It is with deep sadness that we report the much too early passing our foundation pony stallion Avallach’s Irish Whiskey, who passed away suddenly on Monday, May 3rd. Although his passing leaves an ache in our hearts, we are comforted by the fact that it was swift, without suffering, and that he was playing with his son in his favorite paddock on a beautiful spring day when it occurred. There can be no better blessing.
Whiskey has been the heart and soul of the Avallach breeding program and his presence on the farm will be profoundly missed. I count myself lucky to have been able to share the earth with this pony for almost thirteen years and to have raised him from before birth. I can honestly say that he was my “equine soul mate” and my life will not be the same without him in it.
Whiskey’s soul and blood runs through this farm and as I look down the aisle of the barn and in the paddocks I see him in his children. Others are out and about in the barns of others and I hope that their owners can see bits of Whiskey in them for years to come.
Caer Avallach Farm will not be the same but Whiskey’s legacy will remain the thread that runs through us. Run swift in heaven my beautiful boy … we’ll see you again someday.
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on any photo to see it full-sized.
Avallach’s
Irish Whiskey carries in his genes years of the very best
pony breeding the United States has to offer. His lineage traces back
to Cymraeg Rain Beau, Welsh Hills and Fox Hollow Singing Star, to
name but a few. Whiskey competed in two breeding shows as a two-year
old; placing 2nd at Upperville and 3rd at Deep Run.
Whiskey
is the epitome of an athlete, with a huge length of stride and phenomenal,
natural form over fences and an easy lead change. Not only is he an
athletic jumper and big mover, but he has an easy-going and sweet
temperament. This temperament is paired with brains and boldness and
his foals are carrying on this combination. His get are natural lead-changers
and have an "eye" for jumping that is apparent from an early
age. Whiskey is an ideal stallion to produce athletic hunter pony,
jumper pony or sport pony prospects.
Approved
as a First Premium breeding stallion with a score
of 7.7 by the American
Sportpony Registry in February 2002, and with this accomplishment
his foals are now eligible for registration in, and participation
in, the ASPR. This includes sponsored classes at major competitions
such as Dressage at Devon and the $2,000 Annual Foal Futurity. His
scores during inspection included an 8.5 for Breed Type and Conformation
and judge's comments included "Excellent Type" and "Wonderful
Jumper"!
