GoHorseShow is sad to announce the passing of well-loved horse trainer and friend to many–Kirby Rulon. Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at an early age, Rulon had just undergone a lung transplant before passing away due to complications from the surgery and disease. Kirby was a well known and respected horseman, and enjoyed training and showing horses with his family.
“Anyone who knows Kirby knows how wonderful of a person he was,” says friend, Angela Schultz Brooks. “He always had a smile on his face and was quick to help anyone in need.”
Kirby was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at 10 months old. According to Brooks, the doctor told his mother he would never make it to ten years-old. They said she could sit him in a corner and wait for him to die or treat him like a normal child and let him live a fulfilling childhood. They lived on a farm and she made him do chores like his brothers. She taught him how to work hard and that work ethic has kept him alive. Kirby beat unimaginable odds with this disease and is an inspiration to so many living into his 50’s.
“Any of his horse show family would agree that he was one of the hardest working talents in the industry; even on his worst day, it was nothing to see Kirby tooling a horse around even it required him to wear a breathing mask,” Brooks recalls. “You might not have been able to see the smile on his face but you could still see it through his eyes. What a great soul Kirby was–a talented horseman, loving husband, father, brother, son and friend; truly loved by so many. You fought long and hard Kirb..Go Rest High!”
Kirby Rulon will be laid to rest Monday February 3, 2014. The viewing will be held at 12 Noon and the funeral will be held at 2pm at the New Life United Pentecostal Church. The church’s address is 740 4th St. Harrodsburg, IN 47434.
CLICK HERE to read his obituary and send condolences
