Every once in a while, a life can be redefined by an event, person, or in this case, an animal. I don't think Bartley set out to redefine me, exactly, but when she saw the opportunity, she made it her mission to make a horseman out of me. Lord knows I needed it!

Bartley came to us via the September 2008 Grass Valley Draft Horse Classic, where Sonya happened to spy her standing there just looking so pretty. She was for sale and Sonya made an immediate connection with her. We "discussed" it for a couple of weeks then I was told that we would become horse-folks, like it or not. Sonya was sure - I was luke-warm at best. Regardless, I was going to learn or I would not see my wife much anymore. She was delivered from Stieve Farms on October 5, 2008 to the old stables on base and MY life will never be the same.

Bartley on the day of her arrival and me pretending I wasn't terrified.

Sonya has gobs of experience with drafts. She trained in driving with the Yoder Clan in Ohio and had a team of Belgians and a team of Shires in her previous life. She knows what she is doing and knew what we were getting into. I had no clue. Fortunately, Bartley got the idea that I was OK and had a genuine desire to learn, so she made it her mission to teach me to drive. It became very clear very fast that she knew what she was doing and that I did not.

Ground driving with my very patient Clydesdale.

Bartley and I spent many hours together learning each other - mostly her "learning" me, because she already knew the ropes (pun intended). Bartley stood patiently while I harnessed her up, many times incorrectly, and stood with me until I got it right. She humored me as I learned to lift her feet and pick her hooves, taunted me as I gave her massive bulk a bath at the wash rack, and she took it all in stride when I "ham-fisted" the lines and pulled too hard on her sensitive mouth parts or guided her into a tree. There is a defining line when the one formerly trained to drive (Bartley) breaks the barrier from one who is being trained to one who is doing the training. She became the "sense" and I the "grasshopper". I can't even tell you how many mistakes I made and how many times she gracefully acknowledged them, then demonstrated to me what I really "meant" to do. Through it all, we built a bond of trust and confidence in each other.

When our Percheron "Pete" became injured last summer, Bartley became the primary carriage horse for our carriage company. She got the call to the "Show" - the big-time. Sonya was nervous because Bartley wasn't "proven" bomb-proof under fire like Pete was, but after a few events, it became evident that Bartley knew exactly what she was doing. She did a half-a-dozen events, including two weddings, a retirement ceremony, a grand opening, and most recently, carried the Grand Marshall in the Lemoore Christmas Parade. Through it all, Bartley never batted even an eyelash and did what was asked of her like a pro.

Bartley in her holiday finest (left) and at the Paulson Wedding last summer (right)

We knew she was the master when, at one of our events, she was surrounded suddenly by the kids from an entire school and she didn't even flinch. She seemed to eat up all the attention and posed for hundreds of pictures.

Bartley mobbed by her adoring fans.

All training and glory aside, it was the bond that we developed during the "off" time that I will remember most about this sweet mare. We would set up our chairs in front of her stall and have an evening cocktail as she ate her hay and be thankful for her bringing this peace into our busy lives. She would make me laugh deeply as she would grab the hose out of my hand and spray herself as I attempted to fill her water bucket, or rest her big lunk-head on my shoulder as I attempted to muck her stall. She was also an escape artist and would venture from her paddock to greener pastures for a taste of grass or raid some of her "mates" hay. When she got caught, she would make her way in her "Eyore-like" way back to her stall as if nothing happened. She was gentle and caring beyond words, and anyone who ever had contact with her knows what I mean.

So tonight as I sit here on my computer with the smell of my beloved Clydesdale still lingering on my body and the memory of her death still far too fresh in my mind, I hurt for her and for us. I am trying not to "humanize" the animal - to make her into something more than she was, but to me, Bartley will always be more than 1600 pounds of spectacularly beautiful equine. She was my guide and mentor into the wonderful world of draft horses - even if she didn't intend to be. She was gentle, sweet, intelligent, powerful, and sometimes moody (just like her momma) but ALWAYS a pro when it came to driving. I am sorry that she was taken away from us after only a year and a half, and sorry that I won't get the chance to enjoy her sweet nature and spry playfulness ever again. I will miss you sweet Bartley - thank you for taking me under your wing and improving my life. You shall not ever be forgotten.

Big-Bad Bartley Onorati (1998-2010) - Rest in Peace Old Girl

On a very chilly Saturday evening in early December, we participated in the annual Lemoore Christmas parade and were honored to carry the Grand Marshall, Captain James Knapp (CO of NAS Lemoore) and his lovely family.We were 4th in line behind the police escort, color guard, and the American flag. Thanks to Billy, Dennis, & Marianne for all the help. Here are some pictures.

The carriage all decorated for the parade.


Team Tally-Ho: Tony, Sonya & Billy, with Bartley


Bartley ready to step-out.


Our unofficial Tally-Ho Posse - Marianne & Dennis. Thanks for the help!


The Grand Marshall, Captain James Knapp & his daughter


The Knapps keeping warm.


On the parade route.

FALL IS IN THE AIR!

With a plethora of ghouls, goblins, and even a bumblebee running amok, Sonya, Bartley & Billy braved the trek to Acres School onboard NAS Lemoore to participate in the Fall festival. We were hired by the school to give carriage rides for two hours in the early evening as one of the attractions and we didn't rest. Take a look at some of the photos below to get an idea of what a good time we had. Happy Halloween everyone!

What is it about October that makes weddings seem so perfect? On a clear blue, crisp Fall day, Ashley Paulson and Robbie Davila held their wedding at the home of Ashley's parents in Lemoore. Friends and family gathered in the front yard with the Paulson thoroughbreds grazing nearby. The ceremony was set in the center of the driveway roundabout. It was the perfect location for a grand entrance for the bride and her proud father.

Sonya & Bartley waiting to pick up Robbie & Ashley


Mr & Mrs Robbie Davila taking their victory lap


The happy couple posing with Bartley - Bart is eyeing those flowers!


The wedding party posing for pictures with the carriage in the background.


More Photos with the happy couple and their entourage



Best of luck and congratulations to Ashley & Robbie. It was a pleasure for us to be involved in this beautiful and fun wedding.

It was an absolutely beautiful day in early October and an absolutely gorgeous setting providing the backdrop for Crystal and Marshall's big day. We were called to Jack Stone's Barn to participate in this storybook wedding and couldn't have been more thrilled! The groom was excited, the bride beautiful and the setting perfect. With the guests set up in serene glade by a small pond, we first transported the groom, groomsmen, and Crystal's father Norm to the scene. With ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man" playing on the stereo, we arrived in style...

After dropping off the guys, Sonya, Argo & Bartley went to pick up the bride and her entourage...

The girls were gorgeous as they arrived at the ceremony...

We stayed close during the ceremony - what a beautiful event...

JUST MARRIED - Congratulations Marshall & Crystal!

We provided the backdrop for pictures after the wedding...

We are pleased an honored to have been included in this very special event. Crystal and Marshall are amazing people and we wish them every success as they start their lives together. Thanks to Norm & Sue Stewart for hiring us to participate.

The VFA-137 wives Club hired us to transport Miriam Kindley and her family from her yoga class at the Main Gym at NAS Lemoore to a surprise farewell party given in her honor. Miriam and Dave (Commanding Officer of the Kestrels) have been active and beloved members of the NAS Lemoore community and are wrapping up a very successful command tour. It is obvious that Miriam had had a huge impact on these very thoughtful group of spouses. We are pleased to have been a part of the surprise and wish the Kindley family continued health and success. Bartley is pulling the carriage, which is decked out in Kestrel colors, and Sonya is driving. Here are some of the pictures taken by our ace assistant and all around great guy Jason.

The Carriage pulling up to the gym to pick up Miriam


Bartley, Sonya & Argo standing by



Surprise!!!!


Off we go...


Underway...


Sunset delivery! Miriam's wives had a surprise waiting for her.

We had the pleasure of participating in Cynthia Dove's last day as a teacher. She has been teaching for 35 years and finally decided to retire. Her husband, Larry, hired us to transport her from the awards ceremony at the school to her classroom on her final day. It was a very special moment for a very special lady and we were honored to be a part of it. As you can see from the pictures, the whole school was present and they all cheered as Cynthia and Larry were driven on a "victory lap" around the playground and delivered to her class. After the ride, her class gathered for a picture in front of the carriage, then all the students mobbed Bartley for a pet. Congratulations to Cynthia for a fantastic and rewarding career, as well as a joyful retirement.


Sonya, Billy, Argo and Bartley standing by for the Dove's arrival


The Dove's approaching the carriage. Note the look of surprise on Cynthia's face.


Do you think Cynthia is excited?


Waving to her adoring fans!


The victory lap



Class Photo - say cheese!


Bartley being mobbed by her adoring fans

On Saturday, May 30, We participated in a fundraiser for the Lexington Park Equestrian Center out at NAS Lemoore, which is where we board our horses. The center is being relocated from its present position on the main drag out to the old Lexington Park housing area. The Club, which is a semi-private organization, will incur most of the relocation costs and needs to raise capital. We met a lot of great folks and had a blast giving rides for about 4 hours. Bartley and Sonya were champs and the weather stayed at least tolerable. Thanks to Shawnna, Billy, and Jason for helping out. Here are some photos of the event.

Shawnna, Billy, Jason with Tony driving. Bogey, Argo, and Snoops staying cool


Bartley, Billy & Sonya driving. Bartley earning her oats!

Tally-Ho Carriage Company attended the grand opening of the Village for the season - onboard NAS Lemoore. We gave complimentary carriage rides, with Bartley pulling, to those who wanted them. Here are some of the pics - taken by our good friend Bill Burris - THANKS BILL!! Check out his website at www.gaylonsgallery.com/. Also, special thanks to our good friends Billy Adams and Brie Harris for giving us a hand!

We had the carriage out this weekend at the stables on base for some training and some rides. Here are some of the photos of the event. Notice the big smiles on everyone’s face? It was a beautiful afternoon for cruising.