Equine Obituary - I’m Prestigious
Monday, November 7, 2005
The big red, popular, and expressive juvenile show pleasure horse who loved to show, I’m Prestigious - more fondly known as “Wally” - passed away October 30 at the age of 19 after suffering multiple strokes. When he quietly lay down and passed on, his head cradled by owner Leanna Hanika, he was surrounded by people who truly loved and cared for him including his trainers Les Corbett, Troy and Brenda Corbett, owners Linda and Leanna Hanika, and vet Dr. Robert Fleck.
Born in 1986, I’m Prestigious was bred by Silver Brook Stables. By Nelson County, a Supreme Sultan son, and out of a daughter of CH Courageous Admiral, there was no question that “Wally” was bred to be a show horse. He was first purchased by John Owens and shown by son Tuffy with Rick Wallen as trainer.
In 1993 Alan and Ginger Failor were ready to buy a new horse for their daughter Megan and sent their trainer, Les Corbett, east to the Tattersalls Fall Sale to find a horse. When “Wally” went through Les knew this was the right horse for the Failors. To their delight they were the high bidders on this grand gelding and brought him back home to Washington. Megan showed “Wally” successfully for four years in park and equitation in the northwest under the guidance of Les Corbett.
In 1997 Megan was off to school, and the Failors sold “Wally” in the barn to Muriel Pederson for her granddaughter Jodi to show in juvenile show pleasure and show pleasure driving, the divisions he would remain in the rest of his show career. In 2001 Jodi moved to the three-gaited division. “Wally” was up for sale, and again the Corbetts had a young rider that would fit him perfectly.
In the winter of 2001 Linda and Rick Hanika purchased “Wally” for their daughter Leanna who had graduated that year from 10 & under walk and trot, showing one of Corbett Stables school horses. They did quite well that first year together; Leanna received NWSA overall high point youth rider, as well as 13 and under equitation high point, and “Wally” was High Point Juvenile Show Pleasure Horse of the year.
Leanna and “Wally” became an extraordinary team. They repeated their year-end NWSA high points in 2003 and 2004.
“Wally” went on teaching more students and was able to be shown at two shows this year, NWSA Fall Classic being his last appearance in the show ring, taking reserve grand champion in the country pleasure driving class in his always showy and cocky way with Leanna’s sister Rebecca making her show ring debut.
That is the way I’m Prestigious will be remembered, a great champion. He was loved by all and everyone will remember the big red gelding that consistently gave his all in the show ring for his juvenile riders. He touched many people’s lives. We appreciate everything he has taught us and he will be missed dearly by all.
Letter to “Wally” from Leanna
“Wally”,
You are forever in my heart. Thank you for two undefeated seasons in juvenile show pleasure. A one-of-a-kind team we were. For your patience and strength that you gave, your unforgettable attitude like the show ring is yours. You will always be first in my heart. May greener pastures and pattern trees be in your retirement in Heaven.
Love,
Leanna
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