* NEW* "The Heart and Soul of An Arabian Horse" the story of "Hye Society" and Denise Dabinett And: the story of How Denise and Pokey met and what happened to POKEY... Click on the links below...
For more information on The Warren County Farmer's Fair in Harmony, NJ. Please visit their web site, just click on their link on this page...
NEW:To view Pokey's Scrap book Click on SCRAP BOOK...
NOTICE: To E-Mail "Pokey" or Denise click here: welovepokey@msn.com We love getting mail from our friends. We welcome your comments and suggestions!
For more info on St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital, check out their website: St. Jude's
In memory of POKEY: Pokey's Place.org is a memorial tribute website with the news releases, and poems...Please use discretion when reading to children.
Click on the links below:
Thank You!
LINKS:
*Warren County Farmer's Fair ... 2010! Story time at Pokey's Place!Warren County Farmer's Fair (Pokey sponsors the Equestrian Events) NEW: Lil' Miss Rodeo Barbie Contest ...ALSO read about POKEY'S PLACE at the fair in the program book....check it out!
*2010 Warren County Farmers Fair Program Book
Check out the program for this years highlights and happenings!
Page 36- A must see show! Friday night a horse demo run by Monique with A LIVE BAND!!! Read all about it.
The Tri-States Equine Riding Team Presents Riding Wild West Style
with Music Provided by Plainfield Slim & The GroundhawgsThe ponies will dance to a different beat this year at the Warren County Farmers Fair on Friday August 6 at 7:00 pm in the horse ring.
and on page 48- Pokeys Place and the Lil Miss Rodeo Barbie contest!
* HYE SOCIETY- "The Heart and Soul of an Arabian Horse..." The story of Denise's accident ( she was told she'd NEVER ride again) and the horse who gave her a "second lease on life" in 1989. (check the pages on www.DeniseDabinett.com )
* POKEY- How Denise met Pokey and about Pokey's accident. (Pokey was NEVER supposed to run again... and after his accident he went on to run to win more GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS! )
* In Memory of POKEY ... the newspaper stories, poems and a very special letter honoring a special horse and his owner/rider. Remembering Pokey ... www.pokeysplace.org
I'd like to share a touching letter that was read the night of the memorial dinner:
To Denise, and the Friends of Pokey: May 2006
There is no place I would rather be than joining you all tonight to celebrate the life of a very special friend and companion to Denise and the wonderful people who were so fortunate to also know and love Pokey, The Famous Horse From Allamuchy, NJ. Sadly, my professional commitments do not allow me to share this night with you. But I would like to add my presence to your gathering with some words of condolence, personal insight and encouragement. As Northeast Regional Director of the American Grade Horse Association, Denise has been an indispensable part of our growth and development since a very humble beginning. Her enthusiasm and boundless energy to promote recognition and appreciation for everyday pleasure horses that do not have the benefit of outstanding pedigree clearly shows her love for ALL horses. The strength of her commitment even extended to registering Pokey with the AGHA to serve as a proud example to others, even though he was a highly pedigreed and registered American Quarter Horse.
Over these past few years, I missed several opportunities to actually meet Pokey. But through Denise, I believe I came to know him as well as I know my own horse. And my sorrow over his passing gripped me almost as if he were indeed mine.
I’m sure there is no need for me to relate to you Pokey’s story of hardship, pain and struggle to overcome overwhelming injuries on his way back to becoming a champion. Nor do I need to say how Pokey and Denise became inseparable icons to untold numbers of children and adults alike, with their inspirational story about meeting and defeating some of the most insurmountable obstacles life has to offer. Pokey and Denise, two together as one, gave freely and unselfishly to your community their message of hope, perseverance and success through mutual love and trust. Your presence here tonight is in itself a testimony to the power of that message, and your appreciation for that wonderful gift you have received from your special messengers.
Even now, under a burden of loss few of us can fully understand, Denise continues to find hope where others would only find sorrow and dismay. When she told me of Pokey’s passing one of the first things she said was "I’ve never had a tragedy that didn’t open another door of opportunity. But how do I tell the children?" Once again, I find myself humbled by her concern for others while she ignores her own personal pain.
As you all share this special evening celebrating the life of an extraordinary horse who helped to heal so many, please take a moment to also embrace his extraordinary partner who has also enriched us all by allowing Pokey to be such an inspirational part of our lives and to live forever in our memories.
The years of work that Pokey and Denise have done to brighten the lives in your community, especially among the children, is not done. It is time to help take up a place that has been sadly left vacant. With your prayers and continued support Denise will find that door that is ready to open. And if the past has taught us anything at all, we would be well advised to follow her.
Denise:
My heart goes out to you. The respect and admiration I have for you and Pokey is beyond words or measure. What you have done… and will continue to do… reflects the epitome of community involvement that can be accomplished by a single horse and rider. It is the very essence of what the American Grade Horse Association aspires to. That being said:
It is my honor to tell you the AGHA directors, by acclamation, have declared Denise "Rodeo Barbie" Dabinett and Pokey, The Famous Horse From Allamuchy, NJ, as The AGHA Horse and Rider Of The Year for 2006.
Also, to further honor Pokey’s memory, I have instructed the AGHA Foundation trustees to fund our very first educational scholarship, to be known as the " We Love Pokey Endowment", in the amount of $1,000 awarded annually to a "special needs" youth applicant seeking a career in equine studies or vocation.
Although I am not there to share this evening with you and Pokey’s many friends, I can tell you with absolute certainty that sometime between 7 PM and 10 PM on May 8th, 2006 I will be in my paddock, hugging my horse and thinking of you and Pokey.
Skip Taggart President American Grade Horse Association
If you have a good story to tell me about yourself or your horse or your favorite memory of Pokey, maybe a picture or 2 , I would love to get an email! If you have a question or anything else you want to share, write me.
Thanks for checking out our new website.
Happy Trails!
"With his thundering hooves under me, I learned how to fly....And today, I continue to soar." Denise A Dabinett
