Gone but Not Forgotten
This Page is dedicated to the horses that have changed our lives but are no longer in our lives. Their memories still live on day in and day out on the ranch.
Gracie
Gracie also known as Gracie Lou Freebush is the main reason the ranch exists today. She was Courtney's first rideable horse. She wasn't just a one person horse. She was the horse the whole neighborhood knew and loved. She was the horse that took so many riders on their first horseback. Her memory is cherished in the heart and souls of many. The Little family will always cherish this mare as a piece of their family and a greatly missed family member.
Honey Bee
The mare that gave Courtney a run for her money. The mare that it took 2 days to get home. The mare that put the whole family through obstacles and hardship. Yet she was the mare that won Courtney over in the end. The one Courtney bonded the most with. This little mare affected the heart of Courtney with so much passion once they both reached an understanding. Honey bee was originally given to Courtney's cousin. Carleigh trained this horse herself at a young age and grew up riding her. Honey bee tested everyone's patience. But in the end her heart was of gold. Unfortunately, due to an accident Honey Bee was laid to rest due to the amount of pain that started a couple years later. The crazy mare turned into the sweetest mare. She was lost way too soon.
Jet
Jet was the horse Courtney grew up on. Like Gracie he was there every step of the way in her life from child to adulthood. Courtney showed Jet on the equestrian team and in 4H. Their bond grew strong over the years and he taught her a lot about proper horsemanship. He lived on long enough for Levi to have a chance to ride and love his "cheetah" horse. He wasn't great at anything but good at everything.
Buck
Buck landed in the arms of Courtney's family thanks to a close friend. Buck was the only other horse Jet every bonded with or liked. During their 4H years Buck competed against Courtney and Jet. Buck was a terrific show horse during his time and retired to be an amazing trail horse. His memory lives in the hearts of friends and family as the big calm loving quarter horse. Other memories include how he received his name "Buck", after retiring from the show ring and settling in on the trails he no longer lived up to his name.
Vanilla
Vanilla was the first horse Courtney ever bought with her own money. At that time she came with her young daughter. Eventually, Vanilla would leave the Little family to go live with other family in Indiana. She returned years later, to be loved and rode by the family in Michigan. Levi learned to lope on her and received his first concussion on her. She was ridden by the kids often. She was a sweet mare with the kindest eyes. She is missed dearly.
Maverick
Maverick's time with the family was short unfortunately. Maverick first came skinny and needed to gain weight before added training. He lived his previous life as an Amish buggy horse. After, putting the weight on his training started. He eventually went to an outside trainer and came back the greatest little horse for smaller riders and kids. Levi was often found riding him down the road standing on his back or sitting on him backwards. He was loved by all of our clients. He specialized in giving rides to our more special clients and kids. Due to past injuries he is no longer with us.
Peg
Peg, also known as Pegasus, was with the ranch for a short time. However, her history with Courtney started when Courtney was just a teenager. Peg was owned by a ranch that Courtney used to train at when she was younger. Peg spent the beginning of her life giving birth to many beautiful babies. The last few years of her life she spent taking care of camp kids and clients at the ranch. Ima Pushy Gal was her registered name and described her well on the ground. Under saddle she took care of her riders and was smooth. This year (2023) will be our first year without her and she will be great
Cap
Cap is ALIVE and WELL. He is now fully retired back with his original mama. He deserves recognition for his time spent at the ranch. We are so grateful to have had him at the ranch for a few years. He provided so many smiles and a lot of love. Cap was Mr. Trusty Rusty and took many first time riders out on the trails. He even went back to his old roots and took a few kids around the barrels a few more times. We miss him, but are happy he gets to spend his last few years with a woman that cherishes him. Thank you Cap for all your hard work and helping so many of our clients! Levi misses you!
