It is with heavy hearts that we report that beloved family show horse, Blueboy Dreamer was humanely euthanized due to a severe hind leg injury that occurred while he was in his paddock. He was 17 years-old.
Over his eight year show career, Blue accumulated 3,448.5 AQHA points, won five Congress Championships, one Reserve Congress Championship, several year-end high point awards, and an AQHA Reserve World Championship in Junior Trail. Blue accumulated numerous superiors and took Colin Luba and his younger brother, Christopher to Youth AQHA Championships. For Blue’s entire show career, the Luba family was under the guidance of Tommy Sheets.
“It is our hope each of you get the opportunity to experience that one great horse in your lifetime – that truly once in a lifetime horse – for us, that was Blue,” says Colin Luba, who showed him during his youth career. “For our family, Blue was that bay roan that brought our family into the AQHA show world.”
The 1998 bay roan gelding was by Blueboy Quincy and out of Dreamer Tyree. When he was two years-old, the Luba Family found “Blue” from Canadian breeder, Dennis Stiles of Brandon, MB.
“What many do not know is that Blue was named one of the top 50 all-time, great Canadian bred horses (on the list with Northern Dancer),” Colin told us. “But to us, he was so much more than a show horse; he was part of our family.”
After his older brother Colin finished showing Blue, Christopher Luba (pictured right) finally got his chance to shine in the show arena. Chris and Blue had many wins including multiple circuit championships at premiere shows like the Sun Circuit in Scottsdale. When Chris reflects on his childhood, Blue is always a large part of his memories growing up. “I spent a large percentage of my childhood on his back,” Chris remembers. “Blue was the smartest horse I ever had the chance to show. He was always thinking and up to something. He was sometimes too clever for his own good but he was big hearted and loved to show.”
After his impressive show career, Blue began his retirement on January 2, 2010 where he enjoyed five years of knee high grass until his peaceful end on March 3, 2015.
“Blue was the most intelligent horse we have ever come in contact with; there was no halter, gate latch, or double-ended snap that he could not master in seconds,” Colin reveals. “In fact, we never practiced a complete trail pattern with Blue because he would have it memorized the first time through. Upon his retirement, and for the next year, he would anxiously follow the trailer up and down the fence line as we left for a show and came back, ready to get back on the road.”
Colin (pictured left) adds, “Without a doubt, the lives of each member of our family were enriched by the many lessons that Blue taught us. I am confident that I would not be the person I am today without him. We are going to miss Blue more than you can imagine, but we will never forget him. Thank you for the unforgettable rides and lasting memories, friend. When you get where you are going, I hope they have plenty of trail poles for you.”
Colin and Chris’ father, Norman Luba also showed Blue in the Novice Amateur and Amateur Events. “Our family wants to thank everyone for their comments about Blue. What really has made an impact over the last couple of days are the fond memories of Blue that were shared by so many that we are thankful to call our friends,” Norman states. “With so much going on in the world, we all should remember that we are privileged to own these animals and participate in activities with the American Quarter Horse. Every one of us should do everything we can do to make sure more people have the chance to enjoy, and remember, the ride. Trust me, the Luba family will always remember the ride with Blue.”
