2017 Miniature Horse World SPRING Issue | Page 13

in memoriam cont .

Dale Lutke

- Lutke Harness

Bob and Betty ’ s Touch of Class entry at 2005 World Show .
university , and home offices , as well as , in Dale ’ s Constable Office .
After serving 32 + years in the military Daddy decided , even after given the opportunity to become a Brigadier General , to retire in 1975 . He and Mother decided to move to the country and live the “ quiet life ” in Joshua , Texas .
That did not last too long , however . They decided the “ quiet life ” was not for them . Hence , the beginning of “ Circle B Stables ” with just two little Miniature horses — Lo-Lo and Bonnie . As a young child , Lo-Lo is what I called a horse whenever I saw one . As an adult , I felt very honored by their act of kindness in choosing Lo-Lo as a name for one of their first two minis .
They found the allure of the minis simply irresistible . At one point they had a total of 65 registered show quality horses . They did it all — raising , breeding , selling , and even exhibiting at some of my schools and universities , and area parties and events .
They participated in a myriad of horse show events around the United States . For over 40 years through exhibiting , racing , driving , and special events they enjoyed winning countless American Miniature Horse Association Local , National , and World Championships , trophies , ribbons , and awards .
They began sponsoring “ The Biggest Little Horse Show in Texas ” at Billy Bob ’ s Over Texas in 1980 . Their
25th and last “ The Biggest Little Horse Show in Texas ” was in 2005 at the John Justin Arena in Fort Worth .
Miniature horses came from across the United States and even some from around the world to be a participant in their well-renowned show .
For many years Vicki would open the show with her beautifully trained voice singing the American National Anthem .
Even after their last show they sponsored and produced themselves in 2005 , they continued attending many more years to various other horse shows in the surrounding states . The last show Betty participated in 2014 she won a “ To the Blue ” with a brand new firsttime-in-the-ring filly , and Daddy and I won a World Grand Championship in a special event class . What a fabulous ending to an exciting journey in the horse world .
We all need to give thanks every day that there are brave Americans like my Daddy , Colonel Robert Branch , Sr ., who were and are willing to sacrifice so much for the freedom we enjoy .
We must remember their truly outstanding courage and commitment to our nation .
In closing Mother , Daddy asked me to remind you that you were his first love and his only love for over 76 + years of wedded bliss .
God Bless America .

Many sent LOVE & PRAYERS via Facebook messages to their dear friend Dale Lutke who passed away January 24,2017 . For over 30 years , Dale showed his support of the industry on the local and the national level . Always a friendly face at club meetings , expos and horse shows , Dale was willing to share his knowledge with any and all Miniature horse enthusiasts . Thank you , Dale , for all you did , from providing horses who were great performers in the show ring , to the beautiful harnesses you designed and crafted and for all the advice and time you were kind enough to share . Rest in peace , Dale , you will be missed by many . Our deepest condolences to Dale ’ s wife Shirley and all the Lutke family .

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