108 SIDELINES DECEMBER 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Continued on page 110
By Vee Kreitz
Editor’s Note: Vee Kreitz and her husband Jon bought
their horse Bert as a four-year-old when they were living
in Monterey, California. Bert became a well traveled horse
over the years, as Vee and Jon moved 19 times in 22 years
thanks to Jon’s job in the Navy. Bert even moved to Hawaii
with the couple.
Bert, a registered Thoroughbred, enjoyed a dressage
career with Vee and together they had the opportunity to
train with an assortment of incredible coaches. “We have
had quite a life together! Bert has blessed us and taught
us so much over the years. He has been my portal to
meeting the most wonderful people through all of our
moves,” Vee said.
Vee and Jon bought a farm in Broad Run, Virginia fve
years ago with the hope of being there for many years.
They added a lovely mare named Emma to the mix and
she and Bert became fast friends. Tragedy struck in
2008, when Bert suffered a stroke. The following is Bert’s
story, told by Vee.
March 11, 2008 at 6 pm is a day that will stay in
my memory forever. It was a beautiful evening as my
husband Jon and I were watching the horses in the feld
and getting ready to bring them in for the night. Bert, our
beloved Thoroughbred gelding who was now 22 years
old and “healthy as a horse,” was out with his girlfriend
Emma a beautiful fve-year-old Thoroughbred.
As Bert came down the hill with Emma we noticed
that his gait was a bit crooked and his head was at a
slight tilt. I brought him into the barn, brushed him down
and then put him in his stall to eat. As I was taking
his halter off he suddenly acted like he was choking
e
My Story
A Thanksgiving Miracle
Bert and Emma
All photos courtesy of Vee Kreitz
Bert in his younger days while living in Florida.