The Equalizer

I Remember...
Contributed by Jaquie Peters

...a phone call (once only) in the middle of the day saying, "Mum, I've found a horse." (somehow the word was in capital letters, and festooned with ribbons and flowers.)

...a horse who was not capable of an "ordinary" trot.

...a horse whose talent was only exceeded by his courage and honesty, galloping joyously over the beautiful Advanced course at Wild Horse Valley Ranch in California.

...hearing people say, "Who is this?" when he won Medium Four Championships in his first season of dressage.

...a long gray face and neck, devoid of ears, snaking out over a stall door until someone would stop and pay him attention.

...a horse who, when Joni left the warmup ring, would watch intently for her return, his head at full attention, his groom dangling by the lead shank.

...a horse who always recognized and acknowledged his fans with raised head and pricked ears.

...his silver presence under the spotlight in the darkened Agrodome as he danced through his freestyle.

...THE EQUALIZER (Snake) 1984 - March 27, 2002.

Lovingly remembered and missed by Joni Lynn and
Jacquie Peters
 

The Equalizer was purchased as a three year old as an eventing prospect. He and Joni went on to compete in major Three Day Event competitions both in Canada and in the U.S. resulting in being named to the Canadian Three Day Event Team in 1995.

Joni has had many successes with several different horses but it was The Equalizer that helped her in her decision for a career change, barely breaking stride before achieving wonderful things in the Dressage ring. Truly a remarkable horse that earned a listing first on the Eventing Team and then was short listed to the Dressage Team in 1998-1999.

The Equalizer's illustrious Dressage accomplishments resulted in him meeting the criteria necessary to compete in the Pan American Games Selection Trials. Unfortunately they were not able to compete due to injury.

The following year The Equalizer was back with many prestigious wins, including the Open Freestyle Invitational at the Pacific Classic Horse Show, Advanced Champion at Amherst, Advanced Champion and Intermediare Freestyle at Touch of Class to mention just a few. His Freestyle set to classical music brought tears to the eyes of many. He and Joni graciously gave demonstrations that brought people from all over to marvel at this wonderful pair. True ambassadors of the sport.

In 2001 The Equalizer was retired and enjoyed a short but very happy retirement. He passed peacefully. He has left behind a lifetime of memories. We all feel Joni's loss of the partner that helped her become the rider she is today.

Contributed by Cathie Cross

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