InvestersChip

Great Stories Everyone!

InvestersChipInvesters Chip, aka “Clarence,” pictured with Bonnie Sue KalmarAfter posting about Kat and her unique barn name, I’ve gotten several emails and messages about the cool names my followers’ horses have, and I just wanted to share some of my favorites with you!

Perhaps the most inspirational message I received was from Bonnie Sue Kalmar, of St. Clair, Michigan. Bonnie purchased Investers Chip as a 2-year-old and instantly fell in love with him. She turned to the gelding’s registration papers for inspiration when it was time to pick a barn name, and noticed he was bred in Bedford, Indiana.

Bonnie let the creative juices flow, and that took her mind to the fictional town of Bedford Falls. Much like myself, Bonnie is a huge fan of Christmas, and her favorite holiday move is “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which is set in Bedford Falls. She decided to nickname her gelding “Clarence,” after the “simple and cheerful guardian angel who convinces George Bailey to live again.”

If only Bonnie had known how truly meaningful that name would be for her.

Years later, Bonnie went through a tumultuous journey as she tried to cope with her late boyfriend’s suicide. And who was there to support her at every turn? Clarence. “A lot of mindless riding happened that cold winter,” she said, “but Clarence was right there ready to win again in the spring and many springs thereafter.”

Thanks for sharing, Bonnie. What an incredible story. I’m so glad you’ve had your four-legged guardian angel to carry you through.

Chad Newton emailed me about his 2-year-old mare named Confederate Cat. He calls her “Rebel,” and as a native Virginian, I couldn’t help but smile. My great uncle, Cpl. George DuPont Old, served in the Jackson Greys, Company A of the 61st Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, during the Civil War.

Way to keep American history alive, Chad! And if I’ve piqued your interest, you can read more about the monument dedicated to my great uncle’s regiment here.

The last creative name I’ll share with you today came from Roseann Tode, of Metamora, Michigan. She has a 16-year old bay gelding whose registered name is On A Cattle Drive.

Staying true to his official name, Roseann calls her gelding, who has $3,623 in earnings on his Equi-Stat record, “Drover.” I was instantly drawn to this fun nickname because it’s the character Hugh Jackman plays in “Australia.” Hugh is my favorite actor, and this might be my favorite of his movies.

I’m feeling full of inspiration now, which is good because I just bought a new 2-year-old filly. Stay tuned to find out what I decide to name her!

Read my post, “What’s In A Name?” about Kat and her unique barn name here