MY VAQUERO
by Donna Irvin
Sharon Camarillo Classic 2006
After a heavy summer rodeo schedule, I was really looking forward to the fall season competing on Vaquero at the Sharon Camarillo Eastern Classic and the Quarter Horse Congress. On the evening of October 6th, after making a very good 1st Go run at the Eastern Classic, I had a very eerie dream that Vaquero died.
saddle in memory of Vaquero
The next day he made an outstanding run in the 2nd Go moving into the 1D. He bled after the run. On Friday, October 13th he passed away at home in his stall. It was a tragic loss of a young horse that was destined to be outstanding. He was the most challenging and talented horse that I have ever trained. We had a connection that I will never be able to explain and he has left a void that I am not sure will ever be filled. The following is canvas artwork commissioned by Sharon Camarillo and done by Denise Calef of ProSportsPixOnline in memory of Vaquero.
Vaquero will be memorialized with an award at the Sharon Camarillo Classics, for the Junior Horse Barrel Race. He was an inspiration to me as a great athlete and I hope his memory will help inspire you as you work with and train with your own equine partners.