THE HORSES THAT MADE TRILLIUM - PART I - THE STALLIONS

LAURALEE FOXY MAN
(Skipper Boy x Lauralee Delia Rose)

For more than a quarter century, Foxy had been the cornerstone to one of Canada’s most successful breeding, training and educational facilities, which uniquely promotes the Morgan Horse.

Standing at barely 15 hands, this handsome old style, dark liver chestnut stallion was “Mr. Versatility."  His performances took him from the pleasure Morgan divisions in harness, English and western, to parades, half-mile trotting races, and on to the grueling Justin Morgan Performance classes where he shone most brilliantly.  That same stamina, grit and ability to overcome obstacles and handicaps would be tested time and time again during his life.   With great tenacity, he never once faltered and saw only victory with each new challenge he faced.  This was true, even in his final days when he adapted to the illness that robbed him of his agility.  He always found the strength, courage and way to keep going.

Through his many years in the show ring winning hundreds of rosettes, trophies and high point awards, at stud siring champions and best friends, performing at special events and workshops, being a patient teacher for beginners, Foxy’s fans number in the hundreds, and possibly thousands.  He had touched so many lives, brought so much joy, and taught so many, that saying goodbye was and still is unimaginably hard.  He belonged to everyone who knew him. For the full story you can find it in Catherine Sampson's book "Between the Iron" under the chapter "Living with a Fox."

SERENITY INTRIGUE

(Vigilmarch x Vicky V)

Foaled on May 8, 1970, Intrigue was one of three full siblings. Besides being one of the last sons of the great Vigilmarch, his notable distinction was that he was the only producing sire and full brother to eighteen times world champion, Val’s Terry.

Intrigue graced the show ring briefly winning his share of ribbons and championships, but only in the shadow of his famous brother. Mostly, he stood at stud in South Carolina and Georgia before traveling north to Canada and home to Trillium in the spring of 1990.

He sired fifty-nine registered offspring during his lifetime and most likely countless others. At age twenty-eight, he sired his last foal being the filly, Trillium Intrigues Spirit who now resides in Scotland.

His head with its chiseled and refined features reflected his intelligent mind and good breeding. Often referred to as “the butt walk” that wide driving hind would be a trait he would pass on.

Even in his final days, the glorious stallion still stood with that typical Vigilmarch regal air that no one could deny him. To the end, he kept his promise and guarded old Loli while sharing his hay and water bucket. He kept watch over her tired body, as weary as he was too. He was laid to rest beside her on November 23, 2000.

For all that he was, Intrigue will be remembered for his nobility and blessed Morgan poise, intelligence and stoic independence.

TRILLIUM SAMSON

(Lauralee Foxy Man x H-Loli)

His gentle persona was legendary, his style, charismatic. Samson's family tree was a celebration of the established Flyhawk, old Government and Brunk bloodlines. For fans of the working Cross Ranch Morgans, Samson was a grandson of the famous Chingadero.

Samson's illustrious show career included winning such titles as Canadian and Ontario Year End Championships for Stallions In Hand, as well as being crowned Ontario Park Horse Champion an incredible five times. He also held championships for both saddle and harness in the pleasure division.

From the breeding shed, he has proven his ability to pass on his most desirable traits, producing Canada's 1994 Reserve National Champion and the 1997 Grand Champion Morgan Mare at the Ontario Morgan Horse Championship Classic.  He was also the sire of  the brilliant Grand Champion gelding, Trillium Arioso, as well as sire of numerous pleasure Morgans.  Today his offspring continue to win most recently Trillium Victoria Secret, Trillium Moonlit Rapture, Trillium Spring Breeze, Trillium Cameo Silhouette, Trillium Evening Primrose and the list goes on. 

He was our most popular "hands-on" Morgan in our educational workshop series and breed demonstrations. In later life his career as teacher of the beginner rider and whip, had made him a favourite with his students. How many breeding and show stallions do you know that are safe, reliable and patient enough for first time riders and drivers? But that was the kind of temperament and personality he was. A gentle soul to the end.