Emerald Isle Premier was bred by Bob and Geri O’Gorman.  His name was Premier, because he was the first foal born at their Emerald Isle Arabians, in Chino, California.  His nickname at the time was ‘Petie’, but because of his huge dark eyes, after I bought him, it quickly became ‘Peepers’.

Peepers lived a charmed life.  The daughter of the manager for Rancho Escondido on Santa Catalina Island is the person who found him for me.  She was excited about him, because Peepers was related to Ana, one of the first mares imported by the Wrigley family.  Rick Nab of Downey, California was the person who advised me about Peeper’s training and helped me get started.  Peeper’s first saddle and tack – a gift from my grandmother, Dr. Elizabeth Jamison Davis, came from Clark’s Feed, in Paramount, California, owned by Joe and Derlyse Nab.  Peepers was started under saddle in western pleasure by Bubbles Solum.  In his first show at age three, his first judge was Bill Hughes.   Peepers then went on to win a Region I Top Five in western pleasure as a four year old.  And Peepers and I went to my first Scottsdale horse show at the old Paradise Park in Scottsdale.  As a five year old, he went into training with Connie Cole as an English pleasure horse. And went Region II Top Five in English pleasure.   Later when I moved from Orange County to Ventura County, Peepers and I worked with Sue Todd of Topa Vista Farms and Kay Pullar Training Stables in Ojai, California. 

When Peepers was nine, we began showing on the Open as well as the Arabian circuit.  Over the years we won enough prize money to silver a show saddle, numerous silver year-end trophy buckles and Peepers was undefeated in the Gelding Triathlon.  We rode in parades, went on trail rides, went Christmas caroling on horseback, met celebrities and Peepers became a celebrity himself.  He was included in a book on special needs riding, was on a television show and taught so many people to ride, that at age twenty-five, when he won a large English class at the Ventura County Saddle Club, the stands emptied as the crowd surged toward the out-gate to cheer for Peepers.  One person remarked, “I’ll bet that Peepers taught more than a hundred people in this county to ride.”  No matter what the real number was, the truth was that I wouldn’t have been able to begin my professional career without him.  The rider that day was a walk-trot student of mine who was making her debut in her age-group English classes and was going to canter for the first time in competition.  The rider’s name was Candice Boehm and the rest, as they say is history!

Peepers could be ridden western, hunt seat, dressage, saddle seat and side saddle.  He could take a beginner through a trail course like nobody else.  He taught beginners how to ride a native costume class.  And could take a beginner safely down a parade route. 

On one occasion, Andria Kidd Training Center had a fund raising horse show to benefit bone marrow research on behalf of one of our students who had leukemia.  I was determined that every student would be able participate in the show.  And it was Peepers who was ridden in to all the various beginning classes. He did it happily and carefully – Peepers knew just how important he was to those kids.

Peepers was always sound and so it was only time that eventually slowed him down.  At age twenty-eight, Peepers went back to being  ‘my’ horse and I spoiled him,  rode him lightly, spent time with him exploring and cherished every single moment.

It is with a deep and profound sadness that I must tell you that my dearest and precious friend,  Emerald Isle Premier – “Peepers” went to his rest on  December 20, 2005.  Peepers would have been 34 years old.  He was losing his battle with old age and kidney problems.  I had owned him for most of my adult life.  Peepers left this world in the noble, brave and loving way that he had done all things in his life.

I know that God just lends us his horses.  And when they leave us, they return to ‘The Big Ranch’ and are waiting for us there.

With respect and dignity, Peepers was buried on a private ranch near the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, on a hill, facing west toward the Pacific Ocean.

Peepers had touched so many lives and the news of his passing spread throughout the horse community.  Cards, phone calls and e-mails from all over the United States expressed condolences and recounted special memories of a very dear and special horse.  Bouquets of flowers were delivered to Peeper’s barn.  On January 14th, 2006, a Memorial service was held for Peepers.  Former students, special needs riders, Hall of Fame trainers, family and friends signed the guest book and gathered to honor him. 

All I can say is “Thank You Peepers”.  And to paraphrase the Garth Brooks’ song  - “Good Ride Peepers, Good Ride."