Heathercombe Cousin Rachel 1999-2009

Rachel's condition was worsening rather quickly and she was suffering so I decided that it was time for her to go to pastures that are always green and the sky is always blue. It was a very painful decision but it was without a doubt a good one.

Rachel came to us as a yearling. She was from Heathercombe Irish Draughts in Somerset England. As I recall she was very brash, pushy and opinionated. She was not always pleasant to be around. As she matured her true self came through and she grew up to be the most dedicated and sweet horse I think I've been around. She always had a nicker and a nuzzle when you arrived. She adored motherhood -- she was at her best with a foal by her side. When she didn't have a foal and Alanna did then she would protect Alanna and her foal from the big ole' meany Maggie et al. When neither she or Alanna were with a foal, Rachel determined that it was her job to keep everyone away from Alanna and clear her way.

Rachel is survived by her daughter Pearls of Faith and her son Padi's Colman Select both sired by Mountain Pearl and by all of us who grieve for her here at Fox Hollow. Farewell Sweet Rachel.

Here's Rachel one year apart -- a familiar pose early on.