With Deepest Sympathies....

Anita Mellot,  of  Black Horse Valley Ranch, Mountain Center California, owner and  breeder of many fine Friesians and owner of "Lukas", died  September 7, 2008 in a motorcycle accident in Roseville California. She was the original breeder of my Diana C.   Her husband John was also critically injured and remains hospitalized.
 
John and Anita were instrumental in reintroducing the Friesian horse to the United States with their first group of three horses in 1982.  With their stallions, Sander and Lukas, they have helped shape the future of the Friesian horse here.  They were avid competitors and exhibitors, and consummate advocates for the Friesian, always willing to man the breed booth at an Expo or Equine Affaire.
 
Anita, whose heritage is from the Netherlands, was the President of the North American Stallion Owners, and John is a past President of FHANA.  Both have been active in all aspects of promoting the Friesian horse in America.  Their ranch, Black Horse Valley Ranch in Mountain Center CA was recently the site of a gathering for the return of Lukas from the Netherlands.   We ask that you continue to keep a good thought for John's recovery.
 
Anita,  with her outgoing, welcoming personality and her undeniable love of the Friesian horse will be sorely missed by people who love Friesians.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Having just visited them in Mountain Center I find this particularly sad.

- Rosemary Elden

The Last Moon

The moon was shining down thru

slivers of clouds. The storm of the night

before put on a beautiful show of lightening

and thunder and a short burst of rain. I held

her close and soothed her when the cresendo

reached its peak. Then the air cleared and

a cool breeze blew thru the trees. The packs of

coyotes were quiet, the night was peaceful.

Her coat glistened when it saw the moonbeams,

and her hoofs made a soft clop against the

rain soaked ground while I lead her to the arena.

With the mornings light it became apparent that

Diana had lost her gallant and strong fight.

Wrapping my arms around her glorious neck

I said my last goodbyes told her that she would

always be my "Heart" horse and cried into her shoulder

and with her beautiful swan neck she embraced me.

Then I set her free to be with God.

I will miss your noble spirit, your loyalty and that

soft nicker whenever I came to see you

My heart will go on my beloved Diana with you

forever and ever.

DIANA C (5/17/93 - 9/11/11)