Just heard that dear old Christa, my friend Lisa's ex NH racer with the heart of a lion was pts with a brain tumour today aged 30.
Christa was definitely a larger than life character - I could lead Jen out on her or pony Safi and she'd be an angel...or she'd be the mad as a bucket of frogs TB who reared backwards into ditches, cleared the walkways at Risboro show with a rodeo display, leapt five ft hedges whether you wanted to or not, always jogged home etc. Not a ride for the faint hearted, but boy oh boy she was the best XC / hunter I've ever ridden and such FUN
I'll never forget the fact that you had to wear dresses if you wanted to catch her to ride...one sniff of a pair of jods and you wouldn't see her for dust, she'd let you chase her round and when you gave up in disgust and went back to the gate she'd meekly follow you, flutter her big cow eyes as if to say "oh ..you want me???'
Christa was dam of my first horse Tikki and I only bought Safi after trying to put her to Diabo and she wouldn't take because of an ovarian problem. Such a shame, I know she'd have bred another stunning foal.
Last remaining member of the little gang of lovable rogues that was Safi, Merlin and Christa, it's so sad that we lost all three in the space of a year.
Run free Bucket - knowing you, you'll be a galloping, bucking, kicking and a squealing all the way over the bridge till you find your friends.
