RSTD Aragon “Hershey”

It’s hard to believe a cowboy could find a partner in a Peruvian Horse, but Chris found his match with “Hershey” in May 2019 at the urging of his then girlfriend, Deanna, who had several Peruvian horses she loved.

He was bred by friends Rick and Deb Cones from Ringstead Ranch, and they were quite excited for Aragon’s (now renamed Hershey) future with Chris. Hershey was a very kind, spicy, and strong horse, and he transformed the idea of an “arena horse” into a fantastic trail partner, logging many miles at a good clip. He was also the horse Chris could get on at the fence and ride unbridled through the paddock without a worry.

He was a favorite buddy for the Icelandic pony, Jocko, and his big Gypsy friend, Monty. He and Chris were so well connected—Chris often tried to say he was a “Pecos Bill” who didn’t like girls, but truth be told, he actually did, but dad was always his favorite, probably because of all the spoiling with sugar cube treats. Dad always made sure he had treats for the saddlebags too.

Together, Chris and Deanna rode many miles while horse camping in British Columbia. Favorite places were Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, Lundbom Lake near Merritt, Hidden Gait, and Hideaway horse camps—we were able to enjoy a great five years of summer adventures on horseback with our boy. He loved chasing the cows on the range, exploring off the trail, and especially swimming at Kal Lake. You could feel his energy rise riding over the hill toward Cosens Bay in Vernon, as he knew he was about to go to his favorite place for a swim while mom and dad went for their early Sunday morning coffee date at the beach.

We have so many good memories and photos of the many rides we have done, but the most memorable was riding Hershey to our wedding in April 2024 with his best buddy, Monty. Our favorite mountaintop vista, where we would often stop for lunch while out riding, was made into a beautiful location for our wedding, complete with a wooden arch and hitching post that Chris built himself to remain as a memory of our day. Monty was not impressed at the prospect of carrying the bride in on his own, so it was together that we rode in, with Hershey being so proud with the groom that day and stealing the show in our wedding photos.

Shortly after our wedding, Hershey came down with a bladder stone that caused a serious obstruction and then colic. Chris vowed to do everything he could to help his buddy, so brought him to Moores Equine in Calgary for care. We are incredibly grateful for the team there, and especially to Dr. Jenna Lambert for her compassion and kindness for our much-loved friend. He became a favorite of the team there.

Unfortunately, after returning home and a six-week, very complicated health battle, we had to lay him to rest. We are heartbroken that Hershey won’t be with us when we return to our hitching post on the mountain, but we will carry him within our hearts always. He was one in a million—sadly irreplaceable—and will be forever missed by both Chris and Deanna in Vernon, BC.

We are very touched by the generous donation made by Moores Equine to the veterinary program in Calgary in Hershey’s name.