GoHorseShow is sad to report the passing of Reserve World Champion, All Locked and Loaded (Murray), who was last owned and loved by the Griffith Family of Hilliard, Ohio. The 2000 bay gelding was by Potential Career and out of Shes Sophisticated. He was bred by Karen Rodrock of Overland Park, Kansas and massed 1043 points during his show career.
“Murray was a horse that touched many lives and I was blessed to have owned him. He was my dream Queen’s Horsemanship horse and my path and spirit won’t be the same without him as my partner,” says Dakota Diamond Griffith, who had planned to use him as her horsemanship horse for the Congress Queen Competition later this year.
In 2011, former owner Cyndi Sample and Murray were the Justin Rookie of the Year 50 & Over. In 2008, Cyndi’s daughter, Sara Sample, placed third in the Novice Horsemanship at the Congress on Murray. He received his AQHA Championship in 2007 as well as being 2006 High Point Amateur Hunter Under Saddle in the nation with Amy Darnell. In 2005, the duo was also Reserve World Champions in the Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation at the AQHA World Show.
“He was a phenomenal horse and I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to show him,” Amy Darnell told GoHorseShow. “His record speaks for itself, but he totally had a personality to match!”
The 16.3 hand gelding was widely known as an escape artist that could get out of any halter and stall. Murray also had what would be called an ornery streak by many—but almost all of the great ones have their quirks. He helped several competitors reach their goals in the show ring including Amy Darnell, Cyndi Sample, Sara Sample, Tracy Feril, Rianna Storey, and Kate Gauthier.
Dakota’s mother, Leigh Ann Griffith, also talked about Murray with great respect and admiration. “He was one of the greatest pattern horses, especially for his size. He has touched a lot of trainers and exhibitors lives over the years. He was a great teacher and was always kind and patient with the kids.”
Cyndi concludes her thoughts about her equine friend. “He was really tall but could spin like a top reiner and change leads every stride,” she recalls. “He was a challenge to show because he was so smart but his heart was always in this game we call horse showing.”
