Geldings
ARDAN
While we have several
mares
that have been broken to drive, we believe it is in the long-term
best interest of our operation to let broodmares be broodmares, and
use non-breeding stock for driving and events. As part of this
philosophy, we elected to geld a fine young colt named Parnell's
Ardan and begin preparing him to be our main driving horse for the
Gypsy wagon. Ardan, whose name means "high expectations" in Gaelic,
is the 2006 offspring of
Clononeen Dunbrody
and
Parnell's Cahir.
Ardan, who has the big stance and sweet disposition of his sire
combined with the striking coloration and easy-going nature of his
dam, is sure to mature into a large, powerful Irish Cob with lots of
flying hair and flashy knee action as he pulls our Gypsy wagon!
It is with heavy hearts that we must
tell you that Ardan was diagnosed with colic on the evening of July
30, and was taken to Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching
Hospital for surgical intervention. He fought hard for five days
after surgery, but despite receiving the best medical and supportive
care available, he could not recover from the damage. We brought
him home on Sunday, August 3rd, where he died peacefully
among his family and friends at The Irish Rose. Ardan was a fine
young gelding, standing at just over 15 hands high as a two-year
old, with so much unrealized potential. He had the size, power and
disposition that would have made him our premier driving horse for
the Gypsy vardo - a job he was born to do! His passing leaves a big
void in our hearts, even as we search for ways to celebrate his
short life with us. We are grateful for the skill and loving care
of all those who tried so hard to help Ardan, including our farm
veterinarian, as well as the surgeons, students and nursing staff at
Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. We thank
you for your prayers and kind words for this gentle horse.
As our Irish friends say, “Ar dheis Dé
go raibh a anam! - May his soul be on God's right side!”
