Laid to rest earlier this year, Lynn Palm affectionately remembers Rugged Painted Lark. In a tribute to Bruce, featured in Blaze Magazine’s Horse Heroes, Lynn shared a Letter to her Friend. Read on for her touching tribute and how she is keeping his memory alive.
Dear Bruce,
From the day you were born, you were so special. You were the first tobiano paint son of the famous Quarter Horse stallion, Rugged Lark! Right then, Heidi Burkhalter and I knew that we had to be the ones to guide your training and hopeful breeding career.
In 25 years, you did not disappoint, becoming a Breyer model, coverboy, tv personality, entertainer, champion and exceptional sire. As you raced through your early training, retaining your lessons just like your Dad, you even learned how to rope cows! Later, you were my partner in entertaining thousands of fans during our bridleless musical exhibitions all over the country and during RFDTV and HorseTV shows.
It makes my heart happy that you we were able to showcase your Western Dressage training at the FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha, NE, and two years later to be judged at the Western Dressage Association of America’s World Championship Show going out a Champion at your first and only competitive appearance at 22 years young.
Our last event together was Equitana USA and as usual, you were a superstar. We always knew it was meant to be that you would represent so much to the horse world and go on to sire some great babies throughout your travels. And being chosen as a Breyerfest Celebration horse truly celebrated you!
We miss seeing you every day, but we know that you are happily reunited with your number one fan, Heidi Burkhalter, your Dad, Rugged Lark, your sister, Sheza Painted Lark, and your brother, Larks Painted Dinero. We know all our painted angels are watching over us.
Love always, Lynn
PS I will keep signing your photos and Breyers so that others can enjoy you as much as I have!
In celebration of Rugged Painted Lark and his memory, Lynn will autograph the few remaining 2007 Breyer Celebration models. To order a personalized Breyer go to http://bit.ly/3hpobtD. Use code ANGEL for special savings.
Lynn Palm
Palm’s career highlights include 2007 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Horsewoman of the Year, a record four AQHA Superhorse wins, AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year by the Women’s Athletic Association, named one of the top United States clinicians by Horse & Rider magazine, over 34 AQHA World and Reserve World Champions, 14 WDAA World and Reserve World Championships and over 50 bridleless dressage exhibitions at events including the National Horse Show, 1989 World Cup and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and World Cup. Palm is co-founders of three horse industry companies: Palm Equestrian Academy, Women LUV Horses, and Winning Ways with western Dressage. Palm is the author of The Rider’s Guide to Real Collection and Your Complete Guide to Western Dressage.
About Cyril Pittion-Rossillon
Pittion-Rossillon hails from Paris, France, where he earned his Riding Master Degree from the French National Equestrian School. With his extensive equine background and thirty years of experience, Cyril brings an ideal background to his instructor duties. His credentials include: Trained under members of French Olympic Team • French Junior Jumper Circuit • French Open Jumper Circuit (Levels 5 and 6) • Eventing Preliminary Division • AQHA & USEF Hunter Division • USEF Competition Youth & Amateur Coach• USDF Coach from Training Level to FEI Grand Prix • WDAA World and Reserve World Champion Coach • Co-Director and Instructor Palm Equestrian Academy
Contact:
Palm Equestrian Academy
352.362.7847
generalinfo@lynnpalm.com