06/04/07 Fillinic

Sometimes the perfect match can seem awkward at first, I'm Jeff Keane and I'll circle back in a minute with a story of an unlikely filly and her eager rider. At barely fourteen three hands this sensitive filly had impeccable balance and a huge hip. But with some wrecks already under her belt it would take a special horseman to bring her around, here's Becky. Greg Ward had been looking for a new prospect in the hopes to find something fresh to help put his name up top with the winning trainers. He didn't know he was looking for a hot little mare, when she found him in 1961. Fillinic carried some battle scars but Greg could see that under her reactive hide she was a smooth, fluid mare who he felt had what it takes to be a champion. More often than not a little trust and a whole lot of faith will carry you a long way. Yeah Jeff that coupled with the natural ability of horse and rider found the duo three times a Top Ten Finalist at the California Reined Cow Horse Association, and before she was retired from the show ring in 1968 Fillinic proved to be a winner, making Greg Ward a respected young trainer in the reined cow horse business. After show life, Fillinic and Greg continued there partnership with a flourishing breeding program all based on one incredible mare who lives on in her impressive offspring which continue to serve in show rings and on ranches across the nation. You know, sometimes the best things in life come when you're not looking, I'm Jeff Keane.