Equine Obituary - RWC Locomotion
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Locomotion the multi champion Hackney Roadster Pony died at the age of 36, in the arms of his owner and show partner Laura Logan on January 8, 2016. Loci as he was called by his family and large circle of friends and fans, was foaled at Jim Knight’s pony farm April 15, 1980. He was a wild, talented, tough and very energetic pony. Jim Knight showed him as Harness Pony, earning a Reserve Championship in the UPHA Classics at Oklahoma City. Following this class he was sold to Peter Archer. After a Harness Pony Reserve at the Illinois State Fair, his wild ways created a brief career change to become a “racing pony” with mechanical jockeys.
Jim Knight reacquired him and sold him to the stellar pony training team of Seneker and Davenport. John Seneker was able to focus his wildness and energy to become a Reserve World Champion Roadster Pony. He still had tendencies to run off, which made working him an exciting event. John Seneker and Lenard Davenport matched their ponies to the owners and John decided that Laura Logan would be Loci’s partner. It was an immediate match of personality and talent from the test drive through the 30 years of love, excitement and fun shared by the two. Upon the retirement of John Seneker, Loci went to live with Laura at her Windhaven Farm. Laura trained him herself and enlisted friends to serve as moving cross-ties to hitch him since he would not stand to be hitched. His running off tendency made this always stressful at the horse shows.
Loci and Laura went on to become “THE” Roadster Pony pair in the tough Midwest/Missouri circuit of the 1990’s and early 2000’s. He was personality plus and very dynamic with his perfect headset and white legs. He had many fans who loved to cheer on the “pink and black” pony team and the louder the cheers and crowd noise the better he liked it and would just continue to get bigger with each pass. The only way Loci knew how to show was giving it his all at 110%. He loved to show off for his adoring fans. After his show classes Loci always strutted back to the barn, he knew he was hot stuff and liked to make sure everyone knew it. If he had people to watch and clap, Loci continued to put on a show!
His winning’s and top ribbons included the Kentucky State Fair (Reserve World Champion), Missouri State Fair (Amateur or Open) Champion for 10 years, Midwest Charity, Illinois State Fair, Ohio State Fair, Pin Oak, Boone County, Mid-America Charity, Longview Charity, UPHA Chapter 5 and the American Royal.
After his retirement, Loci provided pony cart rides and horse therapy to many family and friends. Laura was still the only one who could drive him because he ran off if he felt anyone else on the lines. Loci resided at Touchstone Farm for the latter part of his life with the loving care of Michael Graham and Greg Haston.
Loci celebrated his 30th and 35th birthdays with his large extended family and circle of friends. They all shared his life with love and support. The birthday parties at the barn spotlighted Loci showing off and impressing everyone, still showing athleticism and ability. He pranced out of his stall everyday with the “it’s a great day and I get to work” attitude. He just made you feel good and special to be around him.
He was a member of the family recognizing his special people, waiting at the front of his stall with his eyes bright and ears up, especially when he heard Laura’s voice. He loved grooming, jogging, trail walking, being turned out or eating grass, while nudging and searching pockets for carrots and peppermints.
Loci was a special pony in and out of the show ring; he will be missed and forever live on in the hearts and memories of Laura Logan, his extended family (Touchstone and Windhaven) and his many fans. He has joined so many of the greats at the heavenly horse shows and still doing his fabulous road gait to adoring crowds. Yea Boy Locomotion!!
|