I had met a woman on the phone by the name of Jennifer Skuce who was looking to help out and also get into the breeding business using CANTER adopted mares. We really hit it off as we both wanted to help out with the TB racehorses, are two daughters were born months, apart and we both wanted to breed top sport horses. She had yet to purchase a stallion and not sure what direction she was going. She had some top Arabians that she was doing saddle seat with but she really wanted to go into dressage and do a little jumping. She also wanted something that was a bit more relaxed in nature than the Arabian. Over the phone I told her about the Irish Draught and that was all I had to do. Jennifer was so good on the Internet, she did the research, she contacted people. I still have copies of the emails that were sent to the society members asking if Rocky was going to be an asset to the US breeders as well as the background on his breeder, Ivan Adams. She looked at Clover Hill and King of Diamond lines and new they were popular but again it was her nature that she knew EVEN then that the breed needed help.

She chose Rocky (Loguestown Blues Man) for his rare bloodlines and imported him into the US as a two-year-old. We were so excited to see him get off the van finally and settle in his new home at Whispering Pointe. Shortly after Rocky was imported Jennifer was diagnosed with cancer. It was not her first battle with cancer and she was so determined that it was not going to let it defeat her. During her fight with cancer she was still riding still observing Rockys training and planning the future as far as her breeding program. We had a lot to do as Rocky needed to pass his inspection as a three-year-old. I was pregnant with my second child but we did not let that stop us. Rocky was so easy but yet to playful and loved playing games. He thought it was fun to stand on the end of the lunge line on his back legs and I think he was challenging himself on how long he could stay balanced up there.

My youngest daughter was born in March of 2005, I was back in the saddle within two weeks of having her and really went to work under saddle with Rocky. We went on hacks down the road and cantered for the first time, which felt like he had been cantering for years under saddle, it was just AMAZING. Jennifers health was continuing to go down hill but we all seemed to be in denial including herself. On July 28th of 2005, Jennifer lost the battle and past away in her home. It was so hard not just for me but everyone who knew her. The only way I knew of healing from her passing was to put everything I had into getting Rocky and getting him where she wanted him to be.

In November of 2005 Rocky was ready to be inspected. My youngest daughter who was 8 months and my client, friend, adopted grandma of my children, "Janice Glancy" made the trip with me to the National Irish Draught show in New Jersey. We knew it was going to be a very long haul from MI to NJ so we got on the Internet to see if we could get a stopping point half way. We found two places there and on the way back. Rocky was well fit and so ready for the trip, we made it with no problems to our half waypoint. The owner offered her indoor arena to Rocky so he would not be cooped up in a stall and stiff from the trip. It was perfect, we stayed in the apartment above the indoor arena and woke up to Rocky waiting at the door looking into the window. It was as if he were saying that we slept in and he had been up and waiting for us. We got the truck packed up and were ready to hit the road. Rocky gave a little whinnie and jumped right onto the trailer and off we went.

We arrived at the New Jersey horse park the night before the inspection and had plenty of time to settle Rocky in. Susan Jenson arrived at the stall to introduce herself and make sure that we were prepared. I was a nervous wreck the day of the inspections as so much was riding on it. I shared my nerves with Jeanette with Bridon Belfrey I am not really sure who was more nervous that day but I do know that we have remained friends since. Keith and Elizabeth Douglas were great in helping and also reassuring me that I really did not have much to worry about. I had met the couple the week before Jennifer passed away as they had visited the farm and Rocky. Keith, Elizabeth, Susan and myself got Rocky through his inspection. Thank goodness that the inspectors did not wait long and shook my hand in congratulations as we were leaving the arena for Rocky passing. My eyes immediately filled with tears of joy as we accomplished so much at that point.

The trip home was easy and uneventful and in 2006 Rocky was kept in training and allowed to finish maturing. It was really important that we needed to get the first purebred foal on the ground to really show what Rocky could produce. I put out a request for a mare to lease on the Irish Draught list. Simone and Doug Mackay of Manu Forti Farm responded to the request and together we settled on a lease in exchange for training on their wonderful mare MFF Rivi Era Girl.

In 2007 Rocky was ready to really start competing and we started in May we started his eventing career. Rocky was great and was proving himself with every event. Rocky finished a very good season where he was third in MI for beginner novice and was doing novice combined tests at the end of the year including one novice derby where he finished first on his dressage score. He was also building an ever-growing crowd at the events. Rocky and I also received grand champion professional rider for MI 2007.

We had goals for 2008, which included novice and training level in eventing, but those dreams were cut short on January 22nd when Rocky got out of his pasture and crossed the road. Upon his return Rocky was hit by a car, the car did not stop and the police believed by the tire tracks and all of the evidence that drinking and driving played a part. We live on a rural dirt road so really not place you would think that this would happen. On that day so many dreams, goals and a part of my life and many others ended. Rocky was not mine he was everyone's horse and so much part of the preservation of the breed. For the last week I have kept asking myself why did this happen as it seems to be so unfair. One of my dearest friends said she knew one thing that it brought friends together. Including some that did not know each other fully until this event happened.

On Sunday January 27th my friends, supporters and family held a memorial service for Rocky. I was not aware that it was going to take place nor the gift that my friends purchased for me. It is times like these that you realize how many friends you do have and people who support and believe in what you do. To this day I will remember not only Rocky but also Jennifer and her family, the people who made the Rocky dream possible. Today we don't just have one Irish Draught in the barn we have an ever growing herd.

The gift that was purchased is a breeding to Rocky's half brother, "Touch of the Blues". I just want to say many thanks to Simone and Doug for taking "Flynn" out of retirement. I don't think there are words that describe how I feel about this opportunity that has been given to me. The cards, flowers, phone calls and many emails from all over the US and Ireland.

Jennifer’s other dream as well as many others including mine, of rescuing and finding second careers for Thoroughbreds still continues. This year CANTER MI not including the other states transitioned 179 horses, 150 of, which were transitioned through our farm, Whispering Pointe.

Without the supporters, volunteers, students, clients friends and family none of this would have been We lost Rocky tragically two nights ago. His loss has been devastating to myself, my family and to all of the breeders here in NA. Rocky was like my third child and loosing his is the same as loosing a family member. He will always hold a very special place in my heart. Unfortunately he has only one purebred foal in the ground and one due this spring in Canada. We are trying to purchase the foal in Canada if they are willing to sell.

Thank you Loguestown Irish Draughts for the great breeding you do. Rocky placed 2nd in baby jumpers and third in the novice combined test. He was truly a champion in temperament, confirmation and athletic ability. Rocky was evented this year and we had a wonderful time. He was ranked third in Michigan for beginner novice and with his help I earned grand champion professional rider.

This boy will never be forgotten!!