GoHorseShow is sad to announce the passing of Certain To Cruise, who was shown by youth exhibitor, Domenick Hiebing of South Padre Island, Texas. Last week, Cruiser was playing outside in a pasture when he tore his deep flexor tendon and unfortunately had to be humanely euthanized.
“I have had many great memories of Cruiser,” young Domenick told us. “We could go from him trying to buck me off 30 times at the rodeo, to winning High Point at the Reichert. He challenged me, but I always challenged him right back. Â I am really going to miss him.”
“Cruiser” was by Certain Potential and out of Pine Valley Rose. The talented gelding was bred by Tim and Lou Petty of Ada, Michigan. During his show career, the 2006 bay gelding won many regional championships and also placed Top 10 at the AQHA World Show in the Junior Western Riding in 2011. He also had superiors in the trail and western riding. Past owners included Carey Nowacek and Kristina Howell. Trainers Brad Jewett, Jessica Stein, Angie Cannizzaro, David Dellin, and Becky George all had him in their barns.
Brad Jewett said he was sad to hear of his death. “He was one of my favorite horses of all time. I bought him as a late two year-old, won the Tom Powers and NSBA World on him,” Jewett recalls. “He taught me a lot about how to show a pleasure horse. He made me a better horse trainer when it came to the all around events as well. I will forever be grateful to the Howell family for allowing me the opportunity to have and train him.”
Domenick’s grandmother, Pricilla Whalen said that Cruiser was initially bought for her husband, John Whalen to ride, but he had to have a knee replacement. So, her grandson, Domenick stepped up to the plate and started showing him. “Cruiser was such a sweet boy, and very giving. This was such a shock. I will miss his black legs, and his star on his face,” Whalen told us.
His current trainer, Becky George shared some thoughts about his passing. “It’s hard to put thoughts together when you are so sad about losing one of your best horses. I was very lucky to have the chance to be a part of Cruiser’s life. He was such a talented horse but those of you that knew him, knew he was not easy,” George reveals. “You never knew what kind of curve ball Cruiser was gonna throw you in the pen but if you could handle it–you were golden.
Becky said that Cruis
er had a song that they used to play when they rode him, Im So Fancy by Iggy Azalea. “They don’t play it a lot any more, but today it played three times on the radio.”
George adds, “He was such a perfect match for Domenick. They both are so talented and athletic. Cruiser taught Dom to be a very confident rider. It makes me so sad to walk past his stall and see it empty, but I’m thankful to have been part of his show career.”
Condolences go out to everyone who has been involved with this beloved horse over the years.
