"She was AHSA (USEF) horse of the year 4 times in the Welsh pleasure division and 3 times in Welsh pleasure driving. She won in the WPCSA in every division …hunter, halter, driving, western, English, and trail. In all the years she was shown in halter she was beaten only once in the section B mare class. She competed and won in combined driving events. She took my daughter Brianna (at 7 months old), (and Lola at 25 years old) in her first lead-line class. My stepfather, JG, bought her for me when I was just 12 years old. Cherry Wilson of the famed Bristol Pony Farm, didn’t want to sell her but felt like I would be the perfect home for her and I would show her to her full potential. I trained her myself to ride, drive, and jump. We spent so many wonderful years together…riding through the old neighborhood in Southwest Houston…swimming in the San Bernard river at the Badger’s home….trail riding in the country…and even performing on stage in the Christmas pageant “the King and I” at 2nd Baptist church in Houston. I grew up with her…she kept me out of trouble thru the teenage years. She taught my husband Dave to ride and drive. She carried my Mom around when she was older and wanted to stay in shape. She was just an absolutely incredible pony…in so many ways. I truly loved her with every ounce of my being. I feel so privileged to have had in her in my life as long as I did".
I have my own remembrances’ of Lola....that I will treasure....How spicy she could be even in her golden years... yet you could put a child in the stall with her....and she would babysit even a toddler....or...how once I saw Lisa let Lola walk the barn aisle. Lisa sitting in a chair called Lola to her...and patted her knee...with hoof pick in hand....and I saw Lola lift her foot to Lisa's knee to be cleaned. She was smarter than any other pony I had ever known....
She had two foals in her lifetime. Deryni Lolas Prince LOM and Deryni Lolita Mara, both by Pendock Masterpiece. I too feel privileged to have known her, and to have her blood running in the veins of my own RiverBend ponies.... through her son Prince.
Dave and Lisa both used to bring Lola into the house's garden room to cool herself in our HOT summers in Houston. Lola would stand for hours and would never soil the floor in the garden room.....she was amazing. God Speed Lola......Dave is waiting...until we meet again.
Pictures attached are Lola (8yrs) and Lisa(20), 1981 California American Nationals & Lola at 29 standing by the Christmas tree with Lisa’s daughter Brianna.
|
