On November 11th, my husband and I, along with our son, drove to J&M Acres in Maple Ridge, to say “Hello” to Crystal. Crystal was quiet and inquisitive and soaked in all of the attention we brought for her.   We took Crystal for a quick test-ride down the road, to nearby Horseman’s Park.  Just as stated on Facebook, she was at ease in the traffic that we encountered along the way.    We then decided to try her out at home .

We brought her home November 16th and our other horses: Earl, Phlair, and Kayla, accepted the new arrival without even a flick of a tail.  I am eternally grateful for this, as  this introduction stage can be a rather nail biting, sit on the edge of your seat kinda thing …

A few days went by and it was easily decided that she was here to stay.  She is such a sweet tempered, well mannered horse….how in the world did she end up at a stockyard auction?  So, I sat myself in front of my computer to see what I could research on this wonderful mare, starting with her tattoo number.

Crystal has an interesting past.  Her official name is Hurricane Linda.  Foaled April 21, 1996 in Kentucky with lineage that traces back to Secretariat, and Northern Dancer.  Her winnings at the various racetracks in the United States totalled $108,890.  She was purchased at a claiming race for $50,000 in 1999, by a couple that were later charged with California’s largest vault theft of 12.8 million dollars.  As these charges went to court, all the horses involved with this couple were in limbo until they could be sold at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2001.  Crystal was sold at this auction for $26,000 to another racehorse trainer in California, and that is the last piece of information I am able to find.  How did she come to Canada and end up where she did?  Who knows?    But what I do know is that she will be forever loved, cared for and treasured at her new home. 

Thank you J&M acres for providing me such a gem.

Happy Trails

Margaret Jones