BLUEGRASS

This page has been dedicated to one horse that does deserve a special mention,

Tracey's pride and joy.........

the fairytale gelding BLUEGRASS NIKOMA.

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"When I was 10, I was given the choice out of two weanling colts as my future gelding. One was a pretty Anglo, the other a big, bold colt full of flair, but not as pretty as the Anglo. I wanted to be in the Purebred ring, so the purebred was my choice." 

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Tracey suggested his name, and with Norma's help, started training NIKOMA. He had a lot of wins in the first years, but it was not until NIKOMA was three that he won his first championship, at the 1983 Goulburn Valley Championships. And that was the beginning.

There is not too much this horse has not won. At halter he achieved the rare honour of double Australian Champion, two Arabian Classic Supremes, plus 4 championships and 2 reserves and he had won every age class from yearling to veteran. There was also National Stud Show Grand Champion Gelding, East Coast Champion Gelding and many, many champions and Supremes at Victoria's many A class shows.

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As an English saddle horse, at limited outings, he was Champion and Reserve, and in the Western Pleasure and Trail, again he was very successful, with his last awards being, 1997 Classic 1st Western Pleasure and 1997 Australian National Top 5 Western Pleasure horse at 16 years of age.

NIKOMA gave countless halter lessons and has been a true ambassador for the Arabian horse. There are not too many people, children and adults, that could walk past without giving this gentle 15.1h giant, with the 6 foot long tail, a pat and a cuddle, "and that included me!" says Tracey.

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"I sometimes thought that the day NIKOMA died would be the worst day of my life. But I found out that it wasn't."

"On February 21st 2002, NIKOMA was found in his stable in terrible discomfort and his stable showed signs of distress. After the initial check from our local vet, NIKOMA was taken to the Werribee Veterinary Hospital where they did exploratory surgery, to find that there was absolutely nothing that could be done for him. Mum and I were in the surgery when this was found. We said our goodbyes and then I stood and gently stroked my best friend as he was put to sleep. When I woke the next morning, I realised this was the worst day of my life......... as it was the first day I had to live without NIKOMA !"

"I thank my parents so much for giving me the opportunity to own such a fabulous horse, in and out of the show ring. All I have now are memories, but some very, very precious ones at that !!"