| Achieva Charm, "Bunny" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Point Earner
Achieva Charm, or "Bunny", was an amazing animal. For the nine days I had her, she grew on me more than anyone could imagine. The day she stepped off the trailer on that long journey home was a day I will never forget. The minute she stepped off, she turned and looked at me like "you're my new owner, and i'm going to give you all I have and more". Just to work around her you felt comfortable. She had to touch whoever or whatever walked by her in the cross ties. And, she always put her head in your chest when you brushed her face. She was very caring and did whatever it took to make sure the people around her were safe. Her "motherly" instincs came in when you sat in the saddle. She knew her job and she knew she had to take care of you. Whenever you walked by her stall, she always put her nose up to the wire for you to give her a kiss, and once you did, she put her head back down to eat. She just wanted to make sure you were there. Even though we only had a couple of rides, they were the best rides of my life. I jumped her the day this all happend. She took you over the fences with ease, she knew what she had to do and was going to do it right. She never fought you about anything. She went into the ring with an "I can do anything" attitude. I thank you Bunny for all you taught me. Never will you be forgotten. Thank you for teaching me to appreciate the little things in life. | | Love you always, Courtney |
| Ask Asset, "Mojo" (Perished)
Congress Top Ten
I gave you a home and you gave me your heart. You have the purest soul I have ever known. I loved you with all my heart and you loved me unconditionally. You taught me far more than I did or could have ever taught you. You lifted by spirit everyday and brought hope into my life in times everything seemed hopeless. You were the greatest gift I could of ever ask for in my life. You were taken from me far too soon but the impressions you left on me will last a life time. I will forever miss you my best friend and the greatest joy in my life. Mojo, my Prince, my true love and passion you will be deeply missed. | | Love always, Anna |
| Beauty (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association foal sired by Sky Blue Walker
This beautiful foal of Maggie’s came into this barn by being born at 4:30 in the afternoon for all of the barn family to see. From that moment on she had everyone’s hearts and the treats (carrots the best!) they could bring to her and everyone was her personal back scratcher if they walked past her stall. Everyone saw the future in this sweet filly’s eyes. She is sadly missed by all and loved by everyone. Beauty is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for all. | | God Bless. Michele and Jimmy |
| Blue Sky Walker, "Calvin" (Perished)
Congress Top Ten
I have been associated with Arlene and Michele since 1972. At that time the barn was under the name of Hobby Hill Farm, and was run by Al and Arlene Kennerknect. Michele was a little girl at that time. Arlene and Al were my trainers and I learned a lot, as I was a backyard horse owner who got her first pony at five years old. My parents were really afraid of horses, but they still allowed me my passion of horses. There are only a couple of years that I have not had horses. My daughter, Cristina Topor-Burns was born in 1975, and has been involved with horses since then, as you can see by the pictures. It has been so great to share my love of horses with my daughter. We have been traveling and showing together for many years, and it has been so wonderful to be able to do this. Throughout the years we have had many horses with Arlene and Michele. They are both so compassionate and really love the horses. They have always taken such good care of all the horses. It is their life and I hope it still can be.
The horses that we have had throughout the years are: Tiny (Cristina’s first pony), Brownie, (a horse of mine that I learned saddle seat, jumping and western), Dee Dee (Cristina’s second pony, trained by Arlene), Sugar Joe Badger ( a quarter horse that Cristina showed), Cody’s Dandy Lad (a double registered AQHA & APHA, also trained by Arlene), Society Te (Cristina’s Horse, and the mother of two of our horses that were lost in the fire, Blue Sky Walker and Precious Artifacts), and Coosid (Christina’s 16 year old stallion that was lost in the fire). Blue Sky Walker (age 9) was bred and raised by us, trained by Arlene and Michele. Precious Artifacts (age 5) was also bred and raised by us and trained by Michele. She had just come home from training with Donna Lombardi-Seeley, in Pennsylvania
People have asked Cristina and I if we will get another horse. The answer is yes, will it ever be the same, no! You can’t replace great horses like that or our rapport with these horses. Everyone has lost so much in the fire. The material things don’t matter, but we can never replace the lost of our loved ones.
The number of people that have called to offer condolences or help has just been amazing, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of generosity from everyone. Our barn of people have pulled together as a family and want Arlene and Michele to be able to continue on in the horse business, as it has always been their life and always will be.
I will miss you always, Calvin and Lilly
| | Charline |
| Coosid, "Sparky" (Perished)
Congress Top Five
Seven years ago, Michele had me start riding Coosid. I really didn’t have an interest in jumping (I was CHICKEN!). A couple of months went by and we really made a strong connection. I was the only one he never “bucked off”. I felt safe with him. With the help and guidance from Michele and Arlene, my riding career has exceeded all my expectations (most everyone else’s, too!) I never thought I would have achieved Congress “Top Five”, “Superior Hunter Hack”, and “World Show Qualifying”. Coosid was a special horse with a quirky personality. Unlike most stallions, Coosid enjoyed interacting with children. Everyone loved him– he was a barn favorite.
I would like to thank Coosid, Michele (who is like a sister to me) and Arlene (who is like my second mother) for all the special memories I’ll have to treasure for the rest of my life. My next four legged friend will have big shoes to fill! | | Cristina |
| Guinness (Perished)
Hunter
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| Hail to the Chieva, "Maggie" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Brood Mare
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| I'm an Elegant Lady, "Ellie" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Point Earner
Ellie was very patient and tolerant in allowing me to teach her what she already knew. Six years of riding she has taught me how to adjust my style from riding a high strung, but loving thoroughbred, (Twohootsanaholler-deceased on 5/20/06) to a more relaxed riding technique. After a few years of training with my greatest mentor Arlene Kennerknecht, I finally learned the Quarter horse way. By using voice commands along a new style of riding aids, we developed a bond of communication and respect between us. To be able to develop and form a partnership with your equine friend through voice and eye contact, is the unique and effective way Arlene has to train horse and rider. I was only beginning to be enlightened to what Arlene has given her lifetime to develop. Jumping was probably one of Ellie’s greatest strengths. My up and coming challenge was to go further or should I say higher and I’m sure it led Ellie to thinking... finally! Whenever my ten year old daughter, Colette mounted Ellie, I always felt comfort in knowing she would take care of her. Maybe she knew of their future success in the show ring together. Ellie’s heart shape on her forehead was a symbol of the love she had from the inside out. She wanted to please those who were touched by her. I salute you Ellie for all your kindness and love. Always remember, I love you--- more. You will be forever in my heart. | | Your best friend, Mom |
| Iza Lucky Man, "Luke" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association, best friend on the trails
I was a (brand) new horse rider 16 years ago when I purchased Luke (he was 6). Arlene told me green & green make black & blue--That's True! Under Arlene's tutelage we learned to be safe, have fun, and become good friends on the trail.
Luke had many interests - unofficial greeter in the stable, as he had the first stall upon entering, competitive trail riding, and playing polo. While on the trail he always tried to explore the unbeaten path. Perhaps one of his finest attributes was finding water to drink. His favorite was Otter Creek or Hinckley Lake, but any stream or puddle would do.
Early in the days of our riding, he had many other horses and riders that helped him gain confidence on the trail. He recently had taken on that responsibility for others to learn from him.
We as members of Arlene and Michelle's stable will work together as a family to try and help them rebuild their life, which was centered around the care, training, and showing of horses. | | Dory |
| J.J. (Perished)
Appaloosa Hunter
Dear JJ,
You were the first horse I rode when I came to Burgundy Hill 2 ½ years ago at the tender age of 50. I didn’t realize what a bumpy ride horses were even when they walked. You were quite a stubborn guy when it came to working. I never imagined that a horse needed so many “bathroom breaks” while being ridden until I found out that was your way to get out of work.
The years flew by and when Legend was feeling lame Arlene wanted me to ride you again. Funny, your walk wasn’t bumpy at all any more. You trotted for me with a lot of gentle urging. And your cantor….Laura and Pam said that I looked the great on your back. You truly were like riding on a couch. Arlene told me that I was doing quite well and that it would only take a few more rides before we became a great team. We didn’t have that chance but I will always remember our first ride and our last.
| | Karen |
| Miss Hershey Chip, "Nutmeg" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Point Earner
Dear Nutmeg,
I loved you. You were the best horse anyone could ever ask for. We went to our first ever English shows together. You went on the rail and stuck there. You packed around and didn’t care about anything. You did it all, from western to English, the whole nine yards. You transferred from western showing to English showing with out a problem. Our favorite discipline was English, we made the perfect pair. We placed 5th out of 18 horses in Hunter Under Saddle at Fairway Farms, our first English show. You were the perfect, cutest, 14.2 hand pony you could ever ask for. Then we went to Herkimer, our second show, we placed 5th out of 20 in equitation. You were awesome in that tiny ring and didn’t care. You were the best show pony. You never were nasty and never tried to buck me off. I loved your registered name, Miss Hershey Chip. You stood on the cross ties and never budged. You loved it when I’d give you treats and give you a hug and kiss. I love you forever and always, forever and ever to the end. You left me with a wonderful memory of you. Good bye Nutmeg, rest in peace. This spring I will plant an apple tree over you so you can still enjoy your favorite treat. I love you.
Marvalous
Incredible
Special
Spectacular
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Heavenly
Elegant
Radiant
Sweet
Heart lifting
Enjoyable
Youthful
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Cheerful
Honest
Insightful
Perfect pony
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| | Love Katrina |
| One More Jane, "Jane" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Hunter
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| Peanut (Perished)
Standard Bred Hunter
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| Precious Artifacts, "Lilly" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Hunter
I have been associated with Arlene and Michele since 1972. At that time the barn was under the name of Hobby Hill Farm, and was run by Al and Arlene Kennerknect. Michele was a little girl at that time. Arlene and Al were my trainers and I learned a lot, as I was a backyard horse owner who got her first pony at five years old. My parents were really afraid of horses, but they still allowed me my passion of horses. There are only a couple of years that I have not had horses. My daughter, Cristina Topor-Burns was born in 1975, and has been involved with horses since then, as you can see by the pictures. It has been so great to share my love of horses with my daughter. We have been traveling and showing together for many years, and it has been so wonderful to be able to do this. Throughout the years we have had many horses with Arlene and Michele. They are both so compassionate and really love the horses. They have always taken such good care of all the horses. It is their life and I hope it still can be.
The horses that we have had throughout the years are: Tiny (Cristina’s first pony), Brownie, (a horse of mine that I learned saddle seat, jumping and western), Dee Dee (Cristina’s second pony, trained by Arlene), Sugar Joe Badger ( a quarter horse that Cristina showed), Cody’s Dandy Lad (a double registered AQHA & APHA, also trained by Arlene), Society Te (Cristina’s Horse, and the mother of two of our horses that were lost in the fire, Blue Sky Walker and Precious Artifacts), and Coosid (Christina’s 16 year old stallion that was lost in the fire). Blue Sky Walker (age 9) was bred and raised by us, trained by Arlene and Michele. Precious Artifacts (age 5) was also bred and raised by us and trained by Michele. She had just come home from training with Donna Lombardi-Seeley, in Pennsylvania
People have asked Cristina and I if we will get another horse. The answer is yes, will it ever be the same, no! You can’t replace great horses like that or our rapport with these horses. Everyone has lost so much in the fire. The material things don’t matter, but we can never replace the lost of our loved ones.
The number of people that have called to offer condolences or help has just been amazing, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of generosity from everyone. Our barn of people have pulled together as a family and want Arlene and Michele to be able to continue on in the horse business, as it has always been their life and always will be.
I will miss you always, Calvin and Lilly
| | Charline |
| Robin Maida Lady, "Lady" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Point Earner
We had our ups and downs but she and I were “bound at the wrists and ankles” for life and I made the promise that she would stay with me forever. A friend this year commented that she had matured nicely. This is a tribute to a good friend who didn’t always behave but was always sorry when she was wrong. I hope she is running like the wind in greener pastures and sunshine. | | Tina |
| Royal Riva, "Grey Boy" (Perished)
World Show Top Ten
To my horse, who I waited 11 years to own: I tried to buy you as a 2 year old, and then again 4 years later, to finally have you– thanks to Ann Manion who brought us together. If ever there is a horse I loved to ride; it was you, if only to walk in the field for “our” time, I loved every minute with you. | | Michele and Jimmy |
| Sidney (Perished)
Pleasure Horse
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| Sioux Per Dude, "Dude" (Perished)
Appaloosa Point Earner Trail &Lesson Horse
The day I met Dude, I knew he was going to be something special. Boy, was I mistaken. He was a miracle. I never thought I would get the chance to ride him, but I still gladly watched him and became close friends with him. When I did get the chance to ride, it was complete love the second I sat on his back. We had our ups and downs, one of which landed me in the hospital, but I never gave up faith in him and him I. You taught me so much Dude, I'll never be able to express how much I love you and miss you. Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.(The act of moving should have never been invented) I know I wasn't around much the last 3 years, but you were one of the top things on my mind, I wish I could have stayed in better contact, I would have loved to see you go to shows, make sure someone was treating you the way you deserve. Sweet Boy, you'll always be in my heart. You'll always be my right hand man, no one and nothing will ever be able to fill this huge hole you've left in my heart, the years with you had been the best, and thank you for taking care of me in my first little schooling show and during our one bad fall. Thank you so much Dude, for teaching my everything you did, and for always being there when I was feeling down. Fran, my heart goes out to you, I am so sorry... Thank you though, for giving me the chance to work with your amazing horse. Dude, may you rest with all my love. | | All my love forever, Carly |
| Smuggles Encoriva, "Oscar" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Hunter
My clown of the barn and freshest spirit for life, to you every time out was as if it was the first time to play. Run and play forever in eternity. | | Michele |
| Starriva, "Star" (Perished)
Congress Top Ten
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| Sultans Destiny, "Royal" (Perished)
Arabian Show Horse
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| Surenuff Jick, "Jack" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Point Earner/ Empire State Quarter Horse Association All Around Youth
The day I first met you I knew that you were the one. I was only interested in you, “the big red horse” hanging your head over the stall door. I held your sweet face in my hands and said “this is the one”. You were the best first horse any girl could ask for. You were always kind, patient, talented and beautiful. I’m so sorry that you are gone. You taught me, and brought me so much love and happiness. Growing up having a horse like you has made me into the person I am today. You helped mold me and I will forever be grateful to have known you. I will miss every wonderful moment I had with you, my Jack, my Jackson. | | Love Always, Anna |
| Twirling Dervish, "Charlie" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Hunter
My Dearest Charlie,
I love you with all my heart. I miss you dearly. I wish you didn’t have to leave so soon, but everything happens for a reason. I remember you looking for me with your gentle eyes and perky face. You’ve helped me advance in riding, and I greatly thank you for that. You allowed me to soar. You made everyday worth getting up for in the morning. You successfully bounced back to work with me twice. I love how you carefully took care of me on the ground, and when I’m on your back. Your tiger-striped face is what I looked forward to seeing everyday. You made me smile and laugh every day. Your rolling habit truly made me laugh. You are the only horse I know who will lay down the whole time he’s turned out and sun bathe. Charlie, I love you and miss you. I will miss brushing off the endless amounts of sawdust in your mane, in your wraps and on your blanket. I wish we could have showed together, but I believe it was for the best. You are my best friend. My Appendix Quarter Horse. My racehorse. My show horse. My favorite horse to talk to. My hunter, jumper. My pet. My Charlie. My life.
PS You are the brightest part of my day. Visit anytime. | | Love, Kate |
| Uri Quandaries, "Que" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Hunter/Western Pleasure
I have loved Que ever since I started riding him. He was always special. I am going to miss the sound of his teeth grinding together on the cross ties. The first time I rode him I thought that he was a stubborn horse. But with each lesson I found that there was something special about him. I loved the way that he would always look at me when I went to his stall to get him. I loved his personality. I thought that each lesson that we had together we each grew stronger and better. We were both a great team. I will remember when we went to fairway together and won the jumping straight rails. He wasn’t mine but he was a special horse to me. He will always be my favorite horse and my best memory of Burgundy Hill.
My favorite memory of Que is the time he escaped from me. It was one of my first lessons with him and I thought I just got to know him. But what always puzzled me was that why were people always calling him Houdini. One day I found out. I couldn’t find a lead for him so I just lead by his halter to the cross ties. When we go there I couldn’t reach the clip to tie him. I let go of him to get the cross tie and when I turned around he was gone! I saw him trotting out the front door and he was going outside. The first thing I thought of was MICHELE IS GOING TO KILL ME! I could hear Char yell “LOOSE HORSE” as she was riding. I ran outside to catch him. My face was a pale as pale could be. In the end, we all laughed! (And Michele killed no one)(PHEW!) | | Carissa Bishop |
| Vanna (Perished)
Arabian Show Horse
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| Zippity Zulu, "Zoie" (Perished)
American Quarter Horse Association Point Earner
Burgundy Hill is like a second home to me. It was a place where I could go and have a good time. I made the best of the best friends and I knew the best horses. They're loveable and caring...both of them. I wouldn't trade the horses and my friends for anything. It's a great experience owning your own horse. I owned my own horse. Her name was Zoie. She was loveable, caring, and a beautiful mover. Zoie was a great horse for little kids that are starting to ride. She was amazing....she was such a good horse at shows whether she was scared or not. She loved everyone whether she knew them or not. Although she may be gone she is in all of our memories. Michele and Arlene are awesome. They are trainers I wouldn't trade for anything.
Zoie
Irrisistable
Precious
Pretty
Incredible
Terrific
Young
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Zany
Unique
Lovable
Unbelievable
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-Sam
Thank you for the countless hours you and my daughter spent together, she will never ever forget what a beautiful horse you were. We will never forget the joy on her face when we said "she's all yours" she signed her name on that dotted line that said owner with pride and joy! We have so many memories of the two of you, we wil never forget you, you are in our hearts forever. Thank you for taking care of my daughter when you were together. We miss you dearly! | | Carmen & Gina |
| Captivating Silence, "Breeze" (Survived)
American Quarter Horse Association Point Earner
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| Carolina Grace, "Carolina" (Survived)
Hunter Show Horse
Carolina is now continuing her recovery at home after being treated at the Equine Hospital at Cornell University. Thank you to all the veterinary professionals who helped her pull through this tragedy. | |
| Clark's Rockin Robin, "Robin" (Survived)
American Quarter Horse Association Point Earner
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| Consider Chocolate, "Chip" (Survived)
American Quarter Horse Association Point Earner
I have been riding with Michele and Arlene since 1979. The people, and the horses, that I have spent all of these years with have become my friends, my family, and my teammates. Riding and working with horses has taught us all some very valuable lessons, most of which have carried over into our everyday lives. We learned to be patient, strong, compassionate, and goal-oriented. We learned to be responsible and organized. We learned to be tough and persevering; when we fall off our horses, we get back on. In the same way, when we suffer a setback in life, we get up, brush ourselves off, wipe our tears, and “get back on the horse.” Arlene and Michele, and our horses, have taught us that it’s o.k. to be afraid. It’s not o.k. to quit! We learned that we are capable of doing things that we didn’t think we were capable of. A running joke in the barn is that Michele’s response for everything is either, “Do it again.” or “You’ll be fine.” When we have not achieved our best, no matter how sweaty and tired we are, we hear, “Do it again.” When she puts the fences up another notch or two, and sees the hesitant (o.k., scared!) looks on our faces, she says, “You’ll be fine.” My heart hurts as I watch my friends, my teammates, struggle through this loss. We often come up against odds that seem insurmountable, as this may seem now. I have only these words to offer: We are staring down a big obstacle right now. We’re scared and hurting and this all seems overwhelming and impossible. We are, however, some of the toughest people I know. We’ll be fine. | | Melissa |
| Copper Princess, "Pinky" (Survived)
Appendix Show Horse
I started riding with Arlene at Hobby Hill Farm 24 years ago. During all those years of unyielding youth I can remember the one time Arlene really yelled at me. I was eleven and riding my beautiful chestnut mare Pinky. I carelessly uttered the forbidden phrase “I can’t” after the fifteenth time Pinky refused to jump over a fence. Anybody who rides with Arlene knows better than to say those two words! Arlene would tolerate just about anything else. At one point I think we had over 30 stray cats and kittens, two spitting llamas, a cow saved from slaughter, a goat that ate my tack, ex-race horses that always had to gallop through anything resembling a gate, multiple abandoned horses, horses that required at least three types of grain and four supplements a day, and the occasional lonely kid who had no one else to spend time with on a summer afternoon. All of those things were part of Arlene’s daily life at Hobby Hill, and were apparently quite tolerable. What I learned as Arlene yelled at me that day was that the one thing she wouldn’t tolerate was quitting. I look back over four years of college, four years of medical school, one year of research, and my current schedule as a resident working 80-120 hours per week, and I see countless obstacles. There were times when I would come home and wonder when I would finally accept that enough was enough, but I never gave in to the negative thoughts. Sure, I understood many years ago that there was a very good chance that Pinky wasn’t going to go over that fence perfectly, and that tomorrow I’m probably not going to cure every sick child I see at work, but I’m grateful for the time that Arlene spent teaching me that I have to keep trying. Thank you, Arlene. We aren’t going to give up until we help you rebuild your farm either. | | Lissie |
| Couger Lark, "Couger" (Survived)
World ShowTop Ten
Couger is without a doubt the most intelligent horse I have ever met. He has exceled in every discipline he has ever entered- driving, trail, hunters, hunter hack, equitation, halter. If there ever was a horse who lived for competition, it is Couger. He taught me so much; and gave me the confidence to compete at higher levels. Riding Couger is always a lesson; sit up and he will show you where the right distance is for a fence, where to change your lead, where to turn for a jump, and anything else he thinks you need to know. One of the most important things I have learned from him is to be proud of your hard work and enter the show ring like you're the winner. Thank you Arlene and Michele for the opportunity to know and work with this phenomenal creature. | | Liz |
| Quinarius Legend, "Legend" (Survived)
American Quarter Horse Association/PBHA Point Earner
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| Rock Abye John, "Rocky" (Survived)
American Quarter Horse Association Point Earner
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| Royal Thunder Coast, "Thunder" (Survived)
Pinto/Miniature Point Earner- Jumper
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| The Handyman, "CR" (Survived)
American Quarter Horse Association Point Earner
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