Dear Editor,
On the evening of Wednesday, November 4 I noticed that my 4-H project horse, Shorty was not with the other horses when they came for water.
Therefore, Grandma Jeanette (who was staying with us while mom and dad went to Calgary for a medical appointment) and I loaded my little brother and sister in the truck and went to investigate.
We found Shorty in the pasture about 1/2 mile back with a broken leg caused by a bullet from a careless hunter.
Shorty had to be put down.
We do not know how long poor Shorty suffered before we found him. I do not know about you, but I sure hate to see an animal suffer.
The local Fish and Wildlife Officer, Larry Bergeron was called and he confirmed that it was a gun shot wound.
There was a small entry wound shattering the bone and a large exit wound. Larry took several pictures for his file and his comment was “what a shame, we have some really bad hunters out there.”
Shorty (registered name: Swinging Lasso) was a 10 year old red roan quarter horse gelding standing about 15.2 hands tall, who has been part of our family since he was a two year old.
He had a super disposition and under my dad’s training, he became a seasoned ranch horse. He excelled at all ranch work, be it dragging calves to the branding fire, roping and treating large bulls and cows, sorting cattle or moving cattle.
Shorty had a smooth ground covering gate and plenty of speed if you asked for it.
He was very trustworthy and was the horse Fransico, an Italian exchange student rode while at the ranch three years ago.
He became my horse when my mare had to be retired and we developed a very special bond. Shorty and I spent many happy hours helping my dad with ranch work.
I used Shorty as my project horse in the Coronation Range Rider’s 4-H Club and he took every new challenge in his stride.
I also rode him on several trail rides and in the Coronation rodeo parade.
You cannot just go out and buy another horse like Shorty because people do not sell this kind. Our whole family mourns the loss of Shorty and the circumstances of his death only makes it worse.
I do not know if the person responsible knows what they have done, but if they do, it was very callous of them not to own up to their carelessness which could have prevented Shorty’s suffering.
I hope their conscience bothers them for a long time (if they have one).
Ironically, I just completed a Hunters Education course and this kind of behaviour is not that of an ethical hunter. A few bad apples can ruin every ones reputation.
I know we will never be able to replace Shorty but I am thankful that it was not one of the human members of our family.
Dallas Creasy
Coronation, Ab.

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