When multiple World and Congress Champion, Im Shy But Deluxe (Travis) was euthanized this past weekend, owner Kara Oldford and former owner, Whitney Walquist Vicars’ hearts were deeply saddened by the news. This amazing animal helped these two exhibitors’ dreams come true. Together, they both won their first World Championships. Additionally, Whitney won her first Congress with Travis; Kara won the All-Around Youth in the nation title two years in a row. Travis was their best friend, their equine soul mate, and love of their life.
Im Shy But Deluxe was put down due to blister beetle induced laminitis. A few months ago, he was rushed to the University of Georgia, but, a few days later he developed acute laminitis. Unfortunately, this beloved horse never improved and was put to rest this past weekend.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Travis’ hay was infested with blister beetles which is extremely toxic to horses. These insects produce a highly toxic drug called cantharidin. It is comparable to cyanide and strychnine in toxicity. Travis ate some of these beetles that were in his hay which caused a huge shock to his system and ultimately lead to him foundering. The Oldford’s took Travis home from the University of Georgia and iced him every day and tried to keep him comfortable, but Kara believes it most likely prolonged the inevitable.
Kara and Whitney both admit that they will miss him terribly. “He was like having a best friend there for me all the time,” Kara said. “He may have had a rough exterior and acted a bit grumpy at times, but I knew it was just an act and that he had a heart of gold.”
Like all great horses, Travis had some funny personality quirks. Kara recalls times that this 15 year-old gelding would spook at the judges in the arena, and cattle gates at the end of the arena at the Redbud. Whitney recalls a funny story involving a tree that he was afraid of at the Walquist farm. “It wasn’t even a big tree,” Whitney says and laughs. “It was right next to the arena. He wouldn’t spook at it every day, but if I rode him toward it while trying to do a lead change, I knew it wasn’t going to be very good. I guess it bothered him because it was eye level. I’m not sure–I just know he hated that tree.”
Travis was by Dynamic Deluxe and out of Shy Doll Baby. He was the ultimate youth and amateur all-around horse amassing over 2500 points in eight different events. He won multiple high point awards, two World Championships, multiple Congress wins and AQHA Superiors.
Kara’s mother, Gale Oldford, shared her thoughts about her daughter’s special horse. “Travis has taken our family on the most incredible journey that few get to experience – especially in ’08 and ’09. Our family traveled all around the United States, even as far away from Georgia (where he lived) and Michigan (where we live), to shows in California, Arizona and Oklahoma,” she recalls. “We went many new places and made great friends and we have stories for each of the places we visited. Along the way, he taught us patience, determination and the Art of Horsemanship.”
Gale continues, “He was special and much loved by those whose lives he touched along the way. We will remember him as magnificent and talented. With his crooked feet and laid back but pointy ears, he gave so much. We will treasure the memories, for they were the best of times.”
Whitney, pictured left with her father, Bruce Walquist, said that she will remember the special connection she had with Travis more so than any prize they won together. “Words don’t do him justice of how special he was to me. It was very hard for me to sell him, but I knew that he was in a great home with people who loved him as much as I did. There will never be another horse like him, and he will always have a special place in my heart.”
Kara said that she was lucky to be able to say her goodbyes to him this past weekend, giving him many treats including his favorite–peppermints. Travis was also buried with extra peppermints. Kara also took some of his hair to make three bracelets and a necklace–a bracelet and necklace for her, and a bracelet for both her mom and Whitney.
“He was a special once-in-a-lifetime horse, and I am blessed to have been able to have owned him,” Kara says.
Photo © Dasi and KC Montgomery
