who had this big grin on his face like a proud Papa!
Later that year, Curt invited me out to Region 12 to show a
few of their Royal Shahbaz foals in the Spotlight Futurities in
Perry, Georgia. I had such a great time with Curt and showing
his Royal Shahbaz foals. We would sit and talk horses for hours
during the show. It became an annual event. I was fortunate
to lead many of Talaria Farms’ horses to the winners’ circle
over the years. One year I even showed at the Egyptian Event
with Curt and Allison. They always had everything so well
organized and their clients loved them. Curt was the Captain
and everything had to be shipshape. The Event was one of the
most enjoyable shows I have ever been to. We have continued
to breed and incorporate our breeding programs with Enzo, TF
Royal Shahbaz and Botswana to this day with so many show
ring successes. In fact, we now have our first homebred straight
Egyptian Champion Stallion named Montserrat E (*Baha AA x
TF Johari by Botswana), now with Talaria Farms, and he will
be shown at the Egyptian Event this year.
Over the last few years, life really changed for Curt when
he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment and
surgery that left him disabled. I do not think I have ever met
a man with such strength and determination as Curt. He
really taught me to appreciate and embrace life. Curt rarely
complained or asked for help, and even when I would offer, he’d
kindly say, no thanks Philip, I need to do this for myself, it is
part of my recovery to get my strength back. I have the utmost
admiration and respect for the way Curt dealt with what was
handed to him. I still cannot believe Curt is not longer with us.
Curt may have left us, but he left me with a lasting memory of
our time spent together. I truly loved this incredible, courageous
man, and I will miss Curt forever.
— Philip Del Pozzo, Auburn, California
I
t’s taken me a day to write this. Somehow, not saying it out
loud, not writing the words, made it less real, and I was not
ready to wrap my head around it yet. Curt Westley, we were not
ready for you to leave us. While Allison is the heart and soul of
Talaria, you will always be its captain. The two of you took me
in 11 years ago, even though I came from the Walking Horse
world. You said, “It’s okay because you will learn and you are
right for Talaria.” You believed I’d not let you down. Three years
ago the two of you allowed me to go back to my ailing father
and continue to work from another state because you knew how
badly I wanted to spend whatever time I had left with him.
Again you believed in me saying, “If anyone can make this work,
you can.” When I left I never imagined it would be you that I’d
never see again. You were the first to come down on me like a ton
of bricks if I screwed up. You fought the hardest and gave me the
fiercest support if you believed I was right. Your eye for breeding
Arabian horses is unmatched because you never followed trends
or stopped short of your vision. The size of your heart for Allison,
the horses, your family and friends matched the size of your
“bigger than life” personality. I’m so grateful to have been
a part of it. Shattered right now. But, I know you’d tell
me to knock it off and get back to work. There are things
to do. And again, I promise I won’t let you down. So, give
Ladyhawke and Heumoresque a carrot from me, and I will
get my butt back to work. See you on the other side.
— Dana Jackson, barn manager, Talaria Farm
T
here are just a few people in my life that have truly
inspired me to “never give up” and always “do my best”
no matter how hard or difficult life gets. Along with my
father, Curt Westley was at the top of my list.
I am truly grateful to have had him in my life.
— Mike Wilson, Wilson Training Center, Sorrento, Florida
C
urt was a dear friend. We had a lot of fun times and
loved to talk about Arabian horses at the different shows
we attended. He liked to tease me about the bright shirts I
wore. Curt called me a cheap bastard as I always tried to get
a better deal. We miss him dearly. — Roland and Dorothy
Williams, Green Pastures Arabians, Ocala, Florida
O
ur first meeting: Curt made one of his “Curt comments”
after I replied to the first email I ever received from him.
I responded in kind, and was honored to receive, “Ha! A
battle of wits with an armed opponent!” We finally met in
person at Scottsdale.
My favorite memory of Curt and Allison was sitting with
Curt as Allison welcomed everyone to the Talaria stalls each
year at the Egyptian Event. As Allison began her talk on
Egyptian Arabians, Botswana and the up-and-comers at the
show, Curt’s look of love and pride beamed across his face.
Curt was a rare bird, and he’s sorely missed.
— Wendy Flynn, Arabian Horse World
TF Afrikhan Gold (Botswana x Rohara Shahblee)
with Peri Tilghman and Curt.
C
urt was one of the most special people I’ve had the privilege
to know! I owe so much to both him and Allison. I most
likely would never have done a single thing with a western
AHW > 40 < 08 .19
sharon
(sharon)
#1