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