and even a Reserve World Championship to name a few. In fact, his most recent victories were only a month ago at his hometown show, The Smoky Mountain Classic in Harriman, Tenn., where he captured not one but two blues with his favorite rider, Kasi Hensley in the irons.

            Sparkles was loved by many and will be missed greatly. His absence has left a hole in the hearts of the Givens and Hensley families that will never be filled, but his memory will live on forever.