"Stormy" the Wonder Walker

Perhaps I'm in the wrong camp! After all, the sub-heading is BIRD DOGS; not horses. And, it seems that most of this group are in the shoe-leather category. Nothin' wrong with that, but I think you all will agree - the seasons are much too short, and it's hard to find a place to hunt these days.

Back in the "50's" I too, was a bird hunter. Then I dicovered field trials. Thus began the saga of Stormy the Wonder Walker.

It's a proven fact that Pro Trainer's never get rich (especially young unknowns) and they rely heavily on their clients for just about everything. It's also a fact; that you need a good horse if you are going to be competitive at the trials. Well! I was no exception! I began my career on a borrowed "trottin" horse until fate intervened.

I had a client who was as desitute as I was - but he had some promising dogs and a young filly that I admired. I worked his dogs until I could no longer afford it, and settled the account for two horses and a saddle. there was thunder and lightning the morning I picked up the filly, and since I'm not very creative I named her "Stormy.

Stormy was a short two year old when I brought her home to Paw Paw, but she was put under saddle immediately, and became my favorite as a handler's horse. She served in that capacity for many years; and along the way she raised two colts, and became a baby sitter for my grandkids.

Stormy was a good looking animal, but what set her apart; was her inteligence and courage;.two factors that led to her careers as a trick horse and the "anchor" of my promotional rides.

Stormy's proficiency on stage or in the arena charmed young and old alike. She visited Schools, libraries, nursing homes, a Shriners hospital, and horse shows large and small. She could kiss, count, pray, and take a nap; while I feigned sleep with my head on her neck. She rolled a barrel with her nose, balanced on a see-saw, and enjoyed giving me the "drunkard's shove."

It's a fact! Only a fool would venture into Chicago's loop and expect to escape unscathed on horseback! But it was more than fool's luck that carried me out of the Windy City that day - it was a brave and willing horse named Stormy. Thirty days later we finished the trip we started together in Oklahoma City.

Stormy lived well into her "30's" and she now sleeps in a place of honor near the front of my home. Thanks old girl! I will never forget you!