2017 Miniature Horse World April E-Magazine | Page 27

T here are people who come into your life, and then you lose them for awhile, but you will re- connect with them later and it seems like just yes- terday that you shared so much and you are ready to go again. Shari and Phil Washburn were such a part of our chosen family. From the first time we met, we had an instant connection, we were all so different yet so much alike, but we were connected fir st, of course, through, the Miniature Horse Fam- ily, a family that was so much smaller then than it is today. We really knew everyone. Shari, now here was a Lady of Ladies! She was ab- solutely beautiful. Always had her makeup and hair perfect. Always dressed to make a class act state- ment. Her passion for animals oozed out of every pore. She genuinely loved good people and really enjoyed competition. She loved the social sizzle that the Industry offered and was ready to make a splash in this industry. I remember when she brought Tennessee back to the first Celebration Ranch in Roseburg. I was thrilled, as he had always been such a favorite of mine. It seemed that no trip of ours was complete without a stopover in Roseburg with our dear friends. We could have a great meal sitting by the river and talk for hours of the breeding programs we were trying to develop. And develop it they did. Celebration Ranch became of the premier miniature horse farms in the country. They were one of the first to bring resident trainers to their farms and searched for knowledge and expertise to always improve. The development of Celebration Farm became famous and Shari was so proud of its beauty. Their doors were always open with great refreshments ready to enjoy on the terrace. Shari always had a flair for beauty and it showed in her home, her Ranch and her show horses. I can’t remember exactly when but Phil and Shari made the painful decision to take Celebration Ranch in a different direction and sell most of the horses keeping so very few as treasured pets to just enjoy and let them retire. Our friendship deepened with age, and we shared so much beyond the horse industry. We would pull our motorhome up the hill and make sure it was in close walking distance to that terrace for the evening celebration of love and laughter that we so loved to share. My heart breaks for the loss of my dear friend. It breaks for Phil and the family she loved so much. But if there is anyone who lived life huge it was Shari. The times we were so silly. The times when we…(better left unsaid). She leaves footprints on my heart. She leaves me with memories of laughter never to be revealed (the best kind). I will never for- get her and will always smile, and even pee a little from uncontrollable laughter when I think about our truly joyous times together. I truly loved her and always will! Sami Scheuring Celebration’s Tennessee Tribute with Shari and Phil A p r i l 2017 Miniature Horse World 25