WC Pride’s Bold Spirit (1978-2006)
Monday, February 26, 2007
WC Pride’s Bold Spirit was laid to rest on Christmas Day at the age of 28. Purchased from Danny Hughes in 1986, Pride became a member of the Johnnie Zeller family first as an amateur mount for Jo Anne and then a juvenile mount for Jennifer. He was definitely a “once in a lifetime” horse for the Zeller family. He had a lion’s heart when it came to winning stake and amateur classes but it was a lamb’s heart that carried an 8 year old to a World Championship. Workouts became Pride’s specialty with his non-quitting and non-giving up spirit. The longer the class, the more competitive he became. He left many memorable stake wins in Kentucky along with an unforgettable amateur win at Owingsville and additional wins at the Kentucky Celebration. But it was at the 1989 National Celebration when he finally achieved the official title of being a World Champion. It was the first Friday night in the first class that Pride showed his true grit, big heart, and love of showing. He beat an outstanding class of 11 & under contenders with Jennifer, giving her endless memories of that special night…and never imagining that her first year showing Pride would give them a World Championship title. However, it was not known until reaching inspection that he injured both his tendons. He gave no evidence of his injury while in the show ring. His “Bold Spirit” shined the brightest that night. He never once faltered or backed down while in the big oval. Pride never made it to the World Grand Championship class that Celebration due to his injury but his family never looked back at the “what could’ve been” because he did his job in “Pride’s style”…never wanting to quit until the job was done. He finished the rest of Jennifer’s juvenile years until he was retired. Pride lived out his life in leisure with the continuing care of the Zeller family. But it was with very heavy hearts on Christmas day 2006 that it was decided he should go rest. Pride never seemed to go a day without his bold spirit…even on his last one. He was laid to rest on the Zeller’s farm where he will always remain a special member of the family. Pride gave the Zellers a lifetime of memories that will never be forgotten. And his welcoming nickers seem to still echo through the barn at feeding time letting everyone know that his un-dying spirit is still present. For the ones that knew and loved him, Pride will always be remembered as the one who would never give up.