On November 17, we bid a sad farewell to a faithful friend, Multicolour Bud. Bud was slowly deteriorating with Wobbler’s Disease and we didn’t want to see him suffer. A fall on ice and the winter weather could have proved devastating so we gave him the final gift: quick and painless release.

Bud was born in April 1990 on the farm of Jim and Monica Bishop. When I met this remarkable stallion in 1995 I didn’t even like Pintos, but Bud’s stunning markings and flashy movement changed my mind. Bud showed his fearless disposition when we were able to harness break him in two days to prepare for the Battle of the Breeds tryouts in 1996. From 1996 to 2007 Bud proudly represented the Saddlebred breed with me at the Spruce Meadows Masters. This incredible athlete was a crowd favourite placing first numerous times in Precision Driving, Trail and Jumping.

Through the generosity of the Bishops, I was able to take Bud home and call him my own a few years after we moved. Over the years Bud has carried me safely over miles of trails, taught many children the art of vaulting and pulled various wagons and sleighs with enthusiasm. He carried a bride to the altar and drove a man to his final resting place. Bud even had a TV appearance pulling wagons on the CBC show On the Road Again. The producer commented that he was one of the most reliable horses he had seen on the show. Bud had the kindest eye in the world. He was a gentle babysitter for weanlings and kept herd order without being mean. Please join me in remembering the good times with my friend Bud.