"Each departed friend is a magnet that attracts us to the next world." - Jean Paul Richter

                                 Bildair's Floravina

                                                           (Merri-Lee Double Don x Pandora Sue)
 

                                      April 5, 1974 - October 4, 2005

                                                 
                                                                    Photo taken June 2005 at age 31

                                It is with a very sad heart that we inform of the passing of Bildair's Floravina.

 It is not often that you encounter a 28 year old horse that is fit to ride.  It is even more rare to  meet a 28 year old
horse and have doubts, thinking it may be too much horse for your children to ride.  But truth be known, the first time
we met "Flo", that thought was definitely there.  But based upon her excellent condition, her kind eye and the
recommendation of Nancy and Tom we took a leap of faith.  The rewards we have received from that gamble that
day are too numerous to list. Along with the excitement of a new horse in the air, there was chill as well, as snow
arrived shortly after Flo did. But the crisp air of winter and a few white flakes could not dampen the enthusiasm of
a couple of girls who had a new horse to ride. So layered in sweaters and ski jackets, our relationship with Flo began.
 

 
Flo was not much for standing still, but she made up for this by being able to trot all day long.  Her ability
to do 50 and 100 mile endurance in her younger days became all to apparent.  She was a natural forward
mover with a lets go...go...go attitude.  Just what the doctor ordered for a couple of equestrian girls learning
to post and finding their seat.  Flo was no slouch either and taught the girls to steer and be more
aggressive riders as well.  It was all good...for the girls and Flo.
 

Nancy told us that Flo would "choose" another horse on the farm to be her companion.  We didn't quite
understand the depth or magnitude of this statement till weeks later. Flo chose our senior and alpha mare,
Splendor, to be her "best friend". And what this meant was that Splendor was not allowed to be out of her
sight. And if possible, Flo wanted to be side by side with her at all times.....even if Splendor didn't agree.
And if this proximity wasn't allowed we soon found out just how long she could trot and just how loud she
could be. Ha Ha. This was sometimes difficult to manage, but always interesting to see. The attachment,
dependence and loyalty was just so incredibly strong. So while sometimes frustrating, it was always wonderful
when you stepped back and thought about it.  It carried over to Splendor's foals as well. Flo was constantly
in motion in the fields, keeping the babies between Splendor and herself at all times. And if the foals decided
to run around, Flo would accompany them even when Splendor did not.  

Flo was happy getting attention from or carrying anyone who wanted to go for a ride.  But a special bond
developed between her and Ashley.  There was a definite connection there and the two worked really well 
together.  This carried over into all aspects of their relationship as we often let Flo roam the property freely,

and more often than not, Flo would follow Ashley around like she were a dog or puppy.  So if we directed
Ashley where to walk or play, we could get specific areas of the lawn mowed without starting the mower.

Flo had a GRAND personality that you would have had to experience to understand.  She was the barn
sentry who was always the first to see someone approaching and roused the rest of the barn with what
sounded like a deafening battle cry.  She would always meet you at the fence or gate to say hello and
flash her big expressive eye.   And on those mornings when she and/or Splendor finagled the gate open,
she was always there in the dining room window wearing a huge smug expression.  As soon as she
knew we saw her, she would run off, as if laughing over what had been accomplished. Our vet said he
rarely has met a horse with so much life and personality.  And he has never seen it in a horse of this age.
She didn't know she was old, not even at the end.  She didn't act it or look it.  Her mind and heart
were young and controlled the rest of her being.

Flo always wanted to please, but always wanted to please in her way if possible.  I think Nancy summed
it up best.  After I informed her of Flo's passing she said, "Flo had a very full life.  A great life.  A life where
she pretty much did whatever she wanted. "   And that's very true.  But at the same time....she earned the
ability to do so.

Few horses grab your attention and your heart as fast as Flo did.  It only took a few days for everyone
here to fall in love with her.  And we will cherish the remembrance of each day that we got to have her
with us here.  The approach to the barn is quieter now, reminding us that she is no longer here.   We
will have to start the lawn mower more often as well.   We will never be the same.... only better ..... for 
having known her. We can never thank Nancy Caisse and Tom Maker enough for sharing this very
special mare with us.  She will be missed and remembered always.