GoHorseShow is saddened to report that beloved Congress winner and war horse, Trace of Good Bar, has passed away due to complications with colic. The 24 year-old sorrel gelding by Zippos Mr Good Bar and out of Tracy Tiger was bred by Stan and Mary Kay Steyskal of Papillion, Nebraska.
Trace was owned by many well known exhibitors in the industry including, Jessie Van Ness, Robyn Lane, Amanda Addy, Beth Valen and Carol Whittaker, and shown by leading trainers including Dianne Eppers, Alex Ross, Carol Metcalf, Mike and Charlene Carter, Murray Griggs, and Mark Sheridan.
Through the years, Trace earned the reputation as a great western riding horse. “It was love at first sight for me,” former owner Beth Valen told GoHorseShow. “I’d never changed leads–at least not on purpose–but when I saw Alex Ross show him in western riding, I just had to have him. He was 12 years-old, had severe allergies, would not pass the vet, and could be a little naughty over the log, but it was the best money I ever spent. He truly exemplified what a quarter horse should be, and what everyone dreams of in a show horse and friend.” (pictured lower left: Beth Valen and Trace)
Former trainer, Alex Ross, also speaks highly of this talented gelding. “Trace of Good Bar was a very talented horse that accommodated a variety of riders, professionals and non-pros. He was fortunate to obtain a solid foundation under the guidance of Dianne Eppers which allowed him to continue showing at a high level for many years,” Alex fondly recalls. “Trace had a kind disposition and the more that you were around him, the more apparent it became that his mission was to please the rider. He definitely got his feelings hurt if you schooled him. I know he impacted many people’s lives in a positive way and he will be missed.”
In 2008, Trace was retired to his last owner, Carol Whittaker’s backyard in Vail, Arizona. Over the course of his show career, he amassed over 1,000 points in several events including the western riding, halter, horsemanship, western pleasure, trail, and showmanship. Trace also had over $26,000 in AQHA Incentive Fund earnings, and, in 1992, he won the Amateur Justin Rookie of the Year 31-49 and also had multiple Top 10 placings at the World and Congress. This talented gelding also had three different superiors in the western riding and western pleasure.
Former trainer Mark Sheridan of Cave Creek, Arizona mentions that Trace was one of the great ones. “He was a blast to show and so much fun to be around. He was great minded and made my life and job very easy.”
Whittaker says that Trace was the kindest horse she has ever owned. “He was really lazy, kind hearted and such a talented horse,” Carol says. “We got a superior in western riding but it was all Trace and his talent that got me through that class. I will miss him peeking his head outside his stall door every morning waiting to be fed and hearing his husky nicker.”
Carol concludes her thoughts about her equine friend. “I don’t have kids so my animals are my kids. I am having Trace cremated so I will keep his ashes until I die, and I told everyone that they are supposed to cremate me and mix me with all my animals’ ashes and scatter all of us together. He was very special and will be greatly missed.”
Photo © Don Trout
