Historic ride

You may have seen this article making the rounds yesterday.  Well, here are the photos behind the story.   (You knew we would have them...)   :D

If you happened to be on Truman's campus this past Sunday morning about 7:00 am, you might have witnessed an historic event.  President Emeritus Jack Magruder brought his horse, Governor (named nearly 19 years ago for Governor Mel Carnahan), to the quad so that President Troy Paino could recreate a moment from Daddy's life - from back in early summer 2003.

Daddy riding a very young Governor on the quad - June 2003

Daddy was President of Truman in 2003 when he decided to have a photo taken of him with his then 5 year old gelding, Governor, in front of Kirk Memorial.  Daddy has vivid memories from when he was 7 years old and so enamored by the beauty of then newly constructed Kirk Memorial.  He would walk to campus and admire it as only a 7 year old boy can do; by climbing around on it!

Cut to May 2016 when Troy answered a question in the local newspaper about what else he might like to ride across campus before he leaves for the University of Mary Washington.  (referencing his famously viral YouTube video showing him riding a tricycle around the campus)   He stated that it would have to be Jack Magruder's horse!  Well, if you know my Daddy, you know that that was an opportunity that simply had to come to fruition!  :)

Thus, this past Sunday morning.  All the arrangements were made and under a lovely soft morning sun, two Presidents and a Governor met on the quad of Truman State University.  ;)   A fun moment with people that we truly love, admire, and will miss - Troy and Kelly Paino.

So thankful that Jackson was able to be there and take photos, especially since I have been dreadfully ill for over a week and there was simply no way I could be there myself.  :(

Enjoy!!

(All photos taken by Jackson Mann unless otherwise indicated)

Troy riding Governor

This one makes me laugh!  Looks like Troy knows he has
a strong competitor for dear Kelly's affections!
(Troy was talking to Marvin, just out of camera view.)  :)

Here is a photo showing Marvin.  :)

Governor, at 19, is a grumpy old man of a horse now...

...but Kelly did more to overcome that than just about
anyone I've seen!  She loved on him every chance she got!

Looking good, Troy!

I should have said 3 Presidents and a Governor met on the quad...   :D
(statue of Joseph Baldwin in background)

I love this photo so much.

Love this one, too!  (with the addition of my cowboy husband)

And this is one of the things I will miss the most -
Kelly's full throttle laugh.  A beautiful thing!

Governor fell in love with Kelly, for sure

I was glad Marvin got to have a few memory making moments, too.
Thanks to Diane Albrecht for this photo.

Love this photo of Marvin and Governor -
taken by Diane Albrecht

More Kelly/Governor love!
Photo by Diane Albrecht

This is a wonderful photo taken by Diane Albrecht.  Thanks for catching this moment!

Thanks also to Diane Albrecht who graciously provided Governor's transport in her horse trailer... since we no longer have a horse trailer here at Willis Creek Ranch.

And finally, just in case you are wondering... nothing was left behind on the quad.  They brought their shovel just in case, but it wasn't even needed.  Governor knows better.  ;)