It is with great sadness I announce that my dear friend, Nancy J. Knutson, of Majestic Star Arabians has passed on.Nancy was a friend and an inspiration – not only as a breeder of fabulous Arabian Horses, but also with her integrity and honestly as a person.
I had the pleasure of meeting Nancy back in 1994.I had seen a photo of her colt, Rlinktoblue, in Wisconsin Horseman’s News and called her to find out more about him.We talked and talked on the telephone like old friends already!I purchased a breeding to Blue and the rest is history.
Nancy knew so much about pedigrees, it was astounding.She studied her horses and the horses she saw winning in the show ring and used that study to better her breeding program.Nancy shared all she knew with her clients and friends.I could bring up a horse I was interested in and once we started looking at pedigree, she could tell me what I would get if I crossed that horse a certain way.
It was a yearly treat for me and my family to visit Nancy and Steve.It was a several hour drive to their place, but it was always a fun trip.I would bring mares up for Nancy to breed to her stallions and we always delighted in seeing the foals that were produced.Soon the yearly trip was several times a year, and I always looked forward to having a great cup of coffee and some chocolate with Nancy as we chatted away about horses/breeding and showing.
When Innishfael Dragon was born (sired by Rlinktoblue), Nancy knew we had produced a winner.She was as excited about him as I was!She even showed him for me at the Minnesota Pinto Futurity show where he placed third in a large class of colts.She was thrilled when he went Top Ten at Scottsdale, and Reserve World Champion in Tulsa in 2005.In 2006, she asked if he could come stand at her farm as ours was not set up to stand a stallion yet .This was a wonderful offer, and I enjoyed my non-breeding season trips up to Nancy’s to visit Dragon there.
Nancy and I always talked about ‘somedays’.Someday, we were going to get a horse going Nationally.Someday, we were going to be the little guy that won.That kitchen of hers was filled with dreams and hope.
Sadly, Nancy’s ‘someday’ did not arrive.She became ill in February of 2009 with three different types of cancer.Finding out her diagnosis and prognosis spurred me to realize that you cannot wait for ‘someday’, you have to go out and DO it.The decision was made to see if we couldn’t get Innishfael Dragon ready in time to show at Pinto World 2009.Trainer Corey James was the key to making that dream come true.Not only did we go and show, we WON.Nancy got to see ME show MY horse and win a World Championship.Thank goodness for live feed at the World!We actually took Dragon into Five classes and came home with four championship/reserve championship buckles.
The little guy won!
I will never, ever forget the lesson that taught me.Nancy was an inspiration for so many things in my life and I will miss her dearly.
Friends, as you read this, if you can please say a prayer or send positive energy to Nancy’s family.I know Nancy is at rest and out of pain and will be watching over us.Our show season is going to be dedicated to Nancy, and we will see if the little guy can win once again for her.