Remembering Sgt. Reckless .... A Marine Veteran

"She wasn't a horse ... She was a Marine"

                                        ----  Unknown Marine Veteran

As we honor the many veterans who served our country in times of need, a
special Marine whose undaunted courage saved lives and whose unique
character captivated the troops deserves our salute.

 Sgt. Reckless was a two-year-old mare when brought into the Korean War to help

 supply front line Marines.  In one of her finest hours, alone, she made countless treks 

  through intense live enemy fire for five days, carrying needed ammunition to isolated, 

   besieged  troops and carrying wounded Marines to safety.  Later, she was also wounded. 

 

She not only earned the respect of those serving with her, they also enjoyed her
company as she’d join them for chow and for a beer when off-duty.  This Marine
was officially inducted into the Corp. and was the recipient of various military honors. 

 

Today, Sgt. Reckless is honored by six monuments in locations across the country.
Pictured is that at Florida’s World Equestrian Center.      

Read more about Sgt. Reckless .... click here 

and

Watch a video about Sgt. Reckless ...click here

The World Equestrian Center ... in Florida

 Florida's horse country includes many renowned breeding farms in the area around Ocala. 

It is viewed as rivaling the Lexington, KY area in the fostering of champions.

The World Equestrian Center is a vast, recently opened complex which has brought 

worldwide attention to Ocala.  It is the largest and most complete equestrian complex in the country.

The equestrian center's elegant five star, 248 room hotel, its' varied culinary options and unique

boutiques welcome those in the equine industry as well as curious visitors.  The nearly 3000-acre 

complex has over 2100 climate controlled stalls, wash racks in each barn and 21 indoor and outdoor 

arenas for practice and championship exhibitions.  It is truly an impressive complex!

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While the center’s facilities are quite impressive, time spent wandering through arenas

and stables offers a behind-the-scenes view of the equine world.  Beautifully groomed 

Paso Fino* horses are seen comfortably resting before their “show time” while grooms

 shampoo others and a farrier works to refit a mare’s shoes, assuring a perfect gait. 

 

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    In the week-long Paso Fino Grand National Show hosted by the center, girls ages 7 to 9 competed in the Pleasure Class Performance / sub-juniors event.  They were masters at controlling their beautiful mounts through a series of intricate movements directed by a caller while maintaining the poise and manner of true pros.  Bravo!       

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* The Paso Fino breed was introduced into the Western Hemisphere by Christopher Columbus and 

Ponce de Leon.  They're considered native to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.  It is an adaptable, 

 intelligent breed equally at home on the range or in an arena.  They have a natural, unique gait

  with a rapid, unbroken rythm that results in a smooth ride without "bounce". 

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