Hall of Fame Trainer Marty Mueller Celebrates 96th Birthday
Friday, February 29, 2008
Friends gather to help Marty Mueller celebrate his birthday.
(left to right) Rob Tanner, Tom Bombolis, Mike McIntosh,
Merrill Murray, (front row) Jim McIntosh and Marty Mueller.
by Sandra McIntosh
It was a special day in French Lick, Indiana. It was Marty Mueller’s ninety-sixth birthday and a group of the trainers that this remarkable horseman inspired and guided joined together to present him with a special gift. These trainers that Marty calls “his boys and one girl” (Tom Bombolis, Kim Cowart, Jim McIntosh, Mike McIntosh, Merrill Murray, Danny Musselman and Bob Ruxer) commissioned James Walls to do a drawing of Marty’s ride on The Rambler.
Mr. Walls immediately became involved in the spirit of the gift with these words. “I grew up with the images of Marty on his great horses, and they were a major influence in my becoming an artist, so it's the highest of honors to know that he'll have this portrait.”
A breathtaking charcoal of The Rambler with Marty Mueller up was created by the talented Mr. Walls. “The Ride” as the drawing is titled was presented to Marty during the party that was hosted by Marty’s daughter, Sherry Smith. A small book containing comments that Mr. Walls made throughout the process of the drawing and Marty’s memory and words describing the ride was also given to Marty. Marty’s family, friends and many of those he mentored were on hand to enjoy and to celebrate this special day with him. Memories filled the day with horsemen’s stories and laughter. All those who know Marty will agree that the years haven’t changed him.
With a twinkle in his eyes and smile on his face it was a typical Marty Mueller moment as he summed up the day with these words. “Damn, I never thought I would live to be this old!”
That’s Marty Mueller, the legend, the horsemen’s horseman and the real deal.
|