The horse show community is saddened by the loss of GPF Legal Version, known as Curley, to complications associated with colic surgery on Saturday, October 5th. Curley was bred by Oliver and Vicky Hardin in 1998, and is by Good Version out of the mare, She’s Street Legal, by Hotrodders Jet Set. Curley was owned by Dan Henson and the Dan Henson Trust.
“Curley was a once-in-a-lifetime horse,” Henson told GoHorseShow. “He was challenging, demanding, and he had that attitude of look at me–he was loved by many.”
Some of the exhibitors and owners that showed Curley included Evan Kaplow, Cyndi Compton, Katelyn Van Allen, Maggie Bellville, Krista Schnecker, Melissa Spinella, Rebecca Findlay, and Katie Walton. We talked to a few of his former owners, and they expressed how much Curley meant to them.
“To the horse that changed my life,” says former owner Katelyn Van Allen. “Without his talent, I could have never achieved any of my dreams. I will be forever thankful to him for always taking care of me in and out of the show pen. I will miss the funny little scar on his face, his obsession with peppermints, and how he loved to run. He was a once-in-a-lifetime horse…a true champion and I will always remember him.”
Bellville agrees, “Curley was one that was extra smart with all kinds of try. He wouldn’t make it easy for you and sometimes he would just take over, but he gave his all, and taught me so much. I will miss giving him a kiss at the barn!”
Curley had an illustrious show career, with over 1580 points in youth, amateur, and open classes. He qualified 23 times for world shows; earned ten Superiors in youth and amateur events, four AQHA Championships; and was Top 10 in all around high point year end standings 11 times. He was a World Champion in 2008 at the Select World Championship Show in Showmanship with Maggie Bellville. This year, current owner, Henson, also passed the 500 point mark in Showmanship with Curley.
“Curley had the corner stall at Meneely Show Horses, and trained everyone to give him a peppermint as they came by,” Dan states. “Great stories abound about Curley and his antics as he grew up. He was famous and infamous–he wasn’t easy, but when he decided to partner with you, he gave you his all.”
The big red horse will be missed by Dawn Lovern, Rob and Mary Meneely, and little Emma Barrow, as well as hundreds of others who knew, loved, and respected the big red one.
“I feel very fortunate to have trained and ridden such a great horse,” says Rob Meneely. “He will be missed greatly.”
