In loving memory
Conversano Blanca I
May 15, 1984 - October 14, 2008
Sire: Conversano II Erica (Tempel Farms) Dam: 251 Blanca (Tempel Farms)

Our hearts are breaking; all our love couldn't save him despite the best efforts of Equine Medical and our desperate prayers and wishes.

I called Leslie, at school in New York, and held the phone up to Blanca's ear while between sobs, she told him goodbye and how much she loved him.

It was just after midnight at Equine Medical when Stef, Dr. Bunn, Blanca and I walked out of the clinic into a rare balmy night under a full moon to the field next to the clinic.

The tree frogs and crickets were singing, and we could see the silhouettes of deer grazing peacefully in the tall grass. The light of the full moon cast a silver glow on the field, radiating off of Blanca's white coat and magnifying his majestic presence. Stef and I hugged and pet him as Dr Bunn gave him the injections, telling him what a great horse he was and how much we loved him.  He passed peacefully and quickly.

The three of us sat with Blanca for almost an hour afterwards. We talked about his life and funny things he did, Stef and I hugging and kissing him, stroking his face and neck and crying as we held him.

Blanca the Wonder Lipizzan was everlastingly kind, a sweet soul, Drama Queen, and lively character who loved the spotlight and was always the gentleman, careful with us even while he was dancing and leaping about. He filled our hearts with joy, and we were privileged and blessed to be partners with him for eight years.

Blanca, we love you forever. We treasure our memories of you, smiling through tears as we remember the wonderful times we had together. Thank you for being such a patient and loving teacher. We miss kissing your nose and hugging your neck. We miss your dive for the bridle to get sugar with your bit, your "eat first, find out whether it's edible later" approach, your big black Lipizzan eyes which communicated so clearly your feelings, and a thousand other things that made you so special to us. There is no replacement for the love you emanated and your unfaltering sweetness. There is a quiet dark place in our hearts that will take a long time to heal. - - - love, leslie & jorie

"A thousand times I have thought that I am in love with you - oh, what madness! When God created man he used mud, but when it came to making you, the legend says that he used pure air. The air blows, dispels, moves away, but you are forever coming closer to me.  When I stroke you, you follow me.  When I kiss you, you gaze into my eyes.  When I try to correct you, you understand.  How is it possible that God made you so marvelous! As in the Apocalypses, you were and are the 'white horse', the first vanquisher." - Alvaro Domecq Diez

Music: "He Lays in the Reins" - lyrics and info at bottom of page. Refresh page to listen again; sorry - no "on" or "off" button; just turn down volume if desired.

Click here to see article "How Our Lipizzan Chose Us" (pdf)          

Oct.12, 2008: The day before Blanca colicked. I had no idea that this would be the last time I'd turn Blanca out in his paddock, and tell him that I loved him and would see him tomorrow.
24 hours later we were headed to Equine Medical.