AQHA HOLEY SUGAR BADGER (aka: RONAN)
May 22, 2004 to July 28, 2025
“Ronan” and I started on our more than 12 year journey together back in 2013. I was at a stage in my horsemanship career that I wanted a foundation bred Quarter Horse with a decent foundation of skills. Rescue horses and horses with problems/issues were a big part of my journey up to this point and I was a little burned out. I just wanted a horse that I could “polish up” a bit and enjoy. Enter “Ronan” a nine (9) year old gelding with an improperly treated leg injury that he got working in a cattle pen, one that might have limited his ability to trot/lope, who was overweight and “tuned out” a bit towards humans, but who still had “something special” in his eye. During our first meeting it was noted that he was not truly “partnered” with – not abused, but used like equipment (not uncommon in the horse world). He did not even know how to take a treat from your hand! We worked in the round corral, establishing a connection and our communication. It was like a “coffee date” where we were trying to figure out if we liked each other. I was “asking” for things as quietly as I could. He did is best to comply. Then we saddled up. Again I asked “quietly” for things and he tried his best. A bit heavy to respond (totally expected given his history) but willing to try. I dismounted, took off his tack, brushed him a bit and tried to give him a couple of treats. The seller said to me “You can’t bribe a horse.” I replied “Yes sir, but you can certainly romance one!” Another meeting was had to evaluate him, with the help of good friends, was done and the connection was hard to ignore. So our journey together began.
Together, we learned from one another, helped so many people with their horsemanship, competed (and won) in a variety of events such as trail trials, obstacle challenges, equestrian games of all kinds and more. We have pushed cattle, enjoyed cutting/sorting, tossed a rope, taught clinics all over the US, presented at Expos and spent hours (and miles) on the trail, ensuring that novices stayed safe. He entertained at “cowboy campfires”, represented the Quarter Horse breed at State Fairs and Expos. Ronan greeted incoming guests at a dude ranch resort and even helped with holiday celebrations IN the hotel lobby! He worked at a therapeutic horsemanship center helping veterans, first responders, PDSD patients, special needs individuals (both adult and children) and helped to heal the hearts and minds of many. He was the star of the Lucky Star Horsemanship program, helping to train and guide other horses and their humans to reach higher levels of performance and confidence. He starred in numerous videos! He gave so many lessons – from children like my niece at a young age to adults who wanted to “get back on a horse” but didn’t have an over-abundance of confidence – and represented the western horse in ways that words fail to fully describe. He made his rider feel safe, treated them like precious cargo. These are just a few of the MANY aspects, and cherished memories, of our journey together. He had a heart, spirit and a work ethic that was so very special. He became the bridge for so many people into the Art of Horsemanship. He was a guide, a teacher and even saved me from cougar, bear and rattle snake. He touched hearts, brought joy, shared courage, and elevated the awareness of true connection and communication to levels many had never experienced.
“Ronan” passed at 1:11pm on July 28, 2025. He was 21 years old. His passing was gentle even though the cause of his passing was not. I was with him, at his side the entire time. He knew he was not alone. He knew he was loved beyond the ability of mere words to describe. Everything possible was done to assist him. We all fought the good fight to the very last. Making “the call” was the most painful one I have ever made, yet it was the right thing to do in order to honor the many years, the many miles and the millions of smiles shared. His barn name “Ronan” was Gaelic for “noble warrior” and he embodied that to the very fullest. His passing leaves a huge hole in my heart and those that knew him, however long or briefly. Sometimes a soul touches the lives of those around it in the most quietly profound ways. Ronan was such a soul. He will be with me and those that knew him forever.
So I ask this: If you have horses in your life, know that you are blessed. Cherish each nicker, each mile and each moment you get to share with them. Learn, grow and become the best leader and partner you can. Remember that we are not “owners” we are “custodians and guardians” of a gift from God that gives us so very much. If you do not have horses in your life, try to learn from their nobility of spirit, their courage, their grace and their strength of heart. Strive to be the best version of yourself that you can.
If ever a horse gave you a moment you will never forget or has touched your life in some way that still resonates within you PLEASE do what you can support an organization that gives horses a second chance. I recommend HOPE FOR HORSES out of Fredericksburg, Virginia. The work they do there is astounding and inspirational.
Thank you for reading this far. May your trail be level, your saddle never slip and your horizon ever bright.
Lucky Star Horsemanship 