GoHorseShow is sad to report the passing of youth horse, Natural Will (Wilbur), who was owned and shown by Katelyn Crawford of St. Petersburg, Florida. Crawford and Wilbur showed under the supervision of Carrie Grose. This duo was highly competitive on the national level including multiple placings at the Congress and World Show in the youth all-around events.
The 1999 bay gelding by Natural Iron and out of Dot The Sky had to be euthanized due to degenerative cartilage in his left front leg.
“I owned WIlbur for five years, and he was a fantastic horse,” Katelyn says. “I have so many great memories of him. He was quirky and always entertaining to be around. His favorite treats were peppermints, which he was spoiled with, and he always seemed to be getting himself into some sort of trouble. He had a big heart, and enjoyed his job. I think his favorite class was trail because it gave him something to think about, and he enjoyed that!”
Crawford’s favorite memories with Wilbur were at the 2010 and 2011 Congress. In 2010, the duo placed fifth in the NYATT Horsemanship and seventh in the 15-18 Hunt Seat Equitation.
“I couldn’t have asked for better rides– he gave everything I asked of him if not more. I am so grateful for last year’s Congress, not only for the amazing rides he gave me, but, because of the memories, and the fact that it was my last Congress with him. I placed fifth in the 15-18 Trail and fourth in the 15-18 Hunt Seat Equitation. The night I placed fourth in the Equitation was probably my favorite, because I was able to share it with one of my best friends, Danielle Zenga, who ended up third.”
Natural Will earned over 1100 points in several different events including receiving superiors in hunter under saddle (2x), hunt seat equitation (2x), trail (2x), and horsemanship. GoHorseShow would like to send our condolences to Katelyn during this difficult time.
