Murphy
3.9.88 - 8.12.08

Murphy with Angie - First Day, just off the track!

A little bit about Murph....

Murphy was purchased for Angie as a 2yo directly off the track. Angie was 10. At the time he was not the right horse for Angie, but he taught her more than any horse could have. He lived a wonderful life.... he spent 18 years with Angie! Not many horses are lucky enough to have one owner for their entire life. He was Angie's first horse. She named the farm after him (Dream Acres), named after 'Smart Dreamer', AKA Murphy. Murphy's special trick: Giving kisses... Yes kisses on the face :) It was the very first thing Angie trained him to do!

He & Angie started their partnership by showing at Mousam. Angie spent more time on the ground, then in the saddle during the first few years. After mastering the art of 'staying on', Angie & Murphy started showing Hunter/Jumper, sweeping many year end awards in the Jumper Circuit up thru the 4ft division.

When Angie's interest changed she & Murphy competed on the USEA Eventing Circuit. They were successful thru Prelim. Murphy had more talent than Angie knew about at the time (green rider), and after 2 years of eventing, Murphy was 'retired'.... all because Aggie' thought' she had outgrown him. Looking back, he could have done atleast Intermediate.

Angie's Long Term student Brittany Davis persistently asked to ride Murphy despite Angie saying No many times. Finally Angie gave in. Brittany and Murph hit it off. They were partners for 5 years under Angie's instruction. They competed USEA, and qualified for the American Eventing Championships 2x. They attended once.

Shortly thereafter Murphy had another JR rider partner... Emily Seaver. Emily also needed a 'been there done that' sort of horse, and Murph fit the requirement perfectly. Murphy then qualified one more time for the AEC with JR rider Emily Seaver.

In the spring of 08 Murphy started teaching lessons 'at home'.... Dream Acres. He was partnered with Becca Shaw for a few months. They had fun galloping, jumping, and just riding together.

He was a very successful horse that taught everyone who rode him very valuable riding skills. He was a very special horse.

One week before surgery for a hemmoraging carotid artery, Murphy & Brittany Davis ran a clean XC course at Fitch's Corner, with speed faults. He was 20 years old. He still loved his job, and was the most reliable jumper out there. With age, he never lost his desire, his ability or his youthful antics. (or his kisses!)

Murphy underwent emergency surgery for the internal hole in his carotid The surgery had a 60% success rate....there were no other options. It was the only chance he had. All the veterinarians at the surgical center fell in love with Murphy. They were so impressed with his manners, patience, and personality. The week following the surgery he looked great, seemed happy, and back to his old self. Unfortunately, despite the good outlook, there was a risk period of 3 months. He passed away on 8/12/08, surgery was unsuccessful. It was a very sad day at Dream Acres.

Angie:
'I have known Murphy longer than I have know most people in my life. I owned him for 2/3rds of my life. We grew up together. He was 2, I was 10 when we began our partnership together. Who would have ever thought that would work? Well, it did... A first horse always holds an extra special place in your heart, now I know how true that is. Almost a year later, I still think of Murphy every single day.

The barn is named 'Dream Acres'; Named after 'Smart Dreamer'. Without him, none of this (Dream Acres) would have happened. We purchased the farm beauase we needed a place to keep Murphy. When I 'outgrew' him, I couldnt sell him, that was not an option, I loved him way to much. Boarding two horses wasnt an option, so we purchased 'Dream Acres', and the rest is history....