“Cornflake” The Horse, the gift that keeps on giving

Over time, living on a ranch, you see many horses come and go. There are a few along the way, that really leave a lasting memory. “Cornflake” was one of these select few.

A 2004 model grade gelding that we bought reasonably and sold cheap wouldn’t normally make our highlight list.

Trophies, ribbons, buckles or a high price tag aren’t on this horse’s resume, but his value may be priceless.

Lack of high-bred registration papers didn’t hurt the looks of this gelding. “Cornflake,” a buckskin with a cute head and top conformation, has turned heads from the start, but when you add a cute rider in the saddle, he really attracts attention. And that list of these cute riders continues to grow.

We purchased Cornflake in 2008, when Crayton was barely riding. Casey trained him and shared him with Crayton when they were ready.

Cornflake was an excellent ranch gelding, doing everything at home, plus competing in team sortings and ranch rodeos. Crayton used him for trail riding and even rode him in the local parade.

I guess I can’t say Cornflake didn’t win any trophies. We received a plaque for best equine entry in the parade that year!

Garrett came along and like most things, got the hand-me-downs: Cornflake included.

Garrett was not very old when he was riding him and swimming him through the deep creek.

After a few years, Cornflake had some soundness issues. We cared for his feet and trimmed and shod him with care. A visit to the equine chiropractor didn’t cure all his ailments either. He was comfortable in the pasture and for light, easy riding, but competition and difficult ranch work would leave him stiff the following day.

We ended up loaning him to Casey’s brother for his kids to ride.

After his family had moved on to other horses, it was time for Cornflake to find another home.

We had hoped his riding career wasn’t completely over. We knew he was a wonderful horse with an excellent foundation and tons of talent, but when he couldn’t be represented as sound, there weren’t many options available.

With the help of some word-of-mouth networking, we rehomed him to a horse family with a young girl looking for a “Cornflake”. They are getting along wonderfully.

I love seeing the Facebook posts and reading the updates.

Nearing 20 years of age, Cornflake might be living his best life yet. He’s probably more spoiled and loved on now, more than ever.

I’ll be honest, there are horses we’ve had that are mentioned and I have to ask “now which one was that again?”, but it’s not the case with Cornflake. He’ll always have a special place in my heart and in this family. It brings me great joy to see him touching even more hearts and being a part of another family as he continues his journey.