Chapter 3:
Verdict J

Until Thanksgiving 2023, Verdict J was never meant to be sold. In protection of the stallion's sensitive nature and royal lineage, Larry envisioned a life for Verdict that was stress-free in the show ring while also allowing him to fulfill his potential as a breeding stallion.

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Under Liz Bentley's training, Verdict achieved numerous victories, including being crowned the 2021 US Midsummer National Champion Western Pleasure Jr. Horse.

Violet, in turn, was in search of a big, chestnut stallion she could travel with and show in the amateur division.

“I didn’t want to be beaten up by a horse. I wanted a horse that was going to be easy to handle, kind-natured, and that I wouldn’t get hurt.”

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Verdict perfectly embodied these qualities. In failing health, Larry saw his vision for Verdict no longer through himself, but now through Violet.

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A deal was made, and Larry entrusted not only Verdict's registration papers but also his aspirations for Violet to carry forward. This included Verdict upholding Khadraj's legacy in western arenas and siring the nation’s top western pleasure champions.

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The agreement expanded to include a yearling filly and four of Larry's finest broodmares, including the next AWPA breeding for Khadraj.

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Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events, Violet humorously recalls, "I never planned on starting anything. I simply found Larry intriguing, and our conversations were enjoyable. However, it soon became clear that our paths were destined to intersect, and I was meant to carry on this vision for a man I hadn't known long but felt a deep connection with. Overnight, my life transformed, and my childhood dream was being realized while honoring another man's transition to Humquac, the western gate where Chumash believes our souls leave this world.

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Their plans were none-too-soon. Larry passed away on January 30, 2024.